Avila College

What you'll study

The curriculum combines foundational theory, skills labs and clinical practicums. Core courses and clinical experiences listed in the program include:

• NU 425: Foundations of Health and Illness Concepts I (4 credits theory; 1 credit lab)
• NU 452: Nursing Pharmacology
• NU 453: Health and Assessment (lecture and lab)
• NU 458: Practicum I — clinical care for clients with less complex healthcare issues
• NU 459: Health and Illness Concepts II — adult medical/surgical care (less complex)
• NU 471: Women and Children Health Concepts
• NU 473: Psychosocial Nursing Concepts (behavioral and mental health)
• NU 476: Foundations of Evidence-Based Nursing
• NU 481: Practicum II — care for clients with complex or specialized healthcare issues
• NU 482: Health and Illness Concepts III — adult medical/surgical care for complex/multisystem needs
• NU 484: Population Based Health Concepts
• NU 428: Intro to Practicum

Courses vary in duration (8–16 weeks) and credit hours; practicums are CR/NC graded. Many courses list admission to the nursing major as a prerequisite; several clinical courses require prior didactic and practicum completion.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have at least 60 transferable college credits and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Required prerequisite coursework includes Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Chemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, Developmental Psychology and Pathophysiology; all prerequisites must be completed with a minimum grade of C. Applicants submit a NursingCAS application and official transcripts from all colleges attended. Current Avila students must also submit the program Intent Form.

Career prospects

The program is explicitly structured to prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX‑RN and begin practice as registered nurses in clinical settings. The curriculum’s focus on critical thinking, simulation and varied clinical placements supports entry into bedside nursing roles and provides a foundation for nurses who later pursue specialties (for example, critical care) or advanced practice degrees such as nurse practitioner or CRNA pathways, as illustrated by student experience shared in program materials.

Scholarships & funding angle

Financial aid is available to ABSN students; applicants should explore federal aid, institutional resources and any program-specific support. Completing the NursingCAS application and institutional financial aid applications early will help identify eligibility for grants, loans or scholarships.