Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program

Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program

The Department of Nursing is excited to announce the launch of a new hybrid program! Aimed at educating students in place, the hybrid pre-licensure BSN program will allow students to take theory classes online with synchronous learning opportunities. Lab and clinical experiences will be bundled to minimize trips to FHSU while utilizing clinical sites close to home.

Our hybrid pre-licensure BSN program is a blend of virtual and face-to-face learning experiences that meets the outcomes of a pre-licensure nursing program preparing you to take the NCLEX-RN examination.  This program is for students who are challenged by attending a face-to-face nursing program every day of the week and have had past success in virtual learning.  The theory courses are virtual and bundled with lab/practicum courses that will minimize trips to the FHSU campus. The hybrid program requires approximately 12 hours of clinical/lab activity per week. Approximately 3-4 days per month will be required on campus for skills validation. Clinical sites must be within the state of Kansas; however students may reside outside of Kansas. With FHSU's excellent ability to deliver online education and excellence in nursing education, this is an exciting opportunity for students who need a flexible nursing education pathway.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at FHSU is exceptional:

• Our 2023 NCLEX pass rate was 95%.
• The Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing at FHSU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
• The hybrid pre-licensure BSN program is state-approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
• We have an amazing team of faculty who stay current with the skills and knowledge to best prepare students for success.

Our faculty/mentors are caring and focused on your success. Students get one-on-one advice and support as they prepare for admission and work throughout the program.  You'll work on the latest equipment in the labs, so you'll be prepared to take on the challenges of whatever nursing career track you choose.

This hybrid BSN pathway does not meet the requirements for International students who require on campus courses. 

Becoming a Nursing Major

If you currently attend Fort Hays State University and you would like Nursing to be your major, please contact the Department of Nursing at (785) 628-4256. We will be happy to meet with you and give you an advisor who will help to plan your future. Your advisor will help you to fit your needs into the semester schedules.

If you are a prospective or transfer student and wish to take a tour of the department and meet with an advisor, please contact the Admission Office at (785) 628-5666. We would love to meet with you and see how we can meet your needs.

Licensure in Kansas

Please be advised that nursing licenses may be denied or disciplined by the Kansas State Board of Nursing (KSBN). Possible grounds for action may occur if you have been convicted of any felony or crimes against person that involves an illegal drug offense or a felony conviction for a crime against persons if the KSBN determines that you have not been rehabilitated sufficiently to warrant the public trust. All criminal history must be revealed to and will be evaluated by the KSBN before licensure is granted or denied. The KSBN may also stipulate other requirements before licensure is granted, such as social security information or background checks www.ksbn.org.

The FHSU undergraduate BSN programs (both On-Campus and Hybrid) 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.

https://www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/education/board-of-nursing-licensure-requirements.page

Admission Criteria

Students are admitted to the hybrid pre-licensure BSN nursing program once a year with a start date of the fall semester.  Admission is competitive.  Application materials must be completed and returned to the Department of Nursing (DON) office.  Application cycle opens November 1st, Priority deadline January 1st, Final deadline June 15th.  Applications are taken until the cohort is filled.  Those applying after the cohort is filled will be moved to the next application cycle.  Application information must be received from the Nursing Advisor.  All students transferring courses from other colleges/universities must have an official transcript from each institution sent to the DON before being considered for admission.  Application is required.  A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required at the time of application and at the beginning of the Junior 1 semester start after all transcripts have been received.  The Department of Nursing will review all applications for the hybrid pre-licensure BSN program.  It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is submitted by the due date.

Admission Requirements

1. Application cycle opens November 1st, Priority deadline January 1st, Final deadline June 15th.  Applications are taken until the cohort is filled.  Those applying after the cohort is filled will be moved to the next application cycle.
2. Cumulative GPA 3.00 on 4.00 scale.  The GPA at the time of application will be used for ranking.  GPA checks will occur on August 1st.  All transcripts must be received.
3. Grade of C or above in prerequisite courses (may be currently registered in prerequisite courses at the time of application).
4. Current resume including healthcare experience and completion of the Certified Nurse’s Aide course (CNA) or higher-level certification. Healthcare experience can include work as a CNA, phlebotomist, unit coordinator, pharmacy technician, EMT, etc. Please ask your advisor about work that would count as healthcare experience.
5. Short video (5 minutes or less) with video and sound explaining why the hybrid pre-licensure BSN nursing program would be a good fit for you, what makes you a good candidate for this type of learning, and how you plan to be successful in the hybrid learning format.
6. Applications may be scored using resume and video. Interviews may be required.

Once Admitted to an Undergraduate Pre-Licensure Nursing Program (On-Campus or Hybrid)

1. Applicants who have been selected for admission into the program will receive an official letter of acceptance, which must be returned to the Department of Nursing.
2. 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 maybe accepted).

Progression Policies within the Undergraduate Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs (On-Campus or Hybrid)

1. Throughout the nursing program, students must maintain current nursing liability insurance and personal commercial health insurance. In addition, certification in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from the American Heart Association, and an annual TB skin test. 
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. LPNs complete the courses with junior and senior level content and practice, along with traditional students, using the same clinical laboratories and clinical supervision.

Prior to completing this form students have confirmed they have met with their Nursing Advisor.

Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program Application Form

Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program Application Checklist (attachment) 

All BSN Program Outcomes

A. Integrate knowledge from the sciences and humanities with nursing to provide safe, competent, evidence-based nursing care to clients, families, and populations.

B. Demonstrate leader and followership behaviors in quality improvement and patient safety to improve outcomes in organizations and health care systems.

C. Utilize informatics to plan, deliver, and improve care processes and client outcomes.

D. Analyze legislative, regulatory, and organizational processes relevant to providing health care to clients, families, and populations.

E. Apply evidence-based concepts to improve organizational care processes, and client and population outcomes.

F. Provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary, ethical, and high quality nursing care in global societies.

G. Demonstrate nursing professionalism by using principles of ethics, legal responsibility and accountability to direct professional nursing care clients, families, and populations.

H. Apply the nursing process to provide safe, high quality nursing care for individuals, families, and populations.

Hybrid Pre-Licensure BSN Program Tentative Curriculum Plan - Starting Fall 2025

Freshman & Sophomore Years:

Additional Program Requirements
These may be taken before or after admission to the program.

Other Required General Education Courses

Nursing Electives (Not Required) 

Junior & Senior Years (Nursing Program Courses):

 *120 credit hours are needed to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.*