BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (RN-BSN)

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the RN to BSN program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement: All applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants under 18 must have consent from a parent or legal guardian to gain admission to the school.
2. Proof of Age: Applicants must provide proof of age by presenting a government-issued ID or birth certificate.
3. Educational Background:
   • All applicants must submit a copy of their GED, High School Diploma, or an equivalent qualification.
   • If an applicant is unable to provide a High School Diploma or GED, a basic skills examination administered by the school will be required to assess the student’s readiness for training.
4. Basic Skills Examination:
   • The basic skills assessment, designed to verify the applicant’s ability to read and write in English, consists of two tests:
     • Reading for Technician: A minimum passing grade of 60 or higher is required.
     • Writing for Technician: A minimum passing grade of 60 or higher is required.
5. Degree-Level Admission Criterion:
   • Applicants must have previously earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing.
   • A minimum of 120 credit hours is required to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which includes:
     • General Education Hours: A minimum of 30 credit hours.
     • Core Nursing Courses: A minimum of 30 credit hours.
     • Transferable Credit Hours: Up to 90 hours of prior college coursework may be transferred to the program, with a maximum of 75% of the total degree requirements.
6. Acceptable Electives and Grades for Transfer:
   • Electives: Students may transfer in acceptable electives that align with the nursing curriculum, such as courses in psychology, sociology, or health sciences.
   • Grades: Only courses in which the student earned a grade of “C” or higher are eligible for transfer.
7. Enrollment Advisory:
   • Potential applicants are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor prior to enrollment to understand their commitment and financial obligations. During this visit, students will complete Potential applicants are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor prior to enrollment to understand their commitment and financial obligations. During this visit, students will complete an application and receive a copy of the school catalog.
8. Campus Security:
   • Dade Institute of Technology does not maintain a campus security or police force. Any criminal activity must be reported to the proper civil authorities.
   • The Owner/Director or a designated staff member is responsible for contacting local or state law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel as needed in emergencies.
   • All breaches of security, including theft or misconduct, are to be reported immediately to the Owner/Director or staff member. The importance of these policies will be emphasized during orientation to ensure a safe and secure learning environment.

1. Previous Qualifications: Candidates must possess a valid and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license.
2. Educational Background:
   • A minimum of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing is required.
   • Applicants must also present documentation of completion of general education requirements that may include English, mathematics, and social sciences.
3. Academic Performance:
   • A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale from all prior nursing education is preferred for admission.

Admission Process:

The admission process involves several steps:

1. Application Submission: Interested candidates must complete and submit an application form along with all required documentation, including transcripts, proof of RN license, and any other relevant certifications.
2. Assessment of Qualifications: The admissions committee will review applications to ensure that all requirements are met, including the minimum GPA and educational background.
3. Interview: Selected applicants may be invited for an interview with faculty members to further discuss their qualifications and goals.
4. Notification of Admission Status: Applicants will receive notification regarding their admission status via email within a specified timeframe, typically within two weeks of the application deadline.
5. Enrollment: Accepted candidates must confirm their enrollment and complete any necessary pre-enrollment processes, including completing orientation and registering for classes.

Expected Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the RN to BSN program, graduates are expected to:

1. Demonstrate advanced clinical skills and competencies in a variety of healthcare settings, promoting safe and effective nursing practice.
2. Utilize evidence-based practices in patient care, integrating research findings to improve patient outcomes and enhance nursing practices.
3. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams to foster collaborative relationships that enhance care quality.
4. Engage in critical thinking and problem-solving in complex healthcare situations, demonstrating leadership and decision-making skills within the nursing profession.
5. Prepare for advanced roles in nursing, including management, education, and community health, by applying theoretical knowledge to real-world nursing challenges.
6. Commit to lifelong learning and professional development by pursuing further education or certifications as needed in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Program Objectives

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is designed to provide qualified registered nurses with the opportunity to advance their education and enhance their professional nursing practice through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Program Description

NURS 3050 Transition to the Professional Nursing Role. Focuses on the knowledge, competencies, skills, and abilities for transformation to the professional nurse role. This course builds upon previously acquired knowledge and skills. The scope and standards for professional nursing practice, select models, nursing theories, and other influencing factors are examined. Role socialization, professional development, interprofessional communication and collaboration skills are fostered. (4 credit hours)

NURS 3150 Healthcare Informatics. In this course, learners will integrate nursing science, computer science and informatics science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge, and wisdom in nursing practice. An emphasis will be placed on integration of nursing, technology, and information science for the support of professional nursing practice. Legal and ethical considerations will be addressed. (3 credit hours)

NURS 3200 Heath Promotion. This course introduces the learner to the concept of wellness across the lifespan. Learners will examine the concepts of health and wellness, the determinants of health behavior, national health status, the history of health education and health promotion. The learner will recognize health promotion as an important foundation for population-based health care. (4 credit hours)

NURS 3300 Concepts of Pathophysiology for Nursing. In this course, learners will build upon existing understanding of the pathophysiological processes of disease across the lifespan. Using case studies, learners learn about defensive, compensating and adaptive responses to the presence of disease by various body systems. (4 credit hours)

NURS 4000 Science of Evidence-Based Practice. This course reviews evidence-based practice, the history of this movement, and the challenges to implementation in the practice setting. Learners will further develop their skills with efficiently finding, reading, and comprehending published research and determining applicability to clinical practice. Learners will continue to explore means to assess, monitor, and develop cultures of safety in their own organizations and will become familiar with several national safety initiatives. (4 credit hours)

NURS 4150 Healthcare Policy and Economics in Nursing. This course examines the foundations of healthcare policy that impact nursing practice and client care. Learners will participate in a critical analysis of current legislative issues, economic constraints and political controversies that influence emerging trends in nursing practice and healthcare systems. Learners will engage in the decision and policy-making processes through advocacy for improved patient outcomes. (4 credit hours)

NURS 4310 Leadership Immersion. Learners will experience integrating knowledge, skills, and competencies for the practice of professional nursing. This course aims to further strengthen the learner’s leadership skills using hands-on activities. (3 credit hours)

NURS 4850 Capstone Course. In this culminating capstone course, learners integrate knowledge from previous courses to design and implement a quality improvement project in an appropriate setting. Students will integrate knowledge of nursing research, leadership and management, and nursing theories to design, implement, and lead a team project that will improve client outcomes. (4 credit hours)