Department of Nursing and Health Sciences

Department Information 

Accreditation 

The Exercise Science and Nutrition program is recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). The coordinated program in dietetics is accredited through the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The Nursing program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. 

General Education 

All students seeking an undergraduate degree at UM must complete a core General Education curriculum that includes courses in English, history, mathematics, the natural sciences, social sciences, fine arts, oral and written communication, and personal development. 
 
The minimum requirements can be found in the General Education Credit Hour Requirements section of the Undergraduate Academic Policies  section in this Bulletin. 

EXNS 120  - Health Wellness may be used to satisfy the Personal Development option in the general education for all students. 

Exercise and Nutrition Science Program 

The undergraduate programs in Exercise and Nutrition Science lead to a baccalaureate degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science in one of four concentration areas: Allied Health , Health Promotion , Nutrition and Wellness , and Strength and Conditioning . Students should confer with an academic advisor to prepare a plan of study for their selected concentration in Exercise and Nutrition Science. 

All Exercise and Nutrition Science activity courses are 1-credit-hour classes. Refer to the most-recent Course Schedule for current activity course offerings. Program requirements are listed below by concentration. 

Nursing Program 

The University of Montevallo College of Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree may be completed through the Pre-licensure BSN  track or the RN to BSN  track. Both program tracks prepare graduates for generalist practice to provide direct and indirect care to individuals, families, groups, communities, or populations. Admission to the university does not constitute admission to the BSN program. There is a separate application for both the Pre-licensure and RN to BSN tracks. 

Mission 

The BSN program will prepare graduates as engaged nurse leaders who deliver transformative care to diverse populations to meet societal expectations required which aligns with the University’s commitments to social justice across education, health, and wellness fields.  

NCLEX-RN Examination  

Upon successful completion of the program requirements and upon recommendation by the Dean, Pre-licensure BSN graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX- RN) leading to the registered nurse (RN) license to practice nursing. The College of Health Professions cannot guarantee that the Board of Nursing will authorize students with criminal or substance abuse histories to complete NCLEX-RN licensure examination. The College of Health Professions cannot guarantee testing accommodations will be made for graduates taking the NCLEX-RN nor guarantee graduate eligibility for obtaining RN licensure. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to address such situations with the College Dean and the Board of Nursing as early as possible. 

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)   

Registered nurse licensure requirements vary by state and may include more requirements not related to the educational program. If you intend to pursue your RN license in a state other than Alabama, you need to contact the applicable state credentialing authority to determine their licensure requirements. You are welcome to contact the College of Health Profession’s Deans office with questions in this regard, and we will do our best to assist you with career planning.  To review a list of National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) U.S. Members and Board of Nursing contact information, visit https://www.ncsbn.org/membership/us-members/contact-bon.page.

Criminal Background Check  

Students are required to complete a Certification of Continued Clear Criminal Background for continued enrollment in the nursing program. This certification must be completed prior to attending any clinical experience. It must be renewed every semester during which there are clinical activities. The BSN Program requires that a student report any arrest, regardless of cause, to the College of Health Professions Dean no later than 72 hours after the arrest. 

HIPAA Compliance  

Students are required to protect all confidential information, including protected health information (PHI). Protected Health information is made confidential by law under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Confidential information may be in any form, such as written, electronic, oral, overheard or observed. Access to all confidential information is granted on a need-to-know basis. A need-to-know is defined as information access that is required in order to engage in nursing coursework or to complete the approved academic requirements for the program. 

Programs

Bachelor of Science

• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Allied Health, B.S.
• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Health Promotion, B.S.
• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Nutrition and Wellness, B.S.
• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science, Strength and Conditioning, B.S.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• •  Nursing, BSN
• •  Nursing, BSN (RN to BSN)

Minor(s)

• •  Exercise and Nutrition Science Minor