Program Coordinator/Contact
Susan Rosen, Coordinator, RN Upward Mobility
605-688-6186 or 1-888-216-9806 ext. 1
E-mail: SDSU.RN-BSN@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/undergraduate-nursing/rn-bsn
Click here for additional information.
Program Information
The RN Upward Mobility program builds upon the diploma or associate degree RN education and experience, enhances the RN’s leadership in providing holistic, integrated care to improve patient outcomes and to reduce healthcare disparities. The RN Upward Mobility specialization further develops the RN’s foundation for advanced study in nursing. Graduates of the RN Upward Mobility specialization are prepared to expand their practice in the areas of community health, health promotion, and leadership in preparation for new career opportunities in emerging healthcare environments. The curriculum includes university core requirements, nursing major prerequisite courses in the social, physical, and biological sciences, and RN-BS courses.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Integrate theories and concepts from liberal education into nursing practice.
- Integrate effective leadership skills to improve the quality of healthcare.
- Incorporate evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrate proficiency in patient care technologies and informatics.
- Evaluate the implications of health policy and healthcare delivery systems on the professional nursing practice environment.
- Integrate effective interprofessional communication and collaboration into professional nursing practice.
- Improve population health through health promotion and disease prevention.
- Integrate behaviors that reflect nursing values and professional standards into practice.
- Provide patient-centered, quality care.
Program Delivery Options
The RN Upward Mobility program is designed as a degree completion for registered nurses who have completed a diploma or associate degree nursing program. The program includes on-line courses and clinical practicums in the RN’s geographic area. Due to individual state Board of Nursing practicum requirements, out-of-state students are strongly encouraged to contact the RN Upward Mobility advisor.
Program Admission
RNs interested in the RN Upward Mobility option are encouraged to contact the RN Upward Mobility office on the Brookings campus for individual advising. Students should refer to the NursingCAS website (http://www.nursingcas.org/) for application directions to complete the application.
Admission Application Dates
Students are admitted each semester for the RN-BSN program. Submission deadlines are:
- February 15
- May 15
- October 15
Admission Requirements
- 2.5 GPA, “C” grades in all coursework applied to baccalaureate requirements.
- Two or fewer prerequisite requirements remain.
- Evidence of personal liability insurance and an unencumbered nursing license
Transfer Students
Transfer students who have begun but not completed a bachelor’s in nursing program at another college or university must submit a letter to the College of Nursing indicating their reason for transfer. They must also apply for admission to SDSU, as well as to the College of Nursing. Three letters of recommendation must also be submitted to the College of Nursing: one from the dean/director of their former program and two from faculty members stating they left in good standing.
Nursing Regulations
Students in the College of Nursing are governed by the regulations and policies that apply to all students at SDSU but are also governed by requirements of the College of Nursing, professional standards and those of the clinical agencies in which they have practicum experiences. These requirements are presented in detail on the College of Nursing Compliance webpage and in the College of Nursing Undergraduate Handbook. This includes but is not limited to health requirements, immunizations, background checks, and drug screens.
Academic Requirements
A GPA of 2.5 or higher is required for continuation in the nursing major. A grade of “C” or higher is required in all nursing courses. Students may repeat one failed nursing course with permission. Upon failing a second nursing course, the student is dismissed from the program. A student who needs to retake a failed course is re-enrolled in the course on a space available basis. A student who fails a course due to unsafe practice in a practicum experience will not be eligible for readmission to the nursing major, unless evidence is submitted that the unsafe behaviors have been corrected.
All undergraduate and graduate nursing students are expected to adhere to the principles of the Code of Ethics for Nurses (American Nurses Association, 2015). The Code of Ethics for Nurses communicates a standard of professional behavior expected throughout the total program and in each individual nursing course. Therefore, in addition to dismissal for academic failure, the faculty and administration of the Departments of Undergraduate Nursing and Graduate Nursing reserve the right to dismiss any student enrolled in either the undergraduate or graduate program for unethical, dishonest, illegal, or other conduct that is inconsistent with the Code of Ethics for Nurses.
Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
The baccalaureate, master’s degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and APRN certificate programs at South Dakota State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation).
Approval
The College of Nursing programs are approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.
Licensure
Unencumbered RN license is an RN-BS admission requirement.
Course Delivery Format
All coursework is delivered in the online format. Curriculum is flexible and designed to accommodate personal and professional needs of the RN. There are many opportunities for collaboration with experienced, well-qualified faculty and other RNs.
