RN to BSN - Elizabethtown College

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RN to BSN Program

This program was designed to be a degree completion degree for students that have already received either a diploma in nursing (ADN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) along with their registered nurse (RN) license. The program helps current RNs expand their skills to a baccalaureate level of proficiency while integrating new knowledge and competencies into nursing practice. Students will join other learners in an asynchronous online environment designed specifically for the working adult. One lecture per semester is offered face-to-face on campus for learners to engage with their peers in person or join via teleconferencing on Zoom.

Our unique approach to educational transformation is based on our commitment to a student-centered, personalized learning experience. Each student is valued for the knowledge and experiences they bring to the program. We partner with students to ensure that their personal and professional potential is reached. Our program of study consists of 9 courses to form a comprehensive, constructivist approach to accelerated learning. Our faculty are committed to our student’s success.

BSN Plan of Study

This plan of study consists of 35 hours of upper-division nursing coursework. Sequencing of coursework is dependent on if the student is part-time, takes three courses in a 15-week semester, or if the student has planned a “Step In & Step Out” period.
For general degree requirements, review the information found at: https://www.etown.edu/offices/registration-records/catalogs.aspx

Common Core Requirements, General Studies, and Credit Transfer Evaluations

It is strongly recommended that students complete general education credits prior to taking the required nursing courses for the major.

Credit Transfer Evaluations

Students admitted to Elizabethtown College through the Office of Admissions with an earned associate degree, consisting of at least 40 corresponding general education credits, will be recognized as meeting all of the requirements of the Elizabethtown College Core Curriculum. The foregoing provision does not supersede curricular prerequisites or departmental program requirements established in the College catalog. Students’ enrollment in a BSN Program is not required to complete the Core Program Capstone. It does exclude the student from completing residency requirements for the completion of a bachelor's degree. Elizabethtown College is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Elizabethtown College will accept the transfer of credits up to a maximum of sixty-four applicable semester credit hours from a two-year institution. Students may earn up to a maximum of 32 credits earned through examination (i.e., AP, IB, CLEP, etc.). Official certification of exam scores and official college transcripts are required for credit transfer. Please refer to the Elizabethtown College Catalog Academic Policies for more detail on graduation, residency, etc...

Etown BSN Degree

The granting of a bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College requires a total of 125 credit hours which are comprised of 60 credit hours which may include transfer credits from previous associate’s or baccalaureate education or Elizabethtown College credits and 65 hours of required nursing courses (professional credits + required nursing courses). Coursework consists of asynchronous lectures, lab (holistic assessment – Shadow Health), and experiential learning (direct and indirect care practice) activities.

All students in the RN to BSN Program are required to complete a (3) credit transition course (NUR 150 Foundations in Accelerated Learning) in the first semester and meet the Common Core Requirements prior to entering the required nursing courses. This helps ensure that our students’ baccalaureate education is firmly founded in a strong, liberal arts tradition.

Information about dual enrollment can be found in the Catalog. General Education transfer credits are evaluated and approved by the College’s Office of Registration & Records.

The following nine courses comprise the RN to BSN plan of study. For general education and core courses, refer to the College Catalog or Nursing Program website.

General Studies Coursework + Prerequisite Requirements (64 credits)

Coursework Prerequisites

Students must transfer and/or complete 63 credits to satisfy the pre-requisite requirements. Common core courses should be completed first prior to taking any general studies or professional credit courses. Common core and professional credits should be completed prior to starting the nursing courses for the required major.

Professional Credits (30 credits) & Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

To satisfy general studies and professional course requirements, students may choose between three paths at Etown.

Path 1: Traditional: General Studies (SGPS)

Take general education courses in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS), which offers flexible options for working adults. The best value for a student choosing the traditional path is to strengthen the power of your degree by earning a minor to satisfy general study requirements (if applicable). Below are minor tracks approved at Elizabethtown that may support your professional goals as a nurse.
Students may select courses from either the Core Traditional Program or the SGPS Course to fulfill the requirements. Below are suggested equivalent courses at Elizabethtown to satisfy the course category. Remember that you do not have to select all of your courses on your own! Our advisors are happy to assist you with this process, so please reach out for assistance!

BIO 111 – Molecules, Cells & Animal Systems – 3 credits
BIO 201 – General Microbiology – 3 credits
BIO 202 Anatomy I – 3 credits
BIO 235 Anatomy II – 3 credits
EN 1000 SGPS Writing & Language – 3 credits
EN 2610 Literature & the Workplace – 3 credits
PSY 1050 General Psychology – 3 credits
SO 1010 Discovering Society – 3 credits
PH 105 – WCH Introduction to Philosophy – 3 credits
MA 1080 SGPS Applied Mathematics – 3 credits
Core Electives for Humanities – 3 credits
HS 203 Archival Resources and Digital Humanities – 3 credits
PH 275 HUM Science & Values – 3 credits
ART 310 Art Ed Methodologies – 3 credits
PCS 260 HUM Peacebuilding – 3 credits
ART 315 Art Education Methodologies Secondary – 3 credits
PCS 265 HUM Nonviolence in America – 3 credits
COM 252 HUM Multi-Cultural Communications – 3 credits
REL 103 HUM Religion & Nonviolence – 3 credits
REL 267 HUM Progressive Religion – 3 credits

Minor Degrees

Courses at Elizabethtown College that can be used under the Category Professional Credits

General Course Category		Credits per Course	Credit Total
Accounting Minor			24 credits
AC 1070	Business Financial Accounting	3
EC 1000	Global Macroeconomics	3
BA 2650	Principles of Management	3
BA 3310	Business Law I	3
Four Elective Courses in Acct, Bus, or Econ			12 credits
AC 3040	SCPS Forensic Accounting	3
AC 3210	SCPS Cost Accounting	3
BA 2480	SCPS Quantitative Techniques for Business	3
BA 2650	SCPS Principles of Management	3
BA 3150	SCPS Internet Marketing	3
BA 3600	SCPS Leadership	3
BA 4950	SCPS Corporate Strategy	3
EC 1020	SCPS Principles of Microeconomics	3

Business Administration Minor			24 credits
AC 1070	Business Financial Accounting	3
EC 1000	Global Macroeconomics	3
BA 2650	Principles of Management	3
BA 3310	Business Law I	3
Four Elective courses in Acct, Bus, or Econ (see above)			12 credits
Behavioral & Addictions Counseling Minor			27 credits
HS 2300	Intro Sub Abuse & Addictive Dis	3
HS 2350	Counseling Techniques & Skills	3
HS 2800	Group Counseling	3
HS 3220	Pharmacology & Addictions	3
HS 3480	Case Management & Documentation	3
HS 3500	Biopsychosocial Factors & Use/Abuse	3
HS 3800	Recovery & Relapse Prevention	3
HS 4350	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy	3
HS 4480	Advanced Assessment & Intervention	3

Healthcare Administration Minor			24 credits
HCA 1620	Health Care Policy	3
HCA 2150	Health Care Marketing	3
HCA 2650	Health Care Management	3
HCA 2680	Information Systems in Health Care	3
HCA 3100	Health Care Ethics	3
HCA 3250	Health Care Finance	3
HCA 3310	Health Care Law	3
HCA 3400	Contemporary Issues in Health Care	3
Human Services Minor			21 credits
HS 1080	Introduction to Human Services	3
HS 1620	Social Welfare Programs & Policy	3
HS 2300	Intro to Addictive Disorders	3
HS 2350	Counseling Techniques & Skills	3
HS 3100	Ethical Issues in Human Service	3
Any TWO courses from Human Services Major
HS 4350	SCPS Cognitive Behavioral Therapy	3

Path 2: Etown Edge

Students may take non-credits and certificate courses (Continuing Education Credits - CEUs) and convert coursework to academic credits through American Council on Education (ACE) or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) at Etown.

Path 3: Prior Learning Assessment (Course - PLA 1500)

PLA: Students may earn up to 32 academic credits to take the place of general study courses. This path is ideal for working RNs who often must complete annual training such as CPR or defibrillator training for their jobs or for maintaining RN licensure.

- PLA Prerequisite: 6 credits completed in general education courses from SGPS
- PLA 1500 (1) credit course: In this course, students will prepare an academic portfolio to be evaluated for conversion to academic credits.

The following table lists the Common Core Areas of Understanding and the Etown courses equivalencies that may be used to fulfill these requirements. Degree planners can be found to assist students in visualizing and experimenting with various degree or minor options. We want our students to make informed choices that help them to create the most meaningful pathway toward graduation.

RN to BSN Curricular Plan

General Course Category & Common Core Courses	Equivalent Courses at Elizabethtown
BIOLOGY	BIO 111, Molecules, Cells & Animal Systems
General Microbiology	BIO 201
General Human Anatomy and Physiology I	BIO 202 Anatomy I
General Human Anatomy and Physiology II	BIO 235 Anatomy II
ENGLISH Composition I	EN 2810 Writing & Analyzing the Short Story (SCPS) EN 1000 SCPS Writing & Language
ENGLISH Composition II	EN 2610 Literature & the Workplace
PSYCHOLOGY Intro to Psychology	PSY 2080 Health Psychology or PSY 1050 General Psychology
SOCIOLOGY Intro to Sociology	SO 1010 Discovering Society 101 SSC Discovering Society
PHILOSOPHY/ETHICS Intro to Philosophy	PH 105 – WCH Introduction to Philosophy
MATH	MA 1080 SCPS Applied Mathematics
Core Electives (from Humanities)	HS 203 Archival Resources and Digital Humanities PH 275 HUM Science & Values ART 310 Art Ed Methodologies PCS 260 HUM Peacebuilding ART 315 Art Education Methodologies Secondary PCS 265 HUM Nonviolence in America COM 252 HUM Multi-Cultural Communications REL 103 HUM Religion & Nonviolence REL 267 HUM Progressive Religion
All Students are Required to take Elizabethtown College course to start the program	NUR 150 Foundations in Accelerated Learning
Total for Pre-requisites for Associate Grads + NUR 150	63 credits
Professional Credits	30 credits
BSN Required Nursing Courses for the Major	32 credits
Credits Required to earn a BSN at Elizabethtown College	125 Total Credits

RN to BSN Nursing Major Requirements: (32 in coursework + 3 transition course = 35 credits)

NUR 150 Foundations in Accelerated Learning (3 credits)
NUR 200 Global Trends in Nursing (4 credits)
NUR 250 Safety Strategies for Delivery Systems (4 credits)
NUR 310 Holistic Health Assessment (4 credits)
NUR 315 Population Health (4 credits)
NUR 315 – R Population Health Clinical Rotation
NUR 450 Nursing Leadership (4 credits)
NUR 450 – R Nursing Leadership Clinical Rotation
NUR 350 Care of the Chronically Ill (4 credits)
NUR 252 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (4 credits)
NUR 495 Capstone (4 credits)
NUR 495 – R Capstone Clinical Rotation

RN to BSN Course Descriptions for the Nursing Major

Course Descriptions

NUR 150 Foundations in Accelerated Learning (3 credits)
This course affords the student an opportunity to review APA style and formatting, the components of a research paper, how to craft discussion posts, utilize library resources, and strengths assessments. This course is a transition course to ease learners into the culture of Elizabethtown College and to reinforce expectations with writing for the sciences.
Prerequisite: First course for all intended BSN major

NUR 200 Global Trends in Nursing (4 credits)
This course affords the student an opportunity for an in-depth exploration of selected current issues or concepts affecting nurses, nursing and/or health care. Students will analyze a selected concept of issue from historical, economic, and social perspectives and make projections about future health care trends. Because of the dynamic nature of nursing and health care, the specific concepts and issues explored will vary in order to provide topics that are current and contemporary in care delivery.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN to BSN Program; NUR 150

NUR 250: Safety Strategies for Delivery Systems (4 credits)
This course affords the student an opportunity to examine the implications of quality and safety on patient outcomes. Concepts such as recidivism, informatics, care delivery bundles, quality and control policies, and procedures, social determinants of health, clustered care delivery models will be explored. Systems improvement initiatives are investigated with the goal of preventing health care errors. Interdisciplinary and collaborative roles of consumers, legal counsel, and health care providers, including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians, are emphasized. Because of the dynamic nature of nursing and health care, the specific concepts and issues explored will vary in order to provide topics that are current and contemporary in care delivery.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN to BSN Program; NUR 150

NUR 252: Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice (4 credits)
This course emphasizes the role of the nurse as a researcher. The course introduces the research process and method of critiquing research literature, theoretical framework of a research study, quantitative and qualitative methodology to accomplish goals, and dissemination of research findings. This course focuses on the integration of evidence into clinical nursing practice. A major theme throughout the course is the nurse’s utilization of research findings in health care and the use of research process as a systematic, formal, and precise process to find solutions to problems.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN to BSN Program; NUR 150

NUR 310: Holistic Assessment (4 credits)
Lab Component by Virtual Simulation using Shadow Health
This course expands upon the registered nurse experience and past education to examine health assessment to perform an effective health assessment of the mind, body, and spirit. This course focuses on the application of critical thinking and reasoning in the assessment of individual health status to identify risk factors for actual or potential alterations in health. The concepts covered in this course includes the systematic, holistic approach to health history and physical examination for differentiating normal from abnormal states, which will include physical, developmental, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual dimensions and will improve your client interview techniques to ensure that you are able to get relevant information about your clients’ health. Students will complete an online lab component of this course.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN to BSN Program; NUR 150

NUR 315: Population Health (4 credits) with Clinical Practice Experience (CPE)
This course examines population and community-based health and its impact on health maintenance and restoration. Students will examine the concepts of systems management, public health and its related issues, epidemiology, health policy, social determinants of health, and care of vulnerable populations. Students will complete a clinical experience as part of this course in order to apply the practical application of community-based care.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN to BSN Program; NUR 150

NUR 315 R – Population Health Clinical Rotation
0.00 credits. This supervised clinical rotation coincides with the lecture component, NUR 315 – Population Health. Students are required to complete and pass the clinical rotation in order to continue within the Nursing curriculum. Graded Pass/No Pass. *Corequisite: NUR 315.

NUR 450: Nursing Leadership (4 credits) with Clinical Practice Experience (CPE)
Successful leadership of individuals and teams requires strategic leaders to employ aspects of situational and transformational leadership principles. This course will examine how individual personalities, team dynamics, corporate structures, and organizational needs provide direction for a strategic leader. Learners will explore how tasks and goals impact team design and function, leading to building effective teams, including team leadership. Learners will also take a look at best practices in face-to-face and virtual teams.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN to BSN Program; NUR 150

NUR 450 R – Nursing Leadership Clinical Rotation
0.00 credits. This supervised clinical rotation coincides with the lecture component, NUR 450 – Nursing Leadership. Students are required to complete and pass the clinical rotation in order to continue within the Nursing curriculum. Graded Pass/No Pass. *Corequisite: NUR 450.

NUR 350: Care of the Chronically Ill (4 credits)
This course will examine the concepts such as genetics and the care of the chronically ill, principles of end-of-life care, palliative care, and pain management. Special emphasis will be placed upon communication strategies and exploration of ethical issues which cause nurses’ moral distress.
Prerequisite: Admission to the RN to BSN Program; NUR 150

NUR 495: Capstone (4 credits) with Clinical Practice Experience
This course provides an opportunity for students to synthesize their knowledge of the concepts learned throughout the RN to BSN program. The primary focus is on applying this knowledge to a chosen evidence-based project that is related to an area of interest in nursing and healthcare.
Prerequisite: Course intended for senior-level baccalaureate nursing students in their final semester of the major.

NUR 495 R – Nursing Capstone Clinical Rotation
0.00 credits. This supervised clinical rotation coincides with the lecture component, NUR 495 – Nursing Capstone. Students are required to complete and pass the clinical rotation in order to continue within the Nursing curriculum. Graded Pass/No Pass. *Corequisite: NUR 495.

Recommended Course Sequence in the Nursing Program

Semester			Semester
Requirement #1: Common Core Requirements must be met first.
Recommended Course Sequence #2: Complete all General Education (Professional Credits) Courses Next… · Complete Professional Credits (See three paths above) (on average, diploma grads have between 26 & 28 credits to satisfy undergraduate requirements in this category)
Traditional Academic Semester 1			Traditional Academic Semester 2
Sub-term 1	Sub-term 2	Sub-term 3	Sub-term 4		Sub-term 5
NUR 150 Foundations for Accelerated Learning	NUR 200 Global Trends in Nursing	NUR 250 Safety Strategies for Delivery Systems	NUR 310 Holistic Assessment		NUR 315 Population Health
3 credits	4 credits	4 credits	4 credits		4 credits
Traditional Academic Semester 3			Traditional Academic Semester 4
Sub-term 6	Sub-term 7	Sub-term 8	Sub-term 9
NUR 450 Nursing Leadership	NUR 350 Care of the Chronically Ill	NUR 252 Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice	NUR 495 Capstone	Graduation!
4 credits	4 credits	4 credits	4 credits

Common Core Requirements

All students at Elizabethtown College undergraduate degree programs must complete the Middle States Common Core classifications consisting of at least 40 semester credit hours.
The following table lists the Common Core Areas of Understanding and the Etown courses equivalencies that may be used to fulfill these requirements. Degree planners can be found to assist students in visualizing and experimenting with various degree or minor options. We want our students to make informed choices that help them to create the most meaningful pathway toward graduation.
A student with an earned Associate or Diploma transferring to Etown who has completed the common core requirements at another institution of higher education will receive credit for each of the core courses transferred and will be considered to have fully satisfied all of Etown common core requirements.
Students who have not earned an Associate’s or Diploma and transferring to Etown who has completed some, but not all, of the common core requirements at another institution of higher education will receive credit for each of the core courses transferred and will be considered to have fully satisfied the corresponding common core requirements at Etown. The student must still satisfy any remaining Etown common core requirements.
Information about dual enrollment can be found in the Catalog.

Accreditation Status

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Elizabethtown College is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

State Authorization for Distance Education

Elizabethtown College is a participant of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a voluntary, interstate agreement that establishes comparable standards for offering postsecondary distance education across state lines. Member states recognize participating institutions that are authorized in other member states. SARA establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offerings of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state. Currently, all states (excluding California) plus the District of Columbia are members of NC-SARA.

Graduation & Commencement

Elizabethtown College celebrates the achievement of its graduates through an annual commencement ceremony, held in May. All degree-seeking students are invited and encouraged to participate. Students completing a Graduate Certificate are not eligible to participate in commencement.

Students must have completed all degree requirements prior to the May commencement date in order to participate in that year's ceremony. Students completing after the May commencement date will be invited to attend the following the May ceremony.

The Office of Registration and Records tracks students and determines who is eligible for graduation. Students do not need to complete an application for graduation. Degrees are conferred in May, August, and December each year. There is one Commencement ceremony each year in May.

At graduation, BSN students will be invited to both a nursing pinning and graduation ceremony with the college. More details about nursing pinning and graduation can be found in Canvas, Elizabethtown College Nursing Program.

Diplomas are mailed to students following the August and January degree conferral. Diplomas are presented at commencement to students with a May degree conferral date, provided they do not have a hold on their student account. Diplomas are mailed to May graduates that do not attend commencement.

Please access the commencement webpage for more information.

Elizabethtown College

717-361-1411

One Alpha Drive
Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298

Elizabethtown College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, possession of a general education development certificate as compared to a high school diploma, or any other legally protected status. This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College administered programs. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is strictly forbidden.