Advance Your Nursing Career at Avila University
Begin your journey toward becoming a professional registered nurse.
The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN) program at Avila University prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing through a strong foundation in clinical practice, evidence-based care, and professional leadership. Designed for students who are new to nursing, this on-campus program combines classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and supervised clinical experiences to support your growth as a compassionate and skilled nurse.
Through a holistic, student-centered approach, the TBSN program equips graduates to deliver safe, effective, and equitable care in diverse healthcare settings while developing a strong professional nursing identity.
Why Choose Avila?
- Comprehensive on-campus nursing education with hands-on clinical experiences
- Strong emphasis on patient-centered, evidence-based care
- Leadership and professional identity development embedded throughout the curriculum
- Preparation for RN licensure and diverse healthcare career paths
- Supportive learning environment rooted in Avila’s mission and values
At Avila, we are committed to educating nurses who are prepared to meet today’s healthcare challenges with skill, compassion, and integrity. Our Traditional BSN program supports students academically and personally as they prepare to enter the nursing profession with confidence.
Take the First Step Toward Your Nursing Career.
Avila’s Traditional BSN program provides the knowledge, clinical experience, and professional preparation needed to succeed as a registered nurse and make a meaningful impact on patient care and communities.

Hands-On Clinical Experience

Career-Ready Nursing Degree

Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

RN Licensure Preparation

On-Campus Clinical Learning
Admission Criteria
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8
- Earn a “C” or above in all prerequisite courses (courses may be repeated only once)
- Complete all prerequisite courses prior to beginning nursing courses
- Complete the Avila University and School of Nursing admission processes
- Eligibility for licensure in the state where licensure is anticipated (refer to the Nurse Practice Act)

Direct Admissions for Nursing Program – TBSN
Purpose
The purpose of the Direct Admissions policy for Avila’s School of Nursing is to provide a clearly defined, supportive admission pathway for high-achieving high school students who demonstrate strong academic promise and commitment to nursing. The High School–to–BSN Pathway offers these students guaranteed, early placement into the Traditional BSN program, allowing them to transition seamlessly into nursing coursework and progress efficiently toward degree completion. This policy is designed to promote student success, strengthen academic readiness, and nurture future nursing professionals from the start of their undergraduate journey.
Population
This Direct Admissions policy is designed for outreach to high school juniors and seniors with an interest in healthcare.
Criteria
High school seniors who are interested in pursuing a degree in nursing should meet the following criteria to be admitted into Avila’s School of Nursing.
- Minimum 3.25 high school GPA
- Complete Avila’s School of Nursing admission criteria.
- Nursing pre-requisites can be taken two ways:
- Dual credit college courses through another university or community college (official transcripts must be submitted)
- Earned college credit through completion of AP Exams. Refer to the Avila guide for Advanced Placement Exams. AP exams that may be used as a prerequisite for nursing include:
- AP Psychology (equivalent to PY 101)
- AP Statistics (equivalent to MA 155)
- AP Chemistry (equivalent to CH 135)
- Nursing pre-requisites can be taken two ways:




Prerequisites
- Human Anatomy & Physiology with Lab (6–8 credit hours)
- Microbiology with Lab (3 credit hours)
- Chemistry with Lab (3 credit hours)
- Pathophysiology (3 credit hours)
- Statistics (3 credit hours)
- Lifespan Development (3 credit hours)
- Nutrition (3 credit hours)
- General Psychology (3 credit hours)
Program of Study
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Foundations of Health & Illness Concepts | 5 |
| Introduction to Practicum | 1 |
| Development of the Professional Nurse | 3 |
| Pharmacology | 3 |
| Health Assessment | 3 |
| Health and Illness Concepts II | 3 |
| Women & Children Health Concepts | 4 |
| Psychosocial Nursing Concepts | 3 |
| Practicum I | 1 |
| Gerontologic Nursing | 2 |
| Leadership & Management | 3 |
| Foundations of Evidence-Based Nursing | 3 |
| Practicum II | 4 |
| Health and Illness Concepts III | 3 |
| Population-Based Health Concepts | 3 |
| High Acuity Nursing Concepts | 2 |
| Practicum III | 2 |
| Capstone Practicum | 3 |
University Core Requirements
- Natural Science with lab
- Humanities (Art, Music, or Theater)
- History
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy (usually includes Ethics)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (2 courses; one may be RS/IS/PH/IS)

Patterson Nursing Scholarship
Your Nursing Degree. Fully Funded.
Avila University’s Patterson Scholar Program provides full tuition coverage for eligible nursing students committed to serving rural communities. Accepting the program and meeting the requirements means this life-changing opportunity can help you graduate debt-free while making a meaningful impact .
Scholarship Highlights
- Full tuition support
- Serve 2 years in a rural area as noted by the Patterson Foundation

Contact
Contact
Avila University School of Nursing, Borserine Center
11901 Wornall Road / Kansas City, MO 64145 / 816-501-8400
Aleta “Let” Hayes, Certified Office Manager, School of Nursing Office Manager
P: 816-501-3671 / E: aleta.hayes
Contact
Tae’Lor Landa, Student Enrollment Coordinator – Nursing and Health Sciences, Office of Admissions
P: (816) 501 – 3694 / E: tae'lor.landa
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