“BSNin4”- New Program Offers Direct Path to BSN

New Program Offers a Direct Path to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

To meet the growing demand for nurses now and in the future, SCF is offering students an opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree in four years while also receiving an Associate in Science in nursing (ASN) and RN licensure while they are completing the program. The “BSNin4” is a unique program offered to first-time-in- college students and comes with stringent requirements. The program is already highly competitive. More than 80 students applied for acceptance into the program this fall, and about 30 of those met all the qualifications, including foreign language requirements and advanced math. SCF accepted the top 25 percent. Program leaders hope to double the number of students accepted into the program next year and ensure that the first group of students are on a path to success in the rigorous, year-round program. During the first two semesters, students must take all nine of the pre-nursing courses. Over the summer, they take one more required course, along with two electives. Incoming freshmen join a peer-support group with other “BSNin4” students when they are admitted. SCF tracks the group’s progress through the program and provides the appropriate services as needed. SCF is committed to student success, working with students to help them obtain grants, loans, scholarships and part-time employment. As part of this groundbreaking program, SCF will offer loan forgiveness to students who borrow the funds to complete their Summer 2 term and continue the four-year program and graduate on time. Students who graduate from the ASN program in the spring of their third year may sit for the certification exam to obtain their RN so they can begin their nursing careers, something traditional BSN programs don’t allow. During the fall of their fourth year, students begin the BSN program full time. While there are 12 consecutive semesters in the program with no summers off, the BSN courses are available online allowing RNs to work as they complete the BSN portion of their degree. Helping nurses earn BSN and higher degrees is vital as a growing number of baby boomers retire and there are fewer qualified nurses to take their place. The additional education better prepares registered nurses for the increasing complexity of medical technologies and treatments. It also gives them the confidence and leadership to assess and improve care.

The “BSNin4” program offers a “Freshman Guarantee,” promising students who earn a 3.5 GPA or higher in the first year of the program guaranteed acceptance. No other institution in the region offers such a guarantee, providing peace of mind to students that their pathway to a BSN is achievable.