Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU)

Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU), affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is a private, not-for-profit institution founded in 1893.

Academic Programs

Nursing (BS)

This program is designed for those without healthcare experience and that seek a BS degree in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and then become eligible for state RN licensure.

Admission - High School Seniors (not all inclusive)

• High school cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.00 scale
• Minimum ACT 24 or SAT 1180
• Drug testing and criminal background screening prior to Clinical rotations
• Health insurance coverage
• Physical examination
• Immunizations (or immunization status) as outlined by the Nursing Department
• Annual flu vaccine
• Negative TB Skin test annually or Negative Chest X-ray every three years
• CPR for Healthcare Provider by the AHA

Admission - Transfer Students (not all inclusive)

• Two professional reference letters
• Official transcripts from all schools attended
• All Nursing Pre-requisite courses (as outlined by the Department of Nursing) within the last 7 years with a minimum grade of a 'C' or better
• Successfully complete the TEAS Nursing Admission Exam with score of proficient level or higher
• Drug testing and criminal background screening prior to Clinical rotations
• Health insurance coverage
• Physical examination
• Immunizations (or immunization status) as outlined by the Nursing Department
• Annual flu vaccine
• Negative TB Skin test annually or Negative Chest X-ray every three years
• CPR for Healthcare Provider by the AHA

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to BS

This program is designed for the LVN with at least one year of work experience. LVNs can be awarded credit for initial nursing courses. Students may be able to complete the BS program in less than three (3) years.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and then become eligible for state RN licensure.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• Unencumbered, current LVN/LPN license
• At least one year of work experience as LVN/LPN in hospital or long-term care facility within last 4 years
• Fulfill all admission prerequisites for BS program

RN to BS

This program is designed for the Registered Nurse with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree or Diploma in Nursing. Students can graduate in 2 to 4 academic semesters.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• Associate of Science degree in Nursing from ACEN accredited associate degree program with requirements in nursing and cognate/ general education courses comparable to those at SWAU
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA of 3.0 for lower division courses
• Minimum 3.0 GPA for Nursing courses
• Completed minimum 56 semester units
• Current, unencumbered RN Texas
• Graduates of diploma programs must take a proficiency examination to validate college credit for nursing courses (or seek validation through professional review of an international transcript)
• Current AHA Basic Life Support CPR certification as Health Care Provider

Accreditation and Approval

Southwestern Adventist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees.

SWAU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Nursing program is approved by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE).

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

• #13 in Regional Colleges West
• #5 in Best Value Schools

NICHE (2019)

#10 Best College West Region, College Consensus (2018)

#3 Affordable Colleges Online (2017)