R.N. to B.S.N., Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Purpose
Registered nurses who have completed basic nursing education with either a nursing diploma or an associate degree have the opportunity to continue their education at Wilmington University and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. The purpose of the program is to increase knowledge and skills as well as to provide opportunities to explore attitudes and values related to professional nursing practice.
Program of Study
The B.S.N. degree program is progressive and designed for today’s registered nurse. It promotes increased clinical and communication skills, problem solving, confidence, and leadership within a complex health care environment.
The course of study utilizes a variety of individual and group learning experiences. The program is offered at the New Castle campus and the Georgetown; Dover; Middletown; Cumberland, Gloucester and Burlington, NJ sites; as well as 100% online. Nurses can pursue their education on a part-time or full-time basis.
In addition, the General Education requirements courses, required of all Wilmington University undergraduates, provide a well-rounded academic foundation.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to practice as generalists, caring for clients with complex health needs in both structured and unstructured health care settings. The curriculum provides a foundation for graduate education and for career mobility.
Curriculum
The number of transfer credits granted to entering R.N. students varies depending on basic nursing preparation. Therefore, a single plan of study cannot be prescribed. Students are encouraged to discuss their plan with their Academic Advisor or with nursing faculty members at their site.
Program Competencies
At the completion of the B.S.N. program, graduating students will:
- Use critical thinking as a basis for identifying health-related needs of individuals, families, and communities.
- Synthesize knowledge from the humanities and physical, behavioral, and nursing sciences to provide nursing care to clients across the life span in a variety of health care settings.
- Incorporate theoretical perspectives into nursing practice.
- Demonstrate skill and commitment in the role of teacher.
- Apply research findings to nursing practice.
- Provide leadership for the continuing development of the nursing profession.
- Integrate ethical, legal, and economic accountability into professional nursing practice.
- Participate in designing nursing roles to meet societal and community health care needs.
- Demonstrate commitment to self-directed, lifelong learning to promote personal and professional development.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
- Access, use, and evaluate information effectively and appropriately. Use technology to effectively locate and communicate information.
Nursing Admission
General Requirements
Students are admitted to the University and to the College of Health Professions without regard to race, age, creed, sex, or national origin. Registered nurses are considered transfer students to Wilmington University and are required to submit an official transcript from their school of nursing and all colleges attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from the previously attended institution to the Office of Admissions. Additional lower-level academic credits can be earned through CLEP examinations for a variety of general education courses and through achievement tests for microbiology and anatomy/physiology.
Apply for Admission
- Submit the online Wilmington University undergraduate application for admission and the $35 non-refundable application fee.
- Official transcripts must be sent in a sealed envelope directly from the school of attendance along with a copy of students current, unencumbered, active R.N. license.
- Students are required by state law to complete the Wilmington University Health History form, which includes a record of immunizations. Students must retain a copy of the Health History Form and immunization record for use in their first Nursing Course (NUR 303).
Send all required documents listed above to the following address:
Wilmington University
Undergraduate Office of Admissions
320 N. DuPont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720-6491
4. It is highly recommended that students seek Academic Advisement upon acceptance.
Program Policies
- Students are responsible for following all College of Health Professions policies and procedures, which are distributed in NUR 303.
- The College of Health Professions sets a required minimum grade of “C-” for all nursing core courses.
- It is mandatory that all nursing students complete a background check, drug screen and submit required credentials during NUR 303. Details are provided in the program handbook available through the B.S.N. Student Blackboard site. Please be advised there is a one time outside vendor fee required to complete the mandatory credentialing. This one time fee is the responsibility of the students. Previous screening will not be accepted.
Curriculum
Lower Division Requirements (for students without an associate degree)
Natural Sciences (12 credits)
A minimum of 12 credits in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physics and/or biology must be earned through course work, transfer credit, or testing (available for anatomy/physiology and microbiology).
General Education Requirements (24 credits)
Upper Division Requirements (required for all B.S.N. majors)
General Education Requirements (6 credits)
Upper level humanities electives (9 credits) Choose upper level courses from the following list:
ART, BBM 319, CUL, DRA, ETN, HIS, HIT, HUM, LIT, MUS, PHI, REL, SPA, VMG 311, VMG 312, VMG 313
Upper Division Nursing Core (31 credits)
NUR 433: Includes community learning experience
NUR 303: The completion of the credentialing process is mandatory for students to continue with the core NUR courses.
Nursing Elective (3 credits)
Choose from the following:
NUR, HLT, HIT, ISM 430, POL 380, SOC 365
Free Electives
Choose free electives to complete degree requirements of 120 credit hours.
Program of Study
Students are urged to seek advisement in planning course sequence. The program of study will vary depending on transfer credits, part-time or full-time status, and credit earned in alternative ways.