Pre-Nursing (2+2)

The University of the Ozarks’ Pre-Nursing program provides students with a strong academic foundation for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith (UAFS). Through a 2+2 articulation agreement, students complete their first two years of coursework at Ozarks before transferring to UAFS to complete the professional nursing curriculum.

Students benefit from Ozarks’ small class sizes, close faculty mentoring, and personalized advising while completing the prerequisite science and general education courses required for admission to the UAFS nursing program.

Why Study Pre-Nursing at Ozarks?

• Complete your first two years in a supportive, student-centered learning environment.
• Follow a degree plan designed to align with UAFS nursing admission requirements.
• Learn from experienced faculty in biology, chemistry, health sciences, psychology, and related disciplines.
• Receive individualized advising throughout the nursing application process.
• Participate fully in campus life while preparing for a high-demand healthcare profession.

The 2+2 Pathway

Students complete approximately 62 credit hours of prerequisite coursework during their first two years at Ozarks before applying for admission to the UAFS Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Coursework includes:

Students who are admitted transfer to UAFS to complete the final two years of clinical nursing education leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Personalized Advising

Admission to nursing programs is competitive. From the first semester, Ozarks faculty advisors work closely with students to develop a competitive academic record, monitor prerequisite completion, and prepare for the transfer application process.

Students also receive guidance regarding required certifications, transfer timelines, and application deadlines.

Flexibility if Your Goals Change

Career goals sometimes evolve. Students who decide not to pursue nursing may transition into the Health Education/Promotion major and remain on track for graduation without losing significant progress toward a bachelor’s degree.

Admission to the Nursing Program

Admission to the UAFS nursing program is competitive and is based on academic performance and successful completion of prerequisite requirements. Students must meet minimum GPA requirements, earn grades of C or higher in prerequisite courses, complete Basic Life Support certification for healthcare providers, and satisfy all UAFS admission requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Career Opportunities

Graduates who complete the BSN at UAFS are prepared for careers in a variety of healthcare settings, including:

START YOUR JOURNEY

If you’re passionate about caring for others and making a difference through healthcare, the Pre-Nursing pathway at the University of the Ozarks offers an excellent beginning. You’ll receive individualized support, rigorous preparation, and a seamless pathway toward earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Example Courses

• BIO 1234: Biological Molecules and Cells
  

  In this course, students will be introduced to cellular form and function with a primary focus on animal and plant cells. Many topics in cellular biology will be covered including: basic water and organic chemistries; membrane structure and function; cytoskeleton; organelle structure; transport; enzyme kinetics; energy metabolism; signaling; cell division; and cancer. The laboratory will focus on the introduction to scientific communication and biochemical and cytological techniques.
• HSC 1033: Medical Terminology
  

  This course is designed to teach students the language of health professionals rooted in Greek and Latin. The course takes a systems approach while discussing word structures and construction, pronunciation and spelling, medical abbreviations and acronyms, and the terminology for diagnosis, disease, and treatment.
• BIO 3134: Microbiology
  

  This course will acquaint students with the diversity, structures and functions of microscopic organisms as related to their medical, immunological and environmental significance, with special emphasis on bacteria. Safety procedures, culture techniques and identification of microorganisms will be emphasized. There are two 1.5- hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites C- in CHM 1014 General Chemistry I and three Biology courses.