Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)

The B.S.N. 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 Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program is an accelerated pre-licensure program taken over 15 months (summer-start cohort) or 20 months (fall-start cohort).  The nursing major for post-baccalaureate students 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 Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program is for students already possessing a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Students are prepared to practice in entry-level professional nursing positions in all types of healthcare agencies.  Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX® licensure examination (for registered nurses).

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

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 clinical judgment, 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 Post-Baccalaureate Nursing program, the student must meet the Bethel University requirements for academic progress.  In addition, a student must:

• Earn a grade of C or better in each nursing course. Select nursing courses require that the overall combined exam score is at least 75% in order to pass the course.  This indicates satisfactory achievement of objectives and completion of course requirements. Details are provided in the syllabi for the select courses.
• Maintain a major GPA of at least 3.0.
• Successfully complete each prerequisite nursing course before progressing to the next sequential course.
• Function in a safe, professional, and ethical manner.

Program Design

• This is an accelerated program delivering a 49 credit major in 15 or 20 months.  The program is full-time and students are advised not to work during the program.
• All courses (fully online and hybrid formats) are delivered using best practices in internet technology, instructional design, and adult learning.
• Seven 3-day skills intensives are held on the Bethel University campus during the program.
• Seven practicum courses are completed during the program requiring 500 clinical hours.
• Some online, synchronous learning activities are included during this program. 
• A supportive learning community is achieved through the cohort model-a small group of students progressing through a degree program together.  
• The curriculum prepares graduates to take the NCLEX® licensure examination (for registered nurses)

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

Admissions decisions 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.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility

The Post-Baccalaureate B.S.N. will consider applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited college or university.

Admission Criteria

The following are minimum threshold requirements to be considered for admission into the Post-Baccalaureate nursing program.  Space is limited, however, and not all qualified applicants are guaranteed admission.  

• Meet the general requirements for admission to the College of Adult & Professional Studies.
• Achieve a final cumulative GPA of at least 2.85 from an undergraduate degree institution.  
• Achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in the required prerequisite courses.  
• Earn a C or better for all required prerequisite courses.
• Give evidence of personality, character, and emotional stability consistent with the mission of Bethel Nursing and the role and responsibility of the professional nurse. Submission of an essay addressing provided prompts, a recent resume, and an interview are required.
• Additional materials may be required upon the request of the Admissions Committee.
• Any candidate meeting the minimum application requirements will be granted an interview.

Applicants who have not achieved the minimum GPA, grade standards, or other assessment criteria may still apply to be considered for provisional acceptance. Admission is not guaranteed.  See Admission Categories.  Candidates may reapply once for admission to the nursing program.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite courses must be earned at an institutionally accredited (or internationally recognized as equivalent) institution. At least 4 of the 6 prerequisite courses must be completed by the application deadline. Three of the completed courses must be lab science courses. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the start of the program.

There is not a requirement for how recently a prerequisite course was completed, however, students will be held accountable for the content. The nursing curriculum builds upon the prerequisite courses and requirements. Applicants may want to consider retaking one or more prerequisite courses, especially the science courses, to refresh knowledge and comprehension.

Lab Science Prerequisites:

• Anatomy (4 credits - including a lab)
• General Chemistry (4 credits - including a lab)
• Physiology (4 credits - including a lab)
• Microbiology (3-4 credits - including a lab)

Health and Psychology Prerequisites:

• Lifespan/Developmental Psychology (2-3 credits)
• Nutrition (3 credits)

Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post Baccalaureate)

The Post-Baccalaureate Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) major is delivered in an accelerated format for students already possessing a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.  The Post-Baccalaureate BSN Nursing major is designed as a 50-51 credit major taken over 15 months (summer cohort) or 20 months (fall cohort) that is built on the student’s existing degree. This program is designed for adult learners who are pursuing a career change to nursing. The program starts a new cohort each summer and fall.   

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Course must be taken for credit at Bethel.

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Courses submitted in transfer for NURS 325 must be taken within 5 years of starting the nursing program and provide at least 3 credits of similar human pathophysiology content with a final course grade of B- or higher.

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The statistics requirement may be met with transferred coursework of at least 3 credits or by taking PSYC 335 Introduction to Statistics (4 Credits) at Bethel during the nursing program.

Note: Course fees are subject to change.