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2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing, BS (RN to BS)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) is now available to students in attendance beginning Fall 2017.

Program Description

For information, contact: Department of Nursing, nursing@andrews.edu, 269-471-3311/3312

The RN to BS program provides the RN with an associate degree an opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum focuses on the professional and leadership roles of the BS-prepared nurse. As students come from varying school backgrounds, the RN to BS program is individualized.  Normally students complete in two to three years (4-6 semesters).  The program requirements will involve clinical activities that cannot be carried out in the student’s regular work setting.

Up to 31 credits of lower-division nursing may be accepted from the associate degree transcript.

RN’s without recognized academic credit in nursing may obtain credit by successfully passing the NLN Upward Mobility Profile II Tests, or an acceptable option. These tests passed at the recommended score would count toward the 31 credits of lower-division nursing credits (although not counted in the GPA).

General Education and Cognate courses are also considered when transferring into our program.  Each student will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine which of the 32 General Education credits and the 28 Cognate credits remain of those required for graduation.

Total Credits: 125

Major: Core Requirements - 34

Major: Additional Requirements

Practicum

Undergraduate nursing practicum: In nursing classes with a practicum, a ratio of four clock hours will be required for each semester of clinical credit.  For example, a 1-credit clinical course meets for 60 clock hours, a 2-credit clinical course meets for 120 clock hours.

In nursing classes with laboratory hours, a ratio of two laboratory hours will be required for each semester of lab credit.  For example, a 1-credit laboratory meets for 30 clock hours in the semester.  Clinical hours are indicated in the bulletin in the course description.

Cognates - 3

Andrews Core Experience - 20

Admission Requirements

Application for admission may requre a minimum of six weeks for processing evaluation. Deadline for applications is May 15 to be considered for entry into the nursing program in the Fall Semester.

  1. Minimal overall GPA of 3.00
  2. Current licensure as an RN in the United States or equivalent accreditation in country of residence.
  3. An acceptable criminal background check from company recommended by Department of Nursing—to include Berrien County.
  4. Physical examination report that must include:
    1. Tuberculin skin test (if positive a chest x-ray is required, will be evaluated individually) and yearly evaluation thereafter
    2. Proof of immunization or serum immunity for MMR1 and MMR2 (measles, mumps, rubella, rubeola), T-dap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussin), and hepatitis B
    3. Proof of either having had chickenpox (tested for varicella-zoster antibodies) or the immunization
  5. Drug Screening is required.
  6. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

NOTE: Students have the right to reapply to the program.

Readmission

  • Any student on a Leave of Absence for two years or more, must have a readmission reevaluation of both clinical and theoretical knowledge.
  • Readmission will be considered on an individual basis.
  • Student can re-apply only once.

Maintaining Academic Standing

  • Nursing courses must be taken in the required sequence.
  • A percentage as stated in the department handbook is required to pass each nursing course.
  • A test average as stated in the department handbook is required for identified nursing courses.
  • No grade lower than a B- is accepted in any undergraduate nursing course.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for cumulative cognate GPA (with no grade lower than a C in any cognate) and cumulative overall GPA.
  • Independent study courses cannot replace required nursing courses.
  • Annual flu shots are required.
  • Maintaining a current certification of the American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course.
  • There is an annual review of required health care competencies. (See Department of Nursing Handbook for specifics.)
  • Class attendance is required: The Department of Nursing will uphold University Policy.
  • Clinical attendance is required: See the Department of Nursing Student Handbook.
  • Student will be asked to withdraw from the nursing program if one or more nursing courses are failed at any time.
  • Student will be required to show competence via a standardized external exam and remediation before progressing to certain classes.
  • Academic performance alone does not ensure completion of the nursing preparation. Students must also continuously meet acceptable professional ethics, disposition and safety standards as determined by the admissions and progressions committee.
  • A urine drug screen must be completed 20-30 days prior to the start of the first clinical rotation and at the beginning of each academic year.
  • Annual criminal background check is required.

Additional Information

Transfer Credits

Students wishing to transfer in nursing credits must have course work evaluated by the Nursing Department—Admissions and Progression’s Committee. (Please allow a minimum of six weeks prior to the beginning of classes for evaluation.)