Nursing, BSN

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a RN to BSN Program designed for registered nurses who want to advance their education. The program will provide registered nurses with a comprehensive general education in the arts and sciences and 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 program provides a career and educational pathway for registered nurses who have earned a diploma or Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. Current occupational employment and wages 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

Program Highlights:

The RN to BS in Nursing Program includes courses in professional issues, informatics, research, legal and ethical aspects of health care, advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical decision-making, leadership, and community health. Courses may be taken online or on campus to accommodate various schedules. The program is offered on a full and part-time basis. During practicum experiences in community health and leadership, students will have experiences that will prepare them with applying theoretical knowledge in the workplace. For out-of-state practicum experiences, it is the responsibility of the student to collaborate with program faculty to secure an appropriate clinical agency.

Accreditation:

The Florida SouthWestern State College RN to BSN Program is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Telephone: 404-975-5000
http://acenursing.org/

Career Opportunities:

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.

Admission Requirements:

1. Applicants must submit an application to the BSN Program and be accepted to Florida SouthWestern State College. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities must be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar.
2. Applicants must possess and submit a valid, active, unencumbered RN license from the state in which the applicant is practicing. The license must be kept current throughout the duration of the required course of study.
3. Applicants must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours of transferable General Education Core Coursework.
4. Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in all college level coursework.
5. Applicants must have earned either:
   1. Associate Degree in Nursing from any college or university accredited by a regionally accrediting association, as defined by State Board of Education rule, with a minimum of 60 credit hours OR
   2. Diploma in Nursing. Registered Nurses who have completed a diploma will be evaluated on an individual basis and may be awarded up to 30 credits toward completion of their degree.

BSN Program Applicants with Associate or Baccalaureate Degrees:

Students who transfer to Florida SouthWestern State College with a previous associate of arts degree from a Florida college or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university are considered to have met the General Education Core and Elective coursework (60 credit hours) of the degree.

Requirements to Enroll in Upper Division Nursing Core Coursework (3000-4000 Level):

1. Possess a valid, active and unencumbered RN license in the state where they are practicing.
2. Satisfactorily complete a college-approved criminal records check and drug testing at the student’s expense. TO AVOID A REGISTRATION HOLD, THIS MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE FIRST SEMESTER OF ENROLLMENT IN UPPER DIVISION COURSEWORK. Students must comply with the Florida Board of Nursing requirements for reporting of criminal violations to both the Board of Nursing and the RN to BSN program as specified in the Florida Code and Regulations.
3. Complete and earn a “C” or better in ENC 1101 - Composition I , ENC 1102 - Composition II , STA 2023 - Statistical Methods I , HUN 1201 - Human Nutrition , BSC 1093C - Anatomy and Physiology I  and BSC 1094C - Anatomy and Physiology II , MCB 2010C - Microbiology , and three credits of Natural Science (Prefix CHM, BSC BCH, PCB, PHY).
4. Satisfactorily complete all remaining General Education Core, Electives, Lower Division Program-Specific, and Upper Division Nursing Core coursework prior to enrolling in  NUR 4827  and NUR 4827L  or NUR 4636  and NUR 4636L .

Transient Student Enrollment in Upper Division Coursework:

Transient students must obtain prior approval to enroll in Upper Division Nursing Core coursework. Transient students are currently enrolled college students who register for courses at another institution on a temporary basis (e.g., university students attending summer semester at a state college). In order to take courses at another institution, students must receive approval from their home institution. The application will initiate your request and be routed to the appropriate personnel. Students initiate this process using Florida Virtual Campus at www.flvc.org/.

Priority Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester Start - Application due by August 1
Spring Semester Start - Application due by December 1
Summer Semester Start - Application due by April 1