Nursing: R.N. to B.S.N. completion

Two tracks, one degree.

The Nursing program has both a basic and a R.N.-to-B.S.N. completion track. Students who have just graduated from high school or have completed some college follow the basic track. Students who have graduated from a three-year diploma or associate degree program in nursing and are registered nurses follow the RN to BSN degree completion track. The completion track was designed to provide an accelerated option that builds on previous education, nursing practice and life experience. The program outcomes for graduates are the same for students enrolled in either track. At graduation, the bachelor of science in nursing degree is conferred.

The B.S.N. completion program is offered in collaboration between the Goshen College Nursing department and the Adult and Graduate Programs. Transcripts from previous nursing education programs are evaluated individually and credits are transferred accordingly. Credit by examination is also an option for general education and supporting courses.

Structure of the program

There are two tracks within the RN to BSN program, a full-time or fast track, completing coursework over 12 months or a part-time track completing coursework in 20 months. The full-time track is designed for the student who is committed to taking two courses simultaneously and will commit to working no more than 24 hours a week as a nurse. The part-time track is designed for the student who is wanting one course at a time to maintain a full-time nursing position.  This program is offered strictly online.  The online program courses are offered in an asynchronous format with weekly assignments that can be done when convenient with the student’s schedule and designed to support long-distance students.  Courses are 7-weeks in length.   Clinical experiences for specified courses will be arranged by the student to fit with their personal life and work schedule. Ten courses provide 40 credit hours, of which 26 are upper-level nursing credits and 14 are general education credits.

Admission requirements

The nursing degree completion track is a professional program that requires an
admission process separate from admission to the college. Specific information
about criteria and process can be found in the R.N. to B.S.N student handbook
available online.

• An associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program.
• A cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher in prior academic work.
• Completion of all prerequisite courses (listed below).
• Transfer of a minimum of 60 credit hours from an accredited college (maximum of 45 nursing credits).
• Current licensure as an R.N. in Indiana or a neighboring state where the clinical component can be completed.

Prerequisites (9 credit hours)

Prior to progression through the program, the following courses (or their achievement test equivalent) must be completed.

• English composition 3
• Anatomy and physiology course 3
• Sociology or Psychology course 3

Graduation requirements

1. Completion of 120 credit hours accepted by Goshen College.
2. Completion of prerequisite requirements outlined above.
3. Completion of the B.S.N. completion track (Nursing and Goshen Core general education courses).
4. Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above in this program

Courses for the B.S.N. completion program

40 credit hours

• Core 210, Professional Communication Skills 4
• Core 309, Leading & Serving in a Multicultural World 3
• Nurs 280, Intro to Healthcare Statistics4
• Nurs 331, Philosophy and Theories of Nursing 4
• Nurs 332, Holistic Client Assessment 4
• Nurs 433, Research in Nursing 4
• Nurs 438, Community Health Nursing 5
• Nurs 449, Leadership in Nursing 5
• PJCS 210, Transforming Conflict & Violence 3
• PJCS 437, Disparities in Healthcare 4

Student learning outcomes

Graduates in nursing will:

1. Utilize knowledge from the arts and humanities, theology, natural and social sciences, nursing theories, and intercultural experiences in providing nursing care.
2. Demonstrate leadership for promoting quality care and patient safety.
3. Utilize the ability to think actively and strategically in applying selected research findings for evidence-based practice.
4. Demonstrate skills in using patient care technology and information systems that support safe nursing practice.
5. Integrate healthcare policy for the promotion of quality and safety in practice environments.
6. Communicate and collaborate with clients and the interdisciplinary team in providing comprehensive health services and the promotion of therapeutic nurse-patient relationships.
7. Practice health promotion and disease prevention to improve health for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
8. Provide patient-centered care by employing critical thinking, decision-making, psychomotor, and interpersonal skills.
9. Demonstrate professional values that foster the ability to resolve conflicts, examine ethical issues, promote accountability, and pursue practice excellence.
10. Demonstrate a faith that is active and reflective, and responsive to the spiritual needs of self and others.