BS in Nursing - RN to Bachelor of Science Degree
The RN to BS option, created in the early 1980's, broadens the context in which nursing is studied and practiced and builds on the student's foundation of professional experience and knowledge. Recognizing the breadth and richness of a liberal education as central to professional practice and learning, students enrolled in the RN to BS option complete courses in physical and behavioral sciences, humanities, and fine arts, as well as in nursing
Courses & Requirements
Deadline: Rolling admission
Admission to the RN to BS option is open to graduates of both diploma and associate degree nursing programs. Students may begin their program of studies in either fall or spring semester. This program is offered at both the Portland and the Lewiston-Auburn campuses.
Admission Requirements:
The RN applicant must:
- meet the general admission requirements of the University;
- hold a minimum 2.5 GPA in their previous academic work;
- provide evidence (photocopy) of current licensure as a registered nurse in Maine.
Degree Requirements:
The baccalaureate degree in nursing is conferred on students who successfully complete: 51-55 credit hours in the liberal arts, physical sciences, social sciences, and the university core curriculum; 54 credit hours in nursing; and a minimum of 12 credit hours in electives. A total of 120 credits are required for graduation.
Note: The University of Maine System requires that any student obtaining a degree from one of its campuses must complete 30 credits of study on that campus. All RNs must fulfill the University's 30 credit residency requirement.
For more information about this program, please contact Brenda Webster at (207) 780-4802.
How to Apply
Please note: the Supplemental Application is not required for RN to BS applicants
The School of Nursing recognizes a maximum of 30 credits from basic nursing courses transferred from an associate degree (ADN) program accredited by the National League for Nursing at the time the degree was awarded.
These credits are applied toward fulfillment of the baccalaureate requirements for RN students who have successfully completed NUR 308 Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing and Health Sciences. Nursing credits earned in the ADN program beyond the basic 30 credits above may be used as elective credit.
Students who have graduated from a diploma program or a non-regionally accredited associate degree program must obtain the 30 credits through USM's Office of Prior Learning Assessment.
Upper division nursing courses for RN's include:
- NUR 309 / 310 Total Health Assessment
- NUR 308 Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing and the Health Sciences
- CON 356 Concepts in Community Health
- CON 321 Health Related Research
- NUR 370 Nursing Theory
- NUR 419 Community Clinical Partnership
- NUR 474 Leadership and Management, RNS
- Clinical Focus Elective, 3 Credits
(some choices are : CON 280 Holistic Health, CON 283 Healing and Spirituality, CON 284 Botanical Therapies, NUR 590 Therapeutic Touch, CON 216 Emergency Response,...) - NUR 476 Theory Related to Clinical Specialty
For more information on these courses, go to the USM Course Search.
Distance Education
The University of Southern Maine has a Collaborative RN/BS distance education program with the University of Maine, Orono (UM). This allows students to take course from each other's distance education course offerings that count towards residency credits at the other campuses. Several UM courses are comparable to upper division required RN nursing courses. For example:
USM's NUR 308 = UM's NUR 304
USM's NUR 474 = UM's NUR 409
USM's NUR 476 = UM's NUR 411
The Nursing Collaborative is designed to give RN students more flexibility and opportunity to complete their Bachelor's of Science Degree.
In the clinical course (NUR 419), students integrate and apply their broad-based learning in a full semester of clinical experience. For most students, this takes place in a community setting. Students are encouraged, however, to work with faculty members in defining learning experiences to expand their knowledge and skills, and to fulfill their personal learning goals and objectives.
For questions or comments, please contact us.
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