Nursing Scholars

The purpose of the Lenoir-Rhyne Nursing Scholars Program is to enhance the undergraduate experience of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s high-performing students with an interest in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Throughout the program, students will receive personalized academic support, enrichment opportunities, and a learning community with other top-academic pre-nursing students. Additionally, students admitted to the program will earn conditional admission into the College of Nursing directly out of high school.

Benefits

  • Guaranteed seat in the traditional BSN program upon successful completion of the outlined ongoing requirements
  • No application to the traditional BSN program required (typically completed the student’s sophomore year)
  • Early involvement in School of Nursing events (including Sigma Theta Tau meetings, nursing socials, CHS Research Day Extravaganza, etc.)
  • Early membership to the Lenoir-Rhyne Association of Nursing Students
  • Eligible for Nursing Program Honors
  • Opportunity to study abroad
  • Participation in service learning opportunities through the Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministries (CCM)
  • Personalized advising by a member of the nursing faculty
  • Employment assistance such as mock interviews, résumé assistance, and hosting hospital human resource representatives
  • Successful graduates will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurse (RN)

Apply

To be considered for this program, please submit a completed application for admission by November 15 and a completed scholarship application by December 1.  Typically, selected scholars have a 3.0 GPA or better, are involved in their school and community, have completed service hours and have demonstrated a vision for their future.

Ongoing Requirements 

Once accepted into the Nursing Scholars Program, students must meet these academic conditions during years 1 and 2 to maintain their seat in the BSN program:

  • Submitted an ATI TEAS score at or above the Proficient Level of 65 by March 1 of their sophomore year.
  • Submitted or have on file with the School of Nursing a satisfactory Health Form.
  • Submitted evidence of Training and Registration as Nurse Aide I in North Carolina or another state.
  • Completed or be able to complete a minimum of 60 semester hours in the pre-nursing curriculum before the junior fall.
  • Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.9 by the end of sophomore fall semester prior to entering NUR 231 and/or NUR 235.
  • Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.9 by the beginning of the Junior fall nursing courses.
  • Earned a minimum Nursing GPA of 2.9 by the beginning of the Junior fall nursing courses. Nursing GPA includes: BIO 220, 281, 282; CHE 101 or 103; HES 288; MAT 115 or 215; NUR 231, 235; PSY 100, 320; SOC 100; NAT 388).
  • Repeated no more than one “lab science” course. (These courses include: BIO 220, 281, 282, CHE 101 or 103).
  • Earned a C- or better in the following: BIO 220, 281, 282 and CHE 101 or 103.
  • Completed or be enrolled in NUR 231 and NUR 235.

Admission to the School of Nursing is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check & drug screen completed in August and submission of immunization documentation.