Nursing Bachelor of Science Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing prepares students for professional nursing practice in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, industry, clinics, and public health agencies. Clinical nursing experiences, guided by the Nursing faculty, include inpatient, outpatient, and community-based settings.
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing from Clemson University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
To comply with clinical agency contract requirements and South Carolina law, all students enrolled in nursing courses must meet specific requirements listed in the School of Nursing Student Handbook. There are a number of tracks a student may take to earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing. Detailed information about each of these tracks is available in separate program entries in this catalog:
- BS-Traditional Track students complete the program in four years (eight semesters).
- BS-Accelerated Track students complete the program in three and a half years (eight semesters).
- Students accepted via the First Year Change of Major Track join the BS-Accelerated Track.
- Upper-class change of major students from within Clemson and transfer students from other institutions complete the program with five semesters of nursing classes and a fall graduation.
- Accelerated Second Degree Track students are those students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
- The RNBS Completion Track is for registered nurses who have previously completed an associate’s degree in nursing.
Program Description
The RNBS Completion Track allows a registered nurse (RN) with an Associates Degree in Nursing to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. Part-time and full-time online plans of study are available to meet the needs of working students. The School of Nursing has established relationships with area technical colleges, allowing for a seamless transition to the RNBS Completion Track for a registered nurse with an associates degree.
Credits may be earned through an accelerated track of study, combining transfer credits for selected courses from accredited institutions of higher learning, credit by request for exemption from previously completed nursing courses, and enrollment in courses at Clemson University. Additionally, qualified students may enroll in up to six credits of graduate courses towards a Master’s degree in Nursing.
The RNBS Completion Track focuses on preparing the RN for the role of a baccalaureate-prepared nurse, emphasizing the values of ethical decision making, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and interdisciplinary collegiality. The curriculum expands the RN’s current knowledge base and includes courses in professionalism, community and family nursing, health care genetics, leadership and management, and research.
Entrance Requirements
Students may begin the RNBS Completion Track when all prerequisite courses are completed. Former Clemson University students should contact the School of Nursing via RNBS@clemson.edu for support with the application and acceptance process. All other applicants should apply through the Clemson University Admissions office as transfer students by visiting http://www.clemson.edu/admissions/apply-now.html.
Unofficial transcripts in PDF format from prospective students should be emailed to RNBS@clemson.edu. An unofficial review of coursework will be completed, and students will be notified if additional prerequisite courses are needed.
Along with all other application requirements, official transcript(s) must be emailed to cuadmissions@clemson.edu or sent by mail to: Undergraduate Admissions, 105 Sikes Hall, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-5124.
Students are admitted to the program in fall and spring semesters of each year. To be admitted to the RNBS Completion Track, an applicant must:
- Be a graduate of a nationally accredited registered nursing program;
- Hold a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in their home state;
- Have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.75 on all attempted college courses;
- Have completed all prerequisite courses; and
- Submit unofficial transcript for review.
For more information about the RNBS Completion Track, please visit: http://www.clemson.edu/cbshs/departments/nursing/academics/rn-bs.html.
Curriculum Requirements
Courses are offered exclusively online. A one-day orientation to the program is required prior to beginning classes. This track includes three clinical courses for experiential learning. NURS 4060 , Issues in Professionalism is the first course in the program. Students receive 31 semester hours of credit upon completing NURS 4060 with a grade of B or higher. The course validates nursing knowledge gained from the student’s associate degree program. Students are required to successfully complete 32 semester hours of Clemson University nursing and related courses. The RNBS Completion Track can be completed in 12 months of full-time study.
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