RN to BSN and RN to BSN Online
Programs
The
resources available at Northern Michigan University's School of Nursing provide
an excellent framework for Registered Nurses with Diploma or Associate degrees
to plan a program of study which leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
(BSN) degree.
Why
a BSN?
Career
advancement demands it. Contemporary nursing practice has become increasingly
complex and challenges the nurse's knowledge, technical competence, and
interpersonal skills. This has resulted in an increased emphasis on a Bachelor
of Science in nursing.
To view a
short video about the RN-BSN program, please select your media viewer. (Windows Media/Quicktime)
Program Description
In addition
to advanced training in the technology and skills required for the BSN, the
program prepares the student for leadership roles through a strong foundation
in the liberal arts. Graduates of the program report that their experience with
the NMU Nursing program helped them to become better thinkers and
communicators. They found greater job satisfaction through sharing these skills
with patients and colleagues.
The RN to
BSN program was created specifically for the Registered Nurse whose career
goals will be enhanced through professional study. The program is designed to
facilitate either part-time or full-time study. The RN advisor works closely
with the student in developing a program plan to meet degree requirements. The
time required for program completion is dependent upon the number of transfer
credits accepted, the number of credits earned through the College Level
Examination Program (CLEP), and the number of credit hours carried each
semester. (A minimum of 12 credits is considered a full credit load.) The BSN
degree requires 130 semester credits and 64 academic credits may be transferred
from community colleges. This limit does not apply to courses taken at a
four-year college or university. Currently there are no time limits on
accepting previous college credits.
Please Note:
It is important to read the current University Bulletin to determine degree requirements. (i.e., Writing Proficiency Examination, Physical Education, completing a minimum of 32 semester hours at NMU, CLEP exams, Advanced Placement Credit, etc.). It is also important to read the Student Nurses Handbook. It is highly recommended that one of the English writing courses be completed before entering nursing courses. Part-time work as an RN is available within walking distance of Northern Michigan University at a regional medical center. Several other local health care agencies also employ students. Flexible scheduling and tuition reimbursement are available at some health care agencies.
Application
Requirements
- Graduation
from a state-approved Diploma or Associate Degree program in Nursing.
- Photocopy
of Michigan RN license (or proof of being in process of obtaining
licensure).
- Evidence
of professional liability insurance. (highly recommended)
- A
2.00 GPA is required for admission to the University. The Nursing major
requires a 2.75 GPA to apply and 2.25 GPA to maintain enrollment.
- Completion
of, or concurrent enrollment in prerequisite courses.
- CH 107 or CH 111 - Chemistry
- CH 108 or CH 112 - Chemistry
- BI 201 - Anatomy
- BI 202 - Physiology
- BI 203 - Medical Microbiology
- SO 101 - Sociology
- PY 100 - Psychology
- HN 301A + HN 301B - Nutrition (See HN Policy)
Transition courses: Courses
specifically designed for RN students which serve as a validating mechanism for
nursing courses taken at a community college or hospital school of nursing.
- NE 391 - Transitions in Professional Nurse (Theory)
- NE 392 - Transitions in Professional Nurse (Clinic)
- Completion
of Application to the Nursing major. These are available in the adviser's
office. Prerequisites must be completed or be in the process of completion
the semester the application is filled. Application deadlines are February
1 for Fall Semester admission or October 1 for Winter Semester admission.
This application is reviewed by the Nursing Admissions Committee and,
providing all requirements are in order, the RN student is admitted to the
upper division Nursing courses (Nursing Research, Management Concepts in
Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Issues in Nursing and Senior Seminar).
The Department of Nursing reserves the right to select which applicants
shall be admitted to the Nursing major. A personal interview may be
required at the discretion of the Nursing Admissions Committee.
- Program
Plan - A plan of study will be developed by the adviser and student. Once
admitted to the nursing major and following the program plan, it takes a
minimum of two semesters to complete the nursing sequence. RN to BSN
students will be pre-placed into NE432 & NE421. Students should meet
with their adviser in the nursing program at least once a semester to
discuss academic progress.
Admission
Complete an
Application for Admission and submit official transcripts from all colleges and
universities attended. Students may apply for Fall, Winter, or Spring/Summer
enrollment. Some courses are offered only in specific semesters (i.e. Chemistry
107 in Fall semester, Chemistry 108 in Winter semester, Medical Microbiology in
Summer or Fall semester).
Acquiring
Credits
- Transfer
Credits - up to 64 academic semester credits (includes 39 nursing credits)
plus four physical education credits may be transferred from two-year
community college programs. Credits from diploma nursing schools are
evaluated individually. Any number of credits may be transferred from a
four-year school. Credits are evaluated by staff in the Evaluation and
Re-Entry Office, to determine equivalent and acceptable transfer credits.
- Credit
by Examination - CLEP Subject Exams.
- Advanced
Placement Credits as well as transfer credits.
All nursing credits for Diploma and
Associate Degree students are awarded after successful completion of NE 391
Transitions in Professional Nurse - Theory and NE 392 Transitions in Professional
Nurse - Clinic.
Program Plan
|
Liberal Studies** |
40 |
|
|
|
Division I: Composition |
8 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
P/F |
|
Division II: Humanities |
8 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
Division III: Natural Science |
8 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
Division IV: Social Sciences |
8 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
Division V: Formal Communication
Studies |
4 |
|
4 |
|
Division VI: Visual and Performing
Arts |
4 |
|
4 |
|
Other Required Courses |
27 |
|
4 |
|
3 |
|
5 |
|
5 |
|
4 |
|
Physical Education |
2 |
|
2 |
|
RN Courses |
3 |
|
2 |
|
1 |
|
Nursing Major |
59 |
|
Previous Nursing credit (validated
when prerequisites are completed) |
39 |
|
2 |
|
2 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
2 |
|
2 |
|
General Electives** |
5 |
|
Total Credits for Degree |
130 |
*
Prerequisite courses: Must complete these courses before admission to the
Nursing major.
** One
course must meet the World Cultures requirement (either in liberal studies or
in general electives).
General Information for Students
Entering the
Nursing Major
Currently,
RNs participate in two clinical courses. NE 431 Management Concepts in Nursing
may or may not require a uniform, depending on the area of assignment. NE 421
Community Health Nursing requires a blue skirt or slacks with white
blouse/shirt.
It is
necessary to have a current TB test, a Rubella immunization or a Rubella titre,
a current Tetanus Toxoid immunization, Hepatitis B immunization series or
signed waiver, and verification of certification in basic CPR before entering
the clinic courses. The NMU Health Center can administer these tests and
immunizations or you may make your own arrangements. Your nursing instructor
will request verification of tests. Students are also required to meet any
health requirements established by clinical resources.
Students
must provide their own transportation for clinical assignments. Many of the
required nursing courses in the RN to BSN program are scheduled in the
afternoon/evening in order to accommodate the adult learner.
Nursing
courses may be repeated twice.
For More Information
LPN and RN
to BSN Program Coordinator
School of Nursing
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 227-2834
Julie Dobson
- jdobson@nmu.edu (906) 227-1667
Northern Michigan University is an AA/EO institution.
© 2006 by the Board of Control of Northern Michigan University.
Contact:
Department
of Nursing
Northern Michigan University
2301 New Science Facility
Marquette, MI 49855
Phone: (906) 227-2834
FAX: (906) 227-1658 bsnnurse@nmu.edu