University of Memphis

What you'll study

The BSN curriculum combines foundational sciences, nursing theory and extensive clinical practice. Core modules typically include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment and lifespan development. Nursing-specific units cover adult health, maternal and child health, paediatric nursing, mental health/psychiatric nursing, community and public health nursing, and population health.

Students also study evidence-based practice and research methods, nursing ethics and jurisprudence, informatics, quality improvement and leadership. Clinical simulation and skills laboratory sessions are integrated throughout the programme to develop practical competencies, and sustained supervised clinical placements in hospitals, community agencies and primary care settings provide direct patient-care experience.

Pathway options or concentrations allow you to focus on:

• Registered Nursing (pre‑licensure) — a sequence leading to eligibility to sit for the national licensure examination and enter practice as a registered nurse.
• Nursing Administration — coursework in healthcare management, finance, organisational behaviour and leadership for nurses who aim for charge nurse, manager or administrative roles.
• Nursing Research — emphasis on research design, statistics and evidence-based practice to prepare graduates for roles in clinical research, quality improvement and as a foundation for graduate research degrees.
• Clinical Nursing — advanced clinical assessment, pathophysiology and practicum experiences for students seeking enhanced bedside and specialist clinical skills.

The programme concludes with a capstone or practicum that integrates clinical practice, leadership and research skills. Graduates are prepared both to begin practice as RNs and to pursue postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements reflect the programme’s professional and clinical nature. Typical requirements include:

• A recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent for first‑year entry; transfer applicants must supply college transcripts.
• Successful completion of prerequisite coursework such as human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry and college‑level mathematics.
• A competitive cumulative GPA in prerequisite and general education courses; specific GPA thresholds are set by the college and should be confirmed with admissions.
• Standardised testing where required (for example, a nursing admissions assessment), along with satisfactory criminal background checks and drug screening to meet clinical placement requirements.
• Current immunisations, basic life‑support (CPR) certification and proof of health insurance as required by clinical partners.
• Some applicants may be invited to interview or provide references; mature and RN‑to‑BSN applicants follow alternative entry routes with recognition of prior practice and qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates from the BSN programme have a broad range of career pathways. Many begin their careers as staff nurses in acute hospital settings, community health services, long‑term care and outpatient clinics. With experience, graduates move into roles such as charge nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse manager or case manager.

Those who follow the nursing administration track are prepared for supervisory and operational roles in healthcare organisations. Graduates with a focus on nursing research can work in clinical trials, quality improvement teams or support evidence‑based practice initiatives, and they are well prepared to continue on to master's and doctoral research programmes. Clinical nursing graduates often progress into specialist practice areas or prepare for advanced practice training.

A BSN is also the standard foundation for further professional development, including postgraduate qualifications such as MSc/MPH, Master of Nursing (including nurse practitioner pathways), and doctoral study for careers in advanced practice, academia or research.

Why study at University of Memphis

The University of Memphis’s nursing programme is offered through its dedicated college of nursing, which combines experienced clinical faculty with active research and strong community engagement. The college maintains clinical partnerships with regional hospitals, community health agencies and specialised care providers, ensuring diverse placement opportunities across urban and regional settings.

Students benefit from modern simulation facilities and hands‑on labs that mirror clinical environments, plus mentorship from faculty who maintain clinical practice and research links. The curriculum emphasises cultural competence, community‑focused care and interprofessional collaboration, reflecting the healthcare needs of the Memphis region and preparing graduates to work in a range of settings.

Support services for nursing students typically include academic advising, clinical placement coordination, career services and preparation for licensure. The programme is designed to equip graduates with the clinical skills, leadership capacity and research awareness required for contemporary nursing practice and onward professional development.