Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Nursing (RN to BSN)

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Program
Nursing

Procedure for Admission to the RN to BSN Program

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The criteria used to determine admission to the RN to BSN degree program include: 

  • Completion of the application for admission.
  • Satisfy one of the following:
    • Earned an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution,
    • have an equivalent accredited associated degree in nursing from a foreign institution, or
    • hold a nursing diploma AND a bachelors degree from an accredited institution
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.
  • Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks after the initial start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
  • A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). Note:  An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program. 

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here. 

Offered at Austin, Columbia, High Point, Montgomery, Online Programs, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach.  

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The RN to BSN degree program at South University is designed to enhance the professional knowledge and employment scope for the licensed registered nurse. Concepts of nursing research and community health are key components of the curriculum. These educational experiences are designed to prepare professional nurses for practice today and well into the future. Graduates of the RN to BSN degree completion program meet the same program student learning outcomes whether in the campus-based BSN degree program or the online RN to BSN degree program.

Potential students must be comfortable with technology, self-motivated, able to solve problems independently, have good organizational skills, good writing skills, and are prepared to invest time to their studies in both the campus-based and online nursing programs. Forty-five credit hours of nursing credit will be accepted toward the BSN degree based upon graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

Program Student Learning Outcomes 

Students graduating from the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program will have demonstrated their acquisition of competencies and proficiencies related to the following: 

  1. Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines in the practice of professional nursing practice.
  2. Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
  3. Apply critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, formulating decisions, and maintaining accountability in the practice of professional nursing through the application of nursing standards.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency using the nursing process and systematic inquiry to deliver evidenced based, comprehensive, and holistic nursing care which promotes health and quality of life for diverse populations.
  5. Demonstrate professionalism using ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the development of quality improvement in the healthcare setting(s).

RN to BSN: 180 Credits

A block transfer will apply per the General Education Course Transfer Credit RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN and RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) policy.

General Education Requirements: 78 general education credits transferred from transfer of credit policy

Area I: General Education: 86 Credits

Natural Sciences/Mathematics and Statistics

Included in Transfer of Credit from Associate of Nursing Degree or Bachelor’s Degree

Sub-Total Credits
78

Arts and Humanities

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course introduces the study of human social development, social organizations and social institutions by looking at our own self as the investigated or member of the society. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine themselves around the development of self-concept, group dynamics, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education. Through open discussion of current societal events, students will explore the constructs and consequences of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course is designed to introduce the basic tenets, applications, and focus of public health. It will provide an introduction to public health terminology, history, core disciplines, professional roles and services, current public health challenges and the impact of public health efforts on population health.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Nursing (45 transfer credits + 49 credits from South University): 94 Credits

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course introduces the student to baccalaureate nursing practice centered in the art of caring and integrating principles of holism in its foundation of professional service. Students utilize critical thinking and communication skills as they explore issues related to the evolution and philosophy of nursing, theoretical foundations of practice, health care delivery systems, finance, and health care policy focused on quality outcomes and patient safety.

Credits : 4

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This course guides registered nurse students to understand research methods and apply evidenced-based findings to professional nursing practice. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods will be examined. Also included is the evaluation of research for translation into clinical practice.

Credits : 4

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This course provides students with knowledge and skills to use information management and patient care technologies to deliver safe, efficient and effective care. Nursing's role in decision-making, product testing, asset acquisition, project management and change management will be addressed.

Credits : 4

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This course gives the registered nurse the opportunity to enhance his/her patient teaching skills and develop skills for staff education. Principles of learning, teaching strategies, communication and preparation of continuing education programs will be included. Considerations for teaching and learning with a diverse population will be explored.

Credits : 4

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This course prepares the registered nurse to utilize leadership and management theory and skills in professional practice. The need for cultural competence, effective communication skills, understanding of health care systems, commitment to quality improvement and patient safety initiatives are included.

Credits : 4

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This course explores healthcare, financial and regulatory policies that prepare the Registered Nurse student for an enhanced role as policy maker and healthcare advocate. Economics of healthcare disparities in the healthcare system, legal and ethical issues as well as impact of social trends will be addressed.

Credits : 4

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In this clinical course, the student integrates and synthesizes the curricular components of assessment, health promotion/clinical prevention, research, professionalism, teaching, leadership, information management and technology, as well as healthcare policies to create and implement a clinical project relating to the healthcare needs of an aggregate within the community. Creation and implementation of the project will include direct and indirect care of clients in the selected aggregate. (5 credits 3 credits didactic, 2 credits clinical practicum [60 hours])

Credits : 5

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Sub-Total Credits
37

Elective Pool: (12 credits) Choose 3 courses below:

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course provides registered nurses with an overview of the common issues affecting the health care needs of gerontological adults. Theories of aging are reviewed as well as common physiological, psychological, and social changes experienced by the population. Students are provided with assessment tools and strategies to improve nursing practice with older adults. Major foci of this course include promoting wellness and safety, prevention and assessment of elderly neglect or abuse and other legal/ethical concerns. Health promotion of the Gerontologic client in diverse health care settings will be reviewed.

Credits : 4

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This course explores the societal context of health, illness, and the health care system in American Society. Determinants and measurement of health and disease are examined and the study of epidemiology and public health is evaluated.

Credits : 4

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This course explores the relationship and impact of the environment to health and illness in human populations. An exploration of man-made and natural environmental hazards will be discussed. Environmental health and risk assessment will be discussed as well as interventions. Environmental policy and practices will be viewed from the public health perspective and include the study of energy, waste, environmental justice and regulation.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the history and development of epidemiology in healthcare with a focus on disease identification and control. A special section is devoted to the detection and response to bioterrorism and pandemics.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the student to theory and practice in the field of global health dealing with not only the health issues of developing countries but the threats to health extending beyond borders and affecting the global population. Students will explore the determinants and disparities of health at the global level including poverty and health beliefs and behaviors; surveillance and intervention measures; global health policies; and the governmental and nongovernmental agencies and collaborative efforts and obstacles in play to resolve global health issues. Case studies and examples of current global health challenges and outcomes will be discussed with a focus on factors contributing to the issues and collaborative approaches to delivering solutions.

Credits : 4

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This course provides an overview of the health communication field and examines effective communication approaches. Students will learn how media can impact the health and well-being of populations at the personal, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy level. Communication tools and technologies and strategies will be explored, as well as the importance of communication in advocacy for health promotion policies and programs. Students will develop a public health education piece addressing a current or emerging health information, prevention or emergency preparedness issue.

Credits : 4

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This course reviews and compares traditional medicine to complementary or alternative health measures. Examination of current trends will focus on the business practices and practitioners involved in these alternative healing therapies. Various types of Alternative and Complementary medicine will be evaluated based on scientific research, including Systematized Practices, such as traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine; Botanical Healing, such as herbs, nutritional supplements and homeopathy; Manual Healing Methods, including chiropractic, massage, and pressure point therapies; and Mind-Body Techniques, such as yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12
Total Credits
180