Nursing, BS (See 2022-2023 Catalog Addendum for Updates)

Purpose

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a rigorous online RN-to-BSN degree completion program for Registered Nurses (RNs). Applicants should carefully consider if an online program best meets their learning style. Enrollment is limited based on the number of available seats each semester.

The RN-to-BSN Program provides a career ladder from the AS Nursing degree to the BS Nursing degree for RNs who have earned an associate in nursing degree or a diploma in a nursing program that allows graduates to qualify for a RN license. Coursework will continue to build upon the registered nursing curriculum foundation. The program offers a diverse population of students with innovative educational experiences and opportunities to meet the health care needs of the community they serve. Through the educational process, the student will be able to internalize the values, traditions, and obligations of the professional nurse and gain a greater professional perspective and increased critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The RN-to-BSN Program prepares graduates for career promotions and advancement in nursing to include positions in academia, community health, management, and leadership. It also provides a foundation for advancement to graduate level education programs. Current occupational employment and wage data for Registered Nurses is published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm

 

Accreditation

 

 

 

 

 

The Florida SouthWestern State College RN-to-BSN Program is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400

Atlanta, Georgia 30326

Telephone: 404-975-5000

http://acenursing.org/

 

Program Structure

This program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 120 credit hours in the following areas: 36 credit hours of General Education Requirements; 9 credit hours of Lower Division Program Requirements; 30 credit hours of Upper-Division RN-to-BSN Program Requirements, and 45 credit hours of Electives.

The RN-to-BSN Program includes courses in professional issues, informatics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, advanced health assessment, multicultural nursing, community health, and leadership. Courses are taken online to accommodate various schedules. Students must complete all General Education courses prior to enrolling in NUR 4827C Leadership in Nursing Practice in the last semester of the RN-to-BSN Program.

Admission Requirements

1. Registered Nurse License - Must have a valid, active, unrestricted, and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license, permitting work in Florida. Note: the license must remain current throughout enrollment in the RN-to-BSN Program.
2. Apply online as a bachelor’s degree seeking student and pay the $25.00 application evaluation fee. Students new to FSW will also need to pay a $30.00 FSW application fee. The application is located at: https://www.fsw.edu/admissions/bachelor
3. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in all college level coursework is required for admission.

Academic Standards

The academic standards in the RN-to-BSN Program are very rigorous and require full commitment.

1. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in each required general education course, RN-to-BSN upper division courses, and electives.
2. A student who attempts and/or fails a nursing course will be permitted to re-take that nursing course only once on a space-available basis.
3. An ‘attempt’ is defined as a course registration in effect at the end of the add/drop period.
4. Attempting with failure or withdrawal in any second nursing course may result in dismissal from the program.
5. A student who is removed from the program due to failures or withdrawals must petition to the Program Director and faculty for consideration of readmission.

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must fulfill all requirements of their program to be eligible for graduation.
2. Complete 120 credit hours as outlined in the RN-to-BSN Program of Study.
3. A minimum of 15 credit hours in baccalaureate (3000 or 4000 level) Program Requirements must be earned at Florida SouthWestern State College to satisfy residency requirements.
4. Earn a cumulative grade point average in the program of 2.0 or higher.
5. Students must indicate their intention to attend commencement ceremony by completing the Commencement Form by the published deadline.

Course Prerequisites

Many courses require prerequisites. Check the description of each course in the list below for prerequisites, minimum grade requirements, and other restrictions. Students must complete all prerequisites for a course prior to registering for it.