Undergraduate Catalog 2017-18 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2017-18 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing: RN to BS (BS.NUR.RN)


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The RN-to-BS track in the nursing program allows the qualified licensed registered professional nurse a flexible adult learning experience to complete baccalaureate degree requirements.

Castleton University is approved by the Vermont State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education: 1 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, 202-887-6791.

Upon successful completion of all degree requirements, graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing and prepared to further their studies in the discipline of nursing and related fields.

Students in the RN-to-BS track are admitted directly into the major and enrolled in a hybridized, low residency transitional course designed to ease them into the on-line teaching-learning environment.  The transitions course exposes students to University and Department resources, on-line learning, and baccalaureate teaching-learning expectations.  Once completed, other courses required for completion of the RN-to-BS program are offered through distance learning methods.  Direct, "hands-on" clinical experiences occur under the guidance of qualified preceptors and/or with faculty and agency guidance and support in settings local to the student's place of residence.  Indirect clinical experiences occur with faculty and agency guidance and support in settings local to the student's place of residence.  In the semester prior to graduation, students complete a hybridized, transitional course (on-line course work combined with an internship and an end of program professional scholarship symposium at the University) designed to showcase the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the baccalaureate generalist.

Faculty providing clinical oversight will consult with preceptors and agency personnel about students' clinical performance but retain responsibility for assigning clinical grades.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must possess an unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in Vermont.  Additional admission requirements for this program include:

  1. Submission of all post-secondary transcripts.
  2. A minimum GPA of 2.8.
  3. Demonstrated successful completion of BIO 2011 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I , BIO 2012 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II , and BIO 2125 - Fundamentals of Microbiology  (or their equivalents).
  4. A resume with job and educational history.
  5. A letter of recommendation from his or her current and immediate supervisor; other recommendations may be supplied as well.

Progression Standards

All nursing courses and courses required for the major must be passed with a grade of B- or better.  Nursing majors may repeat a maximum of two courses required for the major; each course required for the major may be repeated only one time.  Patient safety is our number one priority, thus, students whose health, performance, or behavior is judged unsatisfactory may be withdrawn from the program.

Additional Fees

The nursing student experience is different than that of other students, thus, additional fees apply including but not limited to fees related to equipment and supplies (name badge, stethoscope, uniforms, lab coat, shoes solely for the clinical setting, pen light and bandage scissors), the conduct of a criminal background check, drug screening, maintenance of records necessary for clearance to practice in the clinical setting, and select laboratory and curricular technology fees.  Reasonable attempts are made to communicate new fees and changes in fee structures in a timely manner. A description of fees can be found in the student handbook and/or course syllabi.

Licensure

Students enrolled in the RN-to BS program must maintain a valid and unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional in the State of Vermont.  According to the Vermont State Board of Nursing: "The Board may deny an application for registration, licensure or relicensure; revoke or suspend any license to practice nursing issued by it; discipline or in other ways condition the practice of a registrant or licensee upon due notice and opportunity for hearing in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 25, Title 3, if the person:

  1. Has made or caused to be made a false, fraudulent or forged statement or representation in procuring or attempting to procure registration or renew a license to practice nursing;
  2. Whether or not committed in this state, has been convicted of a crime related to the practice of nursing or a felony which evinces an unfitness to practice;
  3. Is unable to practice nursing competently by reason of any cause;
  4. Is habitually intemperate or addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs;
  5. Has a mental, emotional or physical disability, the nature of which interferes with the ability to practice nursing competently; or,
  6. Engages in conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public."  (State of Vermont, Board of Nursing, Title 26, V.S.A.)

REQUIRED COURSES


Pre-requisite courses or equivalent course work required for admission to the program (12 cr):


And complete the requirements to earn a BS degree


To earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must have acquired 122 credits as well as satisfy the university's General Education requirements; thus, the time and number of credits needed for degree completion may vary.

Click here to review the Gen Ed requirements.

Accreditation


The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Castleton University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 1 Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791. The program is also approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing.

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