Nursing
Bring hope and healing into the lives of patients. Train for success in a variety of health care settings through advanced simulations, clinical experience and a holistic liberal arts education.
Take a holistic approach to patient care.
Care for the physical and spiritual needs of your patients. With Christ as the perspective for learning, our team of expert and caring faculty will challenge you to understand patient care through a multifaceted lens — focusing on cultural, psychological, developmental, physical and spiritual health assessments. Meanwhile, your study in the liberal arts will help you to build a strong foundation in communication, leadership and critical thinking.
Nursing Major: Jessica Khoury
As Jessica puts it, she transferred to SAU at the start of her sophomore year “with hopes, dreams and a little bit of desperation.” She was excited to study in SAU’s new nursing program, but she was also nervous about what her future at SAU would hold.
Now, Jessica sees that coming to SAU has been part of God’s plan for her life all along.
“SAU is a great place to learn, grow and be challenged academically and spiritually,” says Jessica. “I have met forever friends and had amazing opportunities here. It’s not so much about who SAU is — it’s about who God is and what he’s doing on this campus.”
Schedule a Visit
Plan your visit to SAU, and see our brand new clinical simulation lab. Here, nursing students receive hands-on training and complete some of their clinical hours.
VisitThrough a curriculum that covers the cultural, psychological, developmental, physical and spiritual sides of health and patient care, our nursing students learn to treat patients holistically. As a nursing student, you’ll likely take several of the following key courses:
- NUR 201 Fundamentals of Nursing (4)
- NUR 203 Physical & Health Assessment (3)
- NUR 324 Community Health Theory/Clinical (4)
- NUR 325 Medical Surgical Theory/Clinical I (6)
- NUR 327 Mental Health Theory/Clinical (4)
- NUR 328 OB & Women’s Health Theory/Clinical (6)
- NUR 329 Pediatric Theory/Clinical (6)
- NUR 424 Adult/Critical Care Theory/Clinical (6)
- NUR 425 Nursing Leadership & Transition (5)
- NUR 426 Evidence-Based Practice (4)
Find a complete list of nursing courses in the undergraduate catalog.
Once you receive your nursing degree, you’ll be equipped to immediately enter into a variety of careers in health care. You’ll also have the option of continuing your education through graduate school programs.
You may find yourself with one of the following titles after graduation:
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nurse Manager
- Nursing Director
- Nurse Educator
- Clinical Research Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Quality Assurance or Improvement Coordinator
- Case Management Nurse
Nursing students are able to complete some of their required clinical hours in SAU’s brand new clinical simulation lab — right on campus!
The nursing program also offers students innovative research and clinical opportunities with multiple health care organizations in the region, including Henry Ford Allegiance Health and Hillsdale Hospital.
As a nursing student at SAU, you’ll also have time to explore your interests through extracurricular activities — including athletics. 25 percent of our campus nursing students are also Cougar athletes!
At SAU, you’ll find professors who care about you personally. As a nursing student, you’ll learn from the following experienced faculty members:
- Emily Riske, DNP, RN — Assistant Professor of Nursing, Assistant Director of Simulation & Lead Clinical Faculty
- Mindy Rice, DNP, MSN, RN — Assistant Professor of Nursing, Chair of Baccalaureate Pre-Licensure Nursing
- Margaret Scharf, MSN, RN – Assistant Professor of Nursing
Admission to SAU does not guarantee admission into the nursing program, although students are permitted to declare a nursing major upon acceptance to the university. Most nursing students formally apply to the nursing program during the spring semester, during BIO 234 Pathophysiology.
Students who wish to apply for admission the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure program should have a strong commitment to living a Christ-like lifestyle and a willingness to explore ways to use nursing as a ministry to transform this world and people’s lives for Christ.
Admissions Criteria
Meeting the admissions criteria below does not ensure admission to the nursing program. The admission decision is considered and made final by the Department of Nursing Admissions Committee.
Freshmen
- 2.67 cumulative college GPA at the time of application
- A minimum grade of “B-” in BIO 264 (Anatomy and Physiology 1), BIO 265 (Anatomy and Physiology 2), CHE 142 (General Organic Biochemistry), and BIO 234 (Pathophysiology)
Transfer Students
- 2.67 cumulative college GPA
- 2.67 cumulative college GPA in sciences
- A minimum grade of “B-” in BIO 264 (Anatomy and Physiology 1), BIO 265 (Anatomy and Physiology 2), CHE 142 (General Organic Biochemistry), and BIO 234 (Pathophysiology)
International Students
- ACT (24) or SAT (1100) (if student has access to these tests)
- TOEFL score of 90 or higher (within two years)
Students with a Previous Degree
- 2.5 cumulative college GPA in last 60 credit hours
Nursing Licensure
This program prepares you to take the NCLEX exam in the State of Michigan. Graduates who want to practice in other states should review those requirements via the Board of Nursing at https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm.
Students desiring nursing licensure are responsible for meeting all requirements of the State Board of Nursing of the state in which they will be practicing. Some states may allow nursing licensure to transfer.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Spring Arbor University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
SAU’s nursing program has also been granted full approval by the Michigan State Board of Nursing.