Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Union University will fulfill state/territory educational requirements for professional licenses, however the Union University College of Nursing and Health Sciences does not guarantee that each person admitted to the nursing program will pass all elements of the program or that those graduated from the program will pass the licensure examination and/or secure employment as a nurse. Attaining these goals depends on the degree to which the student diligently applies him or herself to his or her studies and on the economic forces influencing the health care industry. Neither of these factors is within the control of Union University College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

As the profession of nursing continues to expand its role in the area of advanced practice nursing, Union University offers a 16-month graduate curriculum (MSN, DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate) for professional nurses to gain an academic preparation as either a Family Nurse Practitioner or Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

• Family Nurse Practitioner graduates are eligible to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification exams administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
• The Family Psychiatric Mental health graduates are eligible to sit for the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia Track is a 36-month program is available to enhance effectiveness as a practitioner and leader in the profession of nurse anesthesia. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NBCRNA National Certification Examination (NCE).

All states license registered nurses, and in all states, they are referred to by the same title: Registered Nurse or RN. First time RN licensing is referred to as license by examination; candidates take the board exam after they have completed their registered nursing educational requirements. When a registered nurse is already licensed in one U.S. jurisdiction and seeks licensure in another, the process is generally referred to as licensure by endorsement.

The components of nursing licensure include:

• Verification of graduation or eligibility for graduation from an approved prelicensure RN nursing education program
• Verification of successful completion of NCLEX-RN examination
• In some states, a criminal background check

Sometimes it’s not necessary to get a new license to take a position in another state. About half of U.S. states belong to the nurse licensure compact, an agreement that makes it easier for registered nurses to practice in multiple states (either through telenursing or by being physically present in the state). Tennessee is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. A multistate license to practice registered or licensed practical/vocational nursing issued by a home state to a resident in that state will be recognized by each member state as authorizing a nurse to practice as a registered nurse (RN). An RN holds a license in only one compact state at a time. The RN is allowed to work in other compact states on the basis of a multi-state license issued in their own home state. If the RN changes their primary residence, though, they’ll need to transfer their license fairly quickly.

Some state licensing boards require additional requirements beyond education and passing the NCLEX-RN examination, which may include (but are not limited to): additional post-graduation examinations or experience, application and licensing fees, criminal background checks, reference checks, fingerprint submissions, etc. Continuing education may also be required for maintenance of certification/licensure. Make sure you understand and review any additional requirements with the program director prior to enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

State licensing requirements are always subject to change at the discretion of the state licensing board. The University will routinely update this page, but we strongly recommend you inquire with the applicable state board or the program director to confirm your eligibility for licensure prior to enrolling in Union’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. For any questions regarding licensure, please contact the state/territory agency directly. See nursinglicensure.org to find the state board you are seeking.

The following table indicates if the BSN program curriculum and applicable graduate certifications Meet that state’s requirements for licensure or certification; Does Not Meet that state’s requirements for licensure or certification.