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Department of Nursing

BS Degree Completion for Registered Nurses


Coordinator: Dr. Annette McDonough (RN to BS), 978-934-4422 Annette_Mcdonough@uml.edu

Frequently Asked Questions for RN-BS Completion Program

The Department of Nursing is committed to encouraging registered nurses who possess a diploma or associate degree to return for further study leading to a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing. The nursing program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The clinical aspects of the nursing program are developed, coordinated, and supervised by the nursing faculty. More than 250 clinical agencies are used to enhance learning for graduate and undergraduate students. The participating clinical agencies include

  • Acute care hospitals (major teaching, community-based, medical centers) long-term care setting.
  • Assisted living facilities.
  • Primary care practices.
  • School health settings.
  • Visiting nurse and home care agencies.
  • Occupational health setting.
  • Child care and adult day health settings.

Student to faculty ratios for undergraduate clinical placement do not exceed 10:1 (per Board of Registration in Nursing requirements).

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of the undergraduate program in nursing, graduates are prepared as generalists for beginning professional nursing roles. While an undergraduate, they may also consider continuing in the “Fast Track” program to obtain a Master of Science degree.

Admission to the BS Degree

Application for admission to the full-time day program of the University is made through the Admissions Office. Acceptance of credit for transfer courses is determined by the Chairperson of the Department, once official transcripts have been received.

Several articulation agreements have been signed with associate degree programs in nursing. Course descriptions may be requested by the appropriate department chairperson to determine if courses meet specific curriculum requirements. Completed transfer of credit forms become a part of the students' record.

Part time study for prerequisite and elective courses is available to registered nurses through the day school, continuing studies, and summer school. Faculty are available to advise prospective students upon request.

Registered nurses entering the Baccalaureate through transfer admissions must meet the admissions requirements 2.7 overall GPA, a 2.7 Nursing GPA, and a 2.7 science GPA. A photocopy of current nursing license, current CPR certification and insurance coverage must be submitted to the Department, and a record of continuous coverage for both documents must be provided according to expiration dates.

Registered nurses are encouraged to utilize the opportunity to gain credit for previous learning through CLEP or equivalency examinations.

See the Online Academic Catalog for a Sample Course of Study.

 

*NOTE: The senior year may be taken only if requirements of articulation agreement or Excelsior College Examinations successfully passed.  All freshman and sophomore year courses must be completed.

  

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Department of Nursing - 3 Solomont Way, Suite 2, Lowell, MA 01854-5126
Phone: 978-934-4525 Fax: 978-934-3006 Contact us

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