School of

Nursing

College of Health
and Behavioral Sciences

Nursing is a calling that carries you into some of life’s most intense moments. It demands that every day you to show up in those moments for others. ACU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares you to not only guide and care for your patients, but to do so with integrity and compassion every step of the way.

Our faculty are intentional about your growth, mentoring you toward the medical setting where you desire to work. They do so in our state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation labs, on domestic and international mission trips and in study abroad settings in the field.
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Nursing is a calling that carries you into some of life’s most intense moments. It demands that every day you to show up in those moments for others. ACU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing prepares you to not only guide and care for your patients, but to do so with integrity and compassion every step of the way.

Our faculty are intentional about your growth, mentoring you toward the medical setting where you desire to work. They do so in our state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation labs, on domestic and international mission trips and in study abroad settings in the field.

Main Content
Nursing student learning to give chest compressions

The School of Nursing trains caring and competent individuals to serve in a wide range of healthcare settings. ACU’s nursing degree programs provide a rigorous educational environment and clinical experiences in a diverse array of settings, preparing you with the technical and critical thinking skills necessary to excel in a field that includes over 100 possible specializations.

Through close mentoring relationships with experienced, compassionate Christian faculty, you will be challenged and empowered to expand your knowledge, wisdom and practical skills as you rise to face challenges in healthcare.

Why ACU?

Video overview for ACU's BS in Nursing program

Our Students Excel

ACU’s School of Nursing can boast 95% twice! Applicants to SON are accepted at 95% rate into the BSN program. And upon graduation, those same students are employed at an incredible 95%.

Focus on Research

As a nursing student, you may also serve as research assistants to nursing faculty or conduct faculty-guided research as part of ACU’s Pursuit program. Undergraduate research opportunities are an integral part of the student experience at Abilene Christian University.

State-of-the-Art Simulation Lab

ACU School of Nursing’s human patient simulation lab allows learners to develop, refine and apply knowledge and skills through realistic clinical situations. Students participate in interactive learning experiences and simulated patient care scenarios to meet learning objectives, develop competencies and gain experience within a safe, supervised setting.

Student Spotlight

Morgan McDowall-ACU class of 2022 Nursing student

Dedicated to Work

Morgan McDowall, ’22

Morgan McDowall, from San Antonio, is a lifelong Girl Scout accustomed to the perseverance required to reach her goals. She knew in high school that she wanted to pursue a nursing degree and recognized the challenges ahead of her as a first-gen college student. She’s headed for emergency medicine to deliver compassion to patients and their families in the hard moments and down the road, she wants to teach future students how they can do the same. 

Nursing Programs at ACU

A female nursing student practicing on a medical dummy

On-Campus in Abilene

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

ACU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to serve as an exemplary nurse. You will be challenged and supported alongside faculty and peers who seek to glorify God in compassionate, hands-on work and service. Students may not apply to the BSN program before successful completion of prerequisites. Contact the School of Nursing for more information.

Certificate in Healthcare Administration

ACU Online

Pre-Nursing Track (Not a degree program)
This online program consists of 68 credit hours and prepares students to apply to ACU’s or another institution’s BSN program.

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN track)
This track is designed to allow you to complete your BSN degree quickly while giving you the flexibility to continue working as an RN

Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctorate (BSN to DNP)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Guiding your success!

The School of Nursing is set on your success – personally, academically and professionally. We’re here to prepare you to reach your career goals through hands-on, practical experience and robust classroom teaching.

You can enter ACU as a pre-nursing major and once you’ve met the entry requirements, apply to the School of Nursing to earn your BSN. Janelle Cole is our academic advisor who can answer your application questions and help you select your path to our program.

Contact an Admissions Counselor

MISSIONS ON THE FRONTLINE

Missional Experience

Our students regularly engage international and domestic communities through many mission trip opportunities. Partnered with established organizations, you may gain surgical experience alongside Guatemalan physicians, explore the challenges and heartache faced by homeless youth in Denver or teach health lessons to children in Rwanda. Through every opportunity, you’ll be more prepared to see the where God is calling you to aid others in your own community.

Video of ACU Nursing School trip to Rwanda

Market in Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay

We offer a nursing-specific Study Abroad summer experience in Montevideo, Uruguay that enables students to attain skills and observation experiences through a network of local hospital systems. Students participate in a global healthcare course to develop a deeper understanding of healthcare on a global scale and are able to compare the healthcare in Uruguay to the United States

Learn More about Study Abroad

Front-Line Hero

Chelsea Van Meter, RN
Chelsea has had plenty of opportunities to bring light to the COVID-19 unit where she works. Now, she is bringing her compassion and dedication to the classroom as a nursing instructor at ACU.

Read More

We’re Ready To Welcome You

The best way for you to determine which university is right for you is to visit. Come meet us in person, tour our labs and classrooms, talk with current students about their experiences and discuss your future with our caring faculty.

Experience ACU for Yourself

An ACU School of Nursing graduate will be prepared to:

Apply clinical reasoning, and evidence based nursing competencies (knowledge, behaviors, judgments, skills, and attitudes to holistically address and prioritize patient (individuals, families, groups, communities, populations) preferences, values, and needs.

Collaborate effectively with multiple patients and the interdisciplinary health team with shared decision making for the achievement of the highest safe patient health outcomes.

Assume accountability for professional, legal, ethical, and regulatory laws/standards for individual performance and system effectiveness for safe nursing competencies.

Apply an understanding of health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments by the coordination, evaluation, and modification of care of patients, and the management of confidential information technology for seamless care and transition in complex health care systems.

Integrate professional values such as caring, advocacy, altruism, the preservation of human dignity, truth, justice, freedom, equality, ethics, integrity, civility, respect, and cultural competence in the pursuit of excellence of the Christian leadership and service of professional nursing.

Promote the profession of nursing through leadership activities in the implementation of evidence-based practice standards, safety and quality care improvement, and patient advocacy.

Engage in self care and reflection to prepare for clinical demands, envision growth to professional competence, and understand the need to participate in life long career and professional development.

Program Goals

Graduate well-prepared, Christ-centered Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students who are able to obtain Registered Nurse licensure and function at the advanced beginner practice level.

Ensure that the nursing program meets or exceeds the standards set by the Texas Board of Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Equip graduates to adapt to rapid changes in health care delivery and practice in fulfilling their calling to Christian service.

Build a foundation for BSN graduates to pursue excellence through certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and to pursue graduate education in nursing.

Assess, identify and develop a plan to address local and global health care and spiritual needs.

Collaborate with University Development/Advancement to support a sustainable plan for the nursing program.

The growing need for compassionate and competent nurses is a challenge ACU proudly accepts. With over 100 possible specializations, nursing is both an indispensable and compelling profession.

Our School of Nursing provides a rigorous educational environment that will teach you the technical and critical thinking skills necessary to excel in this expansive field. You will learn to provide healthcare in a variety of settings, preparing you for a career as diverse or specialized as you choose.

You will benefit from the expertise of our Christian faculty and practicing nurses as well as receive invaluable support through mentoring relationships.

The baccalaureate nursing program at Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Professional Licensing Disclosure for Abilene Christian University’s BSN Program