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Phone: 616-331-3558 Fax: 616-331-2510 Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences Kirkhof College of Nursing 301 Michigan St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3314 |
Frequently Asked Questions Why do I need a BSN degree? A BSN degree enhances professional knowledge and skills enabling students to meet the challenges of an ever-changing health care system. Emphasis is placed on expanding critical thinking skills, community health nursing, needs of individuals and families with chronic conditions, nursing research, and leadership skills. A BSN degree prepares the nurse for advanced education and job opportunities. What are the admission requirements for the RN/BSN Completion Program?
What nursing courses will I have to take to complete a BSN degree? There are two prerequisite nursing courses:
There are five senior level nursing courses:
Will I receive credit for my previous nursing courses? RNs receive 30 university credits for their previous nursing coursework from a diploma or A.D.N. program. Community college credit is also given (3 credits each) for anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and growth & development if not listed on the college transcript. These credits are awarded following successful completion of NUR 410. Do you have any proficiency exams to verify my knowledge and skills? No. Do you give credit for life/work experience? No Do you have a program for RNs who have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing? Yes. Those RNs can complete Bridge coursework (Health Assessment Skills, Basic Pathophysiology, Professional Role Transition, and Health in Diverse Communities) and enter the MSN program if qualified. Some MSN courses can be taken at the same time as the bridge courses. How long will it take to complete my degree? It depends on how many prerequisites and general education classes are completed and how many classes you wish to take each semester. Most RNs complete their degree in 2-3 years of part-time study. GVSU policy states that you must complete your degree within 8 years after you start your first GVSU class. Are there any clinical courses? Yes. Home visits are done in NUR 410 Professional Role Transition. NUR 425 Care of Clients with Chronic Conditions and NUR 426 Health in Diverse Communities each require 48 hours clinical time. This can be done in your home community. Time must be set aside for completion of this requirement each week. Is the nursing program accredited? Yes. The Kirkhof College of Nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). How often do classes meet? On-site senior level nursing courses meet one day per week at the Center for Health Sciences Building on the downtown Grand Rapids campus. The on-site option begins in the summer semester and takes 3 semesters to complete. On-line classes meet three times per semester for on-line instruction, presentations, and evaluation. The on-line option begins in the winter semester and takes 4 semesters to complete. Can I take both on-line and on-site classes? Yes. Keep in mind that they are on different schedules. How do I apply to GVSU? You can complete the GVSU application either on-line or send the paper application to the Admissions Department. Applications are accepted year-round. Contact all schools you have attended since high school and have your official transcripts sent to GVSU. The Admissions Department requires that you apply at least one month prior to the start of classes. This allows time for your transcript to be evaluated and to attend transfer orientation. What are the basic skills courses? Basic skills courses include: ¿ MTH 110 Intermediate Algebra ¿ WRT 150 Strategies in Writing ¿ Two SWS (Supplemental Writing Skills) courses ¿ WRT 305 Writing in the Disciplines or Junior Writing Assessment Essay. What are the general education requirements? General education requirements include: The Foundation categories:
Cultural Emphasis Requirements
Thematic Group
Some of the RN/BSN Completion Program prerequisite courses fulfill the general education requirements. Additionally, students may have taken some of these courses in their A.D.N. or Diploma program. How do I know what classes I will need to take? You will receive a Degree Progress Report approximately 3-6 weeks after you apply to GVSU and have your transcripts sent to GVSU. It will show how your classes from another school transfer to GVSU and if they meet a specific requirement. It will also show what courses must be taken to receive a BSN degree. This is a good time to meet with the Student Services Coordinator to review your Degree Progress Report and develop a program plan. Can I take some of the prerequisite or general education classes at a community college? Yes. Confirm the transferability of the class prior to taking it. When do I apply for the senior level nursing courses? You can apply for the senior level nursing courses when you are finishing your prerequisite courses. Contact the Student Services Coordinator for an application. The senior level nursing sequence on-site begins in the summer semester of odd numbered years and has an application deadline of January 15. The on-line sequence begins in the winter semester of even numbered years and has an application deadline of September 15. When can I register for the senior level nursing courses? You will receive a letter regarding admission approximately one month after the application deadline which includes information on required health record which must be submitted before obtaining a permit for NUR 410. This information includes: a health physical form, immunization record (Hepatitis B or titer, DPT, Td, polio, MMR or titers or history of disease, Varicella or titer or history of disease), current TB skin test, copy of current CPR card, copy of current health insurance card, Bloodbourne Pathogen training, and current Michigan RN license. Does GVSU limit the number of credits I can transfer from a community college? No. You must have a total of 120 credits to graduate from GVSU. 58 of those credits must be from a 4-year school. 30 of the 58 credits must be GVSU credits. You will receive 30 university credits for your A.D.N. or Diploma nursing classes. Can I start the program if I don't have my nursing license yet? You can complete the general education classes and many of the prerequisite classes prior to receiving your license. You must be a RN before you can take NUR 310 Professional Nursing Seminar and NUR 400 Health Assessment Skills for Nurses. Do I need a computer? A home computer is not required, but you will need computer skills. Computers are available on all GVSU campus sites. Where do I get the textbooks? You can purchase them at one of the GVSU Bookstores. You can also order them via the web: www.ubs.gvsu.edu or by phone: 616-331-2544. Who do I contact if I have additional questions? You can contact Wanda Moerland, RN/BSN Student Services Coordinator by phone: 616-331-6742 or 800-480-0406 or e-mail: moerlanw@gvsu.edu. |
| Last Modified Date: July 2, 2009 | |
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