The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum encompasses general, foundational, and professional studies within a liberal arts education. Nursing knowledge is developmental in nature; each course is designed to build on knowledge and skills acquired in previous nursing and non-nursing courses.
The BSN program is offered in three formats:
- Traditional BSN: A traditional four-year degree for freshmen and transfer students
- Accelerated BSN: An accelerated program for non-Nursing post-baccalaureate students
- RN-BSN: An online program for graduates of Associate Degree in Nursing programs with RN licensure
Traditional BSN
The traditional program accepts new students to the Pre-Nursing program in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. After completing 60 credit hours of General Education and prerequisite coursework, students must formally apply to the clinical major. Admission is based on a competitive, space-available basis through a systematic and holistic review of each applicant. More information about the clinical application process can be found on the School of Nursing website.
Upon admission to the clinical major, students must earn 60 additional credit hours to complete the degree. Admission to the clinical major may occur in the fall or spring. A semester plan for students beginning the in the fall is listed below. The School of Nursing also offers an additional plan which utilizes a summer semester for students seeking to expedite their graduation plan. The summer semester option is only for students starting the clinical program in the fall semester. More information on the summer option can be found on the School of Nursing website.
Accelerated BSN
Non-Nursing post-baccalaureate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply for this fast-paced fifteen month program. Like the Traditional program, students are admitted on a competitive, space-available basis. The online program application opens in May, with a deadline of October 1. More information and the online application can be found on the School of Nursing website.
RN to BSN
This online program admits new students throughout the year to start courses in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Minimum admission requirements include a 2.5 GPA and an unencumbered RN licensure or evidence of eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) during the first semester of enrollment. More information on program prerequisites, semester plans, and how to apply can be found on the School of Nursing website.
Research and Simulation Opportunities
The school offers a diverse range of research projects that provide care to healthy and ill people of all ages. The Simulation Center is where students practice technical skills and learn technical skills in a simulated clinical setting.
Photo from the School of Nursing