UB Programs At-A-Glance

Nursing

School of Nursing
1040 Kimball Tower
South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079

Phone: 716.829.2537
Fax: 716.829.2021
Web: nursing.buffalo.edu
Email: nurse-studentaffairs@buffalo.edu

Mecca S. Cranley
Dean

Jean K. Brown
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs

Elaine R. Cusker
Assistant Dean, Student Affairs

Martha Kemsley
Director of Undergraduate Studies

About the Program

The programs leading to the bachelor’s of science (BS) in nursing prepare students to become professional registered nurses (RN), working in a variety of healthcare settings, meeting the diverse needs of individuals and families across the life span and among all community groups. They are designed for individuals who feel challenged by the complex and ever-changing health needs of society, and who desire to respond to these needs.

The curricula is community-based, initially emphasizing primary health care, which includes health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention; subsequently, emphasizing the care of those with chronic as well as acute and complex illnesses. Upper-division courses focus on the knowledge and skills required to provide comprehensive nursing care in various clinical practice settings, ethical/legal dimensions of the healthcare system, pharmacological components of care, nursing research, and principles and techniques of management within a health-system context.

Graduates of these baccalaureate programs base their practice on theories, critical-thinking, and research findings from nursing science as well as other disciplines, such as biological and behavioral sciences.

About Our Degrees

The UB School of Nursing offers three programs in order to obtain the Bachelor of Science (BS) in nursing.

BS Nursing Program. This program provides the curriculum required for a freshman or transfer student who is pursuing a nursing degree for the first time.

Accelerated BS (ABS) Nursing Program . The accelerated second-degree option offers the undergraduate nursing curriculum as an intensive, full-time, 12-month program designed for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing.

RN/BS Nursing Program. This program provides the curriculum needed by students who have completed an associate’s degree or diploma program in nursing, and are licensed to practice as a registered professional nurse.

Acceptance Criteria
Admission is competitive and granted on a space available basis.

Basic BS Nursing Program

Freshman Admission
Minimum 2.7 GPA overall.
Completion of at least five of the prerequisite nursing courses, which must include anatomy and physiology, with a minimum grade of “C”.

Transfer or UB Student Admission
All applicants must apply to both UB and the School of Nursing. UB application and transcripts are due by February 15, while School of Nursing applications are due by March 31.

Completion of most of the prerequisites, which must include anatomy and physiology, and be able to complete all prerequisites by the following fall semester. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all prerequisites.

Accelerated BS (ABS) Nursing Program
Applications must be completed for the University at Buffalo and the School of Nursing, which are due November 15.

All applicants must possess at least an earned bachelor’s degree., and must have completed, or show the ability to complete, all prerequisite courses before the summer start date with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA.

RN/BS Nursing Program
A cohort of at least 8 students is required to run this program each year.

Applications must be completed for the University at Buffalo and the School of Nursing. Applications should be completed as early as possible, but June 1 is recommended to ensure consideration for the fall semester.

Minimum 2.7 GPA overall.

All applicants must possess an AAS degree or diploma in nursing completed prior to entry to UB, as well as be licensed as a professional RN.

About Our Facilities

A 60 station fully staffed computer lab for student use as well as computers in the Student Lounge.

A fully equipped health assessment lab and nursing skills lab.

School of Nursing Simulation technology which features two state-of-the-art patient simulators - one housed in a virtual operating room and connected to patient monitors, and one utilized to simulate ambulatory and acute nursing situations.

The Center for Nursing Research, which houses a research library and is a repository for information on internal and external sources of funding, including guidelines and application forms.

A wide range of educational technology to which students have access, including a wide variety of health-care databases, computer assisted instruction, and electronic mail.

About Our Courses

The typical class size for:

Freshman/introductory courses is: 100
Sophomore/intermediate courses is: 80
Upper level/advanced courses is: 110 (8 in clinical)

In the School of Nursing, what do teaching assistants (TA's) do?

TA's are licensed nurses, attending graduate school, who assist with clinical and classroom instruction.

Suggested Introductory Courses for Basic Program


Colleges that have good feeder programs for this department include:

  • Alfred State College
  • Erie Community College
  • Genesee Community College
  • Jamestown Community College
  • Monroe Community College
  • Niagara County Community College
  • Trocaire College


For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

The faculty in the undergraduate program are expert practitioners of nursing, all having advanced preparation in their fields of specialization. Many have achieved national and international recognition. Faculty are actively engaged in research, making significant contributions to nursing theory. Among the honors that have been awarded to faculty members are the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, membership in the American Academy of Nursing, and election to office in the American Nurses Association. Many faculty have the distinction of holding certification as expert clinical practitioners awarded by professional associations that promote and recognize only the highest standards of nursing excellence.

See a list of our undergraduate faculty.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Research and Practical Experience

Clinical experience in health-care agencies is part of the curriculum for all nursing students. A final preceptorship is individually arranged according to student interest either in or outside of Western New York.

Independent Study
Faculty may sponsor students interested in doing independent study.

Internships
A special UB paid summer internship is offered between the junior and senior year.

Honors, Awards and Scholarships

Special scholarships are offered to outstanding freshmen undergraduate nursing students as well as to eligible upper-division students. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo supports scholarships for Erie County residents.

Extracurricular Activities

Nursing Student Organization (NSO)

The purpose of the NSO is to aid in the preparation of nursing students for assumption of professional responsibilities on the school and community level. To accomplish this, students actively participate in School of Nursing and university governance and committee work.

Minority Nursing Student Association (MNSA)

MNSA serves the entire School of Nursing with opportunities for diverse students to come together in service, social, educational, and community activities.

Sigma Theta Tau

The national honor society chapter encourages and recognizes superior scholarship and/or leadership achievement in nursing. The organization has a commitment to increase the scientific base in nursing practice and thereby improve the health of the public.

Community Service Program

Student organizations and selected courses are both involved in extensive community service projects.

For more information about the above activities, please see Nursing Organizations.

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Career Information and Further Study

Skills gained in this program:

  • Advocacy
  • Assessment
  • Documentation
  • Interpersonal
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Research
  • Supervisory
  • Teaching


Career Choices

  • Clinical specialist
  • Critical care nurse
  • Director of nursing
  • Emergency room nurse
  • Flight nurse
  • Forensic nurse
  • General duty nurse
  • Geriatric care nurse
  • Head nurse
  • Holistic nurse
  • Home health care nurse
  • Integrated care deliverer
  • Intensive care nurse
  • Medical editor/writer
  • Medical surgery nurse
  • Military officer
  • Nurse anesthetist
  • Nurse consultant
  • Nurse instructor
  • Nurse midwife
  • Nurse practitioner
  • Occupational nurse
  • Operating room nurse
  • Parish nurse
  • Pharmacology/medical sales
  • Private duty nurse
  • Professor
  • Public health nurse
  • Rehabilitation nurse
  • Researcher
  • School nurse
  • Women's health nurse



Work settings include:

Staff nursing and Specialty Unit nursing in various hospitals, community centers, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, patient’s homes, schools, private practice, and agencies in Western New York and throughout the country.

What percentage of graduates goes on to find related employment?

95%

Salary Information

$35,000 to $40,000 in Buffalo, NY; salaries vary by region.

What percentage of graduates goes on to graduate school?

35-­45%

Additional Resources

Links to Further Information About This Program





Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:13 EST