How DBU Equips Students for Nursing Careers
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
If you're interested in supporting others in a challenging yet rewarding area of healthcare, nursing may be just the thing for you.
Whether you feel called to help kids in pediatrics, treat hearts in cardiology, triage severe emergencies, or choose another avenue in the healthcare field, you are serving as Jesus' hands and feet — and the pre-nursing program at Dallas Baptist University will equip you with the tools you need for the next steps of your journey.
What is Pre-Nursing at DBU?
The DBU pre-nursing program allows students to prepare for nursing school in a Christian environment. It provides both academic rigor and an avenue where future nurses can grow in their faith.
"DBU's pre-nursing program prepared me for nursing school while also instilling and growing Christ's values and heart of compassion and servanthood in me," said Emily Warren, a graduate of Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON).
In 2012, DBU and Baylor University established a partnership to ensure DBU's pre-nursing program prepared students for Baylor's LHSON courses.
The partnership gives students an academic route and an intentional next step towards a career in nursing directly after DBU, as they will receive preferential transfer status to LHSON over transfer students from other institutions.
"This agreement provides DBU pre-nursing students with a clear path to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing," said Dr. Gail Linam, DBU Senior Advisor to the Provost. "Students have the opportunity to complete their education from two respected institutions who both educate within a Christian environment while training for God's call on their lives."
Prerequisites for Nursing School
As part of the pre-nursing program and to sharpen the tools necessary for success, students take prerequisite classes at DBU, including human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and chemistry, in addition to many general core courses, before transferring to LHSON.
Students leave DBU equipped with the core conceptual and academic skills needed to thrive in LHSON and earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Plus, DBU professors and advisors offer students personalized guidance to help prepare them for nursing school admissions, while answering any questions about coursework, internships, admission exam preparation, and more.
More on Baylor University's Nursing Program
After admission into the LHSON, students complete their junior and senior years in downtown Dallas near Baylor University Medical Center to earn their BSN. While attending the LHSON, they are considered Baylor students but have the option to remain in DBU housing and commute.
The Baylor nursing program has been educating graduates for nearly 115 years, equipping nurses to be academically, spiritually, and personally prepared for service.
Nursing Employment Opportunities
The field of nursing is broad, as Registered Nurses (RNs) work in various settings to provide quality care to a diverse patient population, helping those in hospitals, home healthcare, schools, and more. Some might even choose to continue their education by getting their master's or professional degrees and becoming nurse practitioners, physical therapists, occupational therapists, or even nursing school professors.
What's more, nursing is a growing industry with a competitive salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job growth rate between 2023 and 2033 will be 6%, which is faster than the average.1
1Based on data available as of Monday, November 11, 2024, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses
The following is a small snapshot of jobs available for those with a bachelor's degree in nursing. You can explore more options on Indeed's Career Guide.
Popular Nursing Jobs in Texas
Emergency Room Nurse
Managing the traumatic and often severe or life-threatening medical conditions of an emergency room is the day-to-day role of E.R. nurses, who are often among the first to evaluate patients and stabilize them. These nurses also manage triage, ensuring that the most critical cases receive care first.
Oncology Nurse
If you have a heart for patients who have cancer diagnoses, oncology nursing may be of interest. The duties of this role often include administering chemotherapy, overseeing symptom management, and monitoring a patient's response to treatment. Pediatric oncology nurses specialize in the treatment of young children with cancer.
Pediatric Nurse
Speaking of the younger generation, a pediatric nurse specializes in care for children — from babies to adolescents and young adults. Neonatal nurses specifically care for newborns, often in the first month of life, especially those facing health challenges like birth defects, heart issues, and prematurity.
Orthopedic Nurse
If you've ever broken a bone or had a sports injury, you may have experienced care from an orthopedic nurse. This realm of nursing focuses on fractured bones and other musculoskeletal issues and diseases, like arthritis, joint replacements, and osteoporosis.
Home Care Nurse
Delivering care to patients in their homes, a home care nurse often cares for older adults, people who have recently returned home after a hospital stay, those needing extra assistance, and people with disabilities.
--
These are just a few of the nursing paths you could take to provide care to generalized or hyper-specific populations. You may know exactly where you're feeling called — or you may uncover that pursuit along the way.
As you determine your next steps, DBU's advisors and professors are here to help you make the decision that is best for you. Learn more about the Pre-Nursing program.
