bachelor of science in nursing for rns (RN-BSN)
The department offers a flexible admission policy for RNs who hold an associate's degree or diploma, and who desire a bachelor's degree in nursing. Students are provided with individualized attention as they proceed through the nursing program. The program takes into account the rich background of experience of the RN in terms of both clinical and classroom settings.
Admission
RNs must apply to and be accepted by the university. Once accepted by the university, RN students would submit a separate application to the RN/BSN Program after completion of prerequisite courses. Students must meet with the RN/BSN coordinator to plan their course of study. Students may take CLEP exams as a substitute for some liberal arts courses. Thirty credits for prior nursing course work is awarded within the framework of the Connecticut Articulation Agreement.
Prerequisite Courses
The following are the prerequisite course titles for the RN/BSN Program. Previous courses may be transferrable when official transcript evaluation is completed. A grade of "C" or better must be achieved in all prerequisite courses.
Prerequisite to Nursing Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
| ENG112 | Composition II | 3 |
| MAT108 | Math for Natural Sciences | 3 |
| BIO110 | Human Biology I | 3 |
| BIO111 | Human Biology II | 3 |
| BIO120 | Basic Microbiology | 3 |
| CHE120 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| PSY100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| MAT107 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
Courses in the Nursing Major
| Course | Title | Credits |
| NUR317 | Nursing Research | 2 |
| NUR457 | Advanced Clinical Concepts: Selected Health Issues for Practice | 3 |
| NUR459 | Leadership and Management in Contemporary Nursing Practive | 4 |
| NUR460 | Advanced Concepts in Nursing 1 | 3 |
| NUR462 | Health Assessment of RN/BSN Students | 4 |
| NUR463 | Concepts of Community Health Nursing for RN/BSN Students | 4 |
| NUR467 | Care Across the Continuum for Special Populations | 3 |
Applications are available from the RN/BSN Coordinator.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Kim Lacey, Coordinator, RN-BSN Program
New Nursing Building 101C
Email: laceyk1@southernct.edu
Phone: (203) 392-8871
RN/BSN Frequently Asked Questions
How many credits can I transfer to SCSU?
A student may transfer: up to 63 credits from a community college(75 if you earn your RN) and up to 90 credits from a four-year college or university Credits earned through CLEP exams count as four-year college credits. Thirty (30) credits must be completed at SCSU.
When can I apply to SCSU?
SCSU has "rolling" admissions, meaning that you can apply anytime. Although there is no cut-off date for applications, you are encouraged to apply early if you wish also to apply for housing.
Will all of my previous course work be accepted?
Please consult the Admissions Department for specific advice. In general, the university will accept courses with a grade of "C-" or above. The nursing department requires a grade of "C" or above for all nursing prerequisites.
Not all of my courses are equivalent to SCSU courses. Do I lose those credits?
Most course work will be accepted for credit. Some courses may transfer as "elective" credits. SCSU requires 12 elective credits for a BSN degree. Elective credits are credits for courses which are not required in the major or as a university requirement. Courses at a 095 level are not accepted for credit. For specific information about course work you have completed, use the SCSU Web site: http://www.southernct.edu/. Click on Admissions, then Undergraduate Information, then follow the directions for "equivalency." An example is provided on pages in the handout. The first example shows that HI 103 [Survey of Western Civilization I] at Housatonic Community College is equivalent to HIS 100 [Western Civilization I] at SCSU.
How do I apply to SCSU?
You can apply on the Web (www.southernct.edu) or you can request an application form from the Admissions Office (203-392-5644).
Will I get credit for my nursing courses?
Yes. Thirty (30) nursing transfer credits will be awarded for your basic nursing education.
How many credits from SCSU do I need?
You must take a minimum of 30 credits at SCSU. A maximum of 63 credits may be transferred from a community college. Up to 90 credits may be transferred from a four-year college or university.
How many credits do I need for the BSN degree?
For the BSN degree, 125 credits are required.
Does SCSU have any online courses?
Yes. Consult the SCSU Web site for a listing of online courses. All of the nursing courses are online. Some of the liberal arts courses are also offered online.
What are university requirements?
University requirements are courses that SCSU requires all students to take. For example, all students, regardless of their major, must take a 3-credit fine arts course. Below is a list of the university requirements. Many of these courses are available during Wintersessions, online and in summer sessions.
American Political Foundations
-Select one: HIS 110, 112, 162, 248, 251:PSC 110, 140(Only one of HIS 110/112 may be taken for credit
Communication Skills
-Select one: COM 100, 105, 205; JRN 101
Fine Arts
-Select one: ART 104, 105; MUS 110, 112, 113, 115; EXS 140;THR 100, 211, 212, 313
Foreign Language
-One second semester(or more advanced) language course: ARB 101; FRE 101, 103, 106; GER 101, 106; ITA 101, 106; JPN 101; LAT 101; RUS 101: SPA 101, 106
History of World Civilizations
-Select one: HIS 100, 101, 104, 105, 229, 231, 232, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 313
Literature
-Take: Eng 217 or any 400 level foreign language literature course
Philosophy
-Select one: PHI 100, 120, 200, 207, 211, 212, 215, 296, 297, 325. PHI 325 is recommended
Soc Sci A
-Select one: ECO 100, 101; GEO 100, 102, 200, 201, 260; PSC 100, 110, 130
Soc Sci B
-Select one: ANT 101; Soc 100, 211
How quickly can I finish the BSN degree?
The nursing courses can be finished in three semesters if you take two nursing courses in the fall and three nursing courses in the spring, one in the summer and two in the following fall. How quickly you finish the remaining course requirements depends upon how many credits you transfer in and how many courses you take each semester. SCSU also has a winter session and summer sessions.
What prerequisite science, math, and English classes do I need?
You will need:
- CHE 120 (General Chemistry I)
- MAT 108 (Math for the Natural Sciences)
- MAT 107 (Statistics)
- ENG 112 (Composition II).
If you have completed these courses at another college/university you may transfer them to the program.
You will transfer in:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II
- Biology 120 (Microbiology)
- Psychology 100 (Introduction to Psychology)
- Psychology 210 (Developmental Psychology)
We have eliminated PHY 103 (Physics) and CHE 125 (General, Organic, and Biochemistry) as prerequisites for RNs.
How many nursing courses must I complete in your program?
There are seven nursing courses (22 credits) in the program. There is one clinical course (Community Health Nursing).
My primary language is not English. Do I still need to take a foreign language?
You will be eligible for a waiver, but must take another course to replace the credits. Please contact the Foreign Language Department for more information about obtaining a waiver.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Please contact the financial aid office for specific information.
Who will be my advisor?
Program Coordinator Dr. Kim Lacey will be your advisor. You may contact her by phone at (203) 392-8871 or by email at laceyk1@southernct.edu to set up an appointment.
Thank you for your interest in our RN/BSN Program. Feel free to contact Dr. Lacey with any additional questions.
