bridge program
The Bridge Program is designed for RNs with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than nursing. The Bridge Program provides a special course of study which qualifies students to apply to the Master of Science Degree in Nursing program. The program offers a flexible selection of options to accommodate individual learner needs, including achievement testing, traditional classes, and select on-line offerings. If qualified, an acceptable score on the NLN Comprehensive Achievement Test for Baccalaureate Students can be substituted for course work.
Students have many questions about the process of going through the Bridge Program at SCSU; see below for answers to some frequently-asked questions. Feel free to contact Dr. Antonia Nelson, graduate program coordinator, or or come in for an appointment with any other questions you may have. Dr. Nelson may be reached at (203) 392-6480 or via email at nelsona13@southernct.edu
We value you as a prospective graduate student and want to help you succeed with your goals. We have learned that individuals with backgrounds varying from the traditional preparation for graduate study in nursing bring to the classroom and the health care arena points of view that allow all of us to consider situations and ideas differently. This is a wonderful opportunity none of us should miss, and having you join our nursing community here at Southern helps ensure we do not miss it. Nursing needs you!
OVERVIEW OF BRIDGE PROGRAM AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
What is the Bridge Program?
The Bridge Program is a way for an RN with a BA or BS in a field other than nursing to verify BSN content competency in order to enter the MSN program.
Who is eligible for the Bridge Program?
An RN with a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing is eligible for the Bridge Program.
What course work options do I have in the Bridge Program?
An RN in the Bridge Program may elect to take a comprehensive NLN exam in place of the RN/BSN coursework.. A passing grade on the exam is 75. An individual selecting this option validates that his or her knowledge base is equivalent to that of a BSN degree but does not earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Or, the individual can select to take the more traditional RN/BSN courses, all of which can be completed online, and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing prior to entering the master's program.
What will the
The test consists of 118 questions designed to assess your ability to apply knowledge from nursing science and from the natural, behavioral, and social sciences. The test focuses on the cumulative results of your educational program rather than the content of individual clinical components. To accommodate the heterogeneity of baccalaureate and nursing curricula, the test is constructed to reflect a number of conceptual frameworks.
The test measures your ability to utilize the nursing process to address the health care needs of clients, families, groups, communities, and aggregates. Community-focused skill, health promotion, and care strategies, resource management , leadership skills, research application, educational approaches, outcome evaluation, and collaborative strategies of community settings are all included.
Subscores are reported for each of the following major content areas of the test: (1) Health promotion and outcome determination; (2) Selection of care strategies and application of leadership skills, educational strategies, and research findings. The test takes approximately 2 ½ hours to complete.
How do I arrange to take the NLN exam?
To arrange your test, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr.Antonia Nelson, at (203) 392-6480. During the 2006-07 academic year, the test is being offered from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, October through May. The cost of the exam is $50. Make the check out to: The National League for Nursing. As each exam is ordered individually, it is important to arrange for your test at least three weeks before you actually wish to take it to allow enough time to process the paperwork.
Is there a book I can use to prepare for the exam?
There is no specific text or study guide for the exam. A current NCLEX review book, a nursing research text, and a current nursing issues text are recommended to help you prepare for the exam.
Do I need any other course work in addition to the NLN exam?
In addition to successful completion of the NLN exam, you will need an undergraduate statistics course and an undergraduate health assessment course.
What happens after I complete the NLN exam?
The Graduate Coordinator will contact you regarding the results of the exam. Once you have successfully completed the exam, you may begin applying to the MSN program. Admission to the MSN program requires:
- Current RN licensure
- One year of clinical experience
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher*
- Successful completion of the GRE or MAT exams*
- Two letters of recommendations from professional sources
- Personal interview
- Statement of objectives for graduate study
- Undergraduate courses in statistics and health assessment
*Individual consideration is given to those whose QPR and/or GRE/MAT scores approach but do not reach desired levels.
What are my options if I do not receive a passing grade on the NLN exam?
If you are not successful on the NLN exam you can complete the seven courses in the RN/BSN sequence, all of which are available online. Once that course work has been completed, you will be eligible to apply to the MSN program.
Who will be my advisor?
Dr. Santavenere will advise you through the Bridge Program and in the graduate program as well. You can reach her at (203) 392-6480 or by e-mail at nelsona13@southernct.edu to set up an appointment.
