2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Jun 16, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Nursing (B.S.N.) - Accelerated Program

Location(s): Aberdeen, Rapid City, Sioux Falls


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Nursing students in a simulation lab.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Accelerated Option, Sioux Falls
Ali Christopherson, Professional Academic Advisor/Coordinator
SDSU Sioux Falls Campus (STC)

2300 N. Career Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57107
605-367-5636

Accelerated Option, Aberdeen
Abby Exner, Professional Academic Advisor 
SDSU Aberdeen Campus (NSU)

1200 S. Jay Street
Aberdeen, SD 57401
605-626-2427

Rapid City Accelerated
Gale Folsland, Professional Academic Advisor
SDSU Rapid City Campus (BHSU - RC), Room 114H
4300 Cheyenne Blvd
Box Elder, SD 57719
605-718-4369 or 605-394-2880 (Messages)

Program Information

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares graduates to practice in both hospital and non-hospital settings and have the foundation for advanced study in nursing. The curriculum includes university core requirements, major support courses in communication and the social, physical, and biological sciences, and nursing major courses. This education provides the foundation for the development of professional knowledge, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership skills and pursuit of high standards in health care to influence quality health outcomes.

Course Delivery Format

The professional program combines lecture and hands-on experiences that teach students to practice nursing with expertise, professionalism, and a passion for helping others. The faculty engage students in classroom, online, simulation laboratory, and clinical learning experiences in health care facilities and in community settings.

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 Accelerated 12-month Option begins once a year at the SDSU Sioux Falls campus (August), the SDSU Aberdeen campus (January), and the SDSU Rapid City campus (January). Students take coursework and participate in lecture, on-campus labs, and clinical rotations in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, or Rapid City respectively and in surrounding communities.

Admission


Admission Application Deadline Dates

  • Rapid City Accelerated Option, June 1 priority application deadline. Other considerations on July 1, August 1, and September 1. Final deadline of September 25.
  • Sioux Falls Accelerated Option, January 25 priority application deadline. Other considerations on February 1, March 1, April 1, and May 1.  Final deadline of May 25.
  • Aberdeen Accelerated Option, June 1 priority application deadline. Other considerations on July 1, August 1, and September 1. Final deadline of September 25.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Accelerated Option, students must have:

  • a cumulative GPA of 2.700 or higher.
  • a grade of “C” or higher in all completed courses required for graduation.
  • completion of all prerequisite coursework, SGRs, and elective courses, as needed, to equal 120 credits upon completion of the program. Students may apply while prerequisite coursework is in progress as long as courses are completed before starting semester 1 of the nursing program if selected for admission.

Any student eligible for regular admission to SDSU who plans to enroll in the College of Nursing, Department of Undergraduate Nursing, can be accepted into nursing and will have an academic advisor from the College of Nursing. During the semester in which students are completing their final required Pre-Nursing courses, they apply for admission to the professional program. Applicants with courses in progress at the time of application will be required to provide proof of enrollment in those courses with the application form.

Fulfillment of course and application requirements does not ensure admission. The number of students admitted to the professional program may vary depending upon available clinical facilities, qualified faculty and resources.

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 standards of the assigned clinical agencies. 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.

Language Proficiency


As the nurse is a professional who deals with human lives, it is mandatory that a higher level of English fluency be met in order to ensure the safety of clients and students. The English as a Second Language requirement for the College of Nursing is the same as that required by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The College of Nursing requires all students who meet the definition of a student with English as a Second Language to complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), DuoLingo or an accepted substitute. English as a Second Language is defined as a student who was instructed and spoke primarily in a language other than English in the K-12 grades or primary and secondary schooling. The Office of International Affairs lists waiver countries on their website and has information about these tests, however, the College of Nursing minimum scores are higher than those of the University to align with the national standards in nursing. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to the professional program is 79 (iBT), with a minimum speaking score of 26. The required IELTS band score for admission to the professional program is 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each module. The minimum DuoLingo score is 110. The TOEFL, IELTS or DuoLingo is required for all students for whom English is a second language, regardless of residency status. These scores are required before the student will be accepted into the professional program and the student is responsible for all testing fees.

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. A student who needs to repeat a failed professional program course is re-enrolled in the course on a space available basis. A student who fails a course due to unsafe practice in a clinical experience will not be eligible for readmission to the professional program 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 conduct inconsistent with the Code of Ethics for Nurses or legal requirements.

Requirements for Nursing - Accelerated Program: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science in Nursing

System General Education Requirements* 32 Credit Hours
Pre-Nursing Requirements 16 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 62 Credit Hours
Electives** 10 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.