Program Overview

Program Overview

The Nursing, BSN program is designed for working RNs, aiming to develop leadership and management skills, as well as critical thinking skills necessary for career advancement. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to register as a Public Health Nurse with the Minnesota Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the RN to BSN program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Current, unencumbered RN license (Associate Degree students may apply in the last semester of their nursing program, with acceptance contingent upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam and nursing licensure)
• Nursing GPA > 2.30
• Admission to Southwest Minnesota State University

Program Structure

All program courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to fulfill degree requirements. The program consists of the following courses:

Nursing Major Required Courses

• NURS 300: Transitions to Baccalaureate Nursing (3 credits)
• NURS 310: Transcultural Nursing (3 credits)
• NURS 320: Chronic Illness in Rural Settings (3 credits)
• NURS 360: Pathophysiology (3 credits)
• NURS 390: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
• NURS 400: Prevention and Population Health (3 credits)
• NURS 410: Public/Community Health Clinical Experience Seminar (1 credit)
• NURS 420: Healthcare Policy and Informatics (3 credits)
• NURS 440: Organizational & System Leadership (3 credits)
• NURS 450: Nursing Capstone (3 credits)

Nursing Major Electives

Students must select one of the following courses:

• NURS 434: Care of the Rural Population
• NURS 435: Clinical Reasoning and Judgment
• NURS 437: Mental Health Nursing (2 credits)

Program Credits

The total credits required for the program are 30. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam and admission to the SMSU RN to BSN Program, students will be awarded credits for prior learning.