Baylor University - Baylor University School of Nursing

Baylor University (BU) is a private Baptist university in Waco, Texas. It was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, making it one of the oldest universities in Texas and one of the first institutions west of the Mississippi River. It is located near the Brazos River and includes a 1,000-acre campus. It is the largest Baptist university campus. The university is structured into twelve different colleges and schools, including the Louise Herrington School of Nursing. BU has received recognition for its academic programs, including ranking second in the nation for marketing programs. It was also tied for 71st-best national universities according to a 2017 ranking from US News & World Report.

The BU Louise Herrington School of Nursing offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and BSN to DNP nursing programs. These programs are all accredited by the CCNE. With the traditional BSN program, students may complete their prerequisite courses at any of the Baylor University campuses. However, the final two years are completed at the Waco campus and include clinical rotations and lab experiences. The accelerated BSN program also offers clinical and lab experiences, along with hybrid learning. Accelerated BSN students will complete classes online and on campus.

Updated on: 11 Oct, 2025

Program Length & Format

1-year accelerated program, full-time
62 total nursing credit hours
Main coursework delivered online with 2 on-campus visits, followed by field clinicals
Courses run 3 to 10 weeks in length; 2 admission intakes per year
Practicum requirement total: 720 hours

Admission Requirements

Completed bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline required
52 prerequisite credits required before program start (33 credits required for file review, including 2 of the 4 science prerequisites)
Minimum prerequisite GPA: 3.0; minimum science prerequisite GPA: 2.75
Program designed for residents of Texas

Entrance Exams

HESI exam required: English composite score ≥ 80 and Math score ≥ 80

Prerequisites

Required courses listed: Microbiology; Anatomy & Physiology I; Anatomy & Physiology II; Chemistry; English Composition I; English Composition II; English Literature; Federal Government; Bible-based Religion; World Religion; History; Nutrition; Statistics; Introduction to Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Introduction to Sociology
52 prerequisite credits must be completed before program start; 33 credits (including 2 science courses) required for file review

Application

Online inquiry form and contact with an Enrollment Advisor recommended to begin application process
Submission items indicated: proof of completed bachelor’s degree and documentation of prerequisite completion
Resume required
Interview required as part of application process

Selection Process

File review conducted after submission of at least 33 prerequisite credits (including 2 science prerequisites)
Admission decisions use prerequisite GPA (minimum 3.0) and science prerequisite GPA (minimum 2.75)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

Clinical placements located in Texas communities
Clinical placement support provided by dedicated coordinators who locate sites and preceptors
Students required to complete preparation tasks for placements, including background check and drug screening
Preceptor assignment provided; placements may include hospitals, community clinics, or private practices
Practicum total: 720 hours