The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program is designed for registered nurses who desire a baccalaureate degree in nursing. It provides career mobility for the associate degree and diploma-graduate nurse. The program is designed to prepare nurse generalists to provide safe, ethical, evidenced-based, patient-centered care that reflects critical thinking and inter-professional collaboration. The program aims to provide a foundation for graduate study and to prepare graduates for professional role development by engaging in leadership, scholarship, and practice activities.

A minimum of 120 approved credit hours is required. This includes 28 upper division-nursing credits. The program can be completed in two full-time academic years or one accelerated academic year under certain circumstances. Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. All Nursing courses are offered online. A grade of “C” or above is required in all courses that count toward the degree, and students must maintain a 2.0.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at Fairmont State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Individuals interested in more information on accreditation may contact: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791, ccneaccreditation.org.

The expected outcomes of the BSN graduate are to:

1. Integrate a background in the liberal arts with the knowledge, skills, and values in professional nursing in order to improve patient and healthcare outcomes.
2. Prepare nurse generalists to provide safe, ethical, evidenced-based, patient-centered care that reflects critical thinking and inter-professional collaboration.
3. Manage information and technology to enhance clinical decision making for quality patient-centered care in a variety of settings.
4. Apply principles of prevention and health promotion when providing care to patients.
5. Contribute to the profession of nursing by engaging in leadership, scholarship, and practice activities.
6. Prepare nurse generalists for professional role development through lifelong learning, graduate education, and specialization within their chosen career path.

All applicants seeking admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program are required to:

1. Meet the general admission and course placement requirements of Fairmont State.
2. Submit an application for admission, designating the major as Baccalaureate in Nursing, to the Office of Admissions.
3. Submit official college and/or diploma program transcripts, including graduation date and degree.
4. Fairmont State ASN students who have a composite ACT of 22 or higher (with a minimum of 20 in English, Mathematics, Sciences, and Reading) or a SAT total score of 1100 (with a minimum Math 520 and Evidence based Reading and Writing of 530) and a GPA of 3.0 or higher may be concurrently admitted to the ASN and BSN Programs.

Students interested in the program are encouraged to contact the School of Nursing for advisement purposes. An active, unencumbered registered nursing licensure is required for enrollment in NURS 3350  and above.

The following courses are required for completion of this program. All required courses must be completed prior to or concurrently with NURS 4440 . Active, unencumbered registered nursing licensure is required for enrollment in NURS 3350  and above.

The Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing offers an option of School Nurse Certification. EDUC 2200  and the NURS 4441 - School Nurse Practicum  are required for this certificate. Registered nurses who already have a BSN degree would also take EDUC 2200  and NURS 4441 .

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN NURSING: 120 SEM. HRS
Required Nursing Courses: 28 SEM. HRS.
Required Support Courses: 6-7 SEM. HRS.

Registered Nursing Licensure Credits: 35 SEM. HRS.
General Studies: 30 SEM. HRS.
Free Elective Hours (needed to achieve 120 total semester hours)