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8

Semesters

126

Credit hours

Faulkner University School of Nursing

 

Accepting applications for upper division!

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR UPPER DIVISION FALL 2025 ADMISSION: MARCH 31, 2025*

Applications for lower division open now: APPLY HERE

Discover the next chapter of healthcare education at Faulkner University! Launching in Fall 2025, our School of Nursing is designed to equip future nurses with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed in today’s dynamic healthcare environment, as the hands and feet of Christ. Our comprehensive program combines rigorous academics with real-world clinical experiences in a Christian learning environment, preparing graduates to provide exceptional, patient-centered care. Join us at Faulkner University, where we’re shaping the future of nursing with faith-driven values, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to excellence. Embark on a career that changes lives—starting with yours.

*Upper division students will be accepted every fall and spring

Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Montgomery, Alabama

Embark on the next chapter of your nursing education at Faulkner University. Available from our campus in Montgomery, AL, our School of Nursing program equips future healthcare workers with the knowledge, skills, compassion, and Christian mindset to operate in a dynamic medical industry. With our faith-driven values, cutting-edge facilities, and knowledgeable faculty, we are shaping the future of nursing. Join us to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and begin a career that will change others’ lives and your own.

Why Choose Nursing?

Nursing is an excellent career choice for anyone looking for a lucrative, in-demand job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $86,070 for registered nurses and projects a significant 6% growth in employment over the next 10 years. This great pay is often accompanied by desirable benefits. In addition, with widespread shortages across the state and nation, nurses are needed everywhere – so you’ll have a job wherever you go.

Job stability and monetary rewards aren’t the only advantages of a career in nursing. The rewards of nursing may also be intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual. Here are some of the many reasons why people choose to enter this exciting field:

  • Interesting work: Nursing can be exciting. Work never gets old when each day introduces different problems to solve, people to meet, and challenges to overcome.
  • Diverse opportunities: With over 100 specialties, nurses have the chance to pursue higher-paying positions or focus on the aspects that interest them most.
  • Personal growth: The medical industry is constantly changing. To keep up, nurses must learn new skills and new ways to apply the ones they have.
  • Interpersonal connections: Nurses enjoy a highly social work life. They work closely with other nurses and physicians and are constantly meeting new patients.
  • Gaining respect: Due to the relationships they build and the important medical work they perform, nurses fill one of the most widely respected positions.
  • Making a difference: Nurses improve lives by offering hope, counseling patients and families in grief, celebrating good news, and providing high-quality medical care.

All these benefits, from the financial to the spiritual, create a career field with excellent satisfaction. Earning your nursing degree is a decision you are unlikely to regret.

Nursing student practices taking pulse

Our Nursing Program Structure

The School of Nursing at Faulkner University follows a two-part structure. The first part, called Lower Division, features two years of pre-nursing. During this period, students will complete their core courses and build an academic foundation in preparation for Upper Division.

Students entering the second part of our degree program, Upper Division, must have completed all Lower Division requirements with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.75. Applications are competitive, and meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission. Accepted students will complete a rigorous eight semesters of nursing school, including a hands-on clinical experience. By the end of Upper Division, students will have earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing and will be prepared to take the nursing licensing exam.

In total, the degree program takes four years to complete. This fast track sets Faulkner University apart from other nursing schools in our region and across the country. In just four years, you can be ready to earn your license and start working as a registered nurse.

Our Montgomery Campus

Faulkner University’s campus in Montgomery, AL, has been open since 1942. Over the past eight decades, we have remained dedicated to helping students advance their careers by earning bachelor’s and post-graduate degrees. The city of Montgomery offers a diverse economy including government, education, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Faulkner University graduates step from the podium into a thriving environment rich with opportunity.

Our campus is at 5345 Atlanta Highway, near the Eastern Boulevard bypass intersection and the Eastdale Mall. Check our map and directions for additional travel information.

We understand that life is busy for our adult students. This is why Faulkner University schedules classes to accommodate hectic lifestyles. Students have the option to choose between day, evening, and weekend courses to balance their education with work and family obligations. Some classes may also be offered online for added convenience, making it easier than ever to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in today’s fast-paced society.

Making Admissions Easy

Applying to college shouldn’t have to be difficult. At Faulkner University, we provide our nursing school candidates with all the tools they need to ensure a smooth enrollment process. All applicants have the option to engage with the following useful resources at different points in their journey:

  • Meet 1:1 with our Admissions Committee to discuss whether Faulkner is right for you
  • Learn more about our program and process with a personalized enrollment Q&A session
  • Tour our College of Health Sciences campus in Montgomery, AL
  • Receive professional support and reviews to refine your application
  • Ask questions and resolve concerns with our dedicated Admissions Department

These services help you feel confident in taking your next step forward on your career path. When you step through our doors as a student, you’ll know you made the right decision and are ready for all the challenges and triumphs nursing school has to offer.

Cost of Attendance

Please Note: Tuition, fees, and associated costs of attendance are estimates only. Tuition and fees are officially established annually at the Faulkner University Board of Trustees meeting.

Tuition and Fees:

2025-2026

 

Nursing Program Fee (upper division)

Tuition

Fees

$12,300/semester**

$2300 x 4 semesters

Total Four-Year Cost        

$98,400 (8 semesters)

$9,200 (4 semesters)

*Full degree curriculum is 126 credit hours (8 semesters)
*Upper Division curriculum is 62 credit hours (4 semesters)

**Please inquire with the admissions office to determine scholarship and discount opportunities.
Traditional enrollment (Ages 23 & under) - admissions@faulkner.edu 334-386-7200
Adult enrollment (Ages 24 & up) - adultenrollment@faulkner.edu 334-386-7140

The average tuition discount rate for FY 2024 was 62% with the average traditional student paying $9,000 in mandatory tuition and general university fees for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Effective Fall 2025 – Upper Division*

Tuition

$12,300 (4 semesters)

$49,200

     

Nursing Program Fee

$2300 x 4 semesters

Inclusive of:
Clinical Fees (Simulation, Clinical Placement, Liability Insurance) - $1500
Technology and Software - $300
Program Support Fees (Lab, Tutoring, Resources) - $500
Upper Division Online Course Fees - included

$9,200

Total Program Cost*

$58,400

*without discounts/scholarships; nursing program fees are not subject to discount/scholarship

Program Required Expenses
The table below includes *estimates of additional expenses incurred by students.

Books / HESI Fees/ NCLEX prep

$3,300

Laptop / iPad

$2,000

Scrubs

$150

Lab Kit

$200

Health Insurance

$8,400 (varies)

Background Check (annual)

$60

Drug Screen (annual)

$30

Titers, Vaccinations (annual)

$175 (varies)

Physical Exam (annual)

$50 (varies)

Other Expenses
Other expenses are *estimated in the table below.

Lodging

$36,400

Transportation

$3,500

Graduation Fee

$150

NCLEX-RN Exam Fee

$200

Alabama Board of Nursing Exam Application**

$128.50

Miscellaneous (renter’s insurance, additional study resources, etc.)

$2,000

*Estimated expenses updated in 2024 based on a survey of previous students in other CHS programs.
**Fees vary by state

Refund Policy

Grading Policy

Admissions Requirements- Lower Division

Admissions Requirements- Upper Division

Upper Division 

  • All Lower Division Requirements* for the BSN Program must be satisfactorily completed before beginning the BSN Upper Division. A minimum grade of C is required in all science courses.  
  • *Note: Exceptions may be granted for transfer students needing to complete the Faulkner University Bible course requirements. These courses may be completed in summer semesters during the Upper Division. 
  • Overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) must be at least 2.75/4.0 at the time of application to be considered eligible for acceptance to the BSN Upper Division.  (Overall cumulative GPA includes all attempts of undergraduate courses not considered developmental or technical.)   
  • If an applicant is unsuccessful in a course in which they are enrolled the term prior to entering the BSN Upper Division or the cumulative GPA is below a 2.75, the applicant may not enter the BSN Upper Division and must apply and be accepted again to the BSN Upper Division before being permitted to enroll.  
  • Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive, and a 2.75 cumulative GPA does not guarantee admission to the Faulkner University BSN Upper Division.  
  • Students who have attended a nursing program at another school will be required to submit a Letter of Good Standing signed by the nursing administrator of the program, verifying that the student was in good, moral, ethical, and legal standing with no previous disciplinary actions.  Transfer of upper division nursing courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will require faculty review of course syllabi. 

Handbook

The program handbook for the new BSN program is being created.

Philosophy of the School of Nursing

Philosophy of the School of Nursing at Faulkner University 

Mission 

The mission of the School of Nursing at Faulkner University is to glorify God through the holistic education of future nurses. We are committed to nurturing integrity, character, and professional excellence in a compassionate, Christian environment where every individual matters every day. Our goal is to prepare nurses who are not only skilled in their profession but also dedicated to serving others with Christ-like compassion and ethical integrity. 

Vision 

Guided by biblical truth, the School of Nursing at Faulkner University aspires to be recognized as a dynamic, Christ-centered institution. We aim to foster academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a deep personal commitment to service. Our graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and moral foundation necessary to make a profound and lasting impact in the nursing field, their families, churches, and communities. 

Core Principles 

  1. Holistic Education: We believe in educating the whole person, integrating rigorous academic training with spiritual and moral development. Our curriculum is designed to produce competent nurses who embody integrity, compassion, and professionalism. 
  2. Christ-Centered Care: Our nursing practice is rooted in Christian values, emphasizing the importance of treating each patient with dignity, respect, and love. We strive to emulate Christ’s compassion in all our interactions, providing care that heals both body and spirit. 
  3. Fundamental Care: We capture the complexity and multidimensionality of nursing practice through practical, everyday actions of caring. This includes addressing the routine physical, psychosocial, and relational needs of patients. These elements are essential to meeting patients’ unique caring and safety needs, ensuring meaningful encounters for both the nurse and the patient. 
  4. Service and Leadership: We encourage our students to pursue excellence not only in their clinical skills but also in their service to others. By fostering a spirit of servant leadership, we prepare our graduates to take on roles that influence and uplift their communities. 
  5. Integrity and Character: We emphasize the importance of strong moral character and ethical decision-making in nursing. Our students are taught to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all aspects of their professional and personal lives. 
  6. Community and Support: At Faulkner University, we create a nurturing and supportive environment where every individual feels valued. We believe that a strong community fosters personal growth and professional development, enabling our students to thrive. 
  7. Global Impact: We prepare our graduates to be globally minded, ready to make a positive impact in diverse healthcare settings around the world. Our vision is for our nurses to be recognized for their excellence and compassionate care wherever they serve. 

By adhering to these principles, the School of Nursing at Faulkner University is committed to producing exceptional nurses who are not only proficient in their field but also exemplify the love and compassion of Christ in their everyday practice. 

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes 

  1. Support nursing practice with theoretical and empirical knowledge from various disciplines. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Human Flourishing]  
     
  2. Integrate principles of patient dignity, respect, and spirituality into all aspects of care delivery, ensuring culturally sensitive and holistic nursing practice. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Human Flourishing]  
     
  3. Demonstrate proficiency in assessing and addressing patients' physical, psychosocial, and relational needs throughout the care continuum in a socially and culturally diverse environment. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Nursing Judgment]  
     
  4. Utilize effective communication strategies to establish therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams, acknowledging and respecting spiritual beliefs. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Human Flourishing]  
     
  5. Apply evidence-based practice to promote excellence in care and patient safety, including health promotion and clinical prevention while considering holistic dimensions of care for patients of all ages. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Spirit of Inquiry]  
     
  6. Utilize current technology in the provision of holistic nursing care. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Nursing Judgment] 
     
  7. Advocate for patient-centered care by respecting and incorporating patients' spiritual preferences, values, and beliefs into care planning and decision-making processes. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Professional Identity]  
     
  8. Formulate care practices that support continuity and coordination of care, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration to address physical, psychosocial, and relational aspects of patient care. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Nursing Judgment]  
     
  9. Evaluate current evidence and research to identify opportunities for improving quality, safety, and accessibility of care to improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Spirit of Inquiry] 
     
  10. Exhibit strong moral character by displaying honesty and integrity in personal and professional behaviors, including the adherence to current legal and ethical professional nursing standards. [NLN Competency for Baccalaureate Nurses - Professional Identity] 

Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Montgomery, AL

Take your next step into an exciting new career at the School of Nursing at Faulkner University. Offered from our Montgomery, AL campus, our BSN program delivers a Christ-centered education to support students in earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, priming them for success in an ever-moving healthcare industry. Apply now to start your enrollment process, or request more information to find out more about our program and admissions requirements.

Faculty and Contact Information:

Directory
Headshot

Shellye Vardaman, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, NEA-BC, CNE

Professor, Director, School of Nursing

svardaman@faulkner.edu

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Phyllis Kreischer, CRNP, MSN, RN

Assistant Program Director

pkreischer@faulkner.edu

334.386.7961

Have further questions?

For Questions about the Faulkner Nursing Program please contact us at nursing@faulkner.edu.