Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

Fairmont State University’s College of Nursing offers 2 program options for a student to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, the traditional BSN and the RN to BSN.  In addition, a post BSN school nurse certificate program is available.

TRADITIONAL BSN PROGRAM

The Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program is designed for students who desire a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program is designed to prepare nurse generalists who function as a leader, manager, and advocate when providing patient-centered care in an inter-professional collaborative environment using knowledge, skills, professional values, critical thinking, and professional development. This program can be completed in 8 semesters or less depending on advanced placement (AP), dual-enrollment, or transfer courses.

Overview of the Program: 

• Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and positions as registered nurses.
• Provides a wide range of real-world clinical experiences, such as acute care, skilled nursing, population health, community health, school-based health, and practicum.
• Prepares graduates for graduate study.
• Enhances critical thinking, leadership, management, and evidence-based practice skills. 
• Provides opportunities for individual mentoring with faculty and RN-preceptors. 

Model Schedule:

The program of study is shown in the following table.  General studies/core curriculum courses are shown in italics, courses preceded by an * can be taken in any order. 

RN to BSN PROGRAM

The RN-BSN Program is designed for registered nurses who desire a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It provides career mobility for the associate degree and diploma graduate nurse. The program is designed to prepare nurse generalists who function as a leader, manager, and advocate when providing patient-centered care in an inter-professional collaborative environment using knowledge, skills, professional values, critical thinking, and professional development. Courses can be completed in 1 year (3 semesters). 

Overview of the Program: 

• Courses are offered every semester, including summer. 
• Meets the needs of the working RN through flexible online 7- and 15-week course offerings 
• Provides real-world experiences through flexible project-based course assignments and practicums. 
• Enhances critical thinking, leadership, management, and evidence-based practice skills. 
• Enhances the professional development of RNs. 
• Provides opportunities for individual mentoring with faculty. 

Model Schedule

• Core Curriculum Requirements:  Students will need to complete the Fairmont State University Core Curriculum Requirements either prior to or along with the nursing courses. Categories and courses offered are published in the Fairmont State University catalog. 
  • Written English (ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102 or 1103) 
  • Oral Communication 
  • Mathematics 
  • Humanities with Critical Thinking 
  • Fine Arts with Critical Thinking 
  • Natural Science with Critical Thinking (BIOL 1180/1181) 
  • Social Science with Critical Thinking (PSYC 1101) 
  • Citizenship 
  • Global Awareness or Fitness and Well-being (NUTR 1110) or Technology 

*Post-Graduates:  Students with previous four-year degrees may receive credit for meeting core curriculum requirements pending the registrar approval. 

• Required Support Courses:  Students will need to complete: 
  • Statistics (PSYC 2240, SOCI 2240, BSBA 3310 or MATH 1550) prior to NURS 3380 
  • Management (BSBA 2209 or MGMT 3308) prior to or concurrently with NURS 4430 
• Free Electives:  Students will need to complete free elective credits to total a minimum of 120 credits to graduate. 

Semester 1 

NURS 3320:  Health Assessment (3 cr; half semester)
NURS 3360:  Nursing Ethics (3 cr; half semester) 
NURS 3380:  Evidence-based Practice (3 cr; full semester) 

Semester 2 

NURS 3370:  Informatics and Healthcare Technologies (3 cr; half semester) 
NURS 4410:  Population Health Nursing (5 cr; full semester) 
NURS 4430:  Nursing Leadership (3 cr; half semester) 

Semester 3 

NURS 4440: Application of Evidence-based Practice (5 cr; full semester) 
NURS 4450:  Healthcare Delivery: Political, Social and Economic Influences (3 cr; full semester)

SHOOL NURSE CERTIFICATION

In January 2001, FSU Department of Nursing began offering West Virginia School Nurse Certification. The program is designed for the BSN prepared registered nurse to conduct and coordinate school health service programs. A certification in School Health Nursing provides a new opportunity for nurses to expand their role and enhance professional growth. 

To be eligible for enrollment you must already hold a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree, be a Registered Nurse in West Virginia, and return to school to complete the School Nurse Certification. 

The program of study is composed of two courses for a total of seven hours credit. The two courses are the School Nurse Practicum, Nursing 4441 (4 credits) and Introduction to Education, Education 2200 (3 credits). Nursing 4441 has both a theory and a clinical component. The clinical part of the course requires you to work with a preceptor that is a West Virginia Certified School Nurse. Education 2200 provides an overview of the educational process, as well as analysis of the historical, philosophical, and sociological basis for the educational programs, instructional strategies and teaching behaviors in American Education. Both courses are online. 

If you are interested in the West Virginia Certified School Nurse Program you should contact the program coordinator, Professor Jamie Toland at (304)-333-3658 as soon as possible prior to your desired date of enrollment. There is a required fingerprinting/background check and a request form to the West Virginia Department of Education for permission to complete your clinical experience in a West Virginia school setting. These requirements may take up to two months to complete, so begin the process early. 

Interested nurses wanting to enroll in the School Nurse Certification Program should complete the Undergraduate Application indicating “Non-degree candidate/School Nurse Certification” as your desired major. You must also send your BSN transcripts to the University to be considered for the certification program. 

For additional information or questions about the program please call 304-367-4133.