Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Traditional 4-year Track
Our BSN program is ranked #2 in the state of TX for BSN programs by nurse.org in 2022 and in 2024.
Our Mission and Vision
The mission of the Schreiner University Nursing Programs is to prepare and educate caring, innovative, professional nurses who are leaders in addressing the evolving health care needs of all people and are committed to self-development.
The vision of the Schreiner University Nursing programs is to cultivate a community of learning that equips students with the knowledge and clinical judgement to provide care to diverse patient populations in promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for the ill, disabled, and dying patients in a global society. Faculty foster creative learning experiences supporting future nurses, nurse leaders, and scholars committed to compassionate holistic care.
2023 Nurses Day at the Capitol
Several Schreiner University senior BSN students participated in the Texas Nurses Day at the Capitol this year. Their mission was to petition state legislators on pending house and senate bills relating to nursing matters. These included nursing education funding, workforce retention, student health, and APRN full practice. The voices of these future nurses were heard.
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN® exam) determines if graduates are safe to begin practice as entry-level nurses, and is required for licensure.
The Schreiner University BSN Program boasts a 100% pass rate for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023!
Prospective students may apply to the Schreiner Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program starting September 1st. Deadline for submission of application and other required paperwork to the Schreiner University BSN program is February 1st for consideration of admission in the Fall semester. Late applicants will be accepted until April 1st, on a limited basis. Applicants may contact the office of the Nursing Department at 830-792-7481 if they require assistance.
The following is required as part of the application:
Unless currently enrolled at Schreiner University, you must submit a record of current acceptance. University application can be located at applyschreiner.force.com/application or contact the Admissions Office at 830-792-7217
- ATI TEAS score (within the last year) minimum overall score of 75.
- Two letters of recommendation (not family members)
- Essay (500 words maximum) addressing why you want to be a nurse, what challenges you feel may interfere with your successful completion of the BSN program and if you feel you can overcome those challenges. List community service and your projected 5 year goals.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate coursework completed. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all prerequisite coursework, with a “B” or better for all math (Algebra and Statistics) and science (Nutrition, A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry) courses.
- Relevant professional, academic achievements, awarded certifications or healthcare experience may be submitted; however it is not required.
- Immunizations required include:
- MMR series of two immunizations, positive titer
- TDaP, must include Pertussis, within past 10 yr.
- Hepatitis B series of 3 immunizations, or titer
- Varicella series of 2 immunizations, positive titer, or DSHS History of Illness Form signed by parent or healthcare provider.
- Meningitis vaccine in accordance with Texas Law for new students less than 30 years of age.
- Recommended: Covid Immunization
- Find more details in the BSN Handbook
Fall Admission
- Application Deadline: February 1.
- Late Applications on a limited basis until April 4.
Been Accepted? Here are your next steps…
Complete all next steps required for a junior or transfer
Sign and return the acceptance form to the Nursing Department Office
Sign up and complete the required Criminal Background Check and send approval documentation to the Nursing Department
NEW Schreiner Student Application
Be sure to select BSN “on campus” as your major
This application is only for students not
currently enrolled at Schreiner:
CURRENT Schreiner Student BSN Program Application
Current Schreiner Student BSN Program Application
This application is only for current Schreiner students:
Traditional BSN program at Schreiner University
Nursing is defined as an art and a science. Across the nation, nursing is recognized as two of the most difficult programs of Baccalaureate study. Courses in math and sciences provide a strong foundation for making nursing decisions necessary to secure or maintain optimal health for self and others. This program of study has many demands, but the rewards are well worth the effort and they last a lifetime. Schreiner University’s BSN program prepares students for this challenging and rewarding career.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact our admissions counselors at admissions@schreiner.edu.
STUDENT’S EXPENSE OF APPLYING TO PROGRAM:
ATI TEAS Entrance Exam $110.00
ATI TEAS-Prep Book and 2 Online Practice Exams $90.00 (Optional)
CastleBranch – Drug Test $45.00 & Medical Document Manager $35.00
- Sub-total $245.00 ($335.00 with Test Prep)
STUDENT’S IMMEDIATE EXPENSE ONCE ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM:
Criminal Background Check (paid directly to BON) $45.00
- Sub-Total $45.00
STUDENT’S EXPENSES PRIOR TO BSN ORIENTATION:
Immunizations as required (dependant on health insurance coverage and eligibility)
2 Uniforms with Patch
Shoes
Stethoscope
Pen Light
History and Physical Exam Pocket List
Laptop computer with internet, camera, & audio capabilities
BLS/CPR MUST BE American Heart Association (AHA)
STUDENT EXPENSE AT PROGRAM COMPLETION:
Application Fee to BON (paid directly to BON) $200.00
Jurisprudence Testing Fee (paid directly to BON) $25.00
NCLEX Testing Fee (paid directly to testing site) $139.00
- Sub-Total $364.00
ALL FEES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ALL NURSING STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY MEDICAL INSURANCE
Prior to scheduling your entrance examination, it is highly recommended that you go to atitesting.com and order a prep package. Make sure that you order the study guide and practice examinations for the ATI TEAS Examination. Do not order a version that is located at Amazon, etc., as it is not the official study guide and does not cover the same content. We recommend beginning to prepare at least one month prior to sitting for your examination.
The TEAS exam is multiple choice and covers the following:
- Reading – paragraph comprehension, passage comprehension, and inferences/conclusions
- Math – whole numbers, metric conversion, fractions, decimals, algebraic equations, percentages, and ratio/proportion
- Science – science reasoning, science knowledge, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, basic physical principles, and general science
- English and Language Usage – punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, contextual words, and spelling
Sign up for your TEAS test through atitesting.com
Use this guide to help you Sign up for your TEAS test: TEAS Guide
You must arrive 15 minutes early to get signed on your computer, turn off your cell phone, place personal items in the front of the room and receive instructions. There is a limit of two attempts per admission cycle on the ATI TEAS Entrance Examination for admission to the SU BSN program.
ATI – TEAS Exam Dates:
- January 29
- February 26
- March 26
Time: Wednesdays at 9:00 am
Location: Moody Computer Lab, room 212
*Exam Date, Time and Location Subject to Change
National Student Nursing Association (NSNA) & Texas Nursing Student Association (TNSA)
The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) was founded in 1952. It is a nonprofit organization for students who are enrolled in associate, baccalaureate, diploma, and generic graduate nursing programs. The NSNA is committed to nurturing the professional development of nursing students.
Membership in the Texas Nursing Student Association (TNSA):
Schreiner University will establish a chapter of the Texas Nursing Students Association following the 10th student who joins NSNA/TNSA.
As a member of TNSA and NSNA you are entitled to may benefits (TNSA, 2011):
- Delegate representation in the annual House of Delegates at both the TNSA and NSNA convention.
- Eligible to submit resolutions to the TNSA and NSNA House of Delegates.
- Eligible for contests, awards, and scholarships at the local, state and national level.
- Affiliated with the largest nursing student association in the United States and the largest state association.
- Networking opportunities with students across the state and country along with nursing leaders and specialty nurses.
- A year’s subscription to Imprint, the only magazine published by nursing students for nursing students.
- Eligible to attend Council of Schools and State Convention.
Membership is open to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Schreiner University. Meetings are held twice per semester and one service project is completed each semester. For additional information, please contact Dr. Ruth Grubesic, Associate Professor/Nursing and Public Health, rbgrubesic@schreiner.edu.
Sigma Alpha Alpha Chi
Current Chapter officers are:
- Dr. Loretta Moreno – President
- Dr. Shanna Chapman – Vice Pres
- Dr Ruth Grubesic Counselor
Mission: Alpha Alpha Chi at Large, provides leadership and research development for eligible nursing students and professionals. Its purpose is to:
- Promote superior achievement
- Support the development of leadership qualities
- Foster high professional standards
- Encourage creative academic and collegiate work
- Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purpose of the nursing profession
Vision: Developing nurse leaders to provide exceptional, compassionate and patient-centered care in the Texas Hill Country and surrounding regions.
Strategic Plan Initiatives: Promote chapter affiliation with local nurses. Scholarships. CNE offerings. Research poster series.
Sigma Nursing Honor Society History
Sigma Theta Tau was founded in 1922 by six nursing students at Indiana University. Modern nursing was barely 20 years old when Mary Tolle, Edith Moore, Marie Hippensteel, Dorothy Garrigus, Elizabeth Russell and Elizabeth McWilliams met to found a society to advance the status of nursing as a profession.
The founders recognized the value of scholarship and the importance of excellence in practice. With the full idealism of women forging pathways of change in the 1920s, they wanted to build a framework to encourage future leaders to effectively improve health care.
Sigma International
- A joint partnership between Peterson Regional Medical Center, Hill Country Memorial Hospital, and Schreiner University is underway to introduce a Sigma International Chapter to the Texas Hill Country.
- A collaboration between students and practicing nurses will strengthen the healthcare community. Membership will be open to nurse leaders in practice settings.
- From its inception, Sigma has recognized the value of scholarship and excellence in nursing practice. In 1936, Sigma became the first US organization to fund nursing research. Today, Sigma supports these values through its numerous professional development products and services that focus on the core areas of education, leadership, career development, evidence-based nursing, research, and scholarship. These products and services advance the learning and professional development of members and all nurses who strive to improve the health of the world’s people.
- Charter application is pending approval…Fall 2020
Nurse Leader Candidates must:
- be legally recognized to practice nursing in their country.
- have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the equivalent in any field.
- demonstrate achievement in nursing.
Interested in a health profession? This community focuses on your journey to that career. We will discuss forming an identity as a healthcare provider—what it takes to prepare for this career and the skills you’ll need. We’ll also explore medical ethics, such as who decides if someone has a right to die. Most importantly, we will support and assist you as you prepare for the next steps after graduating from Schreiner University. If you are pursuing a health profession, this community is for you! Learn more about the Health Professions Learning Community.
U.S. Department of Education regulation 34 CFR 600.9 c, 668.41, 668.43, 668.50
New language impacting programs leading to professional licensure has been added to 34 CFR §668.43 to ensure that notifications are being made to students regardless of modality. These rules include requirements for both general and direct disclosures for enrolled and prospective students as to whether or not a program’s curriculum meets State educational requirements for licensure or certification. An institution will also be required to provide disclosures when a determination cannot be made. The U.S. Department of Education’s regulation 34 CFR 600.9(c), State Authorization, requires that a higher education institution offering distance education in a state where it is not physically located meet individual state requirements for offering distance or correspondence education within that state and requires that institutions provide certain disclosures relating to state distance authorization status, consumer complaint information, refund policies, and program licensure requirements, among others.
Authorization
The RN program traditional face-to-face track is licensed in Texas. The online BSN track is a non-licensure program. It is a Bachelor Degree completion program. The program is accredited by SACS-COC and CCNE. Consequences of Moving States: Students are advised that Schreiner University Nursing Program maintains a state licensure status in Texas and relocation to another state may impact a student’s continued ability to remain enrolled in a program. In addition, for students enrolled in licensure-leading programs, relocation to another state may impact the student’s ability to obtain professional licensure, certification or other credential in another state. Students are advised to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate. Schreiner University Nursing Program cannot guarantee that students who relocate will be able to remain in their program or meet the requirements of state licensure boards.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
Schreiner University is a current member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. This is an agreement among member states that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. SARA only applies to distance education not on ground or group activities (NCS 3(4) and only focuses on U.S. distance education that crosses state lines. The members of SARA are states not institutions or students. SARA does not replace state authorization and only accredited federally recognized institutions can operate under SARA. SARA pertains to approval of distance education courses and programs offered across state lines by institutions that already have degree authorization in at least one state. States have the option of becoming a member of SARA through their regional compact. There are four regional compacts, including: Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC), New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE, Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Institutions within in a SARA state with state authorization in own state can also offer distance education courses and/or programs to any other SARA state member.
Complaints
Students are provided an online training and have been provided information about the Texas BON, AACN, and SACS-COC accrediting entity and how to file a complaint against the nursing program. Texas BON complaint can be emailed to complaints@bon.texas.gov, faxed to (512) 305-6870, or mailed to: Texas Board of Nursing, Enforcement, Suite 3-460, 333 Guadalupe St, Austin, Texas 78701. Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) complaints can be sent to Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, Telephone: 202-887-6791, Fax: 202-887-8476. SACSCOC for complaints regarding a violation of accreditation policies, students may use the Complaint Procedures against SACS-COC or its Accredited Institutions Policy Statement to find information about how to make a complaint to the University’s accrediting body, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). The Policy Statement is available from the SACSCOC Website at http://www.sacscoc.org/. The student must send two copies of the Complaint against Institutions Information Sheet and Form, contained in the Policy Statement, to the President of the accrediting body at the following address: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097.
Adverse Action
The RN program at Schreiner University has met all requirements for licensure, CCNE, and SACS-COC. Currently, there are no adverse actions at this time. Should the RN program receive an adverse action, students will be notified via email and/or snail mail within 5 business days.
Refunds
Students have been provided with the contact number and email for tuition refunds. The student should contact the Office of Financial Services at FinancialServices@schreiner.edu or 830-792-7229. In addition, information regarding student refunds can be found here – https://schreiner.edu/admissions/financial-services/policies-forms/
Licensure Requirements
The RN program at Schreiner University has met all requirements for Texas Licensure. All students who graduate from the Traditional BSN Program Track will meet requirements to take the NCLEX. The Board of Nursing does not have purview over the OBSN track.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Schreiner University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)
Our Faculty & Instructors
Bio
Ruth B. Grubesic
Clinical site and On-Campus BSN instruction
Hello, my name is Ruth Grubesic. I was born in Germany, grew up in Illinois and moved to Texas in 1989. I live in Bandera and am married with two stepchildren and seven grandchildren. I have degrees in Biology, Nursing, and Public Health and have been teaching nursing since 1991. I became a nurse educator in Nepal teaching undergraduate community health nursing for two years while I was in the U.S. Peace Corps. I completed my graduate education with a Master’s in Community Health Nursing and then a Doctorate in Public Health with a focus on International and Family Health. I have been at Schreiner since 2012 and teach in both the nursing and public health programs. I would say my passion is community/public health with a focus working with multicultural and/or international communities. I travel each year with students to Guatemala for a study abroad in Public Health and when not traveling for work, I am visiting family in Germany and Croatia. My research has been primarily on nutritional health both underweight and overweight. In 2015 I helped establish and now maintain the Schreiner Campus Community Garden. I love to be outdoors and have no problem doing so because I live on a farm with a garden, cows, chickens, bees, two dogs and a cat!!
Bio
Briana Watkins
Clinical Education Center Coordinator
Mrs. Watkins knew she wanted to be in healthcare from a young age. Upon graduating high school, she entered a fast-track ADN program and soon after became a Registered Nurse. She immediately began working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, quickly progressing to caring for high acuity patients.
As a recognized trainer and preceptor for the unit, Mrs. Watkins developed a second passion in nursing education. It was amazing to see the impact to be had on a brand-new sponge of a nurse and having firsthand influence on the standards they created for themselves and their patients.
Mrs. Watkins took a hiatus to have four babies of her own while simultaneously earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020 followed by a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2022. She started as the Clinical Education Center Coordinator at Schreiner in August of 2023, where she can be found in the Simulation Lab helping nursing students learn vital skills as well as serving as a tool in any areas needed to promote student success.
Bio
Joyce Contois
Online BSN instruction
Joyce Contois is an adjunct faculty member for the online BSN program at Schreiner University. She specializes in teaching nursing leadership. In addition to teaching for Schreiner University, Joyce is currently the lead nursing instructor for an evening practical nurse program.
She has more than eight years of teaching experience in nursing education and brings more than 24 years of nursing experience from a multitude of clinical areas. Joyce’s primary nursing interests include acute care, geriatrics, and palliative care. She holds a DNP in nursing education from Regis College. She dedicated her passion to improving palliative care awareness by completing her scholarly project on researching the effects of palliative care knowledge on initiation of referrals within an acute care setting.
Providing positive role modeling and leadership is an essential component of nursing education for Joyce. She is motivated to connect with and inspire each student to be successful. She is grateful to help develop the next generation of nurses and nursing leaders.
Joyce resides in Massachusetts with my family. She enjoys exercising, nature, and cooking as methods of promoting self-care and well-being. She is a member of the National league of Nursing.
Bio
Patti Grota
Online BSN instruction
Having completed her BSN at Oklahoma Baptist University, MS clinical nurse specialist t the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, and Ph.D. at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Patti has taught undergraduate and graduate nursing students since 2012 online, in the classroom, in instructional labs, simulation, and clinical. She is a nationally recognized infection prevention expert and has been active in the Association for Infection Prevention and Control (APIC) locally and nationally for over twenty-five years.
Bio
Lisa Johnson
Lisa Johnson is an Adjunct Professor and Curriculum Coordinator in the Department of Nursing at Community College of Philadelphia. She has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology/sociology, a master’s degree in nursing with a focus in community health and education, and a PhD in nursing. She is a consultant across the country on curriculum development and course design in nursing. She is a certified pediatric nurse with 20 years of experience in pediatric hematology/oncology and mental health. Lisa has focused on addressing issues related to social determinants of health through service learning, connecting students with resources, and supporting and mentoring students on their journey to achieving their personal and educational goals. Lisa has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally on pediatric nurses’ experiences with caring for children who have been traumatized. Other areas of interest and research include service learning, global health, policy development, fostering student success, and transition to practice. She is an active member of the National League for Nursing, Society for Pediatric Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau, the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, the PA Colleges of Associate Degree Nursing, the American Nurses Association and the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, in which she is a reviewer for continuing education courses.
Bio
Julie Lunsford
Clinical site and On-Campus BSN instruction
Having completed the Master’s Program in Family Practice at the University of South Florida, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Brandman University, Julie has experience as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) in Urgent Care and academic settings. She has worked 20 years in an Emergency Department as a Registered Nurse, Assistant Head Nurse and ED Director; and 16 years as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department of a level 2 Trauma Center, rural Emergency Departments, Internal Medicine, Family Practice and Urgent Care. For five years, Julie worked contractual assignments for Comp Health. In addition to serving as an instructor for the BSN program, her primary role at Schreiner University is as the Campus Clinic Provider.
Bio
Lydia Madsen
Clinical site, On-Campus and Online BSN instruction
Having completed her BSN at The University of Texas in Austin, MSN Clinical Research Management at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Clinical Nurse Specialist Oncology at The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Licensure in Texas, and Ph.D. in Nursing at Texas Woman’s University Houston, Lydia has an expanded clinical and teaching background, and over 22 years’ experience in clinical research. Her areas of academic interest include evidence-based practice nursing-clinical, post-graduate oncology for advanced practice nurses and Holistic Health Assessment.
Bio
Richelle Johnson
Adjunct Instructor of Nursing
Dr. Johnson currently serves as an adjunct nursing instructor for Schreiner University. With a career deeply rooted in the desire to make a positive impact, Dr. Johnson has consistently demonstrated her commitment to nursing and education.
Originally from a small town in Minnesota, Dr. Johnson began her nursing journey at Alexandria Technical and Community College, where she graduated from the nursing program in 2009. She furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Mary in 2019 with an emphasis in nursing leadership and management. Her academic pursuits culminated in the completion of a Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of North Dakota in May 2024.
Alongside serving as an adjunct nursing instructor for Schreiner University, Dr. Johnson serves as the program director for the online RN to BSN program at her local university in North Dakota, where she finds great joy in shaping the future of nursing through education. Dr. Johnson believes that teaching is a dynamic and reciprocal process that extends beyond the transmission of knowledge. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the principles of student-centered learning, critical thinking, and professional development. She strives to create an environment that fosters curiosity, encourages intellectual growth, and prepares students to become compassionate and competent healthcare professionals.
Dr. Johnson’s career is marked by a broad spectrum of experiences, including acute care, long-term care, home health, clinic nursing, nursing administration, and academia. Her multifaceted background enables her to bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to her teaching.
Dr. Johnson’s journey into nursing was inspired by witnessing the compassionate care provided by nurses in various settings. This inspiration has driven her to excel in her field and to help others achieve their goals in nursing. Her dedication to education and her diverse professional experiences makes her a valuable mentor and leader in the nursing community. Additionally, she is an active member of many professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, and she serves on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota Nurses Association.
