Nursing
(Bachelor of Science Degree)

Southern Vermont College offers the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) program to graduates of associate's degree and diploma programs of Nursing. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing assists the registered professional nurse to continue to develop expertise in the field of nursing, supports the professional responsibility of lifelong learning and career development. The course of study enhances the RN's ability to approach care of the individual and groups of patients with a comprehensive and holistic plan of care. The BSN degree broadens the nurses’ ability to contribute to the complexity of health and prevention of the community and/or facility in which they are working. Further development of interpersonal skills prepares the professional nurse to be an advocate for patient care, efficiently interact with the interdisciplinary team, prepare patient teaching plans, and problem-solve. Students may continue course work for completion of the BSN degree immediately following completion of the Southern Vermont College Associate's Degree in Nursing program.

Students who have already completed the associate's degree in Nursing prior to initial matriculation at SVC and have a current RN license can complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in two years of full-time study. Students must complete 69 credits from the SVC associate's degree requirements (Fy100 Quest for Success is not required for the baccalaureate degree program), followed by an additional 51 baccalaureate credits and must take a minimum of 39 of the 51 credits at SVC. Graduates of accredited nursing programs are awarded 36 transfer credits for Nu150, Nu200, Nu210 and Nu250. Graduates of diploma programs or non-accredited nursing programs are required to take the National League for Nursing Mobility Profile II examinations. Upon successful completion of the examinations, the student is awarded 36 credits for Nu150, Nu200, Nu210 and Nu250. Nursing courses at the 300-level or higher must be taken within four years of graduation in order to count toward the BSN degree. Nu360, Nu400 and Nu450 require 90 hours of clinical with a preceptor nurse. It is not recommended that a student take on responsibilities requiring a substantial time commitment while enrolled in these courses.

Program of Study

All students must complete the College Core requirements for both the ADN and the BSN programs. A minimum of 69 credits are required for the associate's degree program and an additional 51 credits for the baccalaureate program. A minimum of 39 of the 51 baccalaureate credits must be taken at SVC.

Nursing Degree Progression

Students must receive a passing grade in the clinical and lecture portion of Nursing courses in order to receive a passing grade for the course. A student who fails the clinical portion but has a passing grade in the lecture portion will be considered to have failed the course and will receive a grade no higher than a "C.”

A student who fails to complete successfully one Nursing course (clinical or classroom portion) may repeat the course once. A student who fails to complete successfully the repeated course or fails a second nursing course is dismissed from the program.

Standardized national examinations may be used within select courses to further evaluate and promote success with the national licensing exam. For additional information on course and clinical progression (see Nursing Student Handbook).

Clinical Site Experience

Clinical learning experiences are designed to assist the nursing student to develop in the professional role and integrate learned skills and abilities. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from their designated clinical sites. Each student must arrive on time at a variety of chosen clinical sites and conduct themselves according to the Nursing Student Handbook. Failure to comply with clinical guidelines may result in failure or dismissal from the clinical site, and in some cases dismissal from the program.

Program of Study

Requirements	Credits
Associate in Nursing Degree Requirements		69
General Core Requirements BSN	Ec200 Macro-Economics Ev200 Environmental Issues History and Politics Philosophy/Ethics	12
Major Requirements	Ma202 Statistical Methods Nu300 Topics in Professional Practice Nu310 Nursing Research Nu350 Health Assessment Nu360 Nursing Care of Communities Nu400 Management of Care Nu450 Leadership	30
Electives		9
Total Credits		120