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Graduation Requirements

Graduation Application

Students must apply online for graduation at the beginning of their final semester of coursework. To be considered as a candidate for a degree, you must apply for graduation through the Student Self-Service system. You can apply either during the term before or during the semester in which you plan to graduate. However, participation in the commencement ceremony is limited to the term in which degree requirements will be completed. See UHV Graduation Information.

Commencement

There are typically two commencement ceremonies per year, one for spring typically held in Victoria, and one for fall typically held in Katy. Summer term graduates participate during the fall graduation ceremony. UHV does not hold a summer commencement.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) students who plan to graduate in the summer should apply for summer graduation. However, prospective summer graduates have the option to participate in the following fall ceremony. Students should refer to Graduation Deadlines for additional and up to date information on graduation.

BSN Degree Graduation Requirements

In addition to general University requirements, students seeking the BSN degree must meet the following:

Completion of 120 credits, including:

  • 30 final semester hours residency requirement; 30 junior/senior level nursing credits.
  • A grade of “C” or better in each nursing course and in the common nursing prerequisites.
  • Adherence to the standards of acceptable conduct as outlined in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, the Texas Nurse Practice Act, as well as in the University of Houston-Victoria Student Handbook, the Undergraduate Catalog, and the Nursing Program Student Handbook.

UHV RN to BSN Five Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression

  1. ISSUE – CRITICAL THINKING

    Standard – Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment, sufficient powers of intellect to acquire, assimilate, apply, and evaluate information, and solve problems. Examples of Necessary Activities (not inclusive) – Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; develop and implement nursing care plans according to the nursing process; respond without delay to emergencies. The applicant will provide a Self-Evaluation regarding any limitations and explain those limitations.

  2. COMMUNICATION

    Standard – Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. Utilizes effective communication skills to interact with patient/client, peers, and other health care personnel of various ages, cultural, economic, and intellectual backgrounds in a variety of settings. Examples of Necessary Activities (not inclusive) – Read, write, and speak English effectively to be understood. Explain treatment and procedures; provide health teaching to individual clients and groups of clients based on assessed needs, available resources, age, lifestyle and cultural considerations; documents and interprets nursing action and patient/client responses. Communicate information accurately and effectively with other schools, colleges, clients, and client families. Evaluate written orders, care plans, and treatment requests. The applicant will provide a Self-Evaluation regarding any limitations and explain those limitations.

  3. MOBILITY

    Standard: Gross and find motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care. Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, lift and position, maneuver in small places, and physical health and stamina needed to carry out nursing procedures. Ability to transport self to and from practice learning experiences (clinical). Examples of Necessary Activities (not inclusive): Calibrate and use equipment (i.e., syringes, vials, ampules, donning of gloves, etc.). Able to grasp small objects (i.e., manipulate a syringe, eye dropper, etc.). Perform electronic keyboarding documentation. Move around in patients’/client’s rooms, workspaces, treatment areas, and administer cardiopulmonary procedures. Lift, move, position, and transport patients without causing harm, undue pain, and discomfort to the patient or oneself. Transport mobile equipment in a timely and cautious manner. Self-Evaluation: Applicant will provide a Self-Evaluation regarding any limitations and explain those limitations.

  4. SENSORY (AUDITORY, VISUAL/TACTICLE)

    Standard: Sufficient use of the senses of vision, hearing, touch and smell to observe, assess, and evaluate effectively (both close and at a distance) in the classroom/online, laboratory and practice learning (clinical) settings. Examples of Necessary Activities (not inclusive): Hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultation sounds, and cries for help. Observe patient/client responses. Perform tactile/palpation functions of a physical exam or those functions related to therapeutic intervention, e.g., insertion of catheters and IVs for therapy. Self-Evaluation: Applicant will provide a Self-Evaluation regarding any limitations and explain those limitations.

  5. BEHAVIORAL

    Standard: Sufficient motivation, responsibility, and flexibility to function in new, ever-changing, and stressful environments. Adapts appropriately to ever-changing needs of clients and client families. Examples of Necessary Activities (not inclusive): Adapts to assignment change of patient, clinical, or laboratory area in a manner that allows the student to meet objectives while providing safe, adequate patient care. Accountable for clinical preparation and independent study. Performs nursing functions in a safe, responsible manner. Ability to recognize the need for further research and respond accordingly based on changes in patient/client status since the assignment was made. Self-Evaluation: Applicant will provide a Self-Evaluation regarding any limitations and explain those limitations.

The performance standards are used to assist students in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary and provide an objective measure upon which informed decisions could be based on whether students can meet requirements.

Disability Services

These core performances are based on guidelines proposed by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The Nursing Program and UHV comply with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Therefore, the University will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities who are otherwise qualified. Visit Disability Services for detailed explanation of services and procedures.

Note. Adapted from the Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression of Southern Council of Collegiate Education for Nursing Prerequisites for Admission by Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing. Retrieved on June 28, 2016. Adapted with permission.

Minimum Criteria for Consideration for Admission to the RN to BSN Program

  • Evidence of a valid, unencumbered Texas or designated State Registered Nurse license and graduated from an accredited ADN program/diploma. Relocating to another state may invalidate admission, based on new state residency BON rules; students would be required to pay out of state tuition, may lose scholarships that are location/residence specific; and may need to attend PLE in the Victoria, TX area if not available in their new location.
  • Applicants must have a minimum Science GPA of a 2.5
  • Overall GPA of 2.5, no grade of a “D or F,” unless repeated and the student has earned “C” or higher
  • No more than two (2) course repeats

Academic Advisement

All students must contact the Nursing Advisor before registering for their first course to ensure they receive, sign, and understand their individual plan of study.  Students must complete all nursing core pre-requisite courses before enrolling in NURS 4314.

A student may contact the nursing advisor at any time regarding questions about the curriculum requirements, their plan of study, or other questions. It is ultimately the responsibility of the student to be sure the requirements for the degree are met.