Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program
This program is available at the Online location. The Clark State College BSN Completion Program will integrate both face-to-face and online student experiences While a majority of didactic work to be completed by the student will occur in the online setting, the BSN completion program at Clark State has also integrated face-to- face (in person) experiences in order to create a hybrid program. The BSN Completion Program curricula has five courses that integrate practicum experiences.The BSN Completion Program integrates and builds upon coursework which students have previously completed for Registered Nursing licensure following completion of an Associate Degree or Diploma program. The course format is an 8-week and 16-week online/hybrid course format for all nursing coursework.
Clark State’s proposed BSN Completion Program has four major benefits that distinguish it from other completion programs offered in its service area.
- First, and most significantly, this BSN Completion program is a unique and integrated approach that allows students to progress from entry-level certification to bachelor’s level nursing practitioners. Following STNA certification, the LPN certificate can be completed in two semesters, the RN (A.A.S.) in three semesters, and the B.S.N in an additional three semesters—i.e. in four years, inclusive of all general education requirements. It does so through intentional program design that removes barriers to progression and permits students who have existing certifications, such as the LPN, and who meet a defined set of requirements, to seamlessly progress to the next level. The proposed program incorporates legal, ethical, and professional standards to the care of patients across the lifespan and allows students to earn certifications in high-demand areas, including nursing leadership, care of the gerontological/post-acute care patient, community health/population-based care nursing, and interprofessional practice and team-based nursing care.
- Secondly, Clark State has the strong support of the health care systems and hospitals in our service area. These partners have indicated the desire to have more bachelor’s prepared nurses among their employees and await the opportunity to hire graduates of the proposed program as demonstrated by their letters of support. In addition, these partners would provide financial support to current employees who would enroll in this program, making it even more affordable for existing RNs to obtain their B.S.N. and be eligible for promotions, supervisory roles, and more challenging assignments. These partners have indicated a willingness to accept students for work-based learning, including practicums, and to consider other ways of collaborating in the instruction of students in this program. Partners include Springfield Regional Medical Center, Premier Health, Dayton Children’s Hospital, among others.
- Third, Clark State offers the most affordable means for students in our service area to obtain their B.S.N. degree. Other B.S.N. programs are typically not a viable option for students who complete one of Clark State’s other programs of nursing education. The higher tuition rates and overall costs of these other institutions is a significant barrier to enrollment and discourages many potential B.S.N. candidates from pursuing their degree. And while other programs may offer online courses, transportation and the inability to relocate is often a significant barrier to Clark State students who prefer to remain in the local area
- Finally, the demand for nurses, particularly bachelor’s prepared nurses, continues to grow and is beyond the ability of all existing programs to meet. Even with the addition of a B.S.N. program at Clark State, considering the labor market demand and the expected retirements of current nurses, there will continue to be unmet needs. An increased pool of B.S.N. candidates will help health care systems fill leadership roles and increase the quality of care they offer. This program will also provide a further pathway for these graduates as they become eligible to pursue graduate degrees in nursing at institutions who offer advanced degrees. Clark State desires to partner with graduate institutions as its B.S.N. graduates continue to advance their careers; the nursing profession has a shortage of individuals who are prepared for advanced and specialty areas of practices, as well as a shortage of faculty who will train the next generation of nurses.
Career Information
The BSN Completion Program at Clark State is designed for students who have earned a previous Associates Degree in Nursing and wish to further their career with a bachelors degree. Completion of this program will position the graduate to expand their role as a registered nurse and assume leadership roles within healthcare orgnaizations. This program will also provide a pathway for program graduates as they become elegible to persue graduate degrees in nursing at institutions who offer advanced degrees.
Outcomes and Curriculum
- The student will engage in professional nursing practice, providing holistic, individualized, compassionate care that is patient centered and culturally and developmentally appropriate across the lifespan.
- The student will incorporate a spirit of inquiry through the utilization of best evidence to make clinical judgements for quality improvement.
- The student will utilize effective communication with nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, respect and shared decision-making.
- The student will integrate informatics and technology to guide nursing judgement in making clinical decisions that minimize risk of harm to patients and providers.
- The student will continue to integrate the role of professional nurse, incorporating legal, ethical, and professional standards to the care of patients across the life span.
Academic Preparation
Applicants can prepare for admission to this program by scheduling an appointment with a Clark State Academic advisor or by contacting the BSN Completion Program Director.
Academic Requirements
To be considered for admission to the BSN Completion Program the applicant must hold an active unencumbered nursing license from the State of Ohio, or have an earned Asssociates/Diploma degree in Nursing and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX Licensure exam. These applicants will be granted one semester in which to obtain an active unencumbered nursing license.
Accreditation
The Clark State BSN Completion Program has received approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) as well as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Additionally, the program will seek candidacy and then full approval from the Accreditation Commission on Nursing Education (ACEN).
Questions? We're here to help!
Scott Dolan Dean, Health, Human and Public Services