RN to BS with a major in Nursing

RN to BS with a major in Nursing provides the associate or diploma prepared RN an online option for advancing nursing education.  Available to graduates of NLNAC accredited associate degree or diploma programs, this option makes the Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing program at South Dakota State University, College of Nursing, available to experienced RN’s with work and family responsibilities.

Building upon past education and experience, the online format provides an opportunity for registered nurses to enhance the high-quality care provided to patients, improve health care for rural and underserved populations, emphasizes the role of the nurse in today’s health care system, and facilitates personal development as a leader in professional nursing.

Although a four-year program of study prepares nurses with a baccalaureate degree in the shortest, most direct, and least costly method of preparation, some individuals need to use a “step-wise” approach and progress up the career ladder through levels of  education.  To meet the needs of an increasingly complex client population, the national Division of Nursing at the federal level is projecting a need by 2010 for an increase to 66% of the registered nurse population prepared at a minimum of a baccalaureate degree.

RN-BS with a major in Nursing graduates can continue to advance their nursing education path through the Master of Science in Nursing program available through the College of Nursing at SDSU, currently offering 6 specialization areas of study.

Program Accreditation
South Dakota State University College of Nursing offers Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees with a major in Nursing.  Both programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.  SDSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

For additional information regarding RN-BS with a major in Nursing (RN Upward Mobility), please call 1-888-216-9806, #1

Admission Requirements

           Pre-admission transcript evaluation provides each RN with a list of requirements already completed. Transcripts can be sent electronically, mailed or faxed to RN Upward Mobility for pre-admission evaluation.  Fax:  605-688-6502  Email:  Susan.rosen@sdstate.edu

           RN’s may apply to the nursing major course sequence with no more than 7 support credits to be completed. Complete list of the university core and nursing major support requirements available here:

Application Procedures 

Step 1:
            Admission to the university, click here  RN’s may begin University core and nursing support courses in any semester, following university admission

Step 2:
            College of Nursing Application, RN-BS with a major in Nursing 
            Eligible RN’s receive the application packet in January, for admission to the major courses to begin in May of that year.  Application submission date is March 1. The number of RN’s admitted to the major may vary.  Selection is made from among the best qualified for the study and practice of nursing.

Documentation required following admission to the major:
            Completion of required core and support coursework
            Current Licensed RN
            CPR Certification
            FBI Background check and Drug Screen
            Proof of Personal Liability Insurance
            Immunization and health status report

Curriculum Plan
      
            RN to BS with a major in Nursing Curriculum Plan

Course Descriptions

           Course descriptions can be found in the current Undergraduate Catalog

FAQ (in progress)

Financial Aid

Information from SDSU’s Financial Aid Office is available by clicking here (SDSU’s financial aid code is 003471).   To contact the financial aid office directly, call: 1-888-952-3541 or 605-688-4702.  Please note separate summer financial aid application is required if requesting summer financial aid. 

Scholarships

            Scholarships are available to RN’s in the nursing major.  Information is included in nursing major application packet.

Useful Links:

SDSU Bookstore [External Hyperlink]

Distance Education at SDSU

H.M. Briggs Library

Transfer Equivalency guide [External Hyperlink]