Nursing RN (B.S.)

The Nursing RN to BS program in the School of Professional and Continuing Education is for for registered nurses (RN). The program is designed to serve students who are already Registered Nurses or are eligible candidates for the national examination for licensure as Registered Professional Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The program builds on the registered nurses’ knowledge and experience, broadens their horizons in collaborative and contemporary nursing practice and advances their career opportunities. The program is self-paced, flexible and designed to provide students with the opportunity to complete their degree while working. Registered nurses work closely with a nursing advisor to plan the program of study.

The mission statement of the Department of Nursing at Sage is to provide and promote baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral nursing education in an environment which emphasizes the development of individuals as professional nurses with a vision of their own power, and a clear sense of self and their professional role. The department endeavors to prepare graduates who are critical thinkers, who utilize, transmit, and develop new knowledge through  systematic models of scholarly inquiry, and who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning. Preparation for excellence in nursing practice is achieved through the integration of arts and sciences, humanistic concern for the health and well-being of others, and an awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in a pluralistic society. Russell Sage College strives to prepare graduates who are assertive and practice client advocates, enabling clients to maximize their own potential. The global and technological context in which the nursing profession continues to evolve is emphasized, with the expectation that our graduates will assume leadership roles as professionals, and  citizens in organizations to influence health care delivery, nursing education, and the welfare of society.

Students entering SPCE may transfer up to 90 credit hours toward the bachelor’s degree credit requirement. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence, upper level courses specified by the requirements of their program, and general education classes as specified by the catalog. All credits earned as a direct requirement of an Associate’s Degree with a grade of “C-” or better, are eligible for transfer credit toward a baccalaureate degree at SPCE. SPCE will accept up to a total of 66 credits earned at a two year college regardless of whether an Associate’s Degree was awarded. Not all accepted credits are applicable toward degree requirements. Students should meet with academic advisors to ascertain the applicability of previously acquired credits. Students typically transfer in 36–54 credits of liberal arts credits from their associate degree program or other college programs, with an additional 30 nursing license credits being validated. A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at Sage, with 60 credits of liberal arts and a total of 120 credits required.

Curriculum

The program requires completion of upper division nursing courses which build on the student’s associate degree nursing courses and nursing license. The liberal arts courses provide a broader education for students in the changing health care environment. The curriculum contains four undergraduate nursing courses that expand nursing knowledge and experience in contemporary practice, health promotion, community/public health nursing and leadership. The discipline-based elective course provides the flexibility to offer contemporary topics of critical interest to nurses. The two graduate nursing courses provide the core of advanced practice and a basis for early entry into the Master’s Degree program. Some of the course work will be web-based.