Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I pursue a career in nursing?
What kind of classes will I take?
When do I begin my clinical experience?
Do I specialize in an area of nursing while obtaining a BSN?
What career opportunities will I have after graduation?
What scholarships are available?
How do I apply to the Nursing Program?
Why should I pursue a career in nursing?
The role of nursing is clear: delivering health care that enables others to live full, enriching lives. The rise in health care needs combined with a dwindling supply of nurses (and an aging nurse population), have moved nursing to the forefront of the health care delivery system transforming it into a dynamic career field. Nurses form powerful liaisons between doctors, patients and other members of the health care delivery team.
What kind of classes will I take?
Nursing courses constitute approximately one-half of a four-year program. Nursing courses are taken in sequence and while most courses are offered both in the fall and spring during the day, a few may be offered in the evening or during the summer months. The remaining half of the program is comprised of non-nursing courses with an emphasis in science. Students must complete approximately three semesters of prerequisite courses before enrolling in any nursing courses. A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required for admission into the nursing program and for progression through the program up to graduation.
When do I begin my clinical experience?
Beginning in their sophomore year, students will have clinical experiences in nationally recognized medical hospitals, community health agencies, schools and long-term care facilities in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex. Seniors will take part in an "internship/role transition course," with an opportunity to practice in their field of interest, based on instructor's recommendation.
Do I specialize in an area of nursing while obtaining a BSN?
Undergraduate students are expected to many areas, including medical/surgical nursing, maternal/child health, gerontology, psychiatric and mental health nursing, community health, management, leadership and nursing research. We prepare students to be a "generalist." Students interested in specializing in an area of nursing are encouraged to further their education by seeking a Master of Science and/or doctoral degree.
What career opportunities will I have after graduation?
Nurses today have more options and flexibility than ever before. A high employment rate and appealing compensation packages make nursing a top career choice for many. As a graduate nurse, you can pursue unique employment opportunities in home health care, churches, corporations, insurance companies, sales and marketing, e-health, military service, travel nursing, public health, legal consulting, education and more.
What scholarships are available?
Students may seek nursing scholarships after they have successfully completed their first semester of clinical courses. Army and Air Force ROTC scholarships, including monthly cash allowances, are available as well as a paid three-week elective where nurse cadets receive "hands on" clinical training at military hospitals in the U.S., Germany , and Korea.
How do I apply to the Nursing Program?
Contact the TCU Admissions Office at 1-800-TCU-FROG or 817-257-7490 to request an application or requesting information on line through frogmail@tcu.edu email or through the Admissions homepage at http://www.admissions.tcu.edu . There is no separate application for admission for incoming freshman. Once the TCU Admissions Office receives all of the materials for your application (application fee, official transcripts, etc.) they will contact you by mail in about 2-3 weeks. Interested prospective students should schedule an appointment with an advisor to prepare a plan of study.
For further information, call 817-257-7650 or e-mail us at z.williams@tcu.edu . We can arrange a campus tour, a classroom visit or schedule an appointment to discuss our program in person.
If you are transferring from another college or university, please view the Transfer Student Information section.