RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program

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Curriculum

New students can begin this program 3 times a year and courses run for 10 weeks. This will allow students to complete the coursework faster. 

The RN to BSN curriculum consists of three tiers. The first tier is intended to be completed as part of the student's educational program before entering this program. Registered nurses are expected to transfer in all these credits and do not need to take them again in this program. The second tier consists of general education courses, which may also be transferred in from other institutions or taken as part of this online program. The third tier consists of upper-division nursing courses intended to be taken as part of the program.  

How transfer credits are applied:
1. We take courses that are equivalent and apply them to Drexel courses.
2. We then convert the credit you earned on the semester basis and apply that to our courses here. Semesters credits hours x 1.5= Quarter credit hours (Semester=15 weeks; Quarters=10 weeks).
3. If any credits are left over, we tally those surplus credits to give you credit you've earned toward your 180 total credits.
-In order to graduate, you need to meet every required course listed here either at Drexel or through transfer credits AND you need to meet the 180 credit minimum.


First Tier Courses
EnglishSemester Credits: 6 - Quarter Credits: 9
HumanitiesSemester Credits: 3 - Quarter Credits: 3
SociologySemester Credits: 3 - Quarter Credits: 3
PsychologySemester Credits: 3 - Quarter Credits: 3
Developmental or LifespanSemester Credits: 3 - Quarter Credits: 3
Anatomy & Physiology (with Lab)Semester Credits: 4 - Quarter Credits: 5
Microbiology with LabSemester Credits: 4 - Quarter Credits: 5
Additional Credits posted from A & P and MicrobiologySemester Credits: N/A - Quarter Credits: 3
Additional Credits posted from conversion of Humanities coursesSemester Credits: N/A - Quarter Credits: 6
Nursing (by transfer validation) Semester Credits: 30 - Quarter Credits: 45

Second Tier Courses
Communication Elective--Computer Science or Communications CourseCredits: 4
StatisticsCredits: 4
EconomicsCredits: 4
EthicsCredits: 4
Social Science elective (see list for options) Credits: 4
Science elective(see list for options) Credits: 6
Advanced Physiology, Pathophysiology, or PharmacologyCredits: 5
Three or More Open Elective Courses (see list options) Credits: 12

Upper-Division Courses
NURS 324Introduction to Online Learning and Scholarly Writing2.00 to 3.00 credits
NURS 325Critical Issues in Nursing3.00 credits
NURS 330Research Basis of Nursing4.00 credits
NURS 337Genetics in Nursing and Health3.00 credits
NURS 340Transformational Leadership3.00 credits
NURS 346Health Assessment6.00 credits
NURS 370Issues in Aging and Longevity4.00 credits
NURS 375Nurses Building a Healthy Comm6.00 credits
NURS 404Nursing Informatics for BSN Completion3.00 credits
NURS 460Global Health & Policy Issues6.00 credits
NURS 462Science, Technology and Health4.00 credits
NURS 464Sr Concentration in Nursing3.00 credits
OR
NURS 465 — Senior Thesis in NursingCredits: 3

Course Descriptions

NURS 324 Introduction to Online Learning and Scholarly Writing - 2.00 to 3.00 credits

This RN-BSN completion course provides a guided, hands on introduction to the skill sets necessary to support on line learning, communication, and the production of scholarship. Practicing nurses will be introduced to technologies and resources that are fundamental to success in the RN-BSN program. These technologies and resources will be incorporated to develop writing and other competencies essential for scholarly acheivement.

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NURS 325 Critical Issues in Nursing - 3.00 credits

Critical Issues in Shaping Nursing. The health care system has undergone dramatic shifts, driven by changing economic; demographic; and technological forces. This course explores the impact of these forces on healthcare delivery, and concerns relating to ethical, legal and social issues that influence nursing practice.

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NURS 330 Research Basis of Nursing - 4.00 credits

This course will introduce the student to the theoretical and research bases on which practice is built. Students will examine the knowledge that guides nursing interventions and critique published research reports. The importance of reviewing the nursing literature in order to maintain currency in practice will be addressed. Ethical issues as they relate to research, theory and practice will be discussed. This is a writing intensive course.

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NURS 337 Genetics in Nursing and Health - 3.00 credits

This course will discuss the implications of the Human Genome Project and how to apply genetic knowledge to patient knowledge to patient care in the following ways: identifying those in need of further genetic testing, offering genetic information, recording genetic information, referring patients and families for further genetic information and evaluation, support informed choice regarding health decisions, advocacy for privacy, confidentiality, and non-discrimination with regard to genetic information, and participate in management of patients with genetic conditions. The ethical consideration as they relate to genetics will also be explored. This is a writing intensive course.

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NURS 340 Transformational Leadership - 3.00 credits

Transformational Leadership. This course will focus on the professional nurses roles in applying the principles of leadership, management and ethics in health care organizations across the continuum of care. The course will provide opportunities in problem solving, critical thinking, constructive communication and well as teaching learning strategies that emphasize the leadership/management roles of the nurse.

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NURS 346 Health Assessment - 6.00 credits

Health Assessment and Promotion for Diverse Vulnerable Populations. This course is designed to assist professional nurses in developing interviewing skills, physical assessment techniques, and preventive health interventions when working diverse and vulnerable populations.

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NURS 370 Issues in Aging and Longevity - 4.00 credits

Issues in Aging and Longevity. This course focuses on current issues in promoting longevity with healthy aging. Current biopsychosocial theories on aging are explored. The multidisciplinary needs of older adults, including relationship challenges, are addressed.

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NURS 375 Nurses Building a Healthy Comm - 6.00 credits

Nurses Building a Healthy Community. This course focuses on the professional role of the community public health nurse working collaboratively to build a health community. The role of nurses is explored by their actions with aggregate population, community partners, and other health providers.

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NURS 404 Nursing Informatics for BSN Completion - 3.00 credits

Designed for registered nurses in the RN-BSN completion program. Examines computer applications, technology, internet tools. Focuses on health care informatics context for data management, information systems & telecommunications in nursing administration, education and practice. Problem solving and mini-design projects related to increased efficiency in nursing care delivery.

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NURS 460 Global Health & Policy Issues - 6.00 credits

Global Health and Policy Issues. This course is an overview of global health issues. Emphasis will be places on understudy of health policy development related to global health issues, healthcare systems, and its effect on selected population.

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NURS 462 Science, Technology and Health - 4.00 credits

Science, Technology, and Health. This course is an intensive overview of the latest discoveries and trends in science and technology which have implication if the broader health of man-kind and nursing.

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NURS 464 Sr Concentration in Nursing - 3.00 credits

Senior Concentration in Nursing. The student, with a faculty supervisor, selects a clinical area of practice for in-depth 60 hours of clinical experience. Students will be immersed in the current literature of the clinical discipline to demonstrate competent and safe nursing practice.

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