Nursing: Online RN to BSN Program

The Field

The United States is experiencing a nationwide crisis in its number of qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals. The Health Resources and Services Administration projects that New York State alone will experience a shortage of 800,000 RNs by the year 2018. A lack of nurses with baccalaureate degrees has repercussions for nearly every segment of society, particularly in rural areas, where healthcare choices are limited. 

SUNY Delhi's on-line Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree provides New York State with qualified nursing graduates who are eligible for expanded job opportunities, including advanced practice, management, and teaching; and who are also able to pursue advanced degrees and faculty appointments at institutions of higher education. In combination with SUNY Delhi’s longstanding relationships with regional healthcare leaders, this program contributes significantly to economic development within the region and beyond, providing the healthcare industry with the educated professionals it demands.

The Instructional Program

The Online RN-to-BSN program at SUNY Delhi provides educational mobility for registered nurses who seek a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The RN-to-BSN curriculum is designed with the working registered nurse in mind, and offers versatility and flexibility as the program is 100 percent online. Precepted practicum experiences for select courses are completed in the student's community.

The objectives of the program emphasize critical thinking necessary for the management of clients within a constantly changing healthcare environment. A total of 120 credits is required to earn a B.S.N. at SUNY Delhi; however, the length of the program varies depending on the number of appropriate courses transferred from previous lower- and upper-division college course work. Opportunities for full- and part-time study are available to allow students to proceed at their own pace.

Highlights of the program include the following:

• Flexible scheduling that meets the needs of working professionals by allowing students to advance in the program part time or full time, with opportunities to begin the program in fall, spring, or summer semesters.
• Web-supported classes with easy-to-use technology and technical assistance.
• A state-of-the-art curriculum delivered by faculty with the highest credentials in the field.
• Affordable SUNY tuition rates.
• An opportunity to pursue a degree with other motivated professionals.

Mission of the Program

To develop professional nursing leaders who will integrate healthcare expertise with civic responsibility; and to enable graduates to contribute significantly toward the employment demands in the healthcare community and in nursing education.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 2021

SUNY General Education Requirements: Students who intend to receive A.A., A.S., or baccalaureate degrees must satisfy SUNY and campus General Education (GE) requirements to graduate. Students should be aware that GE requirements may vary by academic program. See SUNY GE Requirements note below, and consult with your academic advisor. For general information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog.

A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree students may not be required to fulfill General Education (GE) requirements; however, any student who may wish to transfer should complete as many GE courses as possible. Consult with your academic advisor.

All nursing majors have an advisor in the Department with whom they must consult regularly in planning their semester course work. The total number of courses required is 18 with 58 total credit hours.  Below is a list of course work that is required for nursing majors.

Concentration Courses:

Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses (15 credits): 5 upper-division (300-level or higher) liberal arts and science electives

SUNY General Education Requirements: Students must meet 7 of the 10 General Education categories through their associate and BSN program. General Education requirements that have not been met through the associate degree program must be met through the completion of the upper-level elective courses.  For more information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog or consult with an academic advisor.

Degree Requirements:  58 credit hours. Nursing classes require a grade of C+ or higher, and allied health courses and liberal arts and science courses require a grade of C or higher.

Technical Standards: In addition to academic requirements, all applicants must also be able to meet the minimum Technical Standards for the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma program. Liberal arts and sciences credits for diploma graduates must be granted from collegiate institution.
• Must hold a current R.N. license.
• Official transcripts from all schools attended are required.
• Must have a minimum of 60 semester hours from an associate degree nursing program with nursing coursework grades of C+ or better, and liberal arts and science courses of C or better. Required courses include anatomy and physiology I & II, microbiology, English, and psychology.
• Student may transfer a maximum of 30 credit hours of upper division credits, with a maximum of 15 upper division nursing credits.
• Must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above for prerequisite credits.
• One year of experience practicing as an RN immediately preceding matriculation is recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the SUNY Delhi RN-to-BSN program will:

1. Synthesize knowledge from the biological, social, and behavioral sciences, as well as humanities and nursing, to provide culturally competent care to individuals, families, and communities.
2. Critically apply research findings to nursing practice related to disease prevention, health promotion, illness, and restoration of health.
3. Collaborate with community-based partners to promote health in diverse client populations.
4. Effectively communicate with clients, diverse patient groups and healthcare disciplines, and adapt communication methods to meet the healthcare, educational, and counseling needs of diverse client groups across a multiplicity of settings.
5. Utilize data, evidence, and information from a wide range of resources to comprehensively and accurately provide nursing care to clients, families, and the public in a variety of settings.
6. Assume diverse leadership roles across the continuum of care to responsibly manage human, fiscal, and material resources.
7. Integrate professional role, values, and ethical, moral, and legal aspects of nursing into practice in a variety of structured and unstructured settings.
8. Be guided by nursing theory, incorporating knowledge of environmental, social, cultural, economic, political, technological, and global factors to develop plans to effect beneficial client outcomes.