Traditional Pre-Licensure BSN
The BSN curriculum reflects professional nursing standards and guidelines and the needs and expectations of the community of interest. The pre-licensure program curriculum requires 64 credits in the Nursing major and allows the successful candidates to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the RC-SON is based on the ideals of Christian koinonia, a solid foundation in the liberal arts, and an understanding of civic responsibilities. Nursing is a spiritual calling which requires a caring attitude, strong critical thinking skills, effective communication techniques, cultural understanding, and moral character that is worthy of the public’s trust.
Conceptual Framework
The nursing program's organizing framework is grounded in the six primary program concepts of Spirituality, Caring, Critical Thinking, Communication, Cultural Understanding, and Community Oriented. Jean Watson’s Caritas Processes are a logical fit with the framework and guide the RC-SON Program Outcomes statements through core principles of relational and transpersonal caring, and through multiple ways of knowing. Concurrently, the RC and RC-SON missions guide program development from a Christian humanism perspective. Intentionally, the program mission and organizing framework are threaded throughout all aspects of the curriculum.
Program Learning Outcomes
The following learning outcomes are linked to assignments and activities throughout this program. After completing program requirements, the RC-SON graduate will be able to:
- Support individuals, families, and communities as an advocate. (Spirituality)
- Synthesize knowledge from liberal arts, applied sciences, and current research in the delivery of nursing care. (Critical Thinking)
- Evaluate communication techniques utilized in the teaching-learning process. (Communication)
- Model behaviors associated with Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring/Caring Science. (Caring)
- Develop commitment to community involvement and leadership. (Community Oriented)
- Advocate for culturally diverse healthcare practices. (Cultural Understanding)
Application Process
Application deadline for Fall entry into Rochester College School of Nursing is the last Friday in May. The complete application includes full acceptance to Rochester College and receipt of all transcripts by the application deadline. Personal information provided on the Rochester College application form may be considered for evaluation.
Rochester College School of Nursing applicants are evaluated on their potential for academic success and their ability to contribute to an enriching educational environment while in school. To be eligible to apply, the applicant must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in prerequisite coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.2 in cumulative coursework.
Rochester College School of Nursing applicants will submit a personal goal statement in a Word document to sgriffin@rc.edu by the last Friday in May. This 500-1000 word essay should highlight the reasons the applicant wants to attend Rochester College School of Nursing and describe skills, experiences, and personal attributes that make him or her a good fit for the nursing profession. This goal statement will be used as a source of information about the applicant and as an example of the applicant’s writing ability.
As part of the application review process, potential Rochester College School of Nursing candidates will be invited to an individualized face-to-face interview with nursing faculty. Qualifying applicants will be notified of their interview date and time.
Decisions regarding acceptance to Rochester College School of Nursing are made by the Admissions Committee. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications that meet minimum requirements.
Freshman Direct Admit
The Rochester College-School of Nursing (RC-SON) is pleased to offer freshman acceptance to qualified high school seniors. Freshman acceptance assures admission to the nursing program upon completion of prerequisite courses for the nursing major. Prerequisite courses must be completed within two years of initial enrollment to Rochester College. The criteria for freshman admission to the RC-SON are as follows:
- Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.4 on 4.0 scale.
- Successful completion (grade of B- or higher) of one year of biology, chemistry and algebra.
- ACT composite score greater than or equal to 25 or SAT score of 1200.
- Enrollment at Rochester College following high school.
Applications:
- Priority will be given to students who apply before December 1.
- Each applicant will be interviewed by the RC SON.
- Students will decline or accept offer by January 1.
- Please submit a brief essay describing the extracurricular and work activities in which you have been involved that have contributed personally to you and/or the community. Indicate how you believe these experiences have prepared you for a career in nursing.
Upon direct admission, students will:
- Maintain full-time enrollment at Rochester College.
- Complete all prerequisite courses and be eligible for the nursing major within 2 years of initial enrollment.
- Pass Rochester College (non-nursing) courses with a C or higher.
- Pass RC-SON nursing courses (NUR) with a B- or higher.
Requirements for Pre-Licensure BSN
General Education Core 37 hours
(The following general education requirements are covered in the required support courses: Lab Science.)
Required Support Courses 23 hours
Nursing Major 64 hours
| LDR 3653 | Strategic Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
| NUR 2102 | Introduction to Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 2203 | Integrated Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 2304 | Health Assessment | 4 |
| NUR 2402 | Fundamentals of Nursing with Clinical | 2 |
| NUR 2503 | Nursing Skills Acquisitions | 3 |
| NUR 2604 | Innovative Pharmacology | 4 |
| NUR 2705 | Medical Surgical Nursing I with Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 3215 | Medical Surgical Nursing II with Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 3314 | Mental-Health Nursing with Clinical | 4 |
| NUR 3412 | Applied Nursing Research I | 2 |
| NUR 3422 | Applied Nursing Research II | 2 |
| NUR 3514 | Maternal-Infant Nursing | 4 |
| NUR 3614 | Pediatric Nursing with Clinical | 4 |
| NUR 4115 | Medical Surgical Nursing III with Clinical | 5 |
| NUR 4214 | Population Based Nursing with Clinical | 4 |
| NUR 4414 | Pre-Licensure Capstone Practicum | 4 |
| NUR 4614 | Comprehensive Nursing | 4 |
Total Credit Hours: 124