School of Nursing

The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is nationally recognized as one of the premier nursing schools in the United States. With a trifold mission of excellence in nursing education, research, and service, the School of Nursing offers a full complement of nursing education programs, including bachelor’s and master’s of science in nursing, an R.N.–M.S.N. option, a post-master’s program, a doctor of nursing practice, and a Ph.D. program, as well as pre- and postdoctoral fellowships. Since its inception in 1950, the school has led nursing education in North Carolina, and today boasts one of the highest nationwide passing rates on the NCLEX licensure examination and a rich tradition of cutting-edge nursing science. The School of Nursing is one of only a handful of schools in the country to house a Biobehavioral Laboratory for the promotion of nursing discovery, and one of only three schools in the nation to be selected to participate in the Hillman Scholars Program for Nursing Innovation.

Program of Study

The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an undergraduate program of study designed to provide students with the knowledge, skill, and understanding necessary to function effectively in all areas of professional nursing. The curriculum leading to the bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) degree offers two options for study:

  1. two years of upper-division courses in the School of Nursing, which follow two years of lower-division courses in the General College (or equivalent courses completed at another college/university);
  2. an accelerated second degree option for students with a previous bachelor’s degree (A.B.S.N. Option).

Students are subject to the requirements in place when they are admitted to the School of Nursing; consequently, the requirements described in this Catalog particularly apply to students admitted to the School of Nursing during the 2023–2024 academic year.

Admission to the program is required.

Advising

All first degree students intending to major in nursing have a primary academic advisor in the Academic Advising Program. Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor to learn the latest course requirements necessary to become an outstanding candidate for a career in nursing, and to review their Tar Heel Tracker each semester. In addition, students can visit the Health Professions Advising Office soon after entering the University for specific guidance on career preparation. Advising information, advising hours, and information about joining the pre-health listserv may be found on the office’s website.

Facilities

The School of Nursing is located in Carrington Hall. The Education-Innovation-Simulation Learning Environment (EISLE) provides undergraduate students with a simulated clinical environment in which to practice and acquire fundamental psychomotor and psychosocial skills necessary for clinical application. Under the close supervision of nursing faculty and teaching assistants, students learn therapeutic techniques and procedures, utilize problem-solving approaches, and prioritize patient care in simulated situations.

Graduate School and Career Opportunities

The school offers a master of science in nursing (M.S.N.), a doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) degree in five advanced practice areas, and a Ph.D. degree in nursing science. B.S.N. graduates may pursue the M.S.N. or D.N.P. after one year of clinical practice, or they may pursue the Ph.D. directly following the B.S.N., prior to completion of any master’s-level coursework. For further information on the graduate program, contact the Office of Student Affairs as noted below or see the school website.

The school works closely with University Career Services to prepare all B.S.N. graduates for the transition from student to professional practitioner. A preparatory career development series and career fair are offered annually. Additionally, the school cooperates with clinical agencies across the country to make available to students an array of information on employment opportunities in a myriad of settings and entry-level roles.

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