RN to BS Option Bachelor of Science Degree, Major in Nursing Program Overview
Penn State Harrisburg - 717-948-6735
Penn State Schuylkill - 570-385-6112
-
Overview
- Take The First Step To Earning Your Bachelor of Science, Major in Nursing
Degree
- Counseling and Advising
- Student Life Staff
- Student Assistance Center
- Other Services & Handbooks
Nursing is a learned art and science. Our philosophy of nursing recognizes the individual as a major stakeholder in his/her care and that the nurse is an integral part of the health care team.
The RN to BS Option Bachelor Of Science, Major in Nursing Program is designed for the working registered nurse who wishes to complete the necessary requirements for a baccalaureate degree, major in nursing. The 120-credit curriculum is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC, 61 Broadway, New York, NY, 10006 or call 212-363-555) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, call 1-800-899-2226 or 1-949-362-2000). Our program is designed to assist students meet the changing needs in the health care industry.
The RN to BS Option Program is designed for Registered Nurses with either an associate degree or a diploma from a nursing school. The program is specifically designed to build on the student's previous nursing experience. You will have opportunities to identify clinical experiences. It is our goal to help you meet your personal and professional goals. You can earn up to 33 credits by portfolio or verification. if School of Nursing criteria are met. If you have already earned college credits at another accredited institution, Penn State will consider them for transfer (C or better). Other options for earning credit include CLEP.
Our classes are designed to meet the challenging time constraints and demanding schedules of today's working nurse. We offer day, evening, weekend, accelerated, web-based, and distance education classes. You may pursue full-time or part-time study and there is no time limit on completion. We are committed to creating an enriching, inviting, and intellectually stimulating learning environment. As you struggle to juggle the myriad of tasks in your daily work routine, come back to school and let us help you put some focus back to your career and life. We'll help you remember why you love being a nurse!
Take The First Step To Earning Your Bachelor of Science, Major in Nursing Degree:
O.K. You've given this a lot of thought. You've come up with lots of reasons why this isn't a good time, but will there ever be "a right time"? We don't need to tell you the health care industry is in crisis. You know there is a huge shortage of nurses in the field because you are covering for them everyday! NOW may not seem ideal, but it is truly the best time to continue your education.
Don't you crave the opportunity to talk with other nurses about the trends and happenings in the field? Don't you want to open up and expand your professional opportunities? Are you looking to try something different or become more skilled at what you do now? The RN to BS Option Program helps you expand your problem solving and critical thinking skills -- two areas you need more than ever in today's industry. We'll help you refine your skills, but even more importantly, we'll help re-energize your love of nursing and expand your thought processes. We'll help prepare you for your next step on your career ladder, whether it is for promotion, graduate school, or personal growth. So, let's get started.
Yes, I do want to continue my education! What do I do first?
Step 1: Call and schedule an appointment with an advisor. Plan to meet about 4 weeks after your call, so you have time to gather your transcripts.
Step 2: Review this web site. Familiarize yourself with the program.
Step 3: Call or go on-line and request all your official college transcripts, school of nursing transcripts (if applicable), and high school transcripts.
Step 4: Make copies of your current RN license (front/back for wallet size -- be sure you've signed the signature line) and CPR card.
Step 5: Bring all transcripts to your appointment. Bring your checkbook. If you plan to enroll, you will need to provide a $50 non-refundable check (made payable to The Pennsylvania State University) when you complete your application.
Step 6: At the appointment, relax and just enjoy yourself. Get all your questions answered (don't be afraid to ask!). This isn't an interview. Remember, the advisors are on your team. They want to help you succeed (See this sample check sheet that the advisor will explore with you).
Step 7: Complete the application and mail it back to your advisor. Do NOT send it directly to University Park. Do not complete the on-line application. Our team will review your application prior to sending it to University Park. Refer to the Admission Checklist to make sure you've sent everything.
Step 8: Schedule a check-up. Get your health exam filled out at your check-up.
Step 9: When you receive your admission acceptance packet, send back a letter stating your intention to enroll for the upcoming semester and your refundable $100 deposit. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! You are only officially admitted once the University receives your acceptance letter and deposit.
NOTE: YOU MUST TAKE A COURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY THE SEMESTER YOU ACCEPT ADMISSION.
I've
been offered admission to the RN to BS Option program! Now, what do I do?
- Your acceptance will be sent to you via your Penn State email, which you should check regularly or have forwarded to your private or other email inbox. You will need to go to the webite in that email to accept admission to the major and pay your $100 deposit fee at that time (by check, or online option for payment may be available).
- Call or meet with your advisor to schedule upcoming classes (unless you did that during your initial appointment). If you already know what classes to take, call 717-948-6735 for a copy of the schedule.
- Prior to classes starting, you will need to get a parking pass in the Security Office in the Swatara Building. See Polli McCartney, 717-948-6006, 8am - 6 pm Mon-Thurs, 8 am - 5 pm Friday. You will need to get a picture ID at the Housing Office, Room 122, Olmsted Building (first floor, behind the Food Court). See Elaine, 717-948-6241, 8am - 6pm Mon-Thurs., 8am - 5pm Friday. You will need to take your picture ID to the Library or General Computer Lab (Olmsted Building) and get your computer access account started.
- Call or go to the Bookstore on campus to get your books.
- If you are taking distance education classes, follow the procedures outlined in the back of the book.
Counseling and advising services are important elements for the returning adult student. All prospective and matriculated students have access to faculty/staff knowledgeable about the nursing program who can be helpful prior to and following enrollment.
Prospective students should call the RN to BS Option Program Office at 717-948-6735 for information or to schedule an appointment with an advisor. Our advising team is comprised of caring, devoted professionals committed to helping you meet your personal and professional goals. Mr. Eric Doerfler, Ms. Anne Swartz, and Ms. Ronda Graby Stump are committed to helping you make the transition back to school and the road while you are here a smooth one. We are delighted to meet with students in the early stages of your nursing education as well as veteran RN's in the field for years. Here are just a few of the students we routinely meet:
- New first or second year students at local community colleges (like Harrisburg Area Community College) who are trying to select courses that will meet A.D.N. requirements, as well as future admission requirements to the RN to BS Option Program. Click here if you would like to see a copy of the RN to BS Option-HACC Course Review Sheet.
- Recent graduates of A.D. programs looking to immediately continue. Once you have successfully completed your AD in Nursing program and have passed your state nurse licensing board (RN) you are eligible to apply for admission to the RN to BS Option Program.
Our Advising Efforts: Our advising team makes every effort to make your return to school easy. We maintain flexible office hours, so we are available when you are. We have met with students at work sites, at Harrisburg and /or Penn State Schuylkill campuses. While we can not accommodate everyone's schedule, we maintain a strong commitment to flexibility and meeting your needs. We also understand there are times when you simply can't make an appointment and then we will try phone advising or email. Give us a chance to show you how easy it can be to get started and FINISHED!
The Student Life Staff is comprised of professionals serving students through services and programs that support and challenge students to achieve educational, career, professional, and personal goals. For example, Student Life can assist you with developing sound academic habits, reducing stress in your life, designing resumes and job search strategies, developing leadership skills, or joining a student organization (like Alpha Sigma Lambda, the adult student honor society). In addition, Student Life provides cultural programming and social activities.
As a Penn State Harrisburg
student, you have access to many resources that can complement and enhance
your academic experience. The professionally trained staff help provide personal,
career, academic, educational, group, and individual counseling. Some nursing
students are worried about study skills and taking specific classes (like
math or speech). The
Student Assistance Center (SAC) houses Personal Counseling Services,
International Student Advising, Career Services, Non-Traditional Student
Support, and Student Disability Services. The Center offers services and
counseling to all students, including commuters, returning adults, students
with disabilities, and international students. The Non-Traditional Student
Affairs Office has been established to assess and meet the needs of our non-traditional
student population. Non-traditional has been defined as:
- 24 years of age or older
- Veterans of the armed services
- Returning to school after 4 or more years of employment or other activity
- Assuming multiple roles
such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student.
Many of our nursing students fit the criteria of a non-traditional student. Contact this office for more information on how they can help you make the move back to school a smooth one.
The Learning Center offers a variety of services to students at NO CHARGE. Individual professional tutoring in writing, mathematics, and science is available by appointment. Individual peer tutoring is available for specific courses as requested. Drop-in math clinics are scheduled throughout the week. Course-specific clinics or major-specific workshops are also offered. Individual or group study space is also available. The Learning Center is located in C-216, Olmsted Building at Penn State Harrisburg. Day and evening hours are available. Similar services are available at Penn State Schuylkill. Contact The Learning Center for more information.
Penn State Harrisburg offers financial aid in the forms of loans, scholarships, grants, and employment. Students applying for financial aid must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. Students enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) are eligible to apply for financial aid. Check with the Financial Aid Office (717)948-6307 for additional details and deadline dates.
Many other services are available for students. Click here for a list of campus office locations and phone numbers.