Nursing (BS)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS NURS) is a rigorous online RN-to-BSN degree completion program for Registered Nurses (RNs). Applicants should carefully consider if an online program best meets their learning style. Enrollment is limited based on the number of available seats each semester.

Downloads and Links

• Apply here
• RN-to-BSN Program FAQ (PDF)
• View the Program of Study in the 2024-25 College Catalog
• RN-to-BSN Program Cost (PDF)
• Career Options - Program Nursing

The RN-to-BSN Program provides a career ladder from the AS Nursing degree to the BS Nursing degree for RNs who have earned an associate in nursing degree or a diploma in a nursing program that allows graduates to qualify for a RN license. Coursework will continue to build upon the registered nursing curriculum foundation. The program offers a diverse population of students with innovative educational experiences and opportunities to meet the health care needs of the communities they serve. Through the educational process, the student will be able to internalize the values, traditions, and obligations of the professional nurse and gain a greater professional perspective and increased critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The RN-to-BSN Program prepares graduates for career promotions and advancement in nursing to include positions in academia, community health, management, and leadership. It also provides a foundation for advancement to graduate level education programs. Current occupational employment and wage data for Registered Nurses is published by the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm

Accreditation

The Associate and Baccalaureate of Science degree nursing programs at Florida SouthWestern State College at the Charlotte, Collier, and Lee campuses located in Punta Gorda, Naples, and Fort Myers, Florida are accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000 https://www.acenursing.org/

*The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Baccalaureate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

Student Achievement Outcome Data

Student achievement outcome data (PDF) provides evidence to demonstrate the extent to which FSW Nursing graduates are adequately prepared. This information is updated annually and made publicly accessible.

Program Structure

The program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 120 credit hours in the following areas: 36 credit hours of General Education Requirements, Additional Lower Division Requirements; 30 credit hours of Upper Division Program Requirements, and Additional Program Requirements.

The RN-to-BSN Program includes courses in professional issues, informatics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, advanced health assessment, multicultural nursing, community health, and leadership. Courses are taken online to accommodate various schedules. Students must complete all General Education Requirements prior to enrolling in NUR 4827C Leadership in Nursing Practice in the last semester of the RN-to-BSN Program.

Admission Requirements

1. Applicants must possess a Registered Nurse License - Must have a valid, active, unrestricted, and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license, permitting work in Florida. Note: the license must remain current throughout enrollment in the RN-to-BSN Program.
2. Applicants must have minimum of 60 transferrable credit hours from any regionally or nationally accredited college or university, as defined by State Board of Education rule.
3. Applicants must complete the Bachelor’s Degree admissions application online, pay the $30.00 application fee, and be accepted to Florida SouthWestern State College. Applicants must also pay the $25.00 Nursing application evaluation fee. Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or university must be sent directly to the Office of the Registrar.
4. Applicants must have completed of a minimum of five (5) of the following Additional Lower Division Requirements. The additional two (2) courses must be completed by the end of the second semester in the program:

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in all college level coursework.

Academic Standards

The academic standards in the RN to BSN Nursing Program are very rigorous and require full commitment.

1. A student who attempts and/or fails a nursing course will be permitted to re-take that nursing course only once on a space-available basis.
2. An 'attempt' is defined as a course registration in effect at the end of the add/drop period.
3. Attempting with failure or withdrawal in any second nursing course may result in dismissal from the program.
4. A student who is removed from the program due to failures or withdrawals must petition to the Program Director and faculty for consideration of readmission.

BSN Program Applicants with Associate or Baccalaureate Degrees

Students who transfer to Florida SouthWestern State College with a previous associate of arts degree from a Florida college or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university are considered to have met the General Education Core and Elective coursework (60 credit hours) of the degree.

All Coursework above will be evaluated by the College to determine transfer of credits or applicability to the program.

Transient Student Enrollment in Upper Division Coursework:

Transient students are currently enrolled college students who register for courses at another institution on a temporary basis (e.g. university students attending summer semester at a state college). Transient students must obtain prior approval to enroll in Upper Division Nursing Core coursework. Students initiate this process using Florida Shines at www.floridashines.org.

Priority Application Deadlines*

Fall Semester Start - Application due by August 1 Spring Semester Start - Application due by December 1 Summer Semester Start - Application due by April 1

*deadlines may be extended if seats remain unfilled to capacity by application deadline

Graduation Requirements

1. Students must fulfill all specific degree requirements of their program to be eligible for graduation.
2. Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 120 credit hours as outlined in the Nursing, BS program of study.
3. To satisfy residency requirements, a minimum of 15 credit hours of Upper Division Program Requirements and a minimum of 30 total credit hours must be completed at Florida SouthWestern State College.
4. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average in the program of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
5. Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all Upper Division (3000 or 4000 level) Program Requirements and all Additional Program Requirements. Students must complete the State of Florida General Education Core Requirements, including any assessment of General Education outcomes required by the College. Transfer courses will be reviewed for equivalency.
6. Students who transfer to Florida SouthWestern State College with an Associate in Arts degree from a Florida College or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution are considered to have met the General Education component of the degree.
7. Students must complete the State Civic Literacy Competency Requirement which is met by achieving a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Exam and by successfully passing a civic literacy course.
8. Students must successfully complete 12 semester hours of coursework demonstrating college level writing skills with a grade of "C" or better in order to meet the Writing Intensive Requirement. Six (6) credit hours must be taken in English Composition and six (6) credit hours must be taken in additional coursework that demonstrates college-level writing skills.
9. Students must satisfy the State Foreign Language Competency Requirement which is met by completing one of the following:

Note: Students who wish to participate in the Commencement Ceremony must indicate their intention to attend the Commencement Ceremony by completing the Commencement Application by the published deadline.

Lower Division Requirements

General Education Requirements: 36 Credit Hours

Refer to the FSW General Education Program Guide

Additional Lower Division Requirements

*NOTE: Some of the following courses may have been completed within the General Education Requirements. Applicants must have completed of a minimum of five (5) of the following Additional Lower Division Requirements prior to admission. The additional two (2) courses must be completed by the end of the second semester in the program:

Upper Division Program Requirements: 30 Credit Hours

Additional Program Requirements

Additional credit hours from courses numbered 1000-4999 to reach the 120 credit hours required for the degree.

Total Degree Requirements: 120 Credit Hours

Additional information on the RN-to-BSN Program is available online at: www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/bsnursing

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the BSN Program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and the physical, behavioral, psychological and social sciences, and the humanities in the practice of professional nursing.
2. Integrate global health and health care, its relevant issues and policies as they relate to professional nursing practice.
3. Evaluate research in the exploration of the spectrum of health within the framework of evidence-based practice.
4. Synthesize standards of professional practice and care.
5. Articulate the role of the professional nurse within inter-professional teams.
6. Analyze current and changing health care information technologies and systems.
7. Summarize the components of leadership and followership in professional nursing practice.
8. Interpret the social responsibility of the nursing profession in the development and implementation of health care policy.

Program Contact Information

Sarah Hamula Student Success Advisor II Nursing Department Charlotte Campus, B-114 Phone: 941-637-5653

Administration

Bobby Holbrook, MSN, ARNP Program Director BSN Email Bobby.Holbrook@fsw.edu Phone 239-985-8336