Nursing, RN-BSN

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Admission Criteria

The RN-BSN program at Dalton State College participates in the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Plan developed by collaborative efforts of ASN and BSN nursing educators. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, Phone: 404-975-5000; Fax: 404-975-5020; www.acenursing.org). To be eligible to participate in this program, a student must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduation from an ASN or Diploma program. Applicants must have at least 6 months of work experience.          

Applicants Must Also

  • Hold a current, unencumbered, valid license to practice nursing at the time of application. Student must present licensure documentation as part of the application packet. ASN graduates who meet the above requirements will receive transfer credit for 20 hours of nursing credit for associate degree nursing courses and 19 hours of "credit by exam" after completing nine (9) hours of upper division nursing courses.
  • No minimum overall GPA will be required to apply. However, points will be awarded on the admission worksheet based on the applicant's overall GPA (minimum 2.75). 
  • Wait one semester to be eligible to apply after completing the ASN degree.
  • Complete by graduation the 60 hours of general education courses which includes 33 semester hours from the ASN program. All credit-by-exam or CLEP testing must be completed to graduate from the program.
  • Be admitted to Dalton State College and complete a separate admission application to the Bachelor's Degree Nursing Department.  

To Apply You Must:

1.  Be accepted to Dalton State College and receive a Dalton State email address.

2.  Submit the online application found on the RN-BSN Requirements for Admission and Application link on the RN BSN web page between April 1-July 1 for the fall cohort or August 1-November 1 annually for the spring cohort.

*NOTE: Acceptance to Dalton State DOES NOT mean acceptance into the RN-BSN nursing sequence. Students will be notified by email about their status in the cohort after the application closes.

Plan of Study

Plan A is for students who have taken all or most of the required Core Curriculum courses, including the RN-BSN prerequisites.

Plan B is for students who have completed only those courses required to receive the ASN degree at Dalton State College.

Nursing courses are taught in an online format using Collaborate through D2L.  A computer with  internet access is required for this program.

Plan A

Semester I

NURS 3100Perspectives on USA Health Sys3
NURS 3397Health Assessment3
NURS 3297Nursing Research and Applicat3
Core Curriculum Courses (as needed)0-6
Total Hours9-15

Semester II

NURS 4200Nursing Capstone3
NURS 4497Community Health Nursing3
NURS 4500Community Leadership Practicum3
NURS 4597Leadership & Management3
Core Curriculum Courses (as needed)0-3
Total Hours12-15

PLAN B

Semester I

Lab Science Sequence4
(The lab science sequence is a 2-part lab science such as BIOL 1107K & BIOL 1108K)
MATH 1401Elementary Statistics3
PSYC 2103Human Development3
SOCI 1160Social Problems3
or SOCI 2293 Marriage and Family
or HLTH 2500 Interpersonal Health/Relations
Total Hours13

Semester II

Lab Science Sequence4
(The lab science sequence is a 2-part lab science such as BIOL 1107K & BIOL 1108K)
ENGL 1102English Composition II3
Area B Elective1
Total Hours8

Semester III

NURS 3100Perspectives on USA Health Sys3
NURS 3297Nursing Research and Applicat3
NURS 3397Health Assessment3
Area C Elective3
Total Hours12

Semester IV

NURS 4200Nursing Capstone3
NURS 4497Community Health Nursing3
NURS 4500Community Leadership Practicum3
NURS 4597Leadership & Management3
Area C Elective3
Total Hours15

RN-BSN Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program for the Registered Nurse (RN-BSN) will include the following courses and hours.

Area A: Essential Skills
(Students must complete Area A by the time they complete 30 hours course work.)
ENGL 1101English Composition I3
ENGL 1102English Composition II3
MATH 1111College Algebra3
or MATH 1001 Quantitative Skills/Reasoning
or MATH 1101 Intro to Mathematical Modeling
or MATH 1113 Precalculus Mathematics
Area B: Institutional Options
Beginning Fall 2022, incoming (entering) students with 29 hours or fewer college credits will take only a Perspectives course for their one-hour Area B credit.
COMM 1110Fundamentals of Speech3
One of the following electives:1
Intro to Greek Mythology
Creative Writing
Natural Hazards
Appalachian Hist-Special Topic
Sports Hist & Amer Character
Health and Wellness Concepts
Mystery Fiction in Pop Culture
Christian Fiction/Pop Culture
Race and Ethnicity in America
PRSP Elective (See advisor)
Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts
Choose one to two ENGL course(s):3-6
Topics in Literature & Culture
World Literature I
World Literature II
British Literature I
British Literature II
American Literature I
American Literature II
Intro to Film as Literature
If only one ENGL course chosen, add one of the following:0-3
Art Appreciation
Expressions of Culture I
Expressions of Culture II
Music Appreciation
World Music
American Music
Theatre Appreciation
Area D: Science/Mathematics/Technology
One of the following Laboratory Science Sequences:8
Principles of Biology I
and Principles of Biology II
Principles of Chemistry I
and Principles of Chemistry II
Introductory Physics I
and Introductory Physics II
MATH 1401Elementary Statistics3
Area E: Social Sciences
HIST 2111United States History to 18773
or HIST 2112 United States Hist since 1877
POLS 1101American Government3
PSYC 1101Introduction to Psychology3
SOCI 1101Introduction to Sociology3
Area F: Major Related
BIOL 2251KAnatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 2252KAnatomy and Physiology II4
BIOL 2260KMicrobiology4
PSYC 2103Human Development3
SOCI 1160Social Problems3
or SOCI 2293 Marriage and Family
or HLTH 2500 Interpersonal Health/Relations
Major and Upper Division Courses
NURS 3100Perspectives on USA Health Sys3
NURS 3297Nursing Research and Applicat3
NURS 3397Health Assessment3
NURS 4200Nursing Capstone3
NURS 4497Community Health Nursing3
NURS 4597Leadership & Management3
NURS 4500Community Leadership Practicum3
Professional Licensure Credit *20
Professional Licensure Credit by Exam **19
Total Hours120
*

ASN graduates who hold a current, unencumbered, valid license to practice nursing will receive transfer credit for 20 hours of nursing credit for associate degree nursing courses.

**

ASN graduates who hold a current, unencumbered, valid license to practice nursing will receive 19 hours of "credit by exam" after completing nine (9) hours of upper division nursing courses.

Courses

NURS 1111. Basic Nursing Care. 3-8-6 Units.

A foundation course that introduces nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals across the lifespan. Requires clinical applications using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2212K, MATH 1001, 1101, 1111, or 1113, ENGL 1101.
Corequisites: NURS 1112, NURS 1113, BIOL 2213K.

NURS 1112. Intro. Pharm. & Dosage Calc.. 3-0-3 Units.

Introduces pharmacological concepts including drug classifications, mathematical calculations, and principles of drug administration. Satisfies the computer literacy requirement. (Career Course)(F)
Corequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1113, BIOL 2213K.

NURS 1112B. Pharm & Medication Administrat. 3-0-3 Units.

This is an online course that highlights critical thinking techniques efficiently, safely, and accurately calculate medication dosages, as well as classifying and identifying medication characteristics.One purpose is to provide an understanding of the basics of pharmacology including pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Drug reactions in relation to side and adverse effects; hypersensitivity reactions; drug tolerance, cumulative effects and drug toxicity; drug interactions; precautions and contraindications, are also addressed to provide the nurse with a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge needed for safe medication administration. The second purpose includes interpreting, reading, and solving calculation problems found in the preparation of medication using measurements within the metric, apothecary, and household systems. Students will learn several methods for calculating dosages of parenteral, powdered, and oral medications, adults and pediatrics weight-based medication as well as intravenous medications. Prerequisite: BIOL 2212K, BIOL 2213K, ENGL 101, MATH 1001, 1101, 1111, OR 1113 Co-requisite: BIOL 2215K, NURS 1121B

NURS 1113. Nutrition. 2-0-2 Units.

Introduces basic nutrition concepts of digestion, absorption and metabolism. Concentrates on essential nutrients including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Addresses nutritional needs from infancy through adulthood and includes eating disorders. (Career Course)(F, S, M)

NURS 1115. Maternal Newborn Nursing. 3-5-8 Units.

A foundation course that concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals in the maternal newborn setting. Addresses common well-defined health alterations as related to pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn as well as incorporating the child-bearing family. Requires clinical applications using evidenced-based practice in the maternal newborn and simulated settings. (Career Course) Prerequisite: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, BIOL 2213K Corequisite: BIOL 2215K, PSYC 1101

NURS 1121B. LPN/Paramedic to ASN. 3-3-6 Units.

This course is offered in the first semester of the LPN/Paramedic Pathway (Bridge) to RN in the nursing program. The course introduces the transition student to the framework of the program of study and provides the foundation for professional nursing practice in the promotion and maintenance of health, prevention of illness, and care of patients/clients experiencing alterations in physiological and psychobiological health. The existing knowledge base of the student will be built upon with the introduction of new concepts and skills. The application of the nursing process and concepts of holistic care, diversity, critical thinking, basic human needs, psychosocial needs, growth and development, legal/ethical issues, pharmacological principles, therapeutic interventions, and communication skills are emphasized. The role of the professional nurse is introduced and expanded to include patient/family education and collaboration with patients, families, the interdisciplinary team, and community agencies. This course includes classroom, skills lab, and virtual simulations. (Career Course) Prerequisites: BIOL 2212K, BIOL 2213K, ENGL 1101, MATH 1001, 1101, 1111, or 1113 Corequisites: BIOL 2215K, NURS 1112B

NURS 2015. Med-Surg I/Mental Health. 3-5-10 Units.

A continuation course offered in the third semester of the Associate of Science in Nursing program. The course addresses promotion and maintenance of physiological, psychological and psychobiological health, prevention of illness, and care of patients/clients experiencing well-defined health alterations. The course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the medical-surgical care and mental health of multicultural individuals across the lifespan and requires clinical applications using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care, community-based, and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F, SP)
Prerequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, NURS 1115, NURS 1116, BIOL 2215K.

NURS 2015B. Med-Surg 1/Mental Health. 3-5-10 Units.

A continuation course offered in the second semester of the LPN/Paramedic Pathway (Bridge) to an Associate of Science in Nursing. The course addresses promotion and maintenance of physiological, psychological and psychobiological health, prevention of illness, and care of patients/clients experiencing well-defined health alterations. The course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the medical-surgical care and mental health of multicultural individuals across the lifespan and requires clinical applications using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care and community based settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 1112B(O), NURS 1121B (H) Co-requisite: Any additional core courses needed for completion of the pathway.

NURS 2016. Med-Surg II/Nursing Issues. 3-5-10 Units.

A culmination course offered in the fourth semester of the Associate of Science in Nursing program. This course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals across the lifespan. Addresses complex well-defined health alterations. Involves team management of patients and health care workers. Discusses current issues in nursing, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, and facilitates the transition from student to health care professional. Requires clinical applications in a practicum environment using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care, community based, and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F, SP)
Prerequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, NURS 1115, NURS 2015, BIOL 2215K, and all general education courses.

NURS 2016B. Med-Surg II/Nursing Issues. 3-5-10 Units.

A culmination course offered in the fourth semester of the Associate of Science in Nursing program. This course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals across the lifespan. Addresses complex well-defined health alterations. Involves team management of patients and health care workers. Discusses current issues in nursing, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, and facilitates the transition from student to health care professional. Requires clinical applications in a practicum environment using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care, community based, and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F, SP)
Prerequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, NURS 1115, NURS 2015, BIOL 2215K, and all general education courses.

NURS 3001. RN-BSN Nursing Examination. 0-0-19 Units.

19 hours of credit granted upon successful completion of NURS 4000.

NURS 3100. Perspectives on USA Health Sys. 3-0-3 Units.

This multi-disciplinary course focuses on nursing, business, and social perspectives of the American health care system. Issues related to safety and quality, access, finance, and politics will be emphasized.(F)
Corequisites: NURS 3000, NURS 4000.

NURS 3197. Professional Nursing Practice. 3-0-3 Units.

This course is designed to enhance and facilitate the development of the RN student to the role of a BSN prepared professional nurse. The focus is on developing personal and professional growth to promote better advocacy, critical thinking, educator skills, effective communication, and leadership abilities in a complex healthcare environment. Course content includes concepts from historical contributions and theories that have guided the profession, to promoting professional philosophies, visions, and practices to help prepare for future trends in healthcare. Topics relate to culture and diversity, professional ethics, political and legal issues in nursing, and technology. Students will apply knowledge of standards of practice, evidence-based practice, and caring science to course topics.

NURS 3297. Nursing Research and Applicat. 3-0-3 Units.

This course is designed to provide the registered nurse with an overview of the major research concepts as applied to the profession of nursing, to scholarship, and to clinical practice. Analysis, critique, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, including ethical implications, for evidence-based nursing practice will be examined. Emphasis is placed on how to critique, analyze, and apply published and empirical research findings to evidence-based nursing practice.(F, SP)

NURS 3397. Health Assessment. 3-0-3 Units.

This course is a study of the advanced knowledge and skills beyond the Associates’ degree in Nursing, designed to enhance health assessment for nursing practice in the care of individuals across the lifespan. Theory and skills essential to completing a comprehensive and holistic health history and physical examination are emphasized. In addition, the holistic delivery of care will include cultural, spiritual, nutritional, alternative, complementary therapies, and health promotion for the delivery of safe and person-centered care. The importance of comprehensive and accurate documentation as a tool for effective communication amongst the interdisciplinary team is reviewed.(F, Sp)

NURS 4200. Nursing Capstone. 3-0-3 Units.

A course designed to allow students to explore, discuss and begin to resolve issues in professional nursing and health care. In this course, students will complete a senior thesis project.(F, Sp)

NURS 4497. Community Health Nursing. 3-0-3 Units.

This course is designed to examine the concepts and principles of community and population health nursing. The course will provide an overview of health issues that transcend borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. Emphasis is placed on roles, levels of prevent, principles of epidemiology, public health policy, and disaster preparedness.

NURS 4500. Community Leadership Practicum. 0-3-3 Units.

This course includes clinical precepting experience in leadership and community health arenas. This practicum course will build on the concepts and knowledge gained from previous nursing courses allowing for the application of theories and concepts associated with nursing leadership, research, and management of care. A clinical practicum will enhance these skills.(F, Sp)

NURS 4597. Leadership & Management. 3-0-3 Units.

This course introduces the leadership roles and management functions of professional registered nurses within the structure of an organization. The management process provides the foundational structure for the course, while the theoretical framework for this course is established through exploration of leadership styles, organizational theory, and management theory. Quality assurance and the provision of evidence-based, patient-centered care and collaborative relationships are emphasized. The impact of political and legislative processes, the integration of informatics, and the legal and ethical issues in management are also discussed.