March 22, 2012
By Natasha Janes, student news writer
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University will be starting a program for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's of science degree in nursing beginning in May.
The mission of the RN to BSN completion program is to offer a higher level of nursing education through an innovative and highly accessible curriculum, according to Beverly Rowland, associate professor of nursing.
“The program is tailored to the working adult and classes will be offered online in asynchronous classes, meaning students will be able to attend on their own schedule without time constraints.”
The completion program allows the registered nurse to continue with work, family and community commitments while pursuing that dream of professional achievement, she said.
“I am very pleased that Campbellsville University can finally provide this opportunity for community nurses who are eager toadvance their education in nursing,” she said.
“In the past, nurses have had to travel some distance from surrounding communities to pursue higher education, taking time away from families and work. Now they can studyin their own community and focus on everyday living while fulfilling that calling for lifelong learning and professional expertise.”
Dr. Bob Wade, dean of the School of Nursing, said, “Earning an associate's in nursing and starting a career in nursing, then returning to school to earn a BSN is a sensible and practical way for RNs to secure their future and upward mobility in the profession.”
Christie Glasscock, a CU student and instructor, is very excited about the program and said, “This is a great opportunity for RNs like myself, with an associate degree, to further their education and their careers. I have been a RN for 18 years and I have taught nursing assisting for six years, I am taking the BSN classes so that I can teach LPN or RN classes in the future.”
Dustin Ford, a CU student from Campbellsville, said, “The essentials and growth that I received in the ADN program at CU makes me excited to experience the BSN program. I did not only learn how to be a skillful nurse, but I also learned to be a compassionate and holistic nurse at Campbellsville University's Nursing School. Therefore I look forward to developing those key characteristics even more in this program.”
Nursing alumni of Campbellsville University, along with those who have an RN degree from another school or live in another state, are welcome to apply to the program.
The admissions process to the program is as follows: application to the university, application to the School of Nursing and transcripts and licensure information sent to CU followed by a letter of acceptance.
Students must verify work experience as a registered nurse, and there is flexibility entering the program at different times of the year. Core nursing courses will be offered throughout the year and the student may enter at any point in time.
If most or all general education requirements are met, many can complete the program in approximately 15 to 18 months.
This new RN to BSN completion program serves the community and the region through promoting lifelong learning and contributing to the profession of nursing and the health of society, Rowland said
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.