Nursing - B.S.N. Download to print

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed to prepare practitioners for professional nursing, help them understand their role in society and prepare them for graduate study. The program emphasizes professional knowledge, skills and compassionate nursing practices. Students begin with courses that demonstrate the core foundations of the nursing profession and its historical roots. The capstone preceptorship exposes students to research and professional-practice concepts that will ensure their abilities to be nurse leaders and healthcare advocates. Throughout the program, students study life-span and cultural diversity issues while applying evidence-based practice to their profession. 

The BSN for Registered Nurses concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Nursing allows RNs with a diploma or associate degree in nursing to earn a baccalaureate degree. Although there are basic core courses that nursing programs require, there is a variation among the programs. Upon admission, students receive an individualized education plan to complete the program. Students who have completed the majority of their Kent Core and foundation courses may be able to complete their nursing courses in an accelerated manner. This program is available in the hybrid and online format.

The Combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Nursing Program
A combined degree program for undergraduate KSU nursing students who have completed 60 semester hours and meet the GPA requirements delineated in Combined Baccalaureate/Master's for Degree students early in their undergraduate studies. Qualified students may apply for admission into the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program of choice after gaining approval from the appropriate graduate faculty program director. Following graduation and passing the state licensing examination (NCLEX-RN), students' MSN application may be activated for admission into the selected master's program.

As the largest healthcare occupation, registered nurses held about 2.7 million jobs in 2010. Hospitals employed the majority of RNs, with 60 percent of such jobs. About 8 percent of jobs were in offices of physicians, 5 percent in home healthcare services, 5 percent in nursing care facilities, and 3 percent in employment services. The remainder worked mostly in government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services.

Freshman Students: Admission to pre-nursing requires the completion of high school math, biology, and chemistry. In addition, students should have at least a 2.7 overall high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) AND minimum ACT composite and science reasoning scores of 22 (or an SAT combined critical reading+math score of 1020). Students with an ACT composite score of 21 (SAT combined critical reading+math score of 980) need a 3.0 high school grade point average; those with an ACT composite score of 20 (SAT combined critical reading+math score of 940) need a 3.3 overall high school grade point average.

Admission check list for the sophomore Nursing Sequence:

• Students are eligible to make application during the semester in which they anticipate completing, or have completed, 30 credit hours.
• Students must have a 2.750 cumulative GPA, and a
• 2.750 GPA in the required sciences (BSCI 21010; and 21020; and 20021 or 30171; and CHEM 10050 or 10055 or 10060) to be eligible for admission.
• Students must earn a 2.000 (grade of C) in each of the prerequisite science courses (BSCI 21010; and 21020; and 20021 or 30171; and CHEM 10050 or 10055 or 10060) to be eligible for admission.
• Two recommendations, either academic or professional, are also required for admission

The admission process is competitive; acceptance is never guaranteed. The Dean may review the students’ educational files to determine if adequate progression has been made.

Transfer Students: All transfer applications to the College of Nursing must submit both college and high school transcripts to the admissions office. Sophomore sequence admission takes place in both fall and spring semesters. Transfer students can apply if they have completed 30 credit hours. In addition, students must have a 2.750 cumulative GPA in all coursework, and a 2.750 GPA in the required sciences (BSCI 21010; and 21020; and 20021 or 30171; and CHEM 10050 or 10055 or 10060 – including a grade of 2.000 or better in each course). Transfer students who have successfully completed 12 or more hours at Kent State University will be evaluated on their cumulative Kent State GPA only along with the previously described admission criteria.

• Transfer students who are requesting transfer from another accredited BSN nursing program and have completed at least one lab or clinical course must:
• Have an overall GPA of at least 3.200 on all college level coursework.
• Have at least a 2.75 GPA on the required or equivalent science courses for the College of Nursing BSN program.
• Have successfully passed all nursing courses with a "C" grade or better in the current nursing program on the first attempt.
• Be in good standing at his/her current school.
• Students should contact the college of Nursing regarding the application process and deadlines.

The admission process is competitive; acceptance is never guaranteed.

Licensed-RN: Admission to BSN for Registered Nurses concentration requires a College or diploma transcript with an earned GPA of 2.000 or higher and completion of first year science courses with a GPA of 2.000 of higher. Must have current RN License.

Admission to the Accelerated Nursing Sequence
Consideration for admission to the Accelerated Program is given to students who have work or volunteer experience in a helping profession or healthcare/patient contact related experience; completed any of the following courses: BSCI 30050, NUTR 23511, NURS 20950 and a  qualifying statistics course; submitted an essay or interview (students will be informed when they apply).

• Admission checklist for the Accelerated Nursing Sequence:
  • Students are eligible to make application after having achieved a bachelors degree
  • 2.750 cumulative GPA from their accredited degree granting institution
  • 2.750 GPA in the required sciences (BSCI 21010; and 21020; and 20021 or 30171; and CHEM 10050 or 10055 or 10060)
  • Students must earn a 2.000 (grade of C) in each of the prerequisite science courses (BSCI 21010; and 21020; and 20021 or 30171; and CHEM 10050 or 10055 or CHEM 10060) to be eligible for admission
  • Two recommendations, either academic or professional, are also required for admission

The admission process is competitive; acceptance is never guaranteed. The Dean may review the students’ educational files to determine if adequate progression has been made.

Progression to Junior and Senior Coursework:

Calculation of GPA averages for progression to the junior and senior sequence nursing courses for a student admitted into the nursing sequence:

• Traditional and Accelerated and R.N. to B.S.N. students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000 each semester to continue in the Nursing program, failure to achieve this GPA each semester will result in dismissal from the College of Nursing
• Traditional, Accelerated and R.N. to B.S.N. students must have a minimum 2.000 GPA (grade of C) in each science course required in the College of Nursing B.S.N. curriculum. All required chemistry and biology courses must be successfully completed with a 2.000 (grade of C) or better in order to graduate.
• Traditional and Accelerated B.S.N. students must have a minimum 2.000 (grade of C) in each of the sophomore nursing courses (NURS 20010, NURS 20020, NURS 20030 and NURS 20950) to progress to the junior Nursing Sequence; a 2.000 (grade of C) in each of the junior nursing courses (NURS 30010, 30020, and 30035) to progress to the senior Nursing Sequence. Seniors must have a 2.000 (grade of C) in each of the senior nursing courses (NURS 40005, 40010, 40020, 40030, 40045, and 40872).
• Accelerated B.S.N. students may take NURS 30000 junior and NURS 40000 senior level courses concurrently as specified by the Accelerated B.S.N. curriculum.
• Traditional B.S.N. students may take no more than two (2) clinical courses per semester. Accelerated B.S.N. students are permitted to take three (3) clinical courses per term, as specified by the curriculum..

BSN for Registered Nurses concentration:
The student must complete all nursing courses with a 2.000 grade point average or higher. Students attaining two failures in clinical nursing courses are automatically not permitted to continue in the nursing program. A grade of C (2.000) must be obtained on repeat to avoid dismissal from the nursing program.

Minimum 120 total credit hours  and  39 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.000 GPA overall and 2.000 GPA in major required for graduation.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Meet educational eligibility requirements to take the registered nurse licensing examination (National Certification and Licensure Exam).
2. Acquire competencies based on professional standards to assume the role of the professional nurse and for career advancement, including graduate studies. 
3. Apply the nursing process in providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive care to promote health and adaptation of individuals, families, groups and communities. 

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education