Online BSN Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree requires 121 semester credit hours: 28 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses, 37 semester credit hours of University and Nursing requirements, and 56 credit hours in the Nursing major. As of 1986, the State of Connecticut RN to BSN Articulation program allows students to transfer 30 credits for lower division undergraduate nursing coursework. Students who graduated before 1986 may also be awarded 30 credits for an associate's degree in nursing (AND) after a review of their materials.
Nursing Major Course Requirements
- NU 290 Validation of Prior Learning
- NU 305 Transition to Professional Practice
- NU 315 The Human Journey in Nursing
- NU 325 Health Assessment for RNs
- NU 335 Information Technology for Nursing Practice
- NU 365 Evidence Based Practice
- NU 375 Populations and Public Health Nursing
- NU 385 Care Management and Capstone
- NU Elective: Pathophysiology for RNs (if needed, completes Free Elective requirement)
Undergraduate coursework outside the major incorporates an innovative Core Curriculum. The Core Curriculum consists of three areas:
- Foundational Core courses hone skills needed to function successfully in a global society
- Elective Core courses support work toward the major and encourage the life-long pursuit of knowledge
- Common Core courses seek to instill a sense of personal and social responsibility to the community and the earth by exploring the meaning and value of the Human Journey through the arts and sciences
Nursing Major Requirements (56 credits)
NU 290 Validation of Prior Learning
NU 305 Transition to Professional Practice This course functions as a transition to the nursing major and as a forum to discuss how the scope of practice differs between the registered nurse and the baccalaureate-prepared nurse. Responsibilities of the baccalaureate practitioner will be analyzed and applied within the framework of the health care environment, with emphasis on the ethical, legal and social issues that influence nursing practice.
NU 315 The Human Journey in Nursing The class explores the questions posed in the University Common core to address nursing's role in building a just society. Concepts such as human vulnerability, resiliency, spirituality and cultural diversity will provide a platform for discussions about the professional nurse's role in shaping past, current and future health care. Reflection and service learning will provide insights on the causes of health disparities and inequities in society and how to address them.
NU 325 Health Assessment for RNs Provides an overview of assessment parameters, including interviewing, history taking, physical examination, and functionality, and the need for adequate data collection and careful analysis. Students will make their diagnoses using the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association nomenclature.
NU 335 Information Technology for Nursing Practice The class is an introduction to technological skills needed for the practice of nursing today. Students will learn about emerging information sources and communication technology and their impact on health care. Emphasis will be placed on trends and issues in clinical technology as well as security and the use of data bases.
NU 365 Evidence Based Practice This course prepares nursing students to critically evaluate research and apply to the practice of professional nursing. The ethical and policy agendas that influence research are also considered.
NU 375 Populations and Public Health Nursing The class focuses on families and communities as consumers of health services. Students will study the different perspectives, sensitivities and understandings of health care unique to certain populations. The effectiveness of nursing practice in relation to cultural values will also be discussed.
NU 385 Care Management and Capstone This course focuses on the integration of understanding and skills with other elements of professional responsibilities, such as collaboration, communication, teaching and learning, and evidence-based practice and evaluation.Students will engage in discussion and analysis of the influence of standards, systems of care, clinical practice and personal reflection on one's practice in contemporary nursing.
NU Elective: Pathophysiology for RNs (if needed, completes Free Elective requirement) Students will explore pathophysiological concepts to build an understanding of the mechanisms of disease, using biology, microbiology and physiological sciences as a basis for their approach. The course is designed in two parts: the first introduces the basic principles and processes of the body systems, while the second focuses on diseases and common alterations in body systems.
Prerequisite Courses to the Nursing Major
- PS 110 Introduction to Psychology
- PS 252 Child Development Psychology
- SO 110 Sociological Imagination
- BI 126 Anatomy & Physiology I
- BI 127 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
- BI 128 Anatomy & Physiology II
- BI 128 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
- BI 161 Introduction to Microbiology
- BI 161 Introduction to Microbiology Lab
- CH Elec Chemistry with lab
- EN 110 Academic Writing
University and Nursing Core Requirements
(Can be taken concurrently with courses in the major.)
- IL 101 Information Literacy
- EN/CC 102 Literary Expressions of Human Journey
- HI/CC 101 Human Journey: Historical Paths to Civilization
- CC 103 Social Sciences: The Individual & Society OR Natural Sciences: Scientific Discovery & the Human Community
- CC 104 The Human Search for Truth, Justice, & the Common Good
- EN 111 Effective Speaking
- MA 101 Modern College Math
- MA 131 Statistics for Decision Making OR SO 242 Statistics for Social Research
- PH 101 Introduction to Problems of Philosophy
- RS 101 Introduction to Study of Religion
- RS 260 Bioethics OR PH 258 Medical Ethics
- Humanities Elective: Art, Music, History, Literature, Media Studies, Modern Foreign Language
Questions? Call us at 877-791-7181 to speak to an admissions team member, who can assist you throughout the process.
