The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is designed for registered professional nurses who desire a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The program meets the needs of the working RN through flexible online course offerings and provides real-world experiences through flexible project-based assignments and practicums. The program is designed to enhance critical thinking, leadership, management, and evidence-based practice skills in the promotion of patient-centered care within the healthcare delivery system. The program serves as a building block for graduate study and to prepare graduates to assume accountability for nursing practice in the roles of a nurse generalist.

The curriculum is individually designed on the basis of the student’s academic background. A minimum of 120 approved credit hours is required. This includes 28 upper division nursing credits. Students complete the program in three semesters including summer depending upon the academic history of the individual. Nursing courses are offered online with no face-to-face course requirements. Students must earn a grade of “C” or above in all courses and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

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 University.
2. Submit an application for admission to both the University and the College of Nursing, designating the major as Bachelor of Science in Nursing to the Office of Admissions.
3. Submit official college and/or diploma program transcripts, including graduation date and degree.
4. Students interested in the program are encouraged to contact the College of Nursing for advisement purposes. An active, unencumbered West Virginia or multistate RN license is required for enrollment in NURS 3370   and above.