The Newman University School of Nursing and Allied Health will launch an innovative RN-to-BSN program this fall that features online courses, flexible scheduling and reduced tuition. The program is designed to allow Registered Nurses (RN) with an associate’s degree to complete the coursework and clinical experience necessary to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Director of the Newman University School of Nursing and Allied Health Bernadette Fetterolf, Ph.D. said the RN-to-BSN curriculum is especially geared to practicing RNs who want to earn a bachelor’s degree to advance in their practice and careers, or prepare for graduate school.
“Nurses today need a four-year degree and increased skills to keep up with the changes and complexities of today’s health care system,” Fetterolf said. “And, it will only become more complex in the future, as the Baby Boomers retire, age and have increasing health care needs.”
Fetterolf said the courses are designed to incorporate the interests and needs of nurses currently in practice and to allow them some flexibility in meeting their own professional goals. The program will begin this fall with two online courses. Students will complete coursework using technology that includes media-rich features that enhance faculty presentations, student interactions and learning opportunities. Web-based group interactions will also be utilized. The program is also structured to prevent the repetition of foundation nursing courses, and to allow students to move through the program at their own pace.
Newman will give RNs 33 hours of credit from their associate degrees toward the BSN degree. Registered Nurses with an associate of arts or an associate of science degree may articulate into the curriculum with all general education requirements met, although students must meet Newman’s philosophy and theology course requirements. For complete program prerequisites, visit the Newman website at www.newmanu.edu.
Fetterolf added that the program will be offered as one of Newman University’s “Career Advantage Programs,” which feature significantly reduced tuition. When the RN-to-BSN program begins in the fall it will be offered at $316 per credit hour, which is more than half the normal rate of tuition for the 2010-11 academic year. She noted that RNs may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement or assistance from employers that offer such programs.
Newman is partnering with Via Christi Health to develop the program.
The Newman nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. Newman University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For more information on the RN-to-BSN program, call 316-942-4291, ext. 2134, (Toll-Free 877-639-6268) or visit www.newmanu.edu.
