The BSN Program is designed to prepare learners to apply for RN licensure and take the NCLEX-RN® exam, while giving them in-depth training in the fields of disease prevention, community health, advocacy, and policy.
The BSN Program is a blended-distance program, meaning all didactic instruction is delivered online while experiential learning is conducted through various virtual and on-ground modalities. Click here to learn more.
How many classes does the BSN Program require?
The blended-distance curriculum consists of seventy-two (72) semester credits of nursing core coursework. The BSN Program requires an additional forty-eight (48) semester credits of general education coursework. A total of one hundred twenty (120) semester credits is required for graduation. The Program is designed to be completed within eight (8) academic semesters. However, it may take longer to complete if learners elect to take GE courses at institutions of higher learning that require prerequisites to the Program’s mandatory GE coursework.
What classes are required for a BSN?
Learners in the BSN Program will learn disease management, treatment, and prevention as well as promotion of health from the standpoint of nursing. The curriculum is specifically constructed to promote career mobility in nursing. The curriculum in the BSN Program is concept-based instead of content-based. Learners will apply concepts to a variety of systems and disease processes, and critically reason through situations by concept.
Note: Prerequisites are defined as courses that must be completed prior to enrollment into the given course. Corequisites are defined as courses that must be completed either prior to or concurrently with the given course.
BSN Course Descriptions
General Education Course Descriptions
ENG 120: English Composition
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: The course helps learners develop quality writing skills by explaining and identifying the steps involved in the writing process. Six types of writing are examined: argumentative, compare/contrast, descriptive, narrative, persuasive, and summary. Learners will write a minimum of 20 pages as a requirement for the course. The importance of proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling is highlighted, as emphasis is placed on editing and revising pieces of writing. Learners also learn proper research techniques, utilizing the American Psychological Association (APA) style.
HUM 110: Western Civilization I
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course introduces civilization from pre-history to the early modern era. Western Civilization refers to the civilization that began in the ancient Near East and then developed primarily in Europe, northern Africa and the westernmost edges of Asia. Learners will concentrate on several major themes: the rise and fall of the ancient and classical civilizations that were forerunners to the rise of the West, the cultural legacy of these civilizations, the changing role of religion in society and changes in religion itself, and the development of political institutions. Topics include ancient Greece, Rome, and Christian institutions of the Middle Ages and the emergence of national monarchies in western Europe.
MAT 100: Intermediate Algebra
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course provides knowledge of Intermediate Algebra and its applications. The course emphasizes algebraic techniques with polynomials, rational expressions, exponents, radical expressions and equations, factoring, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, logarithmic and exponential functions, and solving systems of two or more linear equations.
PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course is designed to give the learner a basic understanding of the psychology of human behavior. The learner will be given exposure to the concepts, terminology, principles, and theories that comprise an introductory course in psychology. Topics covered will synthesize the broad range of knowledge about psychology, emphasize research methodology, encourage critical thinking, and convey a multicultural approach that respects human diversity and individual differences.
SCI 220: Human Anatomy with Intervention Skill-Based (ISB) Experiential Learning
Delivery Modality: Online (Online Didactic Instruction, Virtual ISB Instruction)
Semester Credits: 4 (3 Didactic, 1 ISB)
Contact Hours: 75 (45 Didactic, 30 ISB)
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: SCI 221 (or equivalent): Human Physiology with Intervention Skill-Based (ISB)
Experiential Learning
Description: In conjunction with SCI 220: Human Physiology, this course provides a comprehensive look at the human body’s anatomy and functions. Topics include organization of the body, characteristics of life, and anatomical terminology. The course examines skin, skeletal system, muscles, digestive, urinary, lymphatic, circulatory, reproductive, and nervous systems. The course also presents sensory organs and the endocrine system. This course contains an intervention skill-based
experiential learning component (1 credit hour), where learners will practice and apply principles they are learning in the didactic portion (3 semester credits) of the course.
SCI 221: Human Physiology with Intervention Skill-Based (ISB) Experiential Learning
Delivery Modality: Online (Online Didactic Instruction, Virtual ISB Instruction)
Semester Credits: 4 (3 Didactic, 1 ISB)
Contact Hours: 75 (45 Didactic, 30 ISB)
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: SCI 220 (or equivalent): Human Anatomy with Intervention Skill-Based (ISB)
Experiential Learning
Description: In conjunction with SCI 220: Human Anatomy, this course examines major parts
of the body and how they work independently as well as together. The course also explains principles related to nutrition, metabolism, body fluid balances, and aging. The course also presents how the body maintains homeostasis, the relationship of chemistry to human anatomy and physiology, and cell function and division. The course discusses several diseases and disorders as well as their causes, detection, and treatment. This course contains an intervention skill-based experiential learning component (1 credit hour), where learners will practice and apply principles they are learning in the didactic portion (3 semester credits) of the course.
SCI 225: Pathophysiology
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology
Corequisites: None
Description: This course describes the general principles of disease then presents information
dealing with specific disorders of body systems or individual organs. The purpose of this course is to provide the learner with basic understanding of pathophysiology as a change from normal physiological functioning of the various systems of the human body. The course is based on illness and disease
within a systems framework across the lifespan. This course emphasizes select illnesses most often encountered by health professionals. The course focuses on critical thinking used to analyze the signs and symptoms based on the pathophysiology of these conditions
SOC 220: Introduction to Sociology
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course provides a broad overview of sociology and how it applies to everyday life. This course introduces the scientific study of human society, culture, and social interactions. Topics include socialization, research methods, diversity and inequality, cooperation and conflict, social change, social institutions, and organizations. Upon completion, learners should be able to demonstrate knowledge of sociological concepts as they apply to the interplay among individuals, groups, and societies.
Upper-Division General Education Course Descriptions
ANT 300: Cultural Anthropology
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course provides a solid introduction for learners who are new to the branch
of cultural anthropology. The course presents learners with all the basic information pertinent to the field. The topics discussed include relevant anthropological theories, ethnocentrism and culture, language and communication, economic and political systems, kinship and descent, marriage
and family, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, religion and belief systems, the effects of colonialism and industrialization, and globalization
COM 301: Oral Communication
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course in speech is designed to develop each learner’s ability to communicate effectively in his or her academic, business, and personal lives. The course covers an overview of various models of communication, alongside discussion of the benefits and elements of effective communication processes. The course will discuss both verbal and nonverbal communication, emphasizing development and presentation of a variety of speech types including informative, persuasive, and special occasion.
ENG 310: Technical Writing
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: ENG 120 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: This course focuses on the development of professional skills in the research, design,
and communication of technical information. The course emphasizes audience analysis, clear and effective writing style, and the use of visual elements. These skills are honed through the creation, editing, and peer review of documents written in a variety of professional formats such as letters, emails, persuasive essays, and cover letters
HUM 300: Introduction to Philosophy
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course is a critical introduction to the field of philosophical inquiry. After defining philosophy and identifying the major fields of philosophical study, the course examines the history of Western thought, from the famous Greek philosophers up to the cutting-edge intellectuals of today. The course then dives into various thematic topics, including metaphysics, epistemology, free will and
determinism, evil and the existence of God, personal identity, ethical values, and political philosophy. The course concludes with an analysis of different perspectives, including Eastern philosophies, and postcolonial thought.
MAT 220: Introduction to Statistics
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: MAT 100 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Description: In this course, learners will examine the properties behind the basic concepts of
probability and statistics and focus on applications of statistical knowledge. Learners will learn how statistics and probability work together. The subject of statistics involves the study of methods for collecting, summarizing, and interpreting data. Learners will learn how to understand the basics of drawing statistical conclusions. This course will begin with descriptive statistics and the foundation of statistics, move on to probability and random distributions, the latter of which enables statisticians to work with several aspects of random events and their applications. Finally, learners will examine a number of ways to investigate the relationships between various characteristics of data
General Electives Course Descriptions
SCI 131: Introduction to Nutrition
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course will provide an understanding of basic nutrition science. Learners will become familiar with the principles of diet planning, government standards, and food labeling. They will also learn about the biological functions and food sources of each nutrient, energy balance, weight management, physical activity, the role of nutrition in chronic disease development, nutrition through the life cycle, and food safety issues.
SCI 251: Microbiology with Intervention Skill Based (ISB) Experiential Learning
Delivery Modality: Online (Online Didactic Instruction, Virtual ISB Instruction)
Semester Credits: 4 (3 Didactic, 1 ISB)
Contact Hours: 75 (45 Didactic, 30 ISB)
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Description: This course teaches microbiology as it applies to the health care field. The course will explore pathogenic microorganisms and their role in human disease, human immunology, symptoms and treatment of microbial infection, and preventative measures against microbial infection. This course contains an intervention skill-based experiential learning component (1 credit hour), where
learners will be able to practice and apply principles they are learning in the didactic portion (3 semester credits) of the course
ENG 320: Creative Writing
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: ENG 120
Corequisites: None
Description: This course introduces learners to the written formats of creative fiction and creative non-fiction, providing an overview of the creative writing process. Assignments will cover a wide variety of formats, including those of prose writing, poetry writing, and script writing. Through assigned readings, weekly writing prompts, and class critiques, learners will develop their sense of narrative structure, traditional plot structure, audience engagement, and standard manuscript style. Writing skills such as revision techniques, point-of-view, and theme will be explored, as will the importance of close-reading for editing and analysis purposes.
PSY 300: Human Development
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Subject to Enrollment)
Prerequisites: PSY 201 or Equivalent
Corequisites: None
Description: This course is designed to give learners a broad overview of the field of human development. Covering the entire human lifespan, from conception to death, this course explores concepts, terminology, principles, and theories that comprise an introductory course in human development. Biological, cognitive, and emotional growth and development are examined within each developmental stage. Grief and bereavement and self-care for the caregiver will also be explored. Current research methods and cultural influences through the lifespan are explored and applied.
BSN Program Nursing Core Course Descriptions
BSN 205: Foundations of Nursing Fundamentals
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology,
and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math.
Corequisites: None
Description: This course introduces the fundamental concepts necessary for safe patient-centered nursing care to a diverse patient population while integrating clinical decision-making. Critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and the nursing process are key foundations to nursing practice. Application of knowledge and practice of skills occurs in the nursing skills laboratory and a variety of clinical settings providing care to stable patients with common health issues.
BSN 215: Pharmacology I
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math.
Corequisites: None
Requisites: PSY 201, SCI 131, and SCI 225
Description: This course is an overview of the basic principles of pharmacology, including major drug classifications and prototypes of commonly used medications. Principles of medication administration include aspects of the best practices for safe, quality, patient-centered care. Central points of the course include safety, quality improvement factors in the administration of medications, patient teaching,
and variations encountered when administering medications to diverse patient populations across the lifespan.
BSN 225: Concepts of Nursing – Health Promotion
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum E (8) semester credits in Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, and three (3) semester credits in College-level English, and three (3) semester credits in College-level Math and BSN 205.
Corequisites: None
Requisites: PSY 201, SCI 131, SCI 225, and BSN 205
Description: This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in promoting optimal health for individual clients. The course will discuss basic psychomotor nursing skills and introduce learners to medical/surgical nursing for low-risk clients. This course also provides the learner with techniques for carrying out a physical, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural assessment to evaluate clients’ well-being.
The course also introduces learners to assessment devices and procedures to collect data. The course focuses on health promotion, health protection, disease prevention and communication strategies throughout the lifespan
BSN 235: Nursing Communication and Informatics
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 3 (Didactic only)
Contact Hours: 45
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math.
Corequisites: None
Requisites: MAT 220
Description: In this course, learners will explore and gain advanced knowledge and skills in
information management, patient care technology, and effective interpersonal communication modalities. Nursing informatics is a combination of cognitive science, computer science, information science, and nursing science. It includes the development, analysis, and evaluation of information systems, which are augmented by technology that helps to support, enhance, and manage client care. In this course, learners will examine information management tools used to monitor outcomes of care processes, client care technologies essential to ensuring high quality, safe patient care, and communication and collaboration skills necessary to providing optimal client-centered care. The course will emphasize key concepts related to information and computer literacy.
BSN 246: Concepts of Nursing I
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology,
and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; BSN 205 and BSN 225, or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Requisites: PSY 201, SCI 131, SCI 225, and BSN 215
Description: This course focuses on the chronic nature of certain states of being when nursing a client at various stages in life, focusing on the application of the nursing process in meeting needs of clients in various settings. The course will explore concepts related to emotional problems, pathological reactions to life stresses, and chronic pain. The course will emphasize the therapeutic relationships and the development of individualized plans of care. The course will address communication skills, mental health assessment, various therapeutic balances, and sensory perception. Direct focused client care experiential learning will give learners the opportunity to gain experience with many of these chronic
conditions
BSN 266: Concepts of Nursing II
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; BSN 205 BSN 225 and BSN 246, or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Requisites: PSY 201, SCI 131, SCI 225, and BSN 215
Description: This course emphasizes the provision of professional nursing care for clients across the lifespan with acute medical conditions. The learners will build upon knowledge gained in the basic sciences and other prerequisite nursing courses. The course emphasizes decision-making skills, independent functioning, and a family-centered approach. The course will introduce the learner to the nursing care of acute clients. The course includes application to specific concepts, principles, and theories in various acute care settings.
BSN 305: Pharmacology for BMTC
Delivery Modality: Online (Online Didactic Instruction)
Semester Credits: 4 (Didactic Only)
Contact Hours: 60 (Didactic Only)
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; BSN 215 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Requisites: PSY 201, SCI 131, and SCI 225
Description: Overview of the principles of advanced nursing pharmacology, including major drug classifications and prototypes of commonly used medications. Principles of medication administration include aspects of best practice for safe, quality, patient-centered care. Central topics of the course include safety, quality improvement factors in the administration of medications, patient teaching, and
variations encountered when administering medications to diverse patient populations across the lifespan.
BSN 315: Pharmacology II
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; BSN 215 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Requisites: PSY 201, SCI 131, and SCI 225
Description: This course builds upon the concepts introduced in BSN 215 encompassing the safe drug administration to clients across the health continuum. This course focuses on the role of the registered professional nurse as a care provider providing culturally competent client-centered care as well as education, leadership skills, and advocacy for clients with complex needs and selected diagnoses in pharmacological treatment. Using the nursing process as a guide, the learner integrates previous learning with current, expanded learning to analyze the therapeutic use of drugs and assist the patient in using them safely.
BSN 325: Population-Based Chronic Illness and Health Promotion
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour (This course includes a practice-based direct focused client care experiential learning project which requires 22.5 tracked clock hours to receive credit for the course)
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; and BSN 246
Corequisites: None
Requisites: MAT 220, PSY 201, SCI 131, and SCI 225
Description: This course introduces concepts of community health nursing using a population-focused nursing process. The course emphasizes health promotion, risk reduction, and disease management in selected community settings. The course focuses on theory-based nursing care of aggregates, communities, and vulnerable populations in a global, multicultural society. The course introduces learners to public health concepts as well as characteristics of community health
nursing. The course also emphasizes community assessment process and the development of nursing strategies to assist multi-problem families, while considering health on a continuum and throughout the lifespan. In addition, the course will explore the nurse’s role on the community health team and an
understanding of health care needs of different cultural groups.
Note: Though not classified as “direct focused client care experiential learning” contact hours in the curriculum plan, the RN-to-BSN Program requires 22.5 tracked practice-based direct focused client care experiential learning project hours to earn the academic credit for BSN 325.
BSN 335: Concepts of Professionalism, Management, and Leadership
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: This course will explore professionalism, management and leadership concepts, issues, roles, and functions as applied to the role of the professional nurse in various health care settings. The course will emphasize development in the roles of problem solver, change agent and leader. The course focuses on evidencebased leadership, management skills, and competencies needed by professional
nurses to work productively in inter-professional teams. Learners will analyze current best practices related to leadership roles, communication, teamwork and collaboration, quality improvement, and culturally competent client-centered care. The course will emphasize legal and ethical issues related to leadership and professionalism.
BSN 346: Concepts of Nursing III
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*; and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; and BSN 246
Corequisites: None
Requisites: BSN 305 or BSN 315
Description: This course focuses on providing advanced chronic care for clients at all stages in life and with several types of physiological and psychological processes. The course also explores end-of-life issues related to chronic illness. Learners will synthesize knowledge from earlier courses related to health promotion and prevention and move toward providing client-centered care for people suffering
from complex chronic illnesses. Learners will explore the aging process and discuss end-of-life issues as well as explore co-morbidities while managing health outcomes for chronic care patients, along with psychological conditions. Direct focused client care experiential learning gives learners the opportunity to gain experience with many of these more complex chronic conditions.
BSN 355: Capstone Proposal
Delivery Modality: Online (online didactic instruction)
Semester Credits: 1 (Didactic only)
Contact Hours: 15
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; and BSN 246
Corequisites: None
Requisites: PSY 201, SCI 131, and SCI 225
Description: This course is a preparatory proposal course for BSN 485: Capstone Leadership, which will be taken the last academic semester of the BSN Program. Learners will be completing a capstone project in the BSN Program during that final academic semester, but the ideas, proposal, and approval for this project will come to fruition in this Capstone Proposal course. Learners will learn about vision, creativity, and planning as it relates to leadership in nursing. They will propose a plan for a capstone project and explain how the plan will be carried out. This course will discuss some basic principles related to leadership and the future of nursing.
BSN 366: Concepts of Nursing IV
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; and BSN 246
Corequisites: None
Requisites: BSN 305 or BSN 315
Description: This course emphasizes the provision of professional nursing care for clients across the lifespan with acute, complex medical conditions. The learners will build upon knowledge gained in the Acute Care I course (BSN 266). The course greatly emphasizes acute care related to several different pathophysiological processes and end-of-life issues. The course includes application to specific concepts, principles, and theories in various acute care settings. The course will emphasize decision-making skills and independent functioning.
BSN 375: Advances Issues in Cognition
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; and BSN 266
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: This course focuses on advanced principles and concepts related to cognition and psychiatric nursing, emphasizing the roles and functions of the nurse in meeting the needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities who are experiencing issues in cognitive functioning. Learners will build upon concepts of cognition they learned in their associate degree programs, and advance their thinking skills to the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation levels. The course will emphasize the nurse’s ability to communicate, lead, apply the nursing process, and clinically judge situations related to cognition and psychiatric nursing.
BSN 395: Entry into Professional Nursing Practice
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: This course focuses on the role transition of professional nurse as provider of client-centered care, leader in the profession, manager of care, and member of the profession of nursing. Learners will engage in study of the history and theory of nursing and how society views the nursing profession. The course will examine the evolution of professional nursing practice as well as the role of the professional nurse within the global health care delivery system. Learners will participate in a clinical integrative practicum to experience the full spectrum of responsibilities and roles of the professional nurse. The course will discuss role expectations of the professional nurse and implement evidence-based guidelines for professional nursing practice.
BSN 425: Gerontological Nursing
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: BSN 346
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: This course examines the physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual aspects of aging within the context of the family and society. The course will examine advanced theoretical concepts of aging in light of the nursing process. The course will present theories and concepts related to gerontology and nursing principles within the framework of critical thinking and caring. The focus is on health promotion through providing safe, evidence-based practice interventions, emphasizing the well and the vulnerable older adult population
BSN 435: Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: Minimum eight (8) semester credits in human anatomy and human physiology, and three (3) semester credits in college-level English*, and three (3) semester credits in college-level math*; and BSN 266
Corequisites: None
Requisites: ENG 310, MAT 220, and BSN 355
Description: This course provides an introduction to the research process in the practice of nursing. Research in nursing is important to promote, maintain, and restore health, and to ensure quality and safety in nursing practice. Learners will examine the research process as a basis for how scientific nursing knowledge is obtained. The steps in the research process are identified, discussed, and will be
implemented in conjunction with the Capstone Proposal course (BSN 355). The course will explore the use of nursing research in the development of therapeutic nursing interventions. Learners will learn to apply critical thinking skills to the evaluation of published nursing research for application to practice.
BSN 445: Concepts of Nursing in the Complex Patient
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: BSN 366 (BSN 445 may be taken concurrently with the BSN 366 Audit)
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: This course focuses on pathophysiologic concepts and nursing management essential to critical care and emergency nursing in complex patient settings. The course will address ethical, moral, and legal issues as well as specific considerations for various procedures and specialty services encountered in the critical care environment. Learners will learn to apply the nursing process with
complex patient situations and prioritize nursing care for clients with multiple complex needs.
BSN 465: Decision-Making in Nursing
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour
Prerequisites: BSN 366 (BSN 465 may be taken concurrently with the BSN 366 Audit)
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: The purpose of this course is to aid nurses in making decisions, using ethical, political, legal, cultural, spiritual, clinical, and other considerations as part of the decision-making process. The course will emphasize ethical decisionmaking in nursing practice. Nurses are required to make decisions in every aspect of practice, and need to have a foundation of knowledge, values, and
ethics which will promote client-centered care in multiple nursing settings. An accurate understanding of policy and ethics in the decision-making process is vital for every practicing nurse.
BSN 485: Capstone Leadership
Outside Preparation: An average of three (3) hours per week for every didactic credit hour (This course includes a practice-based direct focused client care experiential learning project which requires forty-five [45] tracked clock hours to receive credit for the course.)
Prerequisites: BSN 355 and BSN 435
Corequisites: None
Requisites: None
Description: This course is a follow-up course to BSN 355: Capstone Proposal, which was taken the first or second academic semester of the BSN Program. In this course, learners will complete the capstone project they proposed in BSN 355. Learners will apply their learning about vision, creativity, and planning as it relates to leadership in nursing. They will complete a capstone project. The course will explore the future of nursing from a leadership perspective. The aim of this course is to help nurses explore the many facets of leadership and examine strategies that will help them develop skills needed to function as leaders.
Note: Though not classified as “direct focused client care experiential learning” contact hours in the curriculum plan, the RN-to-BSN Program requires fortyfive (45) tracked practice-based direct focused client care experiential learning project hours to earn the academic credit for BSN 485.
BSN Prerequisites
The College does offer prerequisites through the General Education (GE) Curriculum. Required classes for admittance into the programs may be found in the College Catalog.
Nightingale College’s BSN Program
The BSN Program curriculum was implemented as a result of the call for radical transformation in nursing education presented in Educating Nurses (Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L., 2010), a Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching study on preparation for the nursing profession, and other literature including the Institute of Medicine and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report on The Future of Nursing. The implementation of concept-based curriculum is an answer to current literature and research on best practices for nursing education.
Upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed BSN Program curriculum with a minimum of “B” grade in each nursing course and having satisfied all other graduation requirements, the learner will earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree.
The BSN Program prepares graduates for entry-level nursing practice in hospitals, clinics, and other health care settings. An RN with a BSN Degree practices the art and science of nursing by utilizing the nursing process and functions interdependently within the health care team. Nursing is a dynamic profession that contributes significantly to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.