The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is a transformative program designed to equip aspiring healthcare professionals with the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding to excel in diverse healthcare settings. Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), and the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States, this program combines rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experience.
Why Choose USIU-Africa’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
USIU-Africa’s BSN program is tailored to address the growing demand for skilled, compassionate, and innovative nurses in Kenya and globally. The program’s mission is to cultivate lifelong learners and healthcare leaders who deliver evidence-based, culturally competent, and ethical nursing care. With a focus on critical thinking, social responsibility, and global health perspectives, graduates are prepared to navigate complex healthcare challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Key Program Highlights
- Accreditation: Dual accreditation by Kenyan and U.S. bodies ensures global recognition.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Blends theoretical learning with extensive clinical placements.
- Career Versatility: Prepares graduates for roles in hospitals, clinics, community health, and leadership.
- Global Perspective: Emphasizes skills for healthcare delivery in diverse global settings.
- Holistic Development: Fosters critical inquiry, ethical practice, and continuous professional growth.
Admission Requirements for USIU-Africa’s BSN Program
To enroll in the BSN program, candidates must meet specific academic and subject requirements, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rigors of nursing education. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria:
KCSE Requirements
- Mean Grade: C+ (plus) or its equivalent.
- Cluster Subjects:
- Alternative A:
- Biology: C+
- Chemistry: C+
- Mathematics or Physics: C+
- English or Kiswahili: C+
- Alternative B:
- Biological Sciences: C+
- Physical Sciences: C+
- Mathematics: C+
- English or Kiswahili: C+
- Alternative A:
A-Level Requirements
- Principal Passes: Biology and Chemistry.
- Subsidiary Pass: Physics or Mathematics.
Other Qualifications
- Degree Holders: A degree in Biological Sciences or an equivalent from a recognized university.
These requirements ensure that candidates have a strong foundation in sciences and communication, critical for nursing practice. Prospective students can contact USIU-Africa at admit@usiu.ac.ke or +254 730 116 290 for application details.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The USIU-Africa BSN program is structured to provide a balanced education, combining general education, core nursing courses, and clinical placements. The curriculum spans 226 units of core courses, with additional 39 units of general education and 15 units of signature courses, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience.
Degree Requirements
- General Education: 39 units
- Includes courses in information literacy, research methods, and foreign languages (e.g., Arabic, French, Spanish, Swahili).
- Signature Courses: 15 units
- Examples: Strategies for University Success, Community Service, Integrated Senior Seminar.
- Core Courses: 226 units
- Divided into Lower Level Core Courses (110 units) and Upper Level Core Courses (116 units).
- Electives: 12 units
- Includes courses from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences or Chandaria School of Business.
Lower Level Core Courses (110 Units)
These courses lay the foundation for nursing practice, covering essential sciences and introductory nursing concepts:
- BST 1010 Introduction to Biostatistics: 3 units
- HAN 1211 Human Anatomy I (Histology and Embryology): 4.5 units
- PHY 1212 Medical Physiology I (Body Systems): 3 units
- NUR 1313 Professionalism and Nursing Theories: 3 units
- NUR 1321 Fundamentals of Nursing Practice: 4.5 units
- CNP 2331 Medical and Surgical Clinical Placement I: 9 units
- MIC 2365 Medical Bacteriology and Mycology: 4.5 units
Upper Level Core Courses (116 Units)
Advanced courses focus on specialized nursing areas and leadership:
- NUR 3314 Pediatric Nursing: 3 units
- NUR 3317 Medical Surgical Nursing III (Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, and Reproductive Disorders): 3 units
- CNP 3323 Midwifery Clinical Placement II: 6 units
- NUR 4314 Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing: 3 units
- NUR 4315 Leadership and Management in Nursing: 4.5 units
- CNP 4321 Medical Surgical Specialties Clinical Placement: 13 units
- NUR 4322 Research Report: 3 units
Clinical Placements
Clinical placements are a cornerstone of the program, providing hands-on experience in real-world healthcare settings:
- CNP 3321 Pediatric Ward Clinical Placement: 4 units
- CNP 3322 Medical and Surgical Clinical Placement II: 4 units
- CNP 3332 Community Health Placement: 9 units
- CNP 4332 Mental Health Nursing Clinical Placement: 4 units
- CNP 4333 Ward Unit Leadership, Management, and Governance: 4 units
These placements ensure graduates are adept at applying theoretical knowledge in diverse clinical environments, from pediatric wards to community health settings.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion, graduates will be able to:
- Deliver patient-centered care with compassion and behavioral expertise.
- Make informed decisions in global healthcare settings based on comprehensive assessments.
- Provide ethical and evidence-based care to individuals, families, and communities.
- Manage promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health services.
- Design and implement nursing training curricula within professional and ethical frameworks.
Career Opportunities for BSN Graduates
The USIU-Africa BSN program prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths in the healthcare sector. As Registered Nurses (RNs), graduates can work in:
- Hospitals: Providing direct patient care in surgical, pediatric, or critical care units.
- Clinics: Offering preventive and primary care services.
- Nursing Homes: Supporting elderly and long-term care patients.
- Community Health Centers: Promoting public health and disease prevention.
- Global Health Organizations: Contributing to international health initiatives.
Additional career paths include:
- Nurse Educators: Designing and teaching nursing curricula.
- Healthcare Administrators: Leading nursing units or healthcare facilities.
- Research Nurses: Conducting studies to advance nursing practice.
- Specialized Nursing Roles: Focusing on oncology, palliative care, or mental health.
The program’s emphasis on leadership and management equips graduates to take on supervisory roles, while its global health focus opens opportunities in international healthcare settings.
Why USIU-Africa Stands Out
USIU-Africa’s BSN program is distinguished by its:
- Dual Accreditation: Recognized by both Kenyan and U.S. authorities, enhancing employability.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Modern labs and simulation centers for practical training.
- Experienced Faculty: Instructors with global expertise in nursing education.
- Global Network: Partnerships with international universities and healthcare organizations.
- Holistic Approach: Integrates ethical practice, cultural competence, and critical inquiry.
Recent posts on X highlight the program’s launch and its alignment with Kenya’s healthcare needs, noting its design for professionals who will provide comprehensive nursing care across all levels of the health system.
Application Process and Contact Information
To apply for the BSN program, candidates should:
- Visit the USIU-Africa website (www.usiu.ac.ke) for application forms and deadlines.
- Submit academic transcripts and certificates meeting the admission criteria.
- Contact the admissions office for guidance:
- Email: admit@usiu.ac.ke
- Phone: +254 730 116 290, +254 755 844 849
- Address: P.O. Box 14634 – 00800, USIU Road, Off Thika Road (Exit 7), Nairobi, Kenya
Admissions for the May 2025 intake are ongoing.
