Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completion program at South University is designed for registered nurses who wish to become more proficient in their field and focus on the delivery of patient care. The RN to BSN online program emphasizes the areas of skill that students need to develop as well as the geographic areas whose populations our students will serve — particularly rural communities.

The RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; http://www.aacn.nche.edu/; telephone: 202.887.6791.

The program offers 24/7 access to classes and is structured to allow students to pursue their studies without having to put their career or life on hold. We deliver the campus experience in the convenience of an online format, helping RNs focus their efforts and pursue their goal of a BSN as efficiently as possible.

Innovative Healthcare Concepts

Graduates of the RN to BSN program will gain the skills they need to be prepared for clinical practice. As a student in this program you can:

• Study palliative care, gerontological nursing, and complementary and alternative nursing methods
• Enhance your patient teaching skills and your ability to motivate and train nursing staff
• Develop management abilities by expanding your critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, and formulating decisions

Credit for Your RN Experience

• RNs may receive 45 credit hours for their nursing experience.
• Nurses may receive academic credit for prior completed coursework (transfer of credit rules apply).
• Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates our online RN to BSN program are prepared to seek entry-level employment in:

• Hospitals
• Private physician practices
• Community clinics and agencies
• Research organizations
• Pharmaceutical firms
• Academic institutions

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. Generally, RNs with at least a bachelor's degree will have better job prospects than those without a bachelor's. In addition, all four advanced practice specialties — clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse anesthetists — will be in high demand, particularly in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas. Relative to physicians, these RNs increasingly serve as lower-cost primary care providers."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Registered Nurses, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to South University’s online RN to BSN degree completion program, prospective students must meet the following requirements:

1. Completion of all general education requirements with a grade of C or higher in specified courses.
2. ASN or diploma graduate of an accredited nursing program.
3. Overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in all nursing college work attempted.
4. Evidence of a current, unencumbered RN license in the state of clinical practice.

Note: Provisional admission may be granted for an overall GPA of 2.0 to 2.49 on a 4.0 scale. Final admission requires completion of at least four general education courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Getting Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in our online RN to BSN program. Click here to get started.

Acceptance into a South University nursing program or its completion does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain licensure or certification. The student should contact the state licensing board or professional certification body in each state in which the student intends to practice for specific requirements and the application process.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - 180 Total Hours

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Completion program are required to take a total of 36 courses as follows:

• 24 foundation courses
• 12 major courses

Foundation Curriculum -  Credits
Students are required to take 24 foundation courses as follows:

BIO1011 - Anatomy and Physiology 1 (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology I is an introduction to the structures and functions of the human body including the characteristics of life, homeostasis, organizational levels, basic metabolism, the cell, tissues, organs, organ systems, the organism, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system, and the special senses.

Prerequisite(s): AHS1001 with a ?C?or better Co-requisite: BIO1012 ENG0099 MAT0099

Credits: 4

BIO1012 - Anatomy and Physiology I Lab (11- week course)

BIO1012, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO1011 through demonstration and exercises utilizing charts, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely.

Prerequisite(s): ENG099 MAT0099

Credits: 2

BIO1013 - Anatomy and Physiology II (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology II is a continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. BIO1013 is an introduction to the structure and functions of the human body with emphasis on the endocrine system, circulatory system, respiratory system, gastro intestinal system, urinary system, reproductive system, and genetics.

Prerequisite(s): ENG099 MAT0099

Credits: 4

BIO1014 - Anatomy and Physiology II Lab (11- week course)

Anatomy and Physiology II Lab is designed to support, amplify, and clarify the material presented in the theory class BIO1013 through demonstration and exercises utilizing chart, models, tissues, and organs, as well as typical laboratory equipment. The second part of the term will include a whole specimen dissection, which will assist the comprehensive review of both BIO1011 and BIO1013. Laboratory topic content shall follow the theory class very closely.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1011 ENG099 MAT0099

Credits: 2

BIO2070 - Microbiology (11- week course)

Microbiology introduces the student to microorganisms with particular emphasis on their role in health, wellness and disease. Economic, social and cultural issues related to utilization, control, and research of the monera, protista, fungi, bacteria and viruses are also considered. BIO2070 must be taken concurrently with BIO2071.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 BIO1014

Credits: 4

BIO2071 - Microbiology Lab (11- week course)

Microbiology introduces the student to microorganisms with particular emphasis on their role in health, wellness and disease. In this course students perform laboratory exercises, experiments and tests that correlate with the lecture material of BIO2070. Emphasis is placed on aseptic technique, proper handling of lab specimens, universal precautions and proper waste disposal. BIO2071 must be taken concurrently with BIO2070.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 BIO1014

Credits: 2

CHM1010_S - Chemistry (11- week course)

CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Prerequisite(s): MAT 1001 or MAT1002 with a C or better

Credits: 4

ENG1001 - Composition I

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, including theme, composition, and research. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, and on writing procedures. Selected readings in prose, drama, and poetry supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

ENG1002 - Composition II / Literature

This course is designed to introduce the student to fiction, poetry, and drama and, through literary analysis and interpretation, to develop the life skills of critical thinking and written expression.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ENG2001 - Composition III

The goal of this course is to refine the student's reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By analyzing ineffective arguments and constructing effective ones, the student will discover how ambiguity, evasiveness, vagueness, and obscurity weaken his or her credibility as a writer.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

ITS1000 - Computer and Internet Literacy

This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

MAT1001 - Intermediate Algebra

Concepts of algebra including linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, exponents, logarithms and functions. Emphasis on graphical representations of functions. This course is designed to build an adequate background for the college-level mathematics, science and business courses.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099 or Exemption

Credits: 4

MAT1500 - College Mathematics

College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics.

Prerequisite(s): MAT0099

Credits: 4

MAT2058 - Statistics

This course introduces the student to fundamental laws of probability, levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and variance, random variables, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression, small sample techniques and non-parametric methods.

Prerequisite(s): MAT1001 OR MAT1002

Credits: 4

NTR2050 - Nutrition (11-week course)

This course surveys the principles necessary to promote optimum nutrition throughout the life cycle. Consideration is given to informed evaluation of areas of controversy, as well as influence of socioeconomic and culture on nutritional practices.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

PSY1001 - General Psychology

The fundamental questions guiding this course are relatively simple. In what ways are we all alike and in what ways are we different? And why? Although these questions may be simple, the answers, as we shall see, are complex, interconnected, and too often invisible to the untrained eye. Different families... different backgrounds...different sexes... different cultures...different ethnic groups...different ways of looking at things...different behaviors...different values—how are we to understand this incredible diversity of human experience so that we can navigate successfully in an increasingly chaotic and shrinking world? The intent of this course is to examine the psychological foundations underlying the identity of the "self," "identity" and "world view" in an effort to understand the differences that exist from culture to culture, from generation to generation, from family to family, from profession to profession, and from individual to individual.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

PSY2022 - Human Growth and Development

In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual, and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Prerequisite(s): PSY1001

Credits: 4

SOC1001 - Introduction to Sociology

This course, a scientific study of human social activity, will provide the student with a new way of looking at the world. In learning about the sociological perspective, the student will be challenged to see the general in the particular, the strange in the familiar, and the importance of the global perspective.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

SPC1026 - Public Speaking

Students will develop and refine presentation skills focusing on compiling, organizing and outlining the research material in preparation for the assignments.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Math and Science Electives - Choose one:

AHS1001 - Medical Terminology

This course presents a study of basic medical terminology. Prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, plural forms, abbreviations, and symbols are included in the content. Emphasis is placed on spelling, definition, usage, and pronunciation. This course is designed for health profession students who require study in the fundamentals of medical terminology as part of their professional curriculum.

Prerequisite(s): ENG0099

Credits: 4

BIO1015 - Pathophysiology (11- week course)

Pathophysiology is an introductory study of disease processes in humans. Etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, common treatments, and diagnostic findings are reviewed by body systems and developmental stages.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 AND BIO1014 with grades of "C" or better

Credits: 4

Humanities Electives - Choose two:

ENG2002 - World Literature

This course focuses on world literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: story, poetry and drama.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002

Credits: 4

HUM1001 - Art History: Prehistory to the Middle Ages

This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the design and artistic concepts common to all art work, and will also cover the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

HUM1002 - Art History: Renaissance to the Modern Period

This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to the Modern period. The concepts, artists, works, and styles of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the design and artistic concepts common to all art work, and will also cover the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1001

Credits: 4

PHI2301 - Introduction to Philosophy

This course introduces students to critical philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their daily lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world. As a methodology, this course will use the specifics of current events in the world to give a concrete context for the philosophic topics covered in the study materials.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001

Credits: 4

General Education Electives - Choose two:

BIO1015 - Pathophysiology (11- week course)

Pathophysiology is an introductory study of disease processes in humans. Etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, common treatments, and diagnostic findings are reviewed by body systems and developmental stages.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1013 AND BIO1014 with grades of "C" or better

Credits: 4

BIO1020 - Biology I

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces biology, scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, and biotechnology. The course also compares human and plant organization and function. The student will also complete writing assignments that will introduce the student to scientific literature.

Prerequisite(s): and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite MAT0099

Credits: 4

BIO1021 - Biology II

Principles of Biology II is the second in a two-course sequence. This course continues the study of biology detailing the roles of the endocrine and nervous systems in maintaining homeostasis. The course continues with the study of human development, chromosomal, inheritance, human evolution, and the environment. The student will also complete writing assignments that will advance the student's use of scientific literature.

Prerequisite(s): BIO1020 WITH "C" or better and ENG1001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

ENG2002 - World Literature

This course focuses on world literary selections. Topics include the critical evaluation of the literary genres: story, poetry and drama.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002

Credits: 4

POL2076 - American Government

This course is an introduction to American politics and government, focusing on political processes and institutions and on contemporary political issues.

Prerequisite(s): ENG1002 or ENG2001 Co/Pre-Requisite

Credits: 4

UVC1000 - Strategies for Success

Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting, and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4

Major Curriculum - 90 Credits
Students are required to take 12 major courses as follows:

BSNPRE - BSN Prerequisites

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 45

NSG3005 - Transition into Professional Nursing for RN's

This course introduces the student to the rationale and values of baccalaureate nursing practice. Students' select, research, analyze and evaluate current issues affecting the nursing profession. The student explores the meaning and implications of the five integral components of the nursing profession: Caring, Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism and Wholism.

Prerequisite(s): Admission into the nursing program.

Credits: 4

NSG3012 - Principles of Assessment for Registered Nurses

This course builds on the physical assessment skills of the registered nurse. The course takes a systems approach to physical assessment and includes both normal and abnormal findings.

Prerequisite(s): Transition into Professional Nursing for RN?s

Credits: 4

NSG3016 - Caring for a Multicultural Society

This graduate course will focus on ways to assist the nurse to provide holistic care in a multicultural society. Theories related to culture and caring, Holism and spirituality will be used as a foundation for understanding our multicultural world. Specific cultural practices, beliefs and issues affecting the health of persons and communities will be studied. Future directions of transcultural nursing are discussed with worldwide perspectives of different cultures and subcultures.

Prerequisite(s): 3005

Credits: 2

NSG3028 - Caring for the Community

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in the community and public health. The community and public health focus includes caring for people in the home, school, workplace, health department, as well as various agencies. The course also focuses on the environment, epidemiological issues, and vulnerable populations across the lifespan, communicable disease, and health promotion. Perspectives on health care and community oriented nursing, influences on healthcare delivery, and conceptual and scientific approach applied to community oriented nursing are also emphasized. The principles of professional nursing care to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum.

Prerequisite(s): NSG3016

Credits: 4

NSG3036 - Introduction to Nursing Research

This course will introduce the student to concepts, issues, and processes in nursing research and its application to practice. Emphasis is placed on the review, analysis, evaluation, and application of current nursing research. Selected research studies are critiqued.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 3

NSG4028 - Concepts of Teaching and Learning

This course gives the registered nurse the opportunity to enhance his/her patient teaching skills and develop skills for staff education. Principles of learning, teaching strategies, communication, and preparation of continuing education programs will be included. Considerations for teaching and learning with a diverse population will be explored.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

NSG4029 - Leadership in a Diverse Society

This course prepares the registered nurse, not only for a professional leadership role, but will enhance his/her ability to work with professionals of other cultures. This course emphasizes professional leadership while assisting to develop specialized nursing management skills.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

NSG4055 - Illness and Disease Management across the Life Span

In this course, the student will focus on the experience of illness and chronicity. The student will apply concepts of health maintenance and restoration to individuals, families, and aggregates. The student will also learn strategies to increase the quality of life and minimize complications.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

NSG4064 - Financial Management for Nurses

In this course the student will explore nursing finance and budgeting issues. This course will introduce the student to an overview of the health care system, ethics, leadership and budgeting strategies. The student will also examine the use of information technology.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

NSG4070 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing

This course analyzes professional ethical and legal issues with the ensuing nursing dilemmas integrating the factors of professional laws/standards, personal ethical stance, social, spiritual, transcultural, economic, institutional and political climate. Legal and ethical practice issues will be reviewed. Emphasis is given to the resolution of ethical dilemmas through ethical reasoning and ethical and legal obligations in professional patient relationships.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 2

NSG4075 - Capstone (11- week course)

This course allows the student to develop and initiate a plan of care for aggregates in the community. The plan will include concepts discussed throughout the curriculum. The student will practice roles of provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care and member of a profession.

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all coursework (Capstone Course)

Credits: 6

Nursing Electives - Choose one:

NSG4045 - Health Promotion across the Life Span

This course prepares the student to practice wholistic health promotion across the life span. Content includes assessment and planning care for individuals and families. Special emphasis will be placed on personal health promotion strategies.

Prerequisite(s): A121

Credits: 4

NSG4065 - Complementary and Alternative Methods of Nursing

In this course the student will explore complementary and alternative methods of healing. Principles of psychophysiology of healing will be discussed. Alternative therapies such as energy healing, imagery, and music therapy will be examined.

Prerequisite(s): Transition into Professional Nursing for RN?s

Credits: 4

NSG4066 - Palliative Care

In this course the student will explore concepts and issues in end of life care. Students will learn strategies to give optimum end of life care to the individual and the family. Symptom management, legal/ethical considerations, grief and death will be covered.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

NSG4067 - Gerontological Care

This course focuses on the care of the older adult. Pathophysiology of normal aging and common ailments will be discussed. The course will examine the older adult in the community, long-term care, and acute care.

Prerequisite(s):

Credits: 4

Software Requirements:

• Adobe Acrobat Professional
• Microsoft Office Professional
• Norton Antivirus

Minimum Technology Requirements:

• PC: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a Pentium III CPU, Windows XP with Service Pack 2, and 512 MB of RAM.
• Mac: As a general guideline, students should not have computer specifications less than a G3, G4, or G5 processor, MAC OS, and 512 MB of RAM.

Internet Requirements:

56K or faster Internet connection is required for online courses, however broadband is strongly encouraged.

Web Browser Requirements:

PC: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Internet Explorer 6.0 (supported)
• Internet Explorer 7.0 (recommended)
• Internet Explorer 5.5 (supported)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (recommended)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Mac: At least one of the following browsers with Java enabled:

• Safari 3.0 (supported for OS X)
• Safari 2.0 (recommended for OS X)
• Safari 1.2 (supported for OS X)
• Firefox 1.x (supported)
• Firefox 2.0 (supported)
• Firefox 3.0 (supported)

Software may be purchased through JourneyEd.