Frequently asked questions

B.S.N Completion Track

Organizational Leadership Program

B.S.N. Completion Track

What are B.S.N. classes like?
Classes are held one evening per week from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Group sizes range from 10 to 20 students who progress through the program together. Nursing faculty conduct class in a seminar format. Students are expected to actively participate in class, each bringing his or her own unique experiences in nursing to the discussion. Teaching and evaluation methods are geared to meet the educational needs of adult students.

Faculty and students share a colleague-type relationship. Students in the B.S.N. Completion Track soon discover that faculty are an excellent source of personal and professional support, both in and out of class.

How much homework can I expect?
The B.S.N. Completion Track is an accelerated program. Classes vary from two to seven weeks in length. A three-credit class covers a five-week period of time as opposed to an entire semester. As a result, self-directed study outside of class is essential.

The program fosters critical thinking and analytical and problem-solving skills that are best developed through writing and case studies. There are very few objective exams. Students demonstrate their understanding of class concepts through journaling and through short, frequent papers based on assigned readings and clinical experiences. Preparation time is also required for group and individual presentations.

Student guides are developed and distributed for each class. These include the information necessary to complete all assignments and include copies of assigned readings from periodicals.

Tell me about clinicals
The Goshen College B.S.N. Completion Track has four classes that have a clinical or project component. The classes are:

NURS 332 Holistic Client Assessment
NURS 437 Cross-Cultural Aspects of Health and Illness
NURS 438 Community Health Nursing
NURS 449 Leadership in Nursing

Clinicals and projects occur concurrently outside of class time, an approach which allows theory to compliment practice. They are self-directed in nature. In keeping with the current trends in nursing, the clinicals and projects occur in nontraditional or community settings. Students design their own clinicals based on counsel from faculty, objectives of the course andprofessional goals and interests. Clinical time requirements vary for each class. NURS 332, Holistic Client Assessment, requires an additional eight hours over the entire course. NURS 438, Community Health Nursing, requires an additional eight to 10 hours per week. The other courses fall in between these two parameters.

Organizational Leadership Program

How do I qualify for admission?
Prospective students need a minimum of 60 semester hours to be admitted to the program. They must have a grade point average of at least a 2.0. Because the classes are discussion-oriented, students are encouraged to be at least 25 years of age and have work experience or significant volunteer experience. Exceptions can be made for the age requirement. The work environment also provides a place in which students can practice what they are learning in the classroom. Because the curriculum is writing-intensive, successful completion of a writing sample is required of all applicants.

What degree will I receive when I am finished?
A Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership.

What if I don't meet all the admission criteria, can you still help me?
Yes. The first step is to request a copy of your transcripts be sent to the DAES office. If you don't have 60 transferable credits, they may recommend you attend classes at a local community college before enrolling in our Adult Programs. Our counselors will be able to assist you in course selection to assure transferability. If your grade point average is below 2.0, our counselors will aid you in determining the best track for you.

If I haven't taken a college class in years, can I be successful in this program?
Yes! The Adult Programs is designed for adult learners. Classes are discussion-oriented, drawing from your practical work and experience.

How can I apply "credit for prior learning"?
One of the features of our Adult Programs at Goshen College is an opportunity to receive credit for college-level learning that has happened outside the college classroom. There are two types of prior learning that may be awarded college credit: 1) learning through seminars and your professional and technical training and 2) learning through work, home, community and other environments. Credits awarded for prior learning may be related to your major or elective requirements. A maximum of 30 credits can be earned through Credit for Prior Learning. Students are provided with specific guidelines and receive guidance from our staff for obtaining these credits.

Where are your students employed?
Will I fit into this program? Our students represent a cross section of both the private and public sector. They are employed in the banking industry, law enforcement, health care professions, manufacturing, travel industry, government and social services to name a few.

When do classes start and what are the class hours?
Classes begin at various times throughout the year, not just at the beginning of a semester. A class of students (12-20) remains together throughout the entire program. Classes meet one evening per week from 6 to 10 p.m.

Where are classes offered?
The Organizational Leadership Program is offered at the Goshen College campus in Goshen, Ind.

Will I qualify for graduate school upon completion of the program?
Many graduates who have completed our programs have been accepted into master's programs. Because we are fully accredited, students should not have difficulty in being accepted into a master's degree program.

Do I qualify for financial aid?
Students enrolled in the Adult Programs are considered full-time and are eligible to apply for state and federal grants or loans. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to determine eligibility. Most students qualify for the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

How do I get started?
We encourage you to contact the DAES office and arrange to have your prior college transcripts sent. We can then review them and create a graduation plan for you.