Program Overview

RN to BSN Program

The Southwest Minnesota State University RN to BSN Program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is an accredited baccalaureate nursing program with a framework of science and liberal arts plus specialized courses in leadership and management, healthcare delivery systems and informatics, community and public health nursing, nursing research, and evidence-based practice.

About the Program

Throughout the curriculum, aspects of rural nursing flow through the course content. The RN students come to the program with real-world experiences and abilities that enhance their learning in and out of the classroom. BSN graduates emerge as nurse generalists with a strong foundation for developing specialized clinical practice and other advanced practice roles, functioning effectively in complex environments; demonstrating critical thinking and flexibility; and translating and applying knowledge to enhance patient care quality and safety.

Mission

The mission of the SMSU Department of Nursing is to provide leadership in nursing education, scholarship, and practice that reflects cultural, ethical, and compassionate presence in the preparation of nurses who will serve with excellence in a diverse and ever-changing society.

Values

Graduates of the RN to BSN program develop a holistic synthesis of nursing process, knowledge, skills, and attitudes for professional nursing practice. Graduates combine critical thinking, leadership skills, lifelong learning, healthcare information technology, community nursing process, and effective communication skills to provide nursing care for individuals and families in rural/urban settings, global communities, and populations.

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Build the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the baccalaureate prepared nurse as described within the Scope & Standards of Practice and Nursing Code of Ethics.
2. Value diversity when planning equitable, inclusive, person-centered care.
3. Support person-centered care through inter- and intra-professional collaborative processes
4. Examine evidence to optimize health, safety, and quality outcomes.
5. Evaluate informatics and technology to support optimal health outcomes.
6. Value social determinants of health in the nursing process application to provide person-centered care.

Admission Requirements

1. Apply for admission to SMSU
2. Apply to RN to BSN Program

Additional Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate Nursing GPA of 2.30 or greater
• Current, unencumbered RN License (Associate Degree students may apply during their nursing program, with acceptance in the program contingent upon successful completion of the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) and nursing licensure.)

Requirements to Complete

All students must complete a total of 120 credits, which must include completion of the following:

• Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), consisting of 42 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0
• 40 credits at the 300-400 level
• At least 30 credits at SMSU
• All Liberal Education Program (LEP) graduation requirements

Accreditation

The RN to BSN Program at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RN to BSN Program is initial accreditation.