Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing | Programs | Health Professions Mission

Program Profile: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

Program Description

Name of program: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing

Program Overview: The Idaho State University School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing. The baccalaureate degree is a critical first step for a career in professional nursing. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, recognize the baccalaureate degree as the minimum educational requirement for a professional nursing practice. Nurse executives, federal agencies, the military, leading nursing organizations, health care foundations, community hospitals, public health agencies and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate-prepared nurses bring to the practice setting. The Idaho State University School of Nursing offers three undergraduate degree options which include the traditional baccalaureate degree program, the accelerated program, and the BS completion program.

Accreditation

The Idaho State University School of Nursing baccalaureate nursing programs are fully accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Highlights

The Traditional Baccalaureate Degree is well-suited to students with no prior nursing experience who are seeking their first degree in nursing. The Traditional program provides learning opportunities for undergraduate students in a variety of classroom and clinical settings to prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) to secure licensure as a professional nurse. Earning a Baccalaureate degree (BS) in nursing from Idaho State University requires students to earn 128 credits which are completed over a minimum of four years. Students take general education and nursing prerequisite courses their first year at the university. Then students must apply and be accepted into the baccalaureate nursing program to complete their program of study.

The Accelerated Program is located in Boise, Idaho and is designed for college graduates who hold a baccalaureate degree in another field from an accredited institution and have completed all nursing prerequisites. Four semesters are completed prior to earning the BS in Nursing degree. For more information on Boise Fast Track visit: www.isu.edu/nursing or make an appointment to speak with the Boise Fast Track advisor at (208) 373-1785. The fast track option is not currently available in Pocatello.

The BS Completion Program for Associate Degree Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses is available for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who want to continue their education to obtain a baccalaureate degree. The BS Completion Program offers unique opportunities for associate degree nurses and licensed practical nurses advanced knowledge and skills to function at the baccalaureate degree level. An individualized program of study is developed for each student when they are accepted to the BS Completion Program.

About the Profession

A nurse with baccalaureate degree is well-prepared to meet the demands placed on professional nurses in today's society. Baccalaureate prepared nurses from Idaho State University are prized for their skills in communication, critical thinking, professionalism, leadership, and health promotion. As graduates of the Idaho State University School of Nursing, graduates are fully prepared to practice across a variety of inpatient, outpatient and community settings.

Potential Salary: Graduates from the ISU School of Nursing baccalaureate program are able to find exciting career opportunities in health care settings throughout the nation. Salary is affected by geographic location and employment setting and can range from $30,000 - $60,000 per year.

Potential Salary: $30,000 - $60,000

Faculty

16 full-time faculty, 1 clinical faculty and 50 clinical sites. Full-time faculty are responsible for teaching students necessary nursing skills and abilities to be competent and effective professional nurses. In the clinical settings, faculty ratios of 10:1 provide students the individualized attention they need to be able to master all aspects of professional nursing practice in a variety of settings.

Class Size

Fixed Seats: Yes

Number of traditional program students in entering class: 70

Number of accelerated program students in entering class: 30

Number of BS completion program students in entering class: 20

Total number of traditional students enrolled in program: 200

Total number of accelerated students enrolled in program: 50

Total number of BS completion students enrolled in program: 65

Length of Program

Number of academic years needed to complete the program: Five (5) semesters of full-time study are required for the traditional program and 4 semesters of full-time study are required for the accelerated program. The BS Completion program is individualized to meet the needs of each student and students may be required to take 2-5 semesters of full-time study to complete course requirements.

Locations

Locations offered: The traditional program is located in the Pocatello and Idaho Falls regions. The accelerated program is located in Boise. The BS Completion program is located in the Twin Falls, Pocatello and Idaho Falls regions.

Program offered fully online? No

Program delivered through distance presentation? Yes

Prerequisites

Required Degree: None

Costs

Tuition: Annual tuition set by University for residents or non-residents.

Professional fees: Class fees are assessed for each nursing semester course and vary from $75.00 to $125.00.

Equipment: None

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarship Deadline: The deadline for scholarship applications varies. Contact the Scholarship Office for detailed information.

Financial Aid Deadline: The deadline for financial aid varies. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information.

Other Information: Undergraduate students are eligible for numerous university-wide scholarships as well as many nursing specific scholarships. Contact the university Financial Aid office for additional information.

How to Apply

Application Deadline: September 15, for traditional and accelerated students. There is open enrollment for RN Students who are applying to the BS Completion Program.

Program Start Date: Spring semester for traditional and accelerated students. Open start date for RN Students who are completing the BS Completion program (based on course availability and acceptance date).

Other Information: For LPNs the admissions process is the same as for other students. Once admitted to the program, LPNs are typically awarded credit for "transition courses" by submitting a petition. (Student must pay for these credit hours). LPNs progress through the BS program just as other students; however, the number of credit hours taken each semester is reduced.

Registered Nurses with an Associates degree who would like to obtain the Bachelors degree may apply to the "RN Completion Program". Applications to this program are accepted during fall, spring, or summer of each academic year.

Special note: RNs and LPNs must have a current license to practice as such at the time of application.