Nursing Degrees Online

The BSN Program is designed for the employed registered nurse wanting to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Nursing classes are held one day/week and required programmatic courses are offered in block times. A number of programmatic courses are offered through distance learning modalities. Students should check academic course schedules each semester for these courses.

The mission of the BSN Program is to provide students an opportunity for quality baccalaureate nursing education that is both affordable and geographically accessible, and prepares students to meet the diverse health care needs of the community, state, and nation. The nursing faculty is committed to planning and implementing a quality baccalaureate program for registered nurses that promotes the students’ intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural development in a caring environment. The scope of professional nursing education is believed to be one that enables and empowers the student to recognize the ethical, legislative, economic, regulatory and political aspects that define the scope of professional nursing practice. The roles inherent in the status of the professional nurse include but are not limited to: provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care, member of a profession, client advocate, and life-long learner.

The goal of the BSN Program is to provide registered nurses with learning opportunities to acquire the knowledge base and skills to practice nursing at the professional level. The program outcomes are:

Assess the health/illness status of individuals, families, and communities throughout the lifespan utilizing a holistic perspective.

Recognize how components of diversity impact health and health care.

Broaden advocacy skills for the nursing profession and the clients served.

Employ critical thinking skills as a basis for professional nursing practice

Use effective communication skills consistent with the role of the professional nurse.

Understand how to read and critique nursing research for its applicability for evidence-based nursing practice.

Utilize professional nursing management and leadership skills to coordinate comprehensive health care.

Apply an ethical decision-making framework incorporating the ANA Professional Code of Ethics, professional standards, and an awareness of personal values in nursing practice.

Develop and implement health education programs for diverse populations in a variety of settings.

Apply an increased depth and breadth of knowledge in managing clients with acute complex health problems.

The Bethel College nursing program, which dates back to 1908, has built an exceptional, professional nursing curriculum on a strong liberal arts foundation long known for its academic excellence

Nursing is both an art and a science. Nursing is the art and science of informed caring. The essence of professional nursing education is a carefully constructed pyramid, on a foundation of liberal arts with prerequisite work that includes knowledge of the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.

Professional nurses do not view liberal arts as an educational luxury. A liberal arts core is essential since nursing deals, as does no other discipline, with the total human being – with biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of life.

Acquiring the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree is an essential step in becoming a professional nurse. There is a growing need in North America for nurses to be prepared at the baccalaureate level in all areas of nursing. Health care is increasingly complex and highly educated nurses are necessary to provide safe care. With rapid changes in health care, baccalaureate nurses will be used in more than 50 expanded career options for today’s professional nurses.

Bethel’s General Education requirements meet the essentials for nursing preparation as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The Bethel B.S.N. is professionally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

The nursing program offers the B.S.N. for traditional and transfer students, an on-campus L.P.N. to B.S.N. degree and a R.N. to B.S.N. completion degree. The program adheres to the Kansas Articulation Agreement.

Application for admission into the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA) Program is a two step process. Students must apply to both the Newman University and to the MSNA Program.
A completed NU graduate application (PDF 32 KB)
Three letters of professional recommendation (PDF 77 KB)
Print three copies
$25 non-refundable application fee
$40 for international students
An official transcript documenting a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
And an official transcript from each college where undergraduate or graduate credit was earned
Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
In all undergraduate and graduate work

Admission to the MSNA Program

Application to the MSNA Program must be completed by at least Dec. 1 of the year before the applicant wishes to be admitted. Acceptance into the MSNA Program is on a competitive basis and based on the completion of the following:
A complete Nursing Anesthesia application (PDF 255 KB)
A current unrestricted registered professional nurse licensure in the state of Kansas
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
Minimum score 800 (Combined Verbal & Quantitative)
Three professional recommendations (PDF 77 KB)
Print three copies
One recommendation for each of
Most recent employer
A health care professional preferably a licensed physician or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
And from an individual that can attest to your academic suitability to pursue graduate education
The letters should reflect an accurate appraisal of clinical skills, experience, and independent decision making
One page letter (PDF 17 KB) written by applicant
Detailing professional and educational goals
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing
Applicants who do not meet this criteria will be considered on an individual basis
Statistics course which includes descriptive and inferential statistics
Undergraduate research course
Or evidence of other equivalent research courses
Minimum of one-year full-time employment as a professional nurse in a critical care setting
Experience must be within the last 24-months
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Interview with the Admissions & Progressions Committee

Franciscan values and tradition infuse the strong liberal arts and professional education which is basic in developing the professional nurse within contemporary society. Nursing is seen as a professional service performed for members of the human family who reflect the image of their Creator.

The Nursing curriculum prepares professional nurses who will be able to:
Anticipate and respond to change that affects continuing and new health needs of individuals, groups, and communities.

Provide nursing care to people of all ages and diverse cultures in varying circumstances and settings.

As unique health care providers, nurses are expected to define and evaluate their autonomous role and its impact on both the client and the health care delivery system. Advocacy for the development and delivery of health care services of the highest quality requires that these nurses collaborate with others who are engaged in health care in order to enhance the well-being of evolving local and world cultures.

It is intended that graduates with a major in Nursing will have a sound educational basis for beginning professional practice, for continuing development, for graduate study in nursing, and for accepting professional and civic responsibilities.

The Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Nursing is the preferred entry level for today’s professional nurse. The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program is to offer a dimension of learning for the student in a Christian-oriented environment. The BSN graduate functions as a generalist practitioner in a variety of health care environments. Alvernia’s BSN graduate is prepared to deliver health care to persons of all ages, families and community groups with sensitivity to cultural and environmental factors.

Admission:

Admission to the Alvernia College Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program is determined on an individual basis at each entry level. The total number of students admitted to the program is based upon available facilities and faculty. Students are admitted throughout the calendar year until all spaces in the class are filled.

During the freshman year of the nursing program, students are expected to complete many of the core courses. Students may be admitted to the nursing clinical sequence in the fall semester of the sophomore year. During this semester the students enroll in two non-clinical nursing courses and complete the core and science courses that are the foundation of the nursing program. Nursing courses are serial and are concentrated at the junior and senior level of the program. A practicum is required in each clinical nursing course.

There is a residency requirement for nursing majors that at least one quarter of the total number of credit hours for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree be completed at Our Lady of Holy Cross College.

The purposes of the nursing program are to:
provide a professional nursing program which transmits the ethical and human values of the Gospel and the values of the founders of the Marianites of Holy Cross to its students to enrich their own lives and to enable them to bring compassion and healing in the Catholic tradition of Jesus and Mary, His Mother, to those committed to their care;
prepare a professional nurse-generalist for beginning practice who values the worth and dignity of the person in a multicultural, changing society;
provide a professional nursing program based on a strong liberal arts foundation;
prepare graduates to successfully complete the licensing examination for registered nurses;
provide a foundation for graduate study;
prepare the graduates to assume the responsibility for lifelong learning.

Upon successful completion of the program in nursing the graduate will:
practice professional nursing within the scope of a multicultural, changing society;
synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from psychological, sociological, and biological sciences, humanities, and nursing;
assess health status and health potential, utilizing the nursing process for nursing care of individuals, families, and communities;
demonstrate the ability to engage in critical thinking, decision-making, and independent judgment;
evaluate research in nursing and related disciplines for its applicability to nursing theory and nursing practice;
practice leadership skills in collaboration with members of the health care team in promoting the health and welfare of the client;
evaluate the impact of nursing as it relates to assisting the client to achieve the optimum level of health;
demonstrate the advocacy role within the Christian perspective of respect for the uniqueness, dignity, and worth of the client and others;
accept individual responsibility and accountability for nursing decisions, actions, and their outcomes;
exemplify responsibility and accountability for personal and professional growth;
formulate strategies for the improvement of health care and enhancement of nursing as a practice discipline;
contribute to affecting change in the health care delivery system through actions as a nurse and as a citizen.

There are many students like you who are pursuing a nursing degree, however at Bethel College, our intent is not only to prepare you with the education and skills needed to land a nursing job, but to develop registered nurses who positively impact health care and take an active leadership role in the community and the world.

Our program prides itself on intimate class size, strong student-educator relationships along with cutting-edge technology and innovative classroom experiences in the midst of a small town atmosphere. As faculty, we look forward to welcoming you to our program and providing a variety of experiences that will facilitate your transition from student to professional nurse.

NUR 300 Trends and Issues in Nursing
A transitional course designed to investigate the current responsibilities of the professional nurse. Economic, social, political, and professional trends and issues are explored in relation to their implications for a changing practice.

NUR 305 Communication
Explores the components of the professional role and continues the professional socialization process. Theories about how individuals and groups communicate are applied to changing professional roles. (Prereq.: NUR 300 or concurrent enrollment.)

NUR 306 Paradigms in Nursing
An introduction to theory-based nursing practice and research. Nursing theory and conceptual models for nursing practice are studied and applied to practice and research. (Prereq.: NUR 300 or concurrent enrollment.)

NUR 403 Families and the Life Cycle
Provides a theoretical basis for nursing interventions with diverse families and explores theories related to family structure and function throughout the life span. (Prereq.: NUR 305 and 306, or consent of instructor.)

NUR 410 Community Health Nursing I
Introduces the theory and methods that are essential to maintain or improve the health of culturally diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities. (Prereq: Math Placement 3 or MAT 105, completion of NUR 300-level courses.)

NUR 411 Community Health Nursing II
Provides clinical experience in community-based health care delivery systems. Students will apply nursing process, teaching/learning theory, and public health principles with culturally diverse clients. (Prereq: NUR 410)

NUR 490 Leadership/Management
The capstone course for the nursing major. Integrates concepts from nursing and the liberal arts. Examines the professional nurse roles of leader and manager. Concepts of change, conflict, and system dynamics are explored. Ethics, accountability, and advocacy in the leader-manager role are studied. Application of theory occurs in selected practice settings with a professional nurse preceptor. This course satisfies the Keystone requirement. (Prereq.: Senior status and completion of 300 level nursing courses and REL 300.)

NUR 495 Topics in Nursing (optional)
Provides opportunities for in-depth exploration of selected topics in nursing. The subjects studied will vary depending upon the interests of the faculty and students.

NUR 499 Independent Study/Research (optional)

Note: If NUR 411 is not taken immediately following NUR 410, students are required to consult with faculty prior to registration regarding review of the theoretical content. Students who decelerate for more than five years may be asked to audit courses already taken. There is a fee to audit courses.

For students who hold current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Alaska, the School offers Bachelor of Science, Nursing Science, Registered Nurse Option distance delivered “RN-only” courses and sections within the nursing major designed to build upon the RN’s basic preparation and experience and to facilitate progress in meeting program objectives. Previous college credits are evaluated for comparability to established requirements within the program and may be accepted for transfer. In addition, credit by examination is available to satisfy some General Education Requirements. Additional information is available upon request.

Admission Requirements

Registered nurses returning to complete the baccalaureate degree in nursing science must successfully complete the same academic prerequisites as basic students. Students who apply to the baccalaureate nursing major and who qualify for admission to baccalaureate study are admitted as nursing pre-majors. Admission as a pre-major does not guarantee admission to the Nursing major. Registered Nurses must apply for admission to the nursing major during the semester in which they are completing the final prerequisites for the first RN course, NS 205. The deadline for RN admission is twice a year; November 1st and March 1st. Formal admission to the Nursing program is based on the Registered Nurse’s relative standing on the following minimum requirements:
UAA Certificate of Admission to the BS nursing pre-major and transcript evaluation from Enrollment Services.
Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Alaska. Copy of licensure on file with the School..
A current Plan of Study signed by a Nursing advisor and the RN student on file with the School of Nursing. The student may call (907) 786-4550 to set up an advising session.
An extracted minimum grade point average of 2.00. The grade point average will be calculated using grades from all courses which are required for the nursing major that have been completed at the time of application to the major.
A grade of “C” or better in all specified courses required for the nursing major.
Completion of or credit for specified prerequisite courses (17 credits): BIOL A111 (4 credits); CHEM A103/L (4 credits); ENGL A111 (3 credits); COMM A111, ENGL A120, PHIL A101, PHIL A201, or PSY A150 (3 credits); General Education Requirement (3 credits).
Enrollment in, or credit for the following courses, at the time of application to the major, on achieving a “C” in the specified courses for the major that are in progress when admission is sought (i.e., CHEM A 104/L, BIOL A112), and on maintaining a minimum of 2.00 grade point average until beginning nursing courses. Courses are: BIOL A112 (4 credits); CHEM A104/L (4 credits); ENGL A120, PHIL A101, or PHIL A201 (3 credits) or PSY A150 (3 credits); ENGL A213 (3 credits).
A School of Nursing application on file in the School of Nursing.
Three letters of recommendation: two from individuals you have dealt with on a professional basics, i.e., instructor of employer; one from a non relative who knows you well.

Registered Nurse students not formally admitted by UAA as a baccalaureate seeking student in the Nursing program or admitted as pre-majors are eligible to take Nursing electives for which prerequisites have been met.

RN CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS: Courses NS305L, NS314L, NS408L and NS411L are clinical courses requiring clinical attendance. These may be accomplished in any community in Alaska. Students need not come to Anchorage for these courses.

RN ACADEMIC PROGRESS: See Academic Progress under the Basic Student Option.

GRADUATE REQUIREMENTS: Students must complete the following graduation requirements:
General University Requirements - Complete the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees in the UAA Course Catalog.
General Education Requirements - Complete the baccalaureate general education requirements listed in the UAA Course Catalog. In the Nursing program, some required prerequisite courses fulfill general education requirements.

50:705:350 Nursing I (D) (6)
Introduces the practice of professional nursing. The philosophy and conceptual framework of the Department of Nursing are utilized in focusing on health and wellness needs in individuals and the nurse’s role in promotion and conservation of health and the prevention of disease, disability, and problems of daily living.
Corequisite: 50:705:351 or 385. Fall, junior year.

50:705:351 Nursing I Clinical Laboratory (D) (4)
A variety of laboratory settings used to apply the theory of health promotion and conservation as well as the prevention of disease, disability, and problems of daily living.
Corequisite: 50:705:350. Fall, junior year.

50:705:355 Nursing II (D) (6)
Focuses on the care of clients throughout the life cycle who have basic alterations in health status. Stresses a multidimensional approach and encompasses the conservation of health, the prevention of illness, and the amelioration of the health status of the client. The restoration of health is a major focus.
Prerequisites: 50:705:350,351. Corequisite: 50:705:356. Spring, junior year.

50:705:356 Nursing II Clinical Laboratory (D) (4)
Several clinical settings used for laboratory experience. The student applies classroom theory in caring for selected clients and searches the literature for latest findings that facilitate the delivery of health care.
Prerequisites: 50:705:350,351. Corequisite: 50:705:355. Spring, junior year.

50:705:358 Conceptual Foundations of Professional Practice (D) (6)
Planned for the advanced placement student (registered nurse) as an adult learner and builds on the R.N.’s professional experiences while focusing on the socialization and transition into the role of the baccalaureate-prepared professional nurse. Importance of research and other intellectual skills to create and apply nursing knowledge stressed.
For registered nurses. Corequisite: 50:990:357 or 26:120:547.

50:705:411 Research in Nursing (3)
Assists the student in understanding the theory and process of research. Includes exploration of research designs and methods, data analysis, and the utilization of research findings. Focus on the student as a consumer of research.
Prerequisites: 50:705:355,356; statistics.

50:705:470 Nursing III (D) (6)
Focuses on the care of clients throughout the life cycle who have impairments in health status. Emphasis placed upon biological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual needs of the client adapting to the acute phase of illness. The concepts of conservation, prevention, restoration, and amelioration utilized, with the focus on restoration.
Prerequisites: 50:705:355,356. Corequisite: 50:705:471. Fall, senior year.

50:705:471 Nursing III Clinical Laboratory (D) (4)
Several clinical settings used. Students expected to reach beyond their clinical settings to the literature and to collaborate with other professionals in order to plan and implement effective care for clients.
Prerequisites: 50:705:355,356. Corequisite: 50:705:470. Fall, senior year.

50:705:475 Nursing IV (D) (6)
Promotes independence in the practice of nursing through conceptualization of the leadership role of the professional nurse in meeting the health care needs of various societal groups. Community aspects related to psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual influence; the influence of the health system; and the roles of health providers examined.
Prerequisites: 50:705:470,471. Corequisite: 50:705:476. Spring, senior year.

50:705:476 Nursing IV Clinical Laboratory (D) (4)
Focuses on health promotion and teaching as related to individual and group interactions. A variety of clients in community settings affords an opportunity to implement the nursing process and to collaborate with colleagues in professional practice. Students expected to be self-directed in their learning activities and to develop skills in leadership and the change process as an aid to the transition from the role of student to that of practitioner.
Prerequisites: 50:705:470,471. Corequisite: 50:705:475. Spring, senior year.

50:705:480 Special Topics (3)
Focuses on selected topics; content varies by term. Topics have included history of nursing and specialized nursing practice.
Spring or fall, junior and senior years.

50:705:489 Pharmacology (3)
Role of nurses in promoting responsible use of chemicals to enhance health while minimizing detrimental effects. Content covers basic concepts of pharmacology, major drug groups, and their use in practice. Nursing implications stressed.
Prerequisites: 50:990:253-254.

50:705:491 Issues in Nursing (3)
An overview of issues that face the profession, including union or professional representatives, client advocacy, continuing education, moral and ethical concerns, and accountability. As new issues arise and old issues are resolved, course content is altered.
Senior year.