The BSN Program is a nationally accredited RN to BSN Program that is designed for the working registered nurse. All nursing classes are offered online and some courses require clinical experiences. Students may complete support courses and programmatic requirements at Bluefield State College or other colleges or universities.  Completion of the BSN degree requires a total of 120 credit hours. The baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, C.C. 20036-1120, and Phone: (202) 887-6791)

The mission of the BSN Program is to provide students an opportunity for quality baccalaureate nursing education that is both affordable and geographically accessible, and prepares students to meet the diverse health care needs of the community, state, and nation. The nursing faculty is committed to planning and implementing a quality baccalaureate program for registered nurses that promotes the students' intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural development in a caring environment. The scope of professional nursing education is one that enables and empowers the student to recognize the ethical, legislative, economic, regulatory and political aspects that define the scope of professional nursing practice. The roles inherent in the status of the professional nurse include but are not limited to: provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care, member of a profession, client advocate, and life-long learner.

The goal of the BSN Program is to provide registered nurses with learning opportunities to acquire the knowledge base and skills to practice nursing at the professional level. The program outcomes are:

1. Assess the health/illness status of individuals, families, and communities throughout the lifespan utilizing a holistic perspective.
2. Understand how components of diversity impact health and health care
3. Broaden advocacy skills for the nursing profession and the clients served.
4. Employ critical thinking skills as a basis for professional nursing practice.
5. Use effective communication skills consistent with the role of the professional nurse.
6. Understand how to read and critique nursing research for its applicability for evidence-based nursing practice.
7. Utilize professional nursing management and leadership skills to coordinate comprehensive health care.
8. Apply an ethical decision-making framework incorporating the ANA Professional Code of Ethics, professional standards, and an awareness of personal values in nursing practice.
9. Develop and implement health education programs for diverse populations in a variety of settings.
10. Apply an increased depth and breadth of knowledge in managing clients with acute complex health problems.
11. Utilize evidence-based nursing strategies in planning care for clients throughout the lifespan.
12. Understand the increased complexity of health wellness and health problems experienced by the older adult.

Eligibility Requirements

1. GPA of 2.5 from college courses.
2. Meet general admission requirements of Bluefield State College
3. Have completed the English and Math general studies requirement.
4. Be a graduate of a state approved, NLN accredited Associate Degree/Diploma Nursing Program.
5. Submit a letter of reference from Nursing Supervisor (working RN’s).
6. Submit a letter of reference from a faculty member of the nursing program (Second Year ASN students)
7. Have a current RN license
8. Second Year ASN students may be accepted but enrollment is contingent upon passage of the RN licensure examination.
9. Diploma graduates must pass the NLN ACE II Examination for validation of prior learning. This test must be taken prior to completion of the first semester in the BSN Program.

Application: Call Admissions at 304-327-4065/4066 or click here. Applications may be emailed to Admissions (“click here”) or printed and mailed to: Admissions Office, Bluefield State College, 219 Rock Street, Bluefield, WV 24701. Application Deadline: March 1. * Va. Residents may qualify for “metro rate” tuition.

BSN Fast Facts

• Nursing classes are online with optional “boot camps” on the Bluefield and Beckley campuses. “Boot camps” are optional days of class with faculty to review concepts covered online. Dates for these optional learning days are provided at the beginning of each semester
• Mandatory clinical experiences are required for some courses.
• Complete the program in the 3 semester “Fast Track” option or the 4 semester “Traditional Track” option. Eligibility for the 3 semester option: 3.0 GPA & completion of all support courses. All students must complete the BSN program within 5 years from the date of full time enrollment.
• Part-time enrollment: 3 online classes are "open enrollment" – RN's with an active RN license can take these classes before enrolling in the program. (dependent upon seat availability)
  • NURS 301: Health Assessment – 3 hrs. Fall & Spring semesters(online)***
  • NURS 303: Complex Health Problems – 4 hrs Spring semester (online)
  • NURS 306: Ethics & Issues in Nursing – 3 hrs. Spring Semester(online)

These courses can be taken as a "Special Student "by calling the School of Nursing and Allied Health at 304-327-4136. "Special Students" can take up to 9 hours of college credit each semester without being formally admitted to the BSN Program. ***Health Assessment may be taken by qualified (3.0 GPA) second year students in the BSC Associate Degree nursing program either semester. This class is also a valuable "refresher" class for RN's re-entering the workforce.

All students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree must complete the general studies requirements for the baccalaureate degree (on page 76 of the catalog), the comprehensive major in nursing, and required related courses. Associate Degree Nursing graduates receive 32 hours for lower level nursing courses that apply to the baccalaureate nursing major. Students in the BSN Program must attain a grade of "C" or better in each nursing course in order to progress in the program. The nursing courses must be completed within 5 years of point of entry into the program. All students must maintain a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license while enrolled in the program. The following courses are required to complete a major in nursing:

BSN NURSING COURSES (35 credits)

Optional School Nurse Program may be taken in the spring semester by students who have "senior" standing. *These courses are optional and will satisfy 6 hours of upper level electives. There is no extra class day for the School Nurse Program: Nursing 414 is offered online through Blackboard and Nursing 416 is completed in the student's home county.

Students who complete the BSN Program and the School Nurse Program and successfully pass the PPST test may apply for certification as a School Nurse in West Virginia.

If a student is not a current BSC BSN student or is not under contract with a WV County School Board as a substitute or contract school nurse, then the student must enroll in Certifiedbackgroundcheck.com in order to participate in the BSN School Nurse Program.

****Any lower level courses may be used as electives. Some Associate Degree Nursing Programs have more than 32 hours of nursing courses, and those courses (beyond the 32 hours) can be used as lower level electives. 9 hours of electives must be at the 300 or 400 level, and these electives are the student's choice. Only 60 credit hours may be transferred from a community college.