Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Online College Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Online College Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)


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The RN-BSN Degree Completion program is designed for those students that have completed an Associates Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing and wish to attain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The RN-BSN program incorporates both nursing focused courses and general education courses.

The RN-BSN Degree Completion requires a total of 120 credit hours. Thirty semester hours must be earned through Saint Joseph’s College.

Students enrolled in the online RN to BSN program must follow a prescribed curriculum sequence as directed by their academic advisor and meet all prerequisites identified in the online course catalog and course descriptions.

Students who receive less than a C+ grade (78) in a nursing course may not progress to the next nursing courses until a grade of C+ (78) is achieved. This may mean that the student needs to repeat a course.  Students must achieve a 78 average on test scores in nursing courses, including the final exam, before other grades, such as papers, projects or nursing care plans, are averaged in.  Students may only repeat a nursing course once.  Failure to successfully complete the course on the second attempt at any institution or fail a second nursing course will result in dismissal from the program.

Matriculated students will have five (5) years to complete the program.

A Graduate of the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at SJC:

  1. Demonstrates professional behaviors by integrating legal and ethical principles into practice and in use of health informatic systems
  2. Communicates in an effective and professional manner with patients, families, and in interprofessional partnerships by using verbal and nonverbal means
  3. Demonstrates safe, effective care throughout the life span (and at the end of life) that is based on accepted principles and standards of nursing practice with an emphasis on evidenced-based care and cultural competence.
  4. Provides holistic, safe, person-centered care to patients, families, and communities while working within healthcare systems
  5. Recognizes the importance of holistic self-care and community care through integration of health promotion and disease prevention into practice
  6. Demonstrates accountability in advocacy, collaboration, teaching, and leadership actions
  7. Demonstrates critical thinking with an emphasis on clinical reasoning, problem solving, and effective use of the nursing process

General Education Requirements


The requirements consist of three learning themes:

  1. Development of Knowledge: Foundational Inquiry and Skills
  2. Sustainability of Communities and the Planet
  3. Personal Growth & Professional Development

Note: Some academic programs have minor variations in general education requirements. Please talk to your Advisor or Admissions Counselor for more information.  

Courses which meet SJC Core Curriculum Requirements  

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 credits)


The general education curriculum supports several of SJC’s Institutional Learning Outcomes.  Specifically:

  • Identify and apply the ethical and moral dimensions of their particular field of study;
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills in both written and oral formats;
  • Engage in responsible citizenship, social justice, and environmental stewardship;
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze and evaluate information from diverse sources and perspectives.

Development of Knowledge: Foundational Inquiry and Skills (18 credits)


  • 3 Credits of Introductory Theology  
    •   Any TH 100 level course or transfer equivalent
  • 6 Credits of Humanities  
    • Any PH course or transfer equivalent
    • Any HY course or transfer equivalent
  • 6 Credits of English  
    • EH 106 or transfer equivalent
    • EH 107 or transfer equivalent
  • 3 Credits of Mathematics  
    • MA 205 or transfer equivalent

Sustainability of Communities and the Planet (15 credits)


Personal Growth & Professional Development (9 credits)


Core Nursing Requirements


(6 courses, 27 credits)

  • NU 451  -Professional Transitions and Healthcare Informatics (Intensive) Credits: 6
  • NU 452  - Health Promotion and Policy (Intensive) Credits: 6
  • NU 453  - Quality Care and Leadership (Intensive) Credits: 6
  • NU 316  - Health Assessment for RNs Credits: 3
  • NU 309  - Evidence-Based Practice Credits: 3
  • NU 407  - Evidence-Based Practice Capstone Credits: 3

RN Transfer Credit/General Electives


Any college-level electives and Associate/Diploma RN transfer credit   54.00 credits

Admission Requirements


  1. Applicants must be graduates of a Diploma or Associate degree in Nursing, accredited at the time of graduation by CCNE, NLN or ACEN.
  2. Diploma or Associate degree in nursing program must have been completed with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Applicants are required to hold an active, unrestricted RN license.  RNs are to provide their license number to Saint Joseph’s College for verification.
  4. An essay on how a BSN will impact the applicant’s career growth is required.

 

Note:  Applicants who have had license sanctions must be without restrictions during the two years prior to Saint Joseph’s application.

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