Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program
This program is available at the Online location. The Clark State College BSN Completion Program will integrates face-to-face and online student experiences, with a majority of didactic work to be complete online. Five courses integrate practicum experiences.This program is available at the Online location. The Clark State College BSN Completion Program integrates face-to-face and online student experiences, with a majority of didactic work to be complete online. Five courses integrate practicum experiences. Courses are either 8-week or 16-week depending upon the format and area of focus. The program integrates and builds upon coursework which students have previously completed for their registered nursing licensure and completion of an associate degree or diploma program
Clark State’s BSN Completion Program has 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 BSN 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 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. Partners await the opportunity to hire graduates and many provide support to current employees who enroll in this program.
- 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 BSN 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 BSN 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 BSN 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 Associate Degree/Diploma Degree in Nursing and wish to further their career with a bachelor's 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 eligible to pursue 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 at advisors@clarkstate.eduor by contacting Dr. Scott Dolan, Dean, Health, Human and Public Services, at 937-328-6060 or dolans@clarkstate.edu.
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 Asssociate/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