Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

Credit Hours

Didactic Course

1 credit = 50 minutes/week*

2 credits = 100 minutes/week*

3 credits = 150 minutes/week*

Courses with Laboratories (Skills Lab [e.g., Fundamentals of Nursing])**

1 credit = 45 hours/semester

Courses with Clinical Experiences***

1 credit = 45 hours/semester

2 credits = 90 hourse/semester

*Per university policy, a semester is defined as a period of “approximately 15 weeks.”
**In all courses with clinical experiences, a portion of the total clinical hours may be replaced by simulation using a ratio of 1:2, such that 1 hour of simulation equals 2 hours of clinical experience. The simulation must be conducted in line with the International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Healthcare Standards of Best Practice and the District of Columbia Board of Nursing Municipal Regulations (DCMR).
***Example: In a 2-credit clinical course, which involves 90 hours of clinical experience for the semester, up to 45 hours (50%) of the clinical experience could be replaced by clinical simulation; 22.5 hours in the simulation lab = 45 hours of clinical experience for the semester (1 lab hour = 2 clinical hours).

The program course plan requirements may be modified in instances of individual academic program progression issues, which may be limited and are authorized by the Conway School of Nursing.

Advanced Placement course credits for courses taken in High School are evaluated for potential transfer as Catholic University college credit.

Natural Science and Math - 18 credits

Chemistry (inorganic and organic chemistry content)- 4 credits
Human anatomy and physiology - 8 credits
Microbiology - 3 credits
Statistics - 3 credits

English - 3 credits

All students are required to take one English writing course. The particular course is grounded on the English placement criteria at the time of admission to the university. English 101 is part of the first-year experience and the freshman learning communities.

Philosophy - 6 credits

All students are required to take Philosophy 201 and 202, both of which are a part of the first-year experience and learning communities.

Religion - 9 credits (6 credits while in Arts and Sciences)

Of the three required religion courses, the first must be TRS 201, Faith Seeking Understanding, a learning community course. The second theology course must be TRS 202 A or TRS 202B The Church and the Human Person. The third required theology course is a biomedical ethics course, either Theology 333 or Philosophy 303. Bioethics must be taken at Catholic University and is not transferable from another university.

Humanities/Liberal Studies - 18 credits

Psychology - 3 credits
Human Growth and Development - 3 credits
Fine Arts or Literature - 3 Credits
Electives - 9 credits

*Consult with your assigned academic advisor regarding which liberal arts electives fulfill general education requirements