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How long will the program take to complete?
This varies greatly by the number of general education credits that need to be completed--the more non-nursing courses an RN has had, the less time it will take. Once only nursing courses are left, it takes 1 1/2 to 2 years to complete the program through part-time study (6-7 credit hours per semester and 3-4 per summers).
Will the courses from my RN program transfer in?
Most general education college courses (in which a grade of C or better was earned) will transfer. RN's are awarded 35 credits for prior nursing courses and licensure upon completion of the 2nd transition course. These 35 credits have no costs attached and take the place of transferring in nursing courses.
Will I have to take any "clinicals"?
Only one course has a traditional type of nursing clinical: Community Health Nursing. Since RN's are licensed, even this clinical affords more independence and flexibility. Clinicals for management, health assessment and capstone are planned and arranged with the faculty but are not directly supervised. RN's have a direct say in how they would like to meet the course requirements. Faculty works with the students to assist them in getting experiences which meet their career and educational goals.
Does my certification count for anything?
Current, nationally recognized certification can be applied towards clinical courses such as capstone or management. Up to 2 credits are most frequently applied. Courses such as ACLS or hospital continuing education courses cannot typically be used for credit.
What does the program cost?
Currently, the cost is around $160/credit hour plus student fees. An average 3 credit hour course costs about $600.00 with fees. Books run about $100 a course. For most RN's the entire program would cost about $6000 and financial assistance is often available through employers.
I have had a lot of nursing experience--can I get credit for this?
The RN has the opportunity to develop a portfolio to demonstrate that they have met any nursing course requirments or content through experience. A faculty member will be assigned to assist the RN with this process. However, an RN must complete at least 50% (usually 30 credits) of the upper division requirements at IU South Bend to receive a degree from Indiana University School of Nursing. Portfolio, special and transfer credits may not count towards this requirement.
What is capstone?
This course is designed to allow a nurse to specialize in an area or experience a new nursing setting. It is a clinical course designed to meet the RN student's needs. Nurses with at least 20 years of experience can use the experience alone as the course. Nurses with less experience can substitute nursing electives, devise a continuing education plan to develop a specialty in an area or complete a clinical experience in an area of interest.
What courses are required besides the nursing courses?
Although several courses are required (see plan of study) most RN's have had these courses in their RN program. Courses RN's do not typically have are: Public Speaking, Statistics, Introduction to Ethics. Biomedical Ethics is a required course offered by the philosophy department. RN's may choose from a large number of courses in the three cluster areas for additional credit requirements. This allows the RN to take courses in areas of interest outside of the field of nursing and provides the foundation for a baccalaureate degree.
Do the RN's take courses with entry-level nursing students?
Some required nursing courses are only for the RN's returning for a BSN, some are sections for RN's only and others are combined with the other BSN students. The program outcomes are the same for both types of students since it is the same curriculum. However, an RN's plan of study will incorporate their individual professional goals and past experience and education. IU South Bend faculty believes that interactions in the classroom and clinical sites between RN's and other BSN students benefit everyone in their professional development.
If you have a disability...and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs.
Please contact your academic advisor at IU South Bend for further information.
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