The Department Of

Nursing

nursing-image-left-image

CALLED TO CARE.

COMMITTED TO SERVE.

PREPARED TO LEAD.

Students in Howard Payne University’s School of Nursing join a faith-based community of scholars committed to improving healthcare both in the United States and globally.

 

HPU nursing students have opportunities to establish lifelong friendships with classmates and faculty while enjoying a student-centered curriculum with a focus on caring, faith and intellectual inquiry. HPU’s School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offers both the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Associate of Health Science degrees.

Howard Payne University aims to provide future nurses a solid Christ-centered foundation to serve others. The curriculum is student centered with a focus on caring, faith and intellectual inquiry.

Being a Yellow Jacket in HPU’s School of Nursing provides:

  • Small class sizes and up-to-date study aids
  • A nursing outlook with a Christian worldview
  • Opportunities for interprofessional collaboration
  • Exposure to the healthcare mission field and healthcare agencies
  • Lifelong friendships that promote personal and professional integrity
  • An opportunity for impacting healthcare
  • A concept-based curriculum which challenges intellectual inquiry
  • Academic ventures which encourage service to God and humanity
  • A broad spectrum of nursing career choices

Approved by Texas State Board of Nursing (BON)  to provide an undergraduate nursing curriculum for eligibility to take the examination for a registered nurse (RN) license after graduation.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Howard Payne University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education , 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

At Howard Payne University, nursing is more than a profession. It is a calling. Rooted in our Christ-centered mission, the School of Nursing equips students with the knowledge, skills, and heart to serve others with excellence and compassion. You will join a faith-based community of scholars committed to improving healthcare both in the United States and globally. You will establish friendships with classmates and faculty that will continue throughout your lifetime.

Here, you will learn in a supportive, faith-based community that values both academic rigor and personal growth. Small class sizes allow for meaningful relationships with faculty who are committed to your success professionally, personally, and spiritually. Our concept-based curriculum challenges you to think critically while integrating a Christian worldview into every aspect of patient care.

HPU nursing students benefit from strong clinical preparation, opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, and exposure to healthcare settings where they can live out a life of service. Recent graduates have achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, and the program holds full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; reflecting our commitment to preparing highly competent, compassionate nurses.

When you study nursing at HPU, you join a community dedicated to developing the whole person. You will graduate ready not only to provide excellent clinical care, but also to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and make a lasting difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities for the glory of God.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (NIV)

Rooted in Howard Payne University’s Christ-centered mission, the Nursing program challenges students to approach healthcare with wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to ethical, compassionate care. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge and skills in ways that promote healing, serve patients and families, and positively impact their communities. By combining clinical expertise with Christian values, graduates are prepared to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

To learn more about the values that guide the Howard Payne University community, explore our Core Values.

Students applying for admission to the School of Nursing may also choose to apply for admission to the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. Providing an innovative approach to the academic program, the Academy enables students to combine their specialized major with coursework grounded in an understanding of the American free enterprise system.

Admission Requirements

  1. Immunization Records
    • Hepatitis B (3 HepB immunizations)
    • Measles, mumps, rubella (1 does of MMR or evidence of immunity)
    • Meningococcal (MenACWY) (within 5-year period)
    • Pneumococcal for individuals over 65 years old (1 dose of PCV13 and PPSV23 one year after receiving PCV13)
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, & pertussis (TDAP) (must be current within 10 years)
    • Negative TB skin test (TST) within the previous 12 months and TB symptoms screening questionnaire answering no to all questions. The skin test result must include the mm of induration.
    • Varicella (evidence of immunity, immunization–2 doses, or titer)
    • Zoster for individuals over 50 years old (2 doses of RZV preferred or 1 dose of ZVL)
    • Influenza Vaccine Annual (1 dose in the previous 12 months)
  2. Must be a United States Citizen and/or eligible to be employed in the United States
  3. Accepted or currently enrolled as a student at HPU
  4. Completed application
  5. American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) Healthcare Provider 2-year certification
  6. Recommendation Forms (from 2 former college instructors/professors)
  7. 3.0 GPA cumulative
  8. ATI TEAS® 7th Edition entrance exam (See Pre-Entrance Examination: ATI TEAS® 7th Edition Testing Requirements)
  9. Completion of HPU General Education Requirements/Courses

Nursing prerequisite courses – NOTE: ** B or Higher and * C or Higher

    • Pathophysiology or General Biology **
    • Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry **
    • Anatomy and Physiology – I & II *
    • College Algebra*
    • Intro to Psychology*
    • Fundamentals of Microbiology*
    • Life Span Development*
    • Health Profession Seminar
    • Medical Terminology
    • Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  1. Criminal Background Check completed and cleared by the Texas Board of Nursing as eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam (follow the instruction on this form). Also must complete and submit the HPU School of Nursing Criminal Background Check Consent and Compliance Agreement.
  2. Letter of Standing (If transferring from another nursing program)

The selection process is governed by the HPU School of Nursing Faculty. Once students have submitted a complete application and all requirements by July 1, the faculty will utilize an admission criteria worksheet to rate students and admit based on rating and number of open seats.

Pre-Entrance Examination: ATI TEAS® Version 7 Testing Requirements

  1. The ATI TEAS® Version 7 score will be utilized along with all other HPU School of Nursing admission requirements to consider eligibility for the School of Nursing.
  2. A minimum score of 64 in the Reading and Math and a composite score within the “Proficient” range is required on the ATI TEAS® Version 7 Individual Performance Profile.
  3. If a minimum score requirements are not met, applicants will have the option to re-take the ATI TEAS® Version 7 exam. Applicants are limited to two (2) exam attempts within each application cycle.
  4. Only scores from ATI TEAS® Version 7 test taken within one (1) year of the application deadline for which the student is applying will be considered.
  5. ATI TEAS® Version 7 exams are offered in the following formats
    • Remote testing proctored by ATI® or HPU ($125)
    • In-person in Thompson Academic Complex Room 201 ($70)
    • At another institution (Student will need to indicate Howard Payne U BSN as the institution to send the transcript)
  6.  Create an ATI® account on the www.atitesting.com website prior to the exam day and select Howard Payne U BSN as your institution.
  7. On the exam day, applicants will need to bring a valid state or government issued photo ID (ex: Current HPU Student ID, valid driver’s license or passport) and ATI® username and password.

ATI TEAS® Version 7 - Exam re-test requirements

Applicants who must re-test are required to wait 30 days. Applicants may only take the ATI TEAS® Version 7 test twice within the academic year, between January 1 and December 31. These factors and deadlines should be considered when scheduling to take the initial test. The identical procedure will be utilized taking the second test, as set forth in the initial test.

Health Records and Immunizations

Being free of communicable diseases is critical for students, and students must be protected against communicable diseases during clinical experiences. During the application for admission process, students must submit verification of all immunizations required by the university as well as those required by the School of Nursing.

See Admission Requirements for the list of immunizations required. Other vaccinations may be required by specific clinical agencies. Students will be informed of additional requirements as needed.

Associate in Health Science ................................................................................................................. 18 hours
For full details, view the HPU catalog, pages 154-157; 229-231.

For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, page 154-157; 229-231.

Program Insights

TYPE: Bachelor
DELIVERY: Residential
CREDITS: 120 Hours
DURATION: 4 years

Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

As incoming freshmen, students may declare their major as nursing. After completing general education requirements, students will undergo a competitive process to gain admission into HPU’s School of Nursing. Once admitted to the School of Nursing, students will spend the last two years completing a competency-based aligned with AACN’s 2021 Essentials nursing curriculum and participating in clinical rotations in and around the Brownwood community. In addition to incoming first-year students, transfer students and HPU upperclassmen may enroll as nursing majors with plans to apply to HPU’s School of Nursing during the latter portion of their sophomore year. The School of Nursing admits students during the spring to begin courses in the fall.

Teaching Physical
Education & Coaching

Physical Therapy
Athletic Training
Chiropractic
Personal Training
Sport Management

Outside the Classroom

HPU nursing students engage in 765 hands-on clinical learning experiences in acute care, long-term care, and community settings. Clinical learning experiences are gained through partnerships with Hendrick Health and other local healthcare facilities. Upon completion of their first semester of nursing courses, students are eligible for a Nurse Technician position with Hendrick Health.

nursing-outside-the-classroom

Alumni Testimonial

I am thankful to HPU nursing faculty for always being so encouraging and patient when I was a nursing student. It’s left an impact on me. I truly will forever be thankful for Howard Payne and the nursing program.

Madison (Gilder) Draper ’23

Scholarships

95% of HPU students receive financial aid, including scholarships designated specifically for nursing students.

Students are eligible for financial support of $28,000 over two years if they choose to work with Hendrick Health for four years after graduation.

Submit your application.

Contact

Smiling woman in a Howard Payne University shirt standing against a brick wall. | HPU

Dr. Laci Sutton

Dean, School of Nursing
Assistant Professor of Nursing

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