RN to BSN Program
Requirements for Nursing Major
Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nine of the required credits for the major count towards the Core Curriculum Requirements.
The following required courses are typically transferred from pre-licensure program.
| PS-151 | Introduction to Psychology 1 | 3 |
| PS-235 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| PS-200 | Statistics & Research Methods (Core Math) | 3 |
| or SO-448 | Statistics in the Social Sciences | |
| BI-161 | Basic Microbiology | 4 |
| BI-161L | Basic Microbiology Lab | 0 |
| BI-171 | Anatomy and Physiology I (Core Natural Science) | 4 |
| BI-171L | Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 0 |
| BI-172 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BI-172L | Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 0 |
| SO-121 | Introduction to Sociology (Core Social Science) | 3 |
| Transfer credit for lower-division nursing courses | 30 | |
| Upper division nursing courses (31 credits) | ||
| NU-302 | Seminar in Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NU-303 | Seminar in APA Writing for Hlth Science | 2 |
| NU-304 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NU-310 | Health Assessment | 4 |
| NU-330 | Care of Families & Aggregates | 4 |
| NU-350 | Trends and Issues in Nursing | 2 |
| NU-390 | Intro to Nursing Research | 3 |
| NU-420 | Community Health Nursing | 4 |
| NU-440 | Leadership and Management in Nursing | 4 |
| NU-450 | Nurse/Client Educator (elective) | 2 |
| NU-452 | Women's Health Issues (elective) | 3 |
| NU-495 | Special Projects in Nursing Rn-Bsn (elective) | 1 |
| Total Credits | 87 | |
Special Note on Core Requirements
The Mathematics and Natural Science Core Requirements are satisfied as indicated above. The remainder of the Core Requirements are satisfied by the following courses or transfer credit:
| AR-127 | Intro to the Visual Arts | 3 |
| or AR-128 | Intro to Music | |
| Take two approved EL courses | 6 | |
| CM-102 | English Composition | 3 |
| HS-121 | The Western Tradition | 3 |
| HS-200 | World Perspectives | 3 |
| Modern Language | 3 | |
| PL-130 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
| PL-140 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| TH-110 | Religious Faith in the Modern World | 3 |
| TH-120 | Intro to the Study of Christianity | 3 |
| Select one of the following | 3 | |
| Macroeconomic Principles | ||
| Perspectives on Politics | ||
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Special Notes on Major Requirements
| 1 | Applicants wanting to major in nursing will have up to 30 credits in basic nursing transferred in to satisfy the lower division nursing requirement. These credits will be transferred in from diploma and associate degree nursing programs accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or CCNE upon successful matriculation into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. |
| 2 | Applicants who have earned their nursing diploma and/or degree from institutions outside the United States must submit official course by course Degree Evaluations (with an English translation). The BSN program will only accept evaluations prepared by the World Education Service, Inc. (WES). The 30 credits in basic nursing will be transferred in upon successful matriculation into the BSN Program. |
| 3 | The required science courses, regardless of date taken, may be transferred as long as they were taken for college credit and grades of at least a C earned for these courses. |
| 4 | A grade of 78 is required in all nursing courses. Any nursing course in which the grade is below 78 must be repeated. If the course is repeated and the grade is below 78, this will be considered a failure for the course and the student will be dismissed from the program. Failure of a second nursing course will result in dismissal from the program. The clinical practica of nursing courses are graded on a Pass/Fail basis. If the student fails the clinical component, he or she fails the entire course regardless of the grade average in the didactic component and a grade of C- will be recorded on the student’s transcript. |
| 5 | If a student enrolls in a nursing course and withdraws, this will count as the first attempt in the nursing course and the student must achieve a grade of 78 or higher the next time the student enrolls for that same course. |
| 6 | The theoretical application for upper division nursing courses have assignments that are incorporated into the grading for the course. Assignments may include but are not limited to: change projects for the specific unit following an assessment of that environment; observation of family dynamics with resulting diagnoses and plan for appropriate interventions with evaluation; and windshield survey with community education project and follow-up to name just a few examples. |
Clinical Requirements
All clinical requirements must be satisfactorily completed before students will be allowed into any application / observation setting. At present, they include the following but are subject to change depending on regulations mandated by the agencies and/or their accrediting bodies. All documents must be uploaded into the student's Certified Credentials account.
| 1 | Current NJ Nursing License or license in state of residence for online students |
| 2 | Actual titer reports for rubella, rubeola, varicella, mumps showing immunity. |
| 3 | Proof of Hepatitis B immunity, vaccine (strongly recommended), or signed waiver. |
| 4 | Negative 2 step negative tuberculosis test within the past 6 months or if positive Mantoux history, chest x-ray negative for tuberculosis within one (1) year. |
| 5 | Health Examination - All nursing students must submit a completed copy of the BSN Health Profile. Applicants to the nursing major must be aware that health clearance will be required prior to the start of every clinical nursing course. Health Profiles are valid for one year. The Health Profile form is available in the School of Nursing Office and all is submitted to Verified Credentials. |
| 6 | Liability Insurance - All students enrolled in clinical nursing courses must also provide evidence of liability insurance. Application forms and information can be obtained from the School of Nursing. Coverage in the amount of $1,000,000.00/$6,000,000.00 required. |
| 7 | CPR Certification - All students enrolled in clinical nursing courses must provide evidence of American Heart Association CPR Certification for infant, child and adult, BLS for Healthcare Providers. |
| 8 | Criminal Background Checks - Clinical agencies mandate criminal history background checks for all individuals engaged in patient care and all students must undergo these checks. (Nursing students with a valid NJ Nursing License are not required to undergo additional drug testing.) These checks are conducted by a consumer reporting agency and the information is sent to the University and to clinical agencies. Agency personnel will evaluate the information they receive and, in their sole discretion, make the final determination as to each student’s ability to continue to engage in patient care in their agency. If a student is denied clinical placement by any clinical agency due to criminal history that student will be dismissed from the program. |
| 9 | Annual flu shot. |
| 10 | Clinical Experiences - The time, place, and nature of theoretical application varies depending on the learning outcomes of the specific class and student interest. Students are expected to arrange their own transportation for these learning experiences. Some may be scheduled as a result of external determinants and students may need to be flexible with their own time commitments. |
Courses
NU-202. Theorical Bases of Professional Nursing. 3.00 Credits.
The evolution of professional nursing is explored and the development of professional identity is facilitated by the introduction of values inherent to the discipline of nursing including social justice. Nursing theory, as well as other selected theories and concepts, are examined including: health belief model, teaching/learning theory, culture/global health, evidence-based practice and the nursing process. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: BI-171, BI-172, ADMISSION TO NURSING MAJOR.
NU-202L. Theoretical Bases Prof Nursing Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Lab paired with lecture on: the evolution of professional nursing is explored and the development of professional identity is facilitated by the introduction of values inherent to the discipline of nursing including social justice. Nursing theory, as well as other selected theories and concepts, are examined including: health belief model, teaching/learning theory, culture/global health, evidence-based practice and the nursing process. Prerequisites: BI-171 BI-172 PS-151; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-204. Nutrition and Health. 3.00 Credits.
This course focuses on the role of nutrition in health and healing. The study of essential nutrients and their function is emphasized. Meeting dietary requirements across the life span is explored. The impact of pluralistic and public health factors on dietary practices is discussed. Additional course fees.
NU-210. Pharmacology for Prof. Nursing Practice. 3.00 Credits.
The focus of this course is on pharmacological therapy, major drug classifications, including prototypes, are addressed for each of the body systems. Nursing implications of safe drug administration as well as the pluralistic factors affecting medication therapy are stressed. Additional course fees. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-215. Medical Dosage Calculations. 3.00 Credits.
This course provides an introduction to medical dosing for Registered Nurses. The mathematical calculations that are utilized by Registered Nurses in patient care scenarios will be examined in depth.
NU-250. Clinical Bases of Professional Nursing. 5.00 Credits.
Basic interpersonal and technical nursing skills utilized to provide care for well and ill individuals are introduced. Knowledge and skills required to assess, prioritize, plan, implement and evaluate health care are emphasized. Concepts related to nutrition and medication therapy are applied. Pluralistic as well as legal and ethical issues related to quality care are stressed. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-250L. Clinical Bases Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Clinical Bases Lab Prerequisites: NU-250 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.
NU-302. Seminar in Professional Nursing. 2.00 Credits.
The course is designed to examine the evolution of professional nursing through a synthesis of the social, cultural, philosophical, historical and theoretical influences. The development of a professional identity is facilitated by encouraging students to derive meaning from the core values central to the nature of nursing. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-303. Seminar in APA Writing for Hlth Science. 2.00 Credits.
A course to help the RN-BSN student learn APA writing style required for nursing and other health sciences. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-304. Pathophysiology. 3.00 Credits.
This course uses a systems approach to examine the human response patterns to health and illness. Physiological processes and pathological changes are explored in depth. Additional course fees.
NU-308. Health Assessment. 3.00 Credits.
The major focus of this course is on a holistic approach to health appraisal of the individual client. The nursing process, with an emphasis on assessment and planning is analyzed and applied in dealing with individuals in the college laboratory. Concepts related to health promotion, risk identification and client education are stressed. Additional course fees.
NU-308L. Health Assessment Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Health Assessment Lab Prerequisites: NU-308 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-310. Health Assessment. 4.00 Credits.
Major focus is on a holistic approach to health appraisal of the individual client across the life span. The nursing process, with an emphasis on assessment and planning is analyzed and applied in dealing with individuals in the college laboratory. Concepts related to health promotion, risk identification and client education are stressed. Additional course fee of $100.
NU-312. Nursing Care for Adults and Aging I. 5.00 Credits.
Application of the nursing process in caring for adults and older clients with chronic health care needs. Normal aging and adaptations in self-care needed as a result of age related changes will be discussed. Pluralistic factors including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Legal and ethical issues are applied. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-308 AND NU-312L.
NU-312L. Nursing Care Adults & Aging Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Nursing Care Adults & Aging Lab Prerequisites: NU-312 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-315. Nursing Care for Adults and Aging II. 5.00 Credits.
A continuation of the Nursing Care of Adults and Aging, I, this course builds and expands the knowledge and skill base related to caring for adults and older clients with acute and chronic health needs. Pathologic conditions associated with aging are discussed. Pluralistic factors including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Legal and ethical issues are applied. Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-312.
NU-315L. Nursing Care for Adults and Aging II Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Laboratory for Nursing Care for Adults and Aging II, NU-315 Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Prerequisites: NU-315 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-325. Nursing Care of Child-Bearing Families. 5.00 Credits.
The use of the nursing process to provide care for child-bearing families is examined. Nursing care of clients during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum and newborn periods is stressed. Pluralistic factors as well as nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Strategies to promote health and care for clients with physiological and psychological alterations are discussed. Normal family functioning and the impact of pregnancy on the family is considered. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-308 NU-312.
NU-325L. Nursing Care of Child-Bearing Families. 0.00 Credits.
Laboratory for Nursing Care of Child-Bearing Families, NU-325 Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Prerequisites: NU-325 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-330. Care of Families & Aggregates. 4.00 Credits.
Major focus is on primary and tertiary prevention within a social systems framework. Creative application of nursing process to families and groups utilizing family systems theory and group dynamics. Additional course fee.
NU-350. Trends and Issues in Nursing. 2.00 Credits.
Current status of professional nursing. Political, economic and social trends affecting nursing and the health care system are analyzed. Issues in professional practice and education are explored. Prerequisites: NU-302.
NU-360. Computer App in Nursing& Health Care. 2.00 Credits.
The application of computer technology to patient care, nursing practice, research, education and management is explored. Health care information management systems are introduced.
NU-390. Intro to Nursing Research. 3.00 Credits.
Understanding of the research process and critique of research studies. The relevance of nursing research findings for the provision of patient care is discussed. Students develop a research paper through an interactive process with faculty and peers. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-399. Independent Study. 2.00 Credits.
NU-404. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. 5.00 Credits.
This course focuses on the use of the nursing process to provide care for individuals, families and aggregates with alterations in mental health. Pluralistic factors as well as medication therapy are integrated. Strategies to promote mental-health are discussed. Nursing care of clients with acute and chronic alterations in psychological functioning are stressed. Clinical experiences are provided in psychiatric-mental health agencies in selected health care and community settings. Additional course fees.
NU-404L. Psychiatric-Mental Health Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Lab Prerequisites: NU-404 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-414. Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents. 5.00 Credits.
The nursing process is used as a framework to provide care for children and adolescents with physical and psychological alterations in health. Pluralistic factors including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Strategies to promote health as well as developmental needs and problems are discussed. Normal family functioning and the impact of illness on the family are explored. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees.
NU-414L. Nursing Care Child& Adlsnt Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Nursing Care Child& Adlsnt Lab Prerequisites: NU-414 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-416. Social Justice Ethics and Health Care. 3.00 Credits.
Political, economic and social justice issues affecting patient care and the health care system are examined. Accessibility and affordability of health care services including the needs of vulnerable populations are explored. Strategies to promote social justice and ethical behavior within the health care system are stressed. Values course. Prerequisites: NU-390; COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
NU-420. Community Health Nursing. 4.00 Credits.
Community health nursing emphasizes community as client. The nursing process is applied in dealing with groups, aggregates and community. Nursing care of individuals in community settings is also examined. Additional course fees. Course Type(s): Capstone, Writing Intensive.
NU-420L. Community Health Nursing Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Community Health Nursing Lab Prerequisites: NU-420 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-430. Nursing Care of Adults and Aging III. 4.00 Credits.
Culmination of the courses Adults and Aging I and II, this course builds and expands the knowledge and skill base related to caring for adults and older clients with complex acute and chronic conditions and rehabilitative health care needs. High risk populations such as those with multiple illnesses will be address. Pathologic conditions associated with aging are discussed. Pluralistic factors, including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. An opportunity for students to function with increased independence as well as to organize, delegate, supervise and evaluate care. Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-315.
NU-430L. Nurs Care Adults& Aging Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Nurs Care Adults& Aging Lab Prerequisites: NU-430 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-440. Leadership and Management in Nursing. 4.00 Credits.
The major focus is on leadership and change in nursing practice within the health care delivery system, utilizing the nursing process as a framework. Additional course fee.
NU-445. Leadership and Trends in Nursing. 3.00 Credits.
The major focus in this course is on leadership and change in nursing practice within the health care system. Utilization of the nursing process as a framework for action is stressed. Selected concepts related to management including, types of power, delegation, motivation are discussed. Trends and issues affecting nursing and the health care system are also explored. Prerequisites: NU-315, NU-390, NU-414.
NU-450. Nurse/Client Educator. 2.00 Credits.
A multifaceted approach to client/peer education. Emphasis on teaching/ learning concepts. The role of education as a strategy in health promotion.
NU-452. Women's Health Issues. 3.00 Credits.
Exploration of health issues affecting women from historical, political and pluralistic perspectives. The students' role as health care advocate is stressed.
NU-470. Dimensions of Professional Nursing. 4.00 Credits.
The emphasis of this course is on the professional role of nursing with a focus on leadership and community health practice. The concepts of professionalism, nursing process and pluralism are explained. Leadership theory and the health care system are analyzed. Community health nursing is examined and the principles of health promotion and client education are integrated into the conduction of a community project. Pre-Req: Admission to RN-MSN Program.
NU-495. Special Projects in Nursing Rn-Bsn. 1.00 Credit.
This is a one credit elective in which students may choose a topic of interest and complete a scholarly paper guided by the faculty. Students may choose to expand upon a topic they have already been exposed to or develop a new topic of interest. The student will document progress on the project through weekly submissions corresponding to specific content required for the summative learning outcome of the course, the final scholarly paper.