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Summer Scholars

Summer Nursing Academic Program Advanced (SNAP 2.0)

Course Pre-Requisites  

  • Must have successfully completed Clemson Summer Scholars SNAP Program. May exempt this prerequisite if credentialed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 
  • Completion of the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support (BLS) Training prior to course. (Current ) May complete online renewal prior to first day, if desired.

SNAP 2.0 is an advanced, immersive summer program designed exclusively for high school students who are confident they want to pursue nursing as a career.

Building on foundational concepts introduced in the introductory SNAP program, SNAP 2.0 takes students deeper into the professional identity, clinical responsibilities, and academic preparation required of the baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse (RN).

All program instruction is delivered by an experienced School of Nursing faculty member with a strong, well-established background in critical care nursing. This faculty member has extensive experience teaching undergraduate nursing students in both classroom and clinical environments and has supervised students in real clinical practice settings. In addition to core instruction, students will hear from guest presenters, including faculty from the School of Nursing, nursing students, and practicing healthcare providers, who will share insights from their respective areas of expertise.

Participants will refine and expand their clinical abilities through advanced clinical skills labs, high-fidelity simulations, and exposure to virtual reality healthcare technologies, including virtual cadaver dissection. These experiences enhance students’ clinical reasoning, hands-on skill development, and understanding of the complexity of nursing decision-making in real-world patient care scenarios.

SNAP 2.0 also places a strong emphasis on academic and professional preparation. Students will learn how to develop a polished academic portfolio, strengthen personal statements, and explore the qualities and competencies that make applicants successful in competitive direct-entry BSN programs, including South Carolina’s only direct-entry nursing program. Structured sessions will cover college admission requirements, application timelines, interview preparation, and strategies for academic success in a rigorous nursing curriculum.

Throughout the week, participants will engage with current nursing students, faculty, and professional RNs, gaining real insight into the BSN curriculum, the day-to-day responsibilities of a professional nurse, and the expectations for admission into our direct-entry program.

Course Objectives: By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Describe the advanced professional role, competencies, and expectations of the baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse (RN) across a wide range of clinical settings.
  • Perform and refine advanced foundational nursing skills within simulated clinical environments.
  • Apply enhanced clinical reasoning during high-fidelity and VR-based simulation experiences.
  • Analyze expanded clinical scenarios to understand nursing judgment, prioritization, and patient safety principles.
  • Participate in virtual cadaver dissection to deepen understanding of human physiology relevant to nursing practice.
  • Develop an academic portfolio showcasing readiness for nursing school, including reflective statements, sample work, and documentation of skills and competencies.
  • Outline the academic requirements, competitive expectations, and application strategies for direct-entry BSN programs.
  • Prepare components of a strong college application, including personal statements, resumes, interview skills, and college essays.
  • Identify strategies for academic excellence, well-being, and effective time management that are essential for success in a rigorous nursing program.

Teaching & Learning Strategies:

  • Advanced Clinical Skills Labs
  • High-Fidelity and VR-Integrated Simulations
  • Virtual Cadaver Dissection
  • Faculty-Led Seminars and Case Studies
  • Academic Portfolio Development Workshops
  • College Admissions Preparation Sessions
  • Guest Presentations by Faculty, Nursing Students, and Healthcare Providers
  • Student Responsibilities

Nursing is a profession founded on honesty, integrity, professionalism, and respect. Students are expected to uphold these values in all classroom and clinical activities. If behavior inconsistent with these expectations occurs, faculty will meet with the student and any involved parties; appropriate action will be taken when necessary.

All participants must meet the required health and liability standards prior to the program's commencement. Students must inform faculty of any medical or health conditions—and any medications—that may impact performance or safety. Any changes to health status should be promptly communicated to the faculty.