Nursing

Dean - Janiszewski Goodin

Associate Dean Pre-licensure Programs - Segovia

Professors - Janiszewski Goodin

Associate Professor - Taylor

Assistant Professors - Hoag, Segovia

Instructors - Anderson, Baker, Boderick, ChovanecPierson, Steele, Stevens, Whitcraft

Program Information: http://www.capital.edu/nursing/

Introduction and History

The nursing program was established in 1950 as a department in the College of Arts and Sciences and is now an integral academic unit in the School of Natural Sciences, Nursing and Health. There are three distinct nursing programs that make up the nursing program. The traditional undergraduate program in nursing provides students the opportunity to blend a strong liberal arts foundation with professional studies. The faculty members are skilled professionals as well as dedicated teachers. Student experiences in a wide variety of healthcare facilities throughout Columbus and Franklin County provide a broad base of knowledge and skill for professional practice.

The Capital Nursing Accelerated Program (ABSN) is designed for individuals who have a completed a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. The degree granted for this program is the BSN.

The School also offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with concentrations in administration, legal studies, and nursing education. Dual degrees are available in nursing and administration (MSN/MBA), and nursing and law (MSN/JD.) Admission to the MSN program requires a BSN or Associates’ degree in Nursing and a Bachelor’s degree in another field.

Faculty offices, classrooms, assessment rooms, nursing skills, simulation and computer laboratories are located in the Battelle Memorial Hall of Science and Nursing. The assessment rooms and laboratories are equipped to allow students to develop their skills in simulated clinical settings in preparation for actual practice in healthcare facilities.

The School of Nursing is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing to offer pre-licensure BSN programs. Both the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and endorsed by the American Nurses Holistic Certification Corporation. Capital University is a charter member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Mission

The School of Nursing is dedicated to educating and empowering a diverse community of compassion-driven nurse leaders. With a focus on excellence, we prepare professionals to promote health, healing, and well-being across populations, offering innovative and holistic care.

School of Nursing Vision

The School of Nursing empowers the next generation of forward-thinking, holistic nursing professionals to provide transformative, quality care to complex and diverse populations in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Values

Compassion:

We cultivate a culture of care where empathy, kindness, and advocacy are central to holistic nursing practice.

Excellence:

We empower students to succeed in developing the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking required to provide: holistic, evidence-informed, and exceptional patient-centered care.

Integrity:

We lead with honesty, transparency, and ethical responsibility in all aspects of holistic nursing education and practice.

Inclusivity:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel a sense of belonging.

Strategic Goals

Cultivate Leadership, Integrity, and Professionalism in Nursing
Nurture a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment
Ignite Innovation and Academic Excellence in Holistic Nursing Education
Strengthen Community Engagement and Healthcare Partnerships

School of Nursing Philosophy

At Capital University, we are committed to educating and empowering future nurses in a supportive, inclusive environment, grounded in our Lutheran heritage. Our nursing program emphasizes the development of the whole person-intellectually, physically, emotionally, ethically, and spiritually-fostering a diverse and compassionate learning culture. We focus on holistic nursing, where care is centered on the interconnectedness of body, mind, spirit, and environment.

Nursing is both an art and a science, dedicated to promoting health, preventing illness, and alleviating suffering. Our nursing graduates are prepared to provide culturally sensitive, ethically grounded, and evidence informed care across the lifespan. They engage in therapeutic partnerships with patients, families, and communities, providing excellent patient care as clinicians, educators, leaders, and advocates.

Our faculty values the importance of self-care, reflection, and personal growth, integrating these principles into nursing education. Students are encouraged to develop their professional identity, integrity, critical thinking skills, and commitment to lifelong learning. The nursing program integrates liberal arts education, including ethics, humanities, and global awareness, to prepare students to deliver compassionate, holistic care and contribute to improving healthcare worldwide.

Graduates of Capital University’s School of Nursing are ready to make a meaningful impact on society, embodying the core values of human dignity, social justice, and the transformative power of nursing.

Admission procedure

Capital University offers a direct entry pathway into the nursing program for qualified students. Applicants who meet the admission criteria are guaranteed placement in the nursing major without the need for a separate application process. To be eligible, high school students must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, have successfully completed two laboratory science courses, and have completed math through Algebra II.

All nursing students must possess the capability to complete, with or without reasonable accommodations, the curriculum and clinical practice (See Pre-licensure Handbook for Essential Performance Requirements). Students who do not meet the standards for direct admission into the School of Nursing (SON) may be admitted to the University as pre-nursing students.

Admission to the ABSN program is selective and based on the following requirements. Evidence of a completed baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university with 2.7 cumulative grade point average (GPA) is required. The GPA will be weighted if multiple transcripts are presented, but at a minimum, one transcript must show a completed baccalaureate or higher degree. In addition, a written essay and three recommendations are required; candidates for admission may be interviewed. Minimum prerequisites must be completed prior to acceptance, and include microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, bio / chemistry, and life span development. Science pre-requisites must have been taken within the last five years and must include a lab component. A grade of C or better is required in all sciences. In addition, students must possess the capability to complete “Essential Performance Requirements” as stated in the Pre-licensure Handbook.

Transfer admission for Traditional Undergraduate Program/Advanced Standing Policy

Transfer admission is selective and based on prior academic performance and seats available.

Students should apply to the Capital University admissions office and meet university and Nursing admission standards. All other requirements for traditional undergraduate admission must be met, including TOEFL scores that meet the traditional undergraduate standard for international or ESL students. Online applications are available.
Transfer Admissions Criteria:
- A weighted grade point average of > 2.7* for all college or university work completed is required. (* A weighted cumulative GPA considers the cumulative GPA from each college/university attended and weights the GPA by the amount of completed semester hours of coursework at each college/university. A weighted average is then calculated.)
- C or better in all required science course. Science courses must have a lab component and have been completed with in the last 5 years.
- C+ or better in any nursing course.
Transfer students must:
- Submit transcript(s) for all college or university courses. Equivalency of course credits for transfer to the nursing major will be determined jointly by the School of Nursing and the university registrar.
- A personal interview with the School of Nursing may be requested.
- Transfers from other nursing programs are handled on an individual basis. Syllabi will be requested from all nursing courses and reviewed by the SON Curriculum Committee.
- Students transferring from another nursing school must provide a letter of good standing from the previous nursing school director/dean/chair or the nursing academic adviser.

The School of Nursing offers an Advanced Standing option for eligible students who wish to pursue the Accelerated Nursing Track. Acceptance as an Advanced Standing student allows qualified individuals to complete the nursing portion of the curriculum in as few as five (5) semesters, following the approved Accelerated Nursing Program curriculum plan. Admission to Advanced Standing is selective, competitive, and based on seat availability.

Advanced Standing Eligibility Requirements

Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.25 on all college-level coursework.
Grade of B (3.0) or higher in all science and nursing courses attempted.
Successful completion of prerequisite coursework as defined by the School of Nursing.
Good academic and professional standing at the university or transferring institution.

Application Process

Current Students

Current university students may apply for Advanced Standing at the end of their first year after completing the required prerequisite coursework.

Transfer Students

Transfer students may apply for Advanced Standing at the time of admission to the university.
Transfer coursework will be evaluated for equivalency and eligibility, including verification of required grades in science and nursing courses.

Selection and Notification

Admission to the Advanced Standing option is not guaranteed, even for students who meet the minimum criteria.
The School of Nursing evaluates applicants based on academic performance, available clinical placements, and the overall capacity of the program.
Students will be notified in writing of admissions decisions and, if accepted, will receive instructions for transitioning into the Accelerated Nursing Track.

Program Expectations

Students admitted with Advanced Standing must:
- Adhere to the Accelerated Nursing Program curriculum plan without deviation unless approved by the School of Nursing.
- Maintain academic and professional standards required for progression in the nursing program.

Transfer admission for Capital Nursing Accelerated Program (ABSN)

Transfer admission is selective and based on prior academic performance and seats available.

Students should apply for admission to the ABSN Program and meet University and School of Nursing ABSN standards, including but not limited to completion of prerequisite courses prior to the intended start date, grade point average, and completed baccalaureate degree in another field. All other requirements for A-BSN admission must be met, including TOEFL scores that meet the A-BSN standard for international or ESL students.
An official transcript, from an accredited college or university, demonstrating prior admission to an accelerated (second-degree) registered nursing program must be provided.
For advanced standing in the ABSN program, syllabi for each course for which the applicant requests waiver must be submitted to the SON. Courses for which the applicant is seeking waiver must have been successfully completed by ABSN standards. Equivalency of course credit for transfer to the accelerated nursing major will be determined jointly by the SON and the University Registrar.
 A personal interview with the School of Nursing may be requested.
The Student must provide a letter of good standing from the previous nursing school director/dean/chair or the nursing academic adviser.

Pre-Nursing or University Change of major to the Traditional Undergraduate Program

Requirements and procedures for students who wish to change their major from another major within the university to Nursing or from PreNursing to Nursing. Admission through the Change of Major process is selective and based on academic performance, professional conduct, and program capacity.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for a change of major into Nursing, students must meet the following criteria:

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
Grade of C or better in all science courses attempted
Grade of C+ or better in all nursing courses attempted (if applicable)
A record consistent with University and School of Nursing standards regarding:
- Academic integrity
- Professional behavior and conduct

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Change of Major process

Email Notification
Students must email the Associate Dean of the School of Nursing to notify their intent to change their major before their registration window opens for the next semester. Email notification should also include the completed university change of major form.

Academic and Conduct Review
The School of Nursing will review each applicant for:

Completion of required academic criteria
Alignment with academic integrity expectations
Evidence of professional conduct consistent with the Nursing program

Decision and Notification

Review does not guarantee acceptance.
Applicants are admitted based on qualifications and available program capacity.
Students will receive a written decision and next steps for advising and course enrollment.

Re-admissions to the Traditional Undergraduate Program

The University “Readmission as a Degree Candidate” form will be used. However, the following requirements will be applied:

Lapses in enrollment or progression must follow the university policies for readmission.
If the curriculum has been changed since the last date of attendance, the student shall meet the program’s curriculum requirements for the currently entered students.
As long as the student wishing to be readmitted was in good standing at the time he/she left and seats are available, the Associate Dean of the program may authorize reinstatement into the appropriate rotation.
Students wanting to be readmitted who left without being in good standing must petition the Nursing Academic Affairs Committee (NAAC) for approval to readmit. Applications are accepted based on the presence of new and compelling information. The petition is to be addressed to the NAAC explaining the reason for leaving, work done to support a readmit decision, and discussion of actions to be taken to be successful returning to the program.
If student needs to come back into a clinical course, 12 week notice is required to secure clinical placement and ensure all clinical requirements are met.
After these requirements are met, readmission is also based on the space availability in the program.

Curriculum Requirements

For students enrolled in the Traditional Undergraduate Program, the nursing curriculum requires a minimum of 124 semester credits.

For students enrolled in the ABSN Program, the nursing curriculum requires a minimum of 65 semester credit hours which are completed in two academic years (five consecutive semesters including the summer term). Three graduate level courses are included in the curriculum; these courses are non-sequential. Clinical experiences begin in the first semester and continue throughout the curriculum.

Signature Learning Education Goals are located in the bulletin.

Clinical

Students must comply with all clinical agency guidelines and the Ohio Administrative Codes as set forth by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Grading Policies for Nursing

All nursing courses are graded using the following scale:

A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
F

93-100
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
78-79
73-77
70-72
67-69
60-66
59 and below

Academic and Continuation Policies of Nursing Programs

If a student is unsuccessful in two nursing courses, they will be ineligible for clinical and/or lab courses. Students must meet specific requirements to return to eligible status and resume progression in the program. No more than two total individual nursing courses may be repeated. An individual nursing course may be repeated only once. Courses may be repeated contingent upon space availability. 

Required Nursing Courses

Nursing Program Academic Requirements

Course Passing Requirements
To successfully pass a required nursing course students must earn all three (as applicable):
- A C+ (78%) or higher as the final overall course grade. AND
- A C+ (78%) or higher on the exam average. AND
- A rating of Satisfactory in all areas of the course clinical/lab evaluation tool (if applicable).
- If any of these three are not met, the student will be required to repeat all components of the course, including theory, clinical and lab (as applicable).
- If the exam average is below 78%, the course grade cannot exceed a C, regardless of other coursework.
- An unsatisfactory rating in any area of the clinical and laboratory evaluation tool, means the grade for the course will be no higher than a C.
Progression to 300-Level Nursing Courses
To begin 300-level NURS courses, students must meet all the following:
- Cumulative GPA ≥ 2.7.
- Grade of C or higher in all required biological/physical sciences.
- Grade of C+ or higher in all prerequisite nursing courses.
- All transferred science courses must include a laboratory component and may not be online unless pre-approved. Students must ensure an official transcript is received by Capital University before the first day of any 300-level NURS course.
Continuation in the Nursing Program after NURS 335.
- After completing NURS 335, students must maintain a cumulative GPA > 2.25 to remain in the nursing program.
500-Level Nursing Courses
All 500-level NURS courses must be completed with a C+ or higher.
- A student earning below a C+ may continue in 300- and 400-level ABSN courses but must repeat the 500-level course in which the deficiency occurred.

Graduation requirements for the Traditional Undergraduate Program

For the Traditional Undergraduate Program, students must complete a minimum of 124 semester hours and all required nursing and science courses. Nursing courses must be completed with a grade of “C+” or higher and science courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or higher.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or higher in all courses taken at Capital University is required.

ABSN Graduation requirements

Completion of a minimum of 65 semester hours and all the required ABSN courses, including the three graduate-level courses, NURS 500, NURS 520, and NURS 530.
A grade of “C+” or better in all undergraduate and graduate nursing courses, and a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 or higher for all courses taken at Capital.

Standardized Testing for the Traditional Undergraduate Program and the ABSN Program

Standardized testing is used throughout the nursing curriculum to help ensure that students are prepared for the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-RN). The policy regarding Standardized Testing requirements is located in the Nursing Pre-Licensure Student Handbook.

Clinical and Program Requirements

In addition to academic requirements, nursing students must meet certain health, safety, and professional compliance requirements in order to participate in clinical learning experiences. These may include immunizations, CPR certification, criminal background checks, drug screening, uniforms, and other requirements established by clinical partners. Detailed policies and procedures are outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook.

Nursing Student Handbooks

The Nursing Pre-licensure and Graduate Student Handbooks http://www.capital.edu/Nursing/ that govern the specific program the student is enrolled in, are available online through the Nursing website. These handbooks provide guidelines and policies specifically related to study in nursing. Students will be held accountable to all the academic and professional policies in these handbooks.