Course Catalog 2005-2006

College of Arts and Sciences

Pre-Nursing

Kate Delaney, Pre-Nursing Advising Program, Lommasson Center, Room 286

The pre-nursing curriculum is a two year program which is designed to provide the basic undergraduate education needed for entry into the professional portion of a baccalaureate nursing program.

Through an arrangement with the College of Nursing at Montana State University-Bozeman, The University of Montana-Missoula offers approved prerequisite courses for pre-nursing students. Students who intend to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree offered through Montana State University can complete the 15 credits of sophomore level nursing courses in Bozeman. In addition, these 15 credits of sophomore level nursing courses are currently offered through a limited option on one of MSU's "Upper Division" campuses located at Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula. Students may apply for acceptance into clinical nursing (junior and senior years), to one of MSU's "Upper Division" campuses, up to a year prior to placement regardless of whether or not they have been admitted to MSU. Depending upon the specific placement, students can complete the entire nursing program in Missoula. It is highly competitive to be placed into the entire program available on MSU's Upper Division campus in Missoula

A grade of "C" (2.00) or better is required in the following specific courses for admission to clinical nursing. MSU's College of Nursing does not accept C- as a passing grade in required courses. The following courses may not be repeated more than once regardless of where taken. Though a grade of "C" (2.00) is minimally acceptable, students are advised to attain the highest grade average possible in these classes for placement considerations at the upper division level. Acceptance to clinical nursing is based on the average of the grades received in required prerequisite courses at the time of application. Admission is based strictly on grade prioritization. There is a competitive component to a successful application. At a minimum, a 2.50 cumulative GPA is required. MSU general education requirements need to be satisfied prior to graduation. Due to occasional changes in the curriculum and degree requirements, it is essential to contact the pre-nursing advisor before course selection and enrollment.

Suggested Course of Study

First YearAS
BIOL 101N Principles of Biology (recommended prereq. for BIOL 312N)3
BIOL 106N Elementary Medical Microbiology3
CHEM 151N 152N General and Inorganic Chemistry/Organic and Biochemistry33
CHEM 154N Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory2
COMM 111A Introduction to Public Speaking3
ENEX 101 English Composition3
MATH 117 Linear Algebra and Probability (Prereq. to MATH 241) 3
PSYC 100S Introduction to Psychology4
SOC 110S Principles of Sociology3
Total 1515
Second YearAS
BIOL 312N 313N Anatomy and Physiology I & II44
HHP 236 Basic Nutrition3
MATH 241 Statistics4
PSYC 240S Child and Adolescent Development3
PSYC 245 Adult Development and Aging3
General Education63
Total 1614

Individual programs may differ from the suggested course of study to better fill the needs of the particular student.

Students desiring admission to other schools of nursing are encouraged to obtain a catalog from the college and, in consultation with the pre nursing advisor, develop a plan of study tailored to meet the specific course requirements of the college of their choice. In Montana the associate of science degree in nursing (ASN) can be obtained at MSU Northern, Havre; Miles Community College, Miles City; Montana Tech of The University of Montana, Butte, and Salish Kootenai College, Pablo. A BSN completion program can be obtained at MSU-Northern, Havre; Montana Tech of The University of Montana, Butte, and Salish Kootenai College, Pablo. A baccalaureate degree in nursing can be obtained at Carroll College, Helena and Montana State University, Bozeman.