There is a significant lack of information about the numbers of existing baccalaureate programs designed exclusively for registered nurses. Little is known about the characteristics of their curricula.

The purpose of this study was to identify, describe, and analyze the similarities and differences in the terminal program objectives and course descriptions of the professional component of baccalaureate programs for registered nurses in Missouri. Using content analysis, the texts of the terminal program objectives and course descriptions were categorized and analyzed according to preestablished curriculum categories derived from the literature. Following category classification by the investigator and a reliability/validity recorder, the results were analyzed with respect to the antecedent and coexistent conditions surrounding nursing education.

While some themes are common in the curricula, differences exist which may result in the preparation of nurses who do not have similar knowledge and skills. The themes which appeared in the terminal program objectives of all six programs were: nursing process, collaboration, and research. The themes which appeared in the course of descriptions of five of the six programs were: theory/model, nursing process, management, and research. Each program identified themes in their terminal program objectives which were not similar to a theme in another program. Themes occurred in course descriptions which were not specified in the terminal program objectives. Themes were found within programs in the course descriptions which were not specified in the program's terminal objectives. Conversely, themes were found within programs in the terminal program objectives which were not specified in program course descriptions. These findings have implications for legislators, nursing educators, and employers of nurses as they deliberate decisions regarding nursing education.