RN to BSN Program

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RN to BSN Program

• Ashland University

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Frequently Asked Questions

• On the following slides, many of the frequently
  asked questions of prospective BSN students are
  addressed. If you have a concern that has not
  been addressed, please e-mail us at
  nursing_at_ashland.edu and your question(s) will be
  addressed!

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Whats the first thing I should do?

• The fact that you are reading this is a great
  first step! You are learning about the various
  BSN program options that are available to you.
• The next step is to request that all
  college/nursing school transcripts be sent to the
  schools that you are interested in.

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Why do you need my transcripts?

• Your transcripts are used to see what previous
  course work transfers and what requirements you
  have yet to complete.
• Many of your pre-requisite BSN courses have been
  met with your RN program requirements.
• Ashland University has a liberal transfer credit
  policy, giving you maximum credit for courses
  completed with a grade of C- or better.

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What happens next?

• Once all of your transcripts are received, you
  will receive an unofficial advisement of what
  courses are needed to complete the BSN degree at
  Ashland University.
• This is a good time to compare costs number of
  classes needed at various BSN programs you are
  considering.

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Is there anything else I have to do?

• At some point, you will need to apply to and be
  accepted to the BSN program.
• At Ashland University, there is no application
  fee and the process can be completed on-line.
• When you are accepted into the program, you are
  accepted into the university.

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Which courses do I start with?

• Students have differing opinions on this one.
  Assuming that the required pre-requisite courses
  are mostly met, you have a couple options
• Start with the entry-level BSN nursing course(s)
• Take required, non-nursing course(s)
• Take a combination

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Which option is best for me?

• Everyone is different and we will guide you in
  this decision-making process. Some things to
  consider
• How long has it been since you last attended
  school?
• When will a particular course next be available?
• How many courses can you handle and/or afford
  each semester?
• Do you plan to take summer courses?

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What do most students do?

• A majority of the students beginning the program
  start with one or two nursing classes.
• Others wish to complete all of their required
  non-nursing classes before starting the nursing
  sequence.
• Its entirely up to you!

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If I only take one class at a time, will I get
behind or have to sit out for a while?

• No! We have structured our nursing courses so
  that you can take one or two nursing courses per
  semester and progress at your own pace.
• You can also take some required non-nursing
  classes if the nursing class you want isnt
  offered a particular semester.

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How long is it going to take me to finish?

• That depends on a couple factors how many
  classes you take each semester and how many
  non-nursing classes you need to complete the
  degree requirements.
• The nursing sequence can be completed in four
  semesters.

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How much will it cost me?

• Many students qualify for financial aid and there
  are also nursing scholarships you can apply for.
• Ashland University currently offers a reduced
  tuition of 419/credit hour (2007-2008 academic
  year) to our BSN students.
• Remember that total costs (cost per credit hour x
  total number of credit hours needed for the
  degree) should be calculated to compare BSN
  programs. You may be surprised to find out that
  many of the programs end up costing more than AU
  because fewer courses are accepted for transfer!

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What makes Ashland Universitys program unique?

• First and foremost is the facultys commitment to
  your academic success and AUs emphasis on
  accent on the individual.
• The BSN program was also uniquely designed to
  meet the demands of working professionals through
  use of web-based courses.

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What is a web-based course?

• That can mean a lot of different things for
  different programs. At AU, web-based means that
  much of the work is completed online on your own
  schedule. However, unlike fully online courses,
  you will meet occasionally (2-4 times a semester)
  with your instructor and classmates in a face to
  face (F2F) classroom setting.
• We feel this gives you the best of both worlds!
  Freedom and flexibility to work around your job
  and family obligations yet a personal connection
  to your instructor and classmates. Our students
  truly enjoy their F2F experiences!

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Will these courses repeat what Ive already had?

• No! We respect that you are already working in
  the field and the courses are designed to build
  upon that prior knowledge and experience.

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What courses will I take?

• Required Non-Nursing Courses
• Equivalent courses may be transferable from basic
  nursing program or prior education.
• Anatomy Physiology
• Microbiology
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Speech
• Composition I II
• General Chemistry
• Philosophy/Ethics
• Introduction to Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Statistics
• Advanced Human Biology
• Humanities
• Religion
• Aesthetics (2)
• Historical Reasoning

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What nursing courses will I take?

• NUR 302 Theoretical Bases
• NUR 303 Individual Health
• NUR 309 International/Transcultural Perspectives
• NUR 360 Research
• NUR 405 Health Care Systems
• NUR 408 Legal/Ethical/Political Perspectives
• NUR 414 Community and Public Health
• NUR 307 (Electives) Disaster Nursing or
  Educational Strategies for Nurses
• Proficiency test available
• Clinical component included

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Do I have to travel to Ashland for class?

• We are pleased to be able to offer classes at
  several regional locations that include Ashland
  University, Stark State College (Canton) and
  Ashland-Medina Center (Medina.)
• We will also explore other options for F2F
  meetings such as web-conferencing if travel to
  one of our current locations is excessive.

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Why do I have to take those other, non-nursing
courses?

• The BSN degree is considered a liberal arts
  degree that offers you a sampling of courses and
  opportunities that a well-rounded student needs.
• The BSN degree at AU will also uniquely prepare
  you to pursue graduate studies if you so desire.

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Can I get more information?

• You can continue to explore the BSN website at
  www.ashland.edu/nursing
• Contact us at nursing_at_ashland.edu
• Call us at 419-289-5244 or 1-800-882-1548,
  ext. 5244
• Visit us at 236 Andrews Hall, Ashland University

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When can I get started?

• Theres no time like the present!
• You can begin any semester. (Summer nursing
  electives or non-nursing classes are also
  offered.)
• We can also assist you to develop an academic
  plan to prepare you for starting the BSN program
  in the future, even if you are still working on
  your RN!

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Contact Information

• If you would like to continue to receive updates
  and information about the BSN program, please
  complete the request information form at
  www.ashland.edu/nursing or send your contact
  information to nursing_at_ashland.edu and we will
  include you on our mailing list.