B.S.N. DEGREE WITH A MAJOR IN NURSING

Areas A, B, C, D for health majors, & E

Nursing majors must make at least a C grade and demonstrate satisfactory clinical performance in each nursing course that counts toward the degree. Students may repeat one nursing course, but may repeat it only once and may not repeat another nursing course. Since nursing courses are sequential, building upon knowledge gained in a previous course, satisfactory completion (C) of one course is prerequisite to progressing to several nursing courses.

**A 1-hour seminar course is a program requirement during the first semester of the freshman year in all majors but is not counted in the total hours for graduation. The freshman seminar for nursing students facilitates development of skills necessary for a successful and meaningful collegiate experience. Students will take NRSG 0001 to meet the 1-hour seminar requirement.

**A 2-hour sophomore seminar is currently offered. The sophomore seminar (NRSG 0002) facilitates a basic understanding of professional nursing. This course will be a requirement beginning Fall of 2009.

TESTING

Students admitted to the Georgia College and State University Nursing Program will be required to take nationally normed tests throughout the curriculum. Students who have difficulty with standardized test taking need to carefully consider this requirement before selecting nursing as a major because standardized tests are given in all nursing courses (except 2) and passing the Exit Exam is required for graduation.

NOTE: In order to graduate, students must also fulfill other requirements specified in the Graduation Requirements Section of the Catalog.

FOUR-YEAR PROGRAM OF STUDY

A suggested four-year sequence program of study is available on the GCSU Web page http://info.gcsu.edu/intranet/health_sciences/programs/Programs_of_Study.htm

Refer to the Course Description Section of this Catalog for courses and course descriptions.

CAREER INFORMATION FOR BSN GRADUATES

Registered nurses are employed in a wide variety of settings and roles. In Georgia, ample professional opportunities exist in varied health care agencies for graduates of the baccalaureate nursing program. The need for baccalaureate prepared registered nurses increases yearly.

REGISTERED NURSES: THE RN-BSN AND RN-BSN/MSN PROGRAM OPTIONS

The University is a member of the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model which accommodates registered nurse students who have completed associate degree or diploma nursing programs and are licensed to practice nursing in Georgia. This program option builds on the knowledge and skills of the practicing nurse following completion of the University's core curriculum (60 hours). RN students who meet GCSU admission requirements for nursing may be admitted as transfer students to the University in any academic term to complete core courses. Core courses must be completed prior to enrolling in any nursing courses.

Admission to the RN-BSN Option:

Criteria for RN-BSN education specified by the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model:

1. Meet the program's admission requirements, including technical standards.
2. Meet the program's general education entry requirements (core curriculum for health science majors).
3. Hold a current and valid license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the United States and be eligible for Georgia licensure. Student must have a Georgia Registered Professional Nurse license before beginning classes.
4. Meet testing requirements if applicable.
5. For Associate Degree or Diploma Degree Graduates of nursing programs in Georgia.
   • 0-4 years after graduation requires no testing/no clinical practice required.
   • >4 years after graduation with 1000 hours of clinical practice in the prior 3 years requires no testing.
   • >4 years after graduation with <1000 hours of clinical practice in the prior 3 years requires testing.
6. For associate degree and diploma nurses from non-NLNAC-accredited programs, including those outside the USA, testing may be required. Contact the RN-BSN coordinator for more information at (478) 445-2635.