Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.

Overview and Accreditation

The BSN Program is a nationally accredited RN to BSN Program that is designed for the working registered nurse. This is a “2 + 2” nursing program in which AS nursing graduates can complete their BSN in 3 or 4 semesters.

All nursing classes are offered online and some courses require clinical experiences that may be completed in the student’s home county/state. Boot Camps are required days of class with faculty provided via “Live Streaming” to accommodate the online learner. Students have 3 options for attending the required classes: Attend live class on the Bluefield campus, attend live class virtually from their home computer, or watch the archived class video within one week from when the class was held. Students may complete support courses at Bluefield State College or at other colleges or universities. Completion of the BSN degree requires a total of 120 credit hours.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bluefield State College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, D.C. 20001 (202) 887-6791.

Mission: The mission of the RN to BSN Program is to provide students an opportunity for quality baccalaureate nursing education that is both affordable and geographically accessible, and prepares students to meet the diverse health care needs of the community, state, and nation. The nursing faculty is committed to planning and implementing a quality baccalaureate program for registered nurses which promotes students’ intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural development in a diverse and caring environment. The scope of professional nursing education is believed to be one that enables and empowers the student to recognize the ethical, legislative, economic, regulatory and political aspects that define the scope of professional nursing practice. The roles inherent in the status of the professional nurse include but are not limited to: provider of direct and indirect care, designer/manager/coordinator of care, member of a profession, patient/client advocate and educator, and life-long learner.

Goal: The goal of the BSN Program is to provide registered nurses with learning opportunities to acquire the knowledge base and skills to practice nursing at the professional level.

Student Outcomes

1. Assess the health/illness status of individuals, families, and communities throughout the lifespan utilizing a holistic perspective.
2. Recognize how components of diversity impact health and health care.
3. Practice advocacy skills for the nursing profession and the patients/clients served.
4. Employ critical thinking skills as a basis for professional nursing practice.
5. Use effective communication skills and interprofessional collaboration consistent with the role of the professional nurse.
6. Appraise nursing research for its applicability for evidence-based nursing practice.
7. Use professional nursing management, leadership, and interprofessional education (IPE) skills to coordinate comprehensive health care.
8. Apply an ethical decision-making framework incorporating the ANA Professional Code of Ethics, professional standards, and an awareness of personal values in nursing practice.
9. Develop and implement health education programs for diverse populations in a variety of settings.
10. Apply an increased depth and breadth of knowledge in managing patients/clients with acute complex health problems.
11. Use evidence-based nursing strategies in planning care for patients/clients throughout the lifespan.
12. Recognize the increased complexity of health, wellness, and health problems experienced by the older adult.

BSN Eligibility Requirements

1. GPA of 2.5 from college courses.
2. Meet general admission requirements of Bluefield State College.
3. Have completed the English and Math general studies requirements.
4. Be a graduate of a state-approved, ACEN accredited Associate Degree or Diploma Nursing Program .
5. If not a graduate from Bluefield State College Associate of Science in Nursing program, official transcripts are required.
6. Have a current, unrestricted U.S. RN license - BSN faculty will verify this online.
7. Second year A.S.N. students may be accepted but enrollment is contingent upon passage of the NCLEX-RN licensure examination prior to the first day of class.
8. Meeting minimal qualifications does not guarantee acceptance.

Application:

The application to the RN to BSN program is online (https://bluefieldstate.edu/form/bsn-application) and available year-round. Call Admissions at 304-327-4065 or 4066 with any questions.

The fall class will be accepted beginning in the spring semester of the year for which admission is sought.

*Out of state residents may qualify for “metro rate” tuition.