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

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.

The nursing program at Castleton University is approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; 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 transitional course designed to ease them into the on-line teaching-learning environment.  The transitional course exposes students to University and Department resources, on-line learning, and baccalaureate teaching-learning expectations.  Once completed, all courses required for completion of the RN-to-BS program are offered through distance-learning methods.  Indirect and direct "hands-on" clinical experiences occur under the guidance of qualified and approved preceptors 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 transitional course (involving on-line course work combined with an internship and an end-of-program professional scholarship symposium) 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 the United States.  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 an active, unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the United States.