Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Bachelors

Hours: 120 On-Campus

About

Fort Hays State University's undergraduate nursing program, the on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic nursing field. This pre-licensure program prepares students to become registered nurses (RNs) who play a vital role in healthcare and positively impact their communities.

This nursing curriculum features a blend of nursing undergraduate courses and general education classes, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication skills – essential for success in a nursing career. BSN students delve into various nursing undergraduate classes covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing practice across different healthcare settings.

Why pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Fort Hays State University?

Pursuing the on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Fort Hays State University opens the door to a rewarding and dynamic career in healthcare. As a registered nurse, you’ll have access to a wide range of exciting career tracks, including emergency room, pediatrics, obstetrics, and intensive care, to name a few. FHSU’s nursing program is state-approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org/). With a 95% NCLEX pass rate in 2023, FHSU consistently prepares students for success. The program provides personalized support every step of the way, with caring faculty and mentors who are committed to your success. You’ll receive one-on-one guidance as you prepare for admission and throughout your education, ensuring you feel confident and supported in your journey. Additionally, FHSU's state-of-the-art simulation center gives you hands-on experience with the latest equipment, so you’re fully prepared for real-world clinical challenges. The simulation center includes a fully equipped hospital setting with exam rooms, computerized manikins, and patient units, all designed to help you develop the practical skills needed for any career track you pursue.

Who is this program for?

The on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Fort Hays State University is designed to help various individuals achieve their dream of becoming registered nurses. Whether you're coming straight from high school, already have an associate degree in health or a related field, or are a transfer student with previous college experience, our program can help you complete your degree in nursing and prepare you for a fulfilling healthcare career. Here are some reasons why our BSN program might be a perfect fit for you:

Aspiring students with an associate’s degree
Individuals seeking a career change
Pre-Nursing students
Healthcare workers seeking registered nurse preparation for licensure

Learning Outcomes

The on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Fort Hays State University equips you with the knowledge, skills, and values to become a well-rounded, competent, and compassionate nurse. This undergraduate nursing degree prepares you to excel in various healthcare settings and paves the way for advanced nursing education. Our BSN program includes the following learning outcomes:

Integrate Knowledge from the Sciences and Humanities with Nursing to Provide Safe, Competent, Evidence-Based Nursing Care to Clients, Families, and Populations

Demonstrate Leader and Followership Behaviors in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety to Improve Outcomes in Organizations and Health Care Systems

Utilize Informatics to Plan, Deliver, and Improve Care Processes and Client Outcomes

Analyze Legislative, Regulatory, and Organizational Processes Relevant to Providing Health Care to Clients, Families, and Populations

Apply Evidence-Based Concepts to Improve Organizational Care Processes and Client and Population Outcomes

Provide Comprehensive, Interdisciplinary, Ethical, and High-Quality Nursing Care in Global Societies

Demonstrate Nursing Professionalism by Using Principles of Ethics, Legal Responsibility, and Accountability to Direct Professional Nursing Care to Clients, Families, and Populations

Apply the Nursing Process to Provide Safe, High-Quality Nursing Care for Individuals, Families, and Populations

Real-World Applications

Fort Hays State University's on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares you to hit the ground running as a registered nurse (RN). Our undergraduate nursing curriculum features a nursing undergraduate course sequence designed for real-world application. Hands-on learning, including clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, will give you the critical thinking skills and practical experience necessary to care for patients confidently.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Fort Hays State University's on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program doesn't just teach you nursing principles; it prepares you to apply them in real-world situations. We achieve this by directly integrating the latest healthcare technology advancements into our curriculum through our state-of-the-art simulation lab.

This advanced facility boasts the latest equipment used in hospital settings, allowing you to practice clinical procedures in a safe and controlled environment that mirrors real-world scenarios. From high-fidelity mannequins mimicking various patient conditions to cutting-edge technology replicating hospital equipment, our simulation lab provides an unparalleled learning experience.

Hands-on Activities

Throughout the program, you will gain invaluable experience working alongside experienced nurses in diverse healthcare settings. Clinical activity is integrated into the four semesters, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. These rotations expose you to various patient populations and healthcare specialties, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the nursing field.

Take your learning to the next level through the internship included in the curriculum during your fourth semester. This intensive experience allows you to develop your clinical skills further and gain valuable insights into your chosen area of nursing practice. An optional summer internship allows you to solidify your skills and explore specific career paths.

What You’ll Learn:

Comprehensive anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology knowledge
Skills for nursing practice across healthcare settings
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Strong communication skills in healthcare environments
Generalized nursing care in obstetric/pediatrics, critical care, community, med/surg, and psychiatric nursing

How You’ll Learn:

Through a blend of coursework and general education
Hands-on clinical rotations in diverse settings
State-of-the-art simulation lab experiences
Real-world application of nursing principles
Internships for in-depth clinical practice

Courses

Our curriculum equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in nursing and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Below are a few of the courses in the on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the BSN program:

NURS 282: Foundations of Nursing Care

This course discusses common health problems, safety, and decision-making based on the nursing process and clinical judgment for the care of the adult client.

NURS 306: Pathophysiology

This course presents a foundation to the pathophysiology of the human body within diverse populations in the continuum of wellness, acute, and chronic illness.

NURS 340: Pharmacology I

This course covers medications, classifications, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics based on pathophysiology concepts to ensure safe medication administration in acute and chronic nursing practice while also examining the legal, ethical, and professional aspects of medication therapy.

Discover the full on-campus pre-licensure pathway within the BSN course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

FHSU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs (both on-campus and hybrid pre-licensure) meet the curriculum requirements for the state of Kansas. If you plan to seek licensure in a state other than Kansas, please contact that state’s board of nursing for details. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) has provided a link for general guidance.

Career Prospects

Earning your on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Fort Hays State University prepares you for a diverse and rewarding career in healthcare. After completing the program and passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, often referred to as the "nursing licensing exam" by the National Council State Board of Nursing (NCSBN), you'll be qualified to work as a Registered Nurse (RN) across various settings. Here are just a few of the exciting career paths you can pursue with your BSN:

Hospital Nurse

Providing direct patient care in various hospital departments, including emergency rooms, intensive care, and surgical units. You'll work with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

School Nurse

Playing a vital role in the well-being of students. You'll manage health concerns, administer medications, educate students on health topics, and collaborate with school staff and families to promote a healthy learning environment.

Community Health Nurse

Promoting health and wellness within communities. This role involves conducting health screenings, providing health education, advocating for underserved populations, and addressing community health needs.

Clinic Nurse

Working in various outpatient clinics, such as family practice, pediatrics, or urgent care. You'll provide comprehensive patient care, including assessments, treatment administration, and patient education.

Admission Requirements

The Department of Nursing admits students to the on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program twice a year; admission is competitive. To apply, submit all required application materials to the Department of Nursing office by September 1 for spring semester admission or February 1 for fall semester admission. Contact the Nursing Advisor to receive application information. If you are transferring courses from other colleges or universities, ensure that each institution sends an official transcript to the Department of Nursing before we consider your application. You may only begin the on-campus pre-licensure BSN program once you have completed all prerequisites. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required both at the time of application and at the start of the Junior 1 semester after receiving all transcripts.

The Department of Nursing reviews all applications for the on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the BSN program. You are responsible for submitting your application by the due date (February 1 for fall admission and September 1 for spring admission). The admission process includes reviewing your cumulative GPA and, if needed, evaluating the GPA for prerequisite math and science courses.

Application form submitted by the appropriate due date.
Cumulative GPA 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. The GPA at the time of application will be used for ranking. GPA checks will occur on January 1 (spring start) and August 1 (fall start). All transcripts must be received.
Grade of C or above in prerequisite courses (may be currently registered in prerequisite courses at the time of application).

Once Admitted to a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (on-campus or hybrid)

The Department of Nursing will send an official letter of acceptance to applicants selected for admission. You must return the letter to confirm your acceptance into the program.
Clinical clearance requirements successfully completed in CastleBranch include criminal background check, drug test, BLS for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association, physical exam, immunizations, yearly TB skin test, and Certified Nurse's Aide certificate. (Higher level certification may be accepted).

Progression Policies within the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (on-campus or hybrid)

Throughout the nursing program, students must maintain current nursing liability insurance, personal commercial health insurance, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association, and an annual TB skin test.
Throughout the nursing program, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 with a "C" or better in each nursing course. Failure to do so may lead to academic probation or dismissal from the nursing program.
Students found to be under the influence of habit-forming drugs and/or alcohol during the program of study may be subject to immediate dismissal from the Department of Nursing.
LPNs complete the courses with junior and senior-level content and practice, along with traditional students, using the same clinical laboratories and clinical supervision.

Before completing this form, students confirm they have met with their Nursing Advisor.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,961.90* (on-campus)* per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

We offer a variety of options to complement your nursing journey, both within and outside the Department of Nursing:

FAQ

What classes do you take in nursing school?

The on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program includes various undergraduate nursing classes covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing practice in different healthcare settings. Additionally, it integrates general education classes to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

How do you become a registered nurse in Kansas?

To become a registered nurse in Kansas, complete the Fort Hays State University on-campus pre-licensure pathway in the BSN program, which prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam. Completing the program and passing the exam will allow you to earn your RN license.

How do I apply to the nursing course?

Prospective students must meet admission requirements, including a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successful completion of specific prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or better.

What major is closest to nursing?

Fort Hays State University offers related programs such as the RN to BSN program, Bachelor of Science in Social Work, B.S. and/or B.A. in Psychology, and Allied Health programs.

How hard is it to get into your program?

Admission to the BSN program requires meeting specific academic standards and prerequisites, indicating a competitive selection process focused on ensuring student success.

Information about the Department of Nursing

FHSU’s Department of Nursing provides programs and courses incorporating the latest technology in a feedback-driven, student-focused environment, where you will interact with highly qualified faculty eager to share their rich clinical and nursing experiences. This supportive environment ensures you are well-prepared for an in-demand degree that leads to a rewarding career.

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