Millikin University's School of Nursing within the College of Professional Studies is launching a new Online RN to BSN degree program with classes beginning Aug. 22, 2016. The program has been re-designed to fit the schedules of busy registered nurses who want to advance their educational and career options by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Graduates of the Online RN to BSN degree program are prepared to move into nursing leadership positions, continue their education to become advanced practice nurses or move into other fields such as medicine or business. The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or a part-time option is also available.
"I think there's a misconception out there that online offerings aren't as rigorous – that's not the case," said Dr. Marcena Gabrielson, Millikin's Online RN to BSN coordinator. "They're on par with face-to-face. The point of offering the class isn't to make it easier; it's to make it more accessible for students who can't make it to evening classes."
The School of Nursing recognizes that currently licensed registered nurses bring rich individual experiences and strengths on which the program builds. The 124 semester credit hours required for the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing includes major course requirements, pre-requisite requirements, university studies requirements and electives.
Online RN to BSN courses meet the BSN educational requirements but also support the rich knowledge and practice experience of RN students. Dedicated Millikin faculty members will create opportunities for students to practice new skills in real health care settings. Students will be paired with nursing leaders to plan and implement change projects that improve patient outcomes in health care organizations.
In reference to the RN to BSN program offered through Millikin's PACE program, Dr. Pam Lindsey, director of Millikin's School of Nursing says, "That program is offered for registered nurses who have typically graduated from an associate degree program at a community college, and they're wanting to go on to complete their bachelor's degree. Almost all of them are working full time with family obligations, so the evening format doesn't always fit them."
Lindsey said the advantage of Millikin's program is that it provides the online experience but still has the traditional staff that online-only universities don't.
"We still have a brick-and-mortar place with faculty advisers they can meet with if they want to come on campus and meet with someone face-to-face," Lindsey said. "They can have that personal relationship with the faculty if they choose to."
For more information on Millikin's Online RN to BSN degree program, visit millikin.edu/rn-bsn.
Millikin University's School of Nursing fosters the development of women and men in a community of life-long learners who are able to envision and shape the future of health care and compose a personal life of meaning and value. The framework for the nursing curricula at Millikin incorporates the School of Nursing mission, goals and outcomes under the core concepts of person, nursing, environment and health. For more information, visit millikin.edu/nursing.
Click here to read more about the program in an article from the Herald & Review.