RN-BS Completion, B.S.

Bachelor of Science
HEGIS Code: 1203.10
CIP CODE: 51.3801

The RN -BS completion program provides broad-based knowledge and skills for registered nurses (associate degree and diploma prepared) to continue their education and career mobility as managers and leaders. The program also provides the foundation for graduate study in nursing practice and education. Registered nurse students have opportunities to advance their clinical skills and knowledge through exciting experiences in community health, research participation, and leadership.

Program Outcomes

• Synthesize theoretical knowledge from the sciences, humanities and nursing to enhance professional nursing practice.
• Provide nursing care that is respectful of the cultural, ethnic and spiritual diversity of the client populations.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other health care providers and members of the community in promoting and maintaining the wellbeing of clients.
• Incorporate critical thinking and clinical nursing judgement skills in providing nursing care to diverse client populations.
• Demonstrate accountability for own nursing practice and professional development.
• Integrate principles of leadership in coordinating nursing care.
• Incorporate ethical, moral, and legal principles in own nursing practice.
• Employ the use of technology and research finding in evidence based nursing practice.

Admission Criteria

To qualify for admission to the RN-BS completion program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Current licensure and registration  in New York State as a Registered Professional Nurse
• Meet all college admission requirements
• Have a minimum nursing and cumulative  GPA of 2.5
• Will be awarded up to 60 credits from previous degree (30 credits of Arts & Science and 30 credits of Nursing).

Progression and Retention

A student in the RN-BS program must:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a grade of “C” or better in all required non-nursing courses;
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and a grade of “C” or better in all nursing courses;
• Satisfactory completion of clinical components of nursing courses with a passing (P) grade;
• Achieving less than a “C” in a nursing course is considered a failing grade. Only one failure in a nursing course is allowed.  A second failure in a nursing course will result in dismissal from the nursing program.
• Schedule advisement session each semester with assigned nursing faculty advisor;
• A withdrawal from a nursing course may constitute a failure;
• A student is only allowed to withdraw once from a nursing course
• Complete the program within five years

Required Documents

Upon entry to NUR 304 , students must submit a copy of their RN license and current registration.  Students planning to take nursing courses with a clinical component (NUR/NURL 318  or NUR/NURL 421 ) must upload to CASTLEBRANCH the following documents prior to the first clinical experiences at the date specified by the program:

• CPR certification with AED
• Malpractice insurance
• Annual physical exam, required NYS immunization, flu shot, and other clearances to meet the requirements of the specific clinical agency or site.
• Drug screening and clinical background check (not required MEC DON but many clinical agencies).