Program Coordinator/Contact
RN to B.S.N. Option
Abby Exner, Professional Academic Advisor
Northern State University, SDSU
1200 S. Jay Street
Aberdeen, SD 57401
605-626-2427
Program Information
The RN to B.S.N. option builds upon the 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 to B.S.N. option further develops the RN’s foundation for advanced study in nursing. Graduates of the RN to B.S.N. option 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 system general education requirements, required foundational courses in the social, physical, and biological sciences, and RN to B.S.N. 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 health care.
- Incorporate evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrate proficiency in patient care technologies and informatics.
- Evaluate the implications of health policy and health care delivery systems on the professional nursing practice environment.
- Integrate effective interprofessional communication and collaboration into professional nursing practice.
- Integrate behaviors that reflect nursing values and professional standards into practice.
- Provide patient-centered, quality care.
- Improve population health through health promotion and disease prevention.
Program Delivery Options
The RN to B.S.N. option is designed as a baccalaureate degree completion for registered nurses who completed a associate degree nursing program. Curriculum 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 to B.S.N. advisor.
Program Admission
Interested RNs are encouraged to contact the RN to B.S.N. office for individual advising.
Admission Application Dates
Students are admitted six times a year for the RN to B.S.N. program. Refer to the SDSU College of Nursing website for admission application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
- 2.5 GPA, “C” grades in all coursework applied to baccalaureate requirements
- Unencumbered registered nursing license in state of practice
Transfer Students
Transfer students who have begun but not completed a bachelor’s in nursing program at another college or university within the last five years 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. Additionally, students must obtain a letter from the Dean or Director of the former institution identifying whether the student is not continuing in the program at that institution for any reasons other than lack of academic success or personal choice. The Dean or Director of the former program is asked to identify if the student would be recommended for continuation in pursuit of a nursing degree, recommended with reservation or not recommended. A form is available from Nursing Student Services which can be utilized for this purpose. Being enrolled in clinical courses and courses that are normally associated with having started the nursing program at that institution serves as the definition of beginning a nursing program for this requirement.
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 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 professional program and graduation from the College of Nursing. A grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses required for graduation. Students may repeat one failed professional program course with permission from the College of Nursing. Upon failing a second professional program course, the student is dismissed from the major. A student who needs to repeat a failed professional program nursing 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 professional program, 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.
Course Delivery Format
All coursework is delivered online. Curriculum is flexible and designed to accommodate the personal and professional needs of the RN. There are many opportunities for collaboration with experienced, well-qualified faculty and other RNs.
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