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Whom do I contact about the RN-BSN program?

I'm very busy with work and family responsibilities. Can I still earn my BSN?

Why should I earn my BSN?

What do I need to do to prior to starting at Michigan State University?

I've taken many classes already. How many credits can I transfer in to Michigan State University?

Is there a minimum grade point requirement I need to be eligible for application to your program at Michigan State University?

Do I get any credit for any of the nursing courses that I have taken in my A.D.N. program?

Do I need to take a math course?

Are there any clinical courses I will need to take?

How long does it take to earn my BSN from Michigan State University?

How often does a new group of RN to BSN students start the program?

Is financial aid available?


Whom do I contact about the RN-BSN program?
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You may contact the Academic Advisor for the BSN Program for Registered Nurses at NURSING@list.msu.ed or by calling 517-353-4827 or 800-605-6424.

I'm very busy with work and family responsibilities. Can I still earn my BSN?
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Yes! The RN to BSN program at MSU College of Nursing is now offered in a totally on line format. Courses are offered in a traditional semester format, but you can log on to your course work at any time and day of the week that is convenient for you. The College of Nursing has a long history of providing a quality learning experience to distance, life-long learning, and working students. You will take 5-7 credits a semester, which is manageable with work and family responsibilities.

Why should I earn my BSN?
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Nursing today is very challenging. Nurses need to be able to think critically, and have knowledge of the health care systems and society in which they practice. Earning your BSN from MSU will help advance your critical thinking skills as you study the various issues that nurses today face. You will also gain valuable experience in community health and nursing leadership settings. BSN prepared nurses also have more career options and job flexibility available to them, as earning your BSN expands your professional horizons. Also, earning your BSN may be a stepping-stone to earning your MSN.

What do I need to do to prior to starting at Michigan State University?
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Prior to starting the RN to BSN program at Michigan State University, you will complete the prerequisites to the program at a community college or university near you. You may also complete the university requirements for graduation. Many students find they have already completed many of the prerequisites and the graduation requirements in their A.D.N. programs. You can find the list of prerequisites and university graduation requirements on our web page: http://www.nursing.msu.edu/

I've taken many classes already. How many credits can I transfer in to Michigan State University?
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You may transfer up to 60 credits from a post secondary institution to Michigan State University. There is no time limit on courses that you may have taken.

Is there a minimum grade point requirement I need to be eligible for application to your program at Michigan State University?
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You need a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average.

Do I get any credit for any of the nursing courses that I have taken in my A.D.N. program?
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Michigan State University grants 30 credits for successfully passing your NCLEX-RN exam. These credits are granted at no cost to you. These 30 credits do not count towards the 60 credits that you can transfer in from another institution.

Do I need to take a math course?
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Statistics 200 (or its equivalency) needs to be successfully completed prior to the second semester of the nursing courses at Michigan State University. Statistics courses that are equivalent to STT 200 at Michigan State University require college algebra as a prerequisite. You will need to take a college algebra course as a prerequisite (the college algebra course can count as an elective if you need to take it). Successfully completing a statistics course will prepare you for the Nursing Research and Theory course, which is offered the first semester of the program.

Are there any clinical courses I will need to take?
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Yes, three of the courses have a clinical component-Nursing 335 includes practicum hours in Health Assessment. Nursing 465 is a practicum in Leadership Immersion, and Nursing 470 is a practicum in Community and Population. All of above clinical courses can be completed in your community with an approved clinical preceptor. Your clinical preceptor, and your clinical placement site will need to meet certain criteria that are established by the College of Nursing.

How long does it take to earn my BSN from Michigan State University?
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Once you are admitted to the RN to BSN program, you can complete the program in 5 semesters, over 18 months. Since the course work in the program is sequential, any deviation in the progression of course work needs to be discussed with the RN Advisor. Course work is year round, including one Summer Semester.

How often does a new group of RN to BSN students start the program?
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A new group starts the program every Fall. Most students complete their prerequisite and university graduation requirements while they are waiting to start the nursing program in the Fall.

Is financial aid available?
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There are scholarships available specifically for RN to BSN students from the College of Nursing. While scholarships are limited you are encouraged to apply for them. Monies are awarded in the Spring semester for application to the following Fall semester tuition. You may also check with the Michigan State University Office of Financial Aid for further assistance.

Many agencies also offer tuition reimbursement-ask your employer about their requirements. You can also check with your state Board of Nursing to see how many continuing education credits are granted for university course work.

You may be able to claim tax credits for your course work if you use them for continuing education credits or if they are part of your job requirement-check with your financial or tax advisor for details.