Overview

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is offered as a nursing major.  The nursing major is offered through the Bethel University Department of Nursing, Social Work, and Community Health and administered through the College of Adult & Professional Studies.

The RN to BSN program is offered through the Bethel University Department of Nursing, Social Work, and Community Health and is administered through the College of Adult & Professional Studies. The College of Adult & Professional Studies nursing major is for registered nurses who have obtained initial preparation in an associate degree or diploma program. 

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing and master's degree programs in nursing at Bethel University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Outcomes

• Integrate nursing knowledge, the liberal arts, and a Christian worldview to fulfill nursing roles.
• Promote client health in a culturally relevant manner through collaborative processes.
• Provide competent care and meaningful comfort to clients who are healthy, ill, or dying.
• Use critical thinking, healthcare information technology, and evidence-based findings to make decisions that promote safety and quality and improve client health outcomes.
• Communicate through verbal, nonverbal, and technological means with individuals, families, communities and systems to achieve mutually determined health outcomes.
• Advocate to increase access to healthcare and to promote justice for underserved clients.
• Conduct self as a member of the nursing profession by integrating Christian values, professional standards, and ethical perspectives.
• Demonstrate collaborative leadership to enhance the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.

Progression and Graduation

To progress in the program and graduate, the student must meet Bethel University requirements for academic progress. In addition to graduation requirements common to all undergraduate programs at Bethel, students in nursing must:

• Earn a grade of C or better in each nursing course and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher. This indicates satisfactory achievement of objectives and completion of course requirements.
• Function in a safe and ethical manner.
• Demonstrate character and professional dedication consistent with the role and responsibility of the professional nurse.

Further details on departmental policies and procedures are described in each program's Nursing Student Handbook.

Program Performance Standards

Nursing is a practice discipline. All nursing students must demonstrate a wide variety of cognitive, interpersonal, and motor skills. A list of core program performance standards is available from the nursing department.  The university will provide reasonable accommodations to eligible students who can demonstrate need based on qualifying disability in accordance with the applicable law. Students seeking reasonable accommodations must request them in a timely manner in order to avoid scheduling delays.  A minimum of 30 days advance notice prior to the start of the academic term is required because of the complex nature of clinical and intensive courses. Consultation related to reasonable accommodations is available through the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.

Nursing Appeals Process

Students have the right to appeal a final grade, clinical evaluation, or dismissal from the program.  If resolution cannot be resolved with the faculty member most immediately involved, the student may appeal to the Nursing Admissions and Progression committee, as described in the program’s Nursing Student Handbook.

Admissions decision are final and may not be appealed.  Applicants may request a review of an admission decision by the Dean of Nursing, Social Work, and Community Health.

Students who are dismissed from the nursing program will be administratively withdrawn from nursing courses in which they are registered for the next term.

RN to BSN Degree Completion Admission Requirements

The RN to BSN major will consider applicants who:

• Meet the general requirements for admission to the College of Adult & Professional Studies.
• Have completed at least 60 semester credits.
• Have a combined cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale on previous academic work.
• Have a transcript evaluation completed to determine which, if any, outstanding course requirements or needed credits must be fulfilled.
• Submit a copy of your current, unencumbered RN license issued by the US state in which you intend to complete your clinical hours.
• Submit two Admission Reference forms—one from a supervisor and one from a colleague if employed in nursing or from a nursing instructor or professor.
• Submit documentation of current health insurance coverage (a copy of card or other proof).
• Fulfill the admission requirements for either Category A or B.

Category A applicants must

• Hold an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution and with a grade of C or better in each nursing course. (If any part of Category A requirements is not met, select Category B.)

Category B applicants must

• Hold an associate’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited institution or a diploma from an accredited hospital nursing program.
• Have completed the following prerequisite college-level courses from a regionally or nationally accredited institution. Each course must have earned at least two semester credits.
  • Anatomy and Physiology I (4 semester credits recommended)
  • Anatomy and Physiology II (4 semester credits recommended)
  • Chemistry (4 semester credits recommended) or Nutrition (3 semester credits recommended).
  • Lifespan Development (3 semester credits recommended)
  • Microbiology (4 semester credits recommended)
• Have earned a grade of C or better in each of the prerequisite science courses.
• Submit a current resume that includes work experience that indicates a minimum of one year of nursing experience. May be waived for direct A.S. degree transfer students; contact an enrollment counselor for details.

Note: Bethel nursing malpractice insurance coverage is required. Prior to any clinical practicum, a criminal background check must also be completed.

Applicants will be notified of their admission category status by mail following approval of the nursing department.

Applicants should have the following documents ready to submit during the program.  

• Copy of current unencumbered U.S. registered nurse license
• Documentation of current health insurance coverage

• Copy of current CPR certification
• Completed Nursing Student Immunization Record which may include but not limited to:
  • Hepatitis B*
  • Influenza*
  • MMR*
  • Tdap*
  • Varicella* 
• Documentation of a negative 2-step Mantoux* and a current negative Mantoux/chest X-ray or equivalent screening*

Applicants will receive instructions on submission of these items in NURS400 Public Health. These items are required.  

*Professional requirements may change at any given time. Please refer to the NURS400 course for the current list. 

Students who have not achieved the minimum GPA, grade standards, or other assessment criteria may still apply to be considered for provisional acceptance. See Admission Categories.

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Degree Completion)

The RN to BSN major is 33 credits. Students may start coursework throughout the year. Courses may be taken in any order as long as prerequisite requirements have been fulfilled.  

ENGL 225R, or an equivalent transfer, is a program prerequisite and must be completed before taking the below courses. In addition, NURS 300 is recommended for students wishing to add additional acute care experience to their degree or in need of elective credits.