Why Major in Nursing at Belmont?
Belmont's Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing is a Christ-centered, student-focused community that embraces a culture of openness and mutual respect, teaching excellence and the privilege of service. We strive to provide an academically challenging education that enables individuals of all backgrounds to safely practice professional nursing with disciplined intelligence, compassion, courage and faith.
Direct Entry BSN
At Belmont, you don’t have to wait to become a nurse. We offer direct entry to the BSN program, meaning you're admitted to the College of Nursing before you even arrive on campus. From your very first semester, you’ll begin nursing coursework and build meaningful connections with faculty, peers and clinical partners. And because of our direct-entry model, you’ll start hands-on clinical experiences as early as your sophomore year—giving you a strong foundation and a head start in your nursing career.
Center of Excellence
Belmont's Nursing program is one of only 95 institutions to be designated as a National League of Nursing Center of Excellence Education programs. This designation reflects the program’s proven ability to prepare graduates who are clinically competent, compassionate and ready to lead in today’s complex health care environment.
100% NCLEX Pass Rate
Belmont boasts a 100% NCLEX pass rate. This means every Belmont nursing graduate who took the licensing exam passed — an important step to becoming a registered nurse. The results show how well the program prepares students for both the exam and real-world nursing.
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Nursing in Nashville
With more than 500 health care companies based in Nashville, Belmont nursing students train in one of the nation’s most active health care hubs. We offer 100% clinical placement, ensuring every student gains hands-on experience in real-world settings. Clinical sites include leading systems such as HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar Health and the Tennessee Department of Health. These partnerships offer hands-on experience in acute care, public health, specialty clinics and community-based settings—equipping students to step confidently into their nursing careers.
What You'll Learn
Your nursing education at Belmont blends classroom study, laboratory simulation and hands-on clinical experience so you graduate confident in your skills and ready to provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
Core Learning Outcomes
Students in the BSN program gain the ability to:
- Deliver patient-centered care using ethical, compassionate practice
- Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment in varied health care settings
- Communicate effectively with patients, families and health care teams
- Use current research to inform decisions and improve outcomes
- Advocate for the health and well-being of individuals and communities
Program Details
Curriculum
Students enrolled in the BSN degree program follow a rigorous program of study that is designed to build on knowledge and prepare students to successfully transition to practice as an entry-level nurse. The program includes a combination of general education, Prerequisite/Introductory, and Upper-Level Nursing Courses.
General education courses meet the requirements of Belmont's BELL Core, which is designed to improve student skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, citizenship, and connecting disciplines. Examples of General Education Courses include:
- ENG 1010 First-Year Writing
- BEL 1015 First-Year Seminar
Prerequisite and Introductory Nursing Courses are offered in the first two years of a 4-year program of study and must be successfully completed before enrolling in upper-level nursing coursework. Examples of prerequisite and introductory courses include:
- NUR 1010 Perspectives in Health Care
- NUR 1020 Cultural Competence in Nursing
- BIO 2230 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Upper-Level Nursing Courses provide a foundation of knowledge for nurse education and may include an experiential component that includes laboratory, simulation or clinical requirements. Examples of upper-level coursework include:
- NUR 2240 Pathophysiology
- NUR 3010 Care Management I
- NUR 3011 Experiential Learning I
- NUR 3500 Pharmacolocy I
- NUR 3600 Pharmacology II
Additional information related to BSN plans of study is available on the links below and in the University Undergraduate Course Catalog.
Traditional BSN Program of Study
Partners in Nursing BSN Program of Study
Transfer Students
Transfer students will require careful evaluation of previous coursework by the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and admissions counselor. Some BELL Core requirements may be accepted through appropriate coursework completed elsewhere at a regionally accredited college or university; however, specific BELL Core requirements must be completed at Belmont. For additional information, please contact our Admissions Coordinator.
Get Involved in Nursing
The College of Nursing offers meaningful opportunities to build your skills, serve your community and connect with fellow students.
Service Learning, Mission Trips and Study Abroad
In addition to the many University-sponsored mission and study abroad trips, nursing students participate in health-related projects in our neighborhood, city, state and around the world.
Local Service:
- Room in the Inn
- Red Cross Blood Drives
- Health Fairs
- Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinics
- Vaccine Clinics
Global Service: Recent mission trips have included Africa, Cambodia, China, Guatemala, Haiti and Northern Ireland.
Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI)
The Honor Society of Nursing recognizes academic excellence. You're eligible for invitation after completing half of the nursing curriculum with a GPA in the top 35% of your class.
Belmont's chapter, Omicron Phi, hosts scholarship events and service projects throughout the year.
Student Nurses Association (SNA)
Open to all nursing students. SNA connects you to the professional nursing community through:
- Community service projects
- Professional development events
- Social activities
- Barnes & Noble discount
- Mentorship program
Contact: sna@bruins.belmont.edu.
The Baccalaureate, Post-graduate APRN and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Belmont University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
Belmont University College of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing and the Southern Council of Collegiate Education for Nursing. The program is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
Belmont University College of Nursing is designated as a NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
In addition, the College of Nursing holds the charter for the Omicron Phi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Click here for full accreditation and state licensure information
Admissions & Aid
Belmont Nursing Admissions
Belmont offers direct entry to the BSN program. Your application to Belmont is your nursing application — no separate nursing application required. If admitted, you begin nursing courses in your first semester.
Admission Requirements
First-Year Students
- 3.5 high school GPA
- 3.5 GPA in math and science courses (if not submitting ACT/SAT)
Transfer Students
- 3.25 college GPA
- 3.25 GPA in prerequisite courses
Partners in Nursing Students (Nashville State, Volunteer State, Welch College)
- 3.25 college GPA minimum
- Joint admission process with your partner school
- Contact your partner school first to determine eligibility
View Partners Program Details (PDF)
International Students
- Visit our International Education page for TOEFL requirements and transcript evaluation
- Contact the Office of Admissions with questions
Application Deadlines
Priority Deadline for Nursing Scholarships:
- First-Year Students: Dec. 1, 2025
- Transfer Students: Feb. 1, 2026
You can still apply after these dates and be considered for admission and general scholarships, but nursing-specific scholarships require meeting the priority deadline.
Ready to Apply?
- Complete the undergraduate application.
- Select "nursing" as your intended major
- Submit all required materials to the Belmont Admissions Office
Questions? Contact our Admissions Coordinator.
All admitted students are automatically considered for Belmont scholarships — no separate application required. View all financial aid options.
Nursing-Specific Scholarships
Students admitted to the College of Nursing are automatically considered for these scholarships:
Lettie Pate Whitehead Endowed Scholarship
- For female nursing students with financial need
- Must be from AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN or VA
- Award: $2,000–$7,000
Joe C. Davis Endowed Nursing Scholarship
- Merit-based award for incoming nursing students
- Renewable for up to four years with 3.0 GPA
- Award: $2,000–$7,000
How Awards Are Determined
Selection is based on GPA, class ranking and community involvement.
Application Deadline
To be considered for nursing scholarships, submit your admission application by:
- First-Year Students: Dec. 1
- Transfer Students: Feb. 1
Learn more at Student Financial Services.
Career Possibilities
Your Future as a Nurse
Graduates from Belmont's BSN program step into the field prepared for meaningful work in hospitals, clinics, private practice, public health and more. Our alumni are known for their clinical excellence, strong communication skills and commitment to compassionate care.
- Registered Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Labor & Delivery
- Surgical Services
- Public Health Nurse
- School Nurse
- and more
Graduate Education Pathways
Students with a BSN degree are well-positioned to continue their education and pursue roles as nurse practitioners, nursing educators or health care leaders.
Belmont offers qualified students the opportunity to move directly into the BSN-DNP program upon completing their undergraduate degree. Learn more about this pathway in the BSN-DNP program details.
Doctor of Nursing Practice, DNP
Clinical Experience in One of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Health Care Hubs
Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation
Students benefit from Belmont’s 60,000 square-foot Center for Interprofessional Engagement & Simulation, which provides cutting-edge facilities for clinical practice and collaboration across health care disciplines. This center enhances clinical skills through realistic, hands-on simulations in a controlled learning environment.
Khadijah Faison
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
“I transferred to NROTC Vanderbilt on orders to obtain a BSN at Belmont, a cross-town affiliate University. The support that I received during the application, admission and advising process are a part of the reason why I chose Belmont!”
Gracie Watson
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
“Belmont nursing does not stop at providing nursing degrees. Belmont nursing nurtures good, strong, impactful nurses that are known in the Nashville community and beyond for their excellence and dedication.”
FAQ
No. The BSN program is designed for students beginning their nursing education. You'll receive hands-on training starting early in the program.
Clinical experiences typically begin during your first year and continue throughout your time in the program, supported by simulation labs and clinical partners across Nashville.
Yes. Students admitted to the BSN program begin nursing coursework as part of their degree plan.
Belmont is known for small, supportive learning environments. You'll be known by name and learn alongside a close cohort.
Admission is selective. Strong academic preparation, a willingness to learn and consistent effort are key. We encourage you to apply early.
Yes. Nursing students participate in international clinical and cultural experiences, including faculty-led programs.
Yes. Nursing students have access to academic support, advising and peer mentorship.
Contact Us
Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing
Tiffany Fincher
Admissions Coordinator
(615) 460.6120