Nursing (B.S.)

(BSN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Program Advisor: Ann Tierney, MS, RN

413-236-4716 • [e-mail]

This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing, awarded by the University of Massachusetts (UMass), designed for working registered nurses with a diploma or an associate degree, is offered in collaboration with Berkshire Community College. This program is in response to the demand for more nurses with advanced levels of education to meet the needs of today’s healthcare delivery system.

Prerequisite course work for the program may be scheduled over a number of semesters depending on individual student needs. General education and nursing foundation courses must be completed before admission to the nursing major. Many courses taken at BCC will transfer to UMass/Amherst. CLEP and other challenge examinations may be accepted for credit in some areas. Course work completed at colleges or universities other than Berkshire Community College will be reviewed for transfer to the University.

The RN to BS Online and On-site Track meets the needs of registered nurses with other life responsibilities through a curriculum that combines web-based instruction with student- tailored practice. Designed for students with clearly defined career goals, it calls for substantial autonomy in meeting established objectives.

—www.umass.edu/nursing

Graduation Requirements

A minimum of 90 credits are required to complete the program. (See Footnote 1)

Nursing Prerequisite, General Education,

And Electives Courses (See Footnote 2)

-	Nutrition	3
-	Anatomy & Physiology	8
-	Microbiology	4
-	English Composition	3
-	Literature or Fine Arts	3
-	History	3
-	Statistics	3
-	Growth & Development/Life Span	3
-	Abnormal Psychology	3
-	Social World	3
-	Physical Science	3
-	Electives	21
Total Credit Hours:		60

Online Umass/Amherst Nursing Courses

N-290B	Introduction to Health Care Information	3
N-312	Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness	4
N-315	Health & Physical Assessment of Individuals & Families	3
N-317	Writing in Nursing	3
N-415	Community Focus in Nursing	3
N-418	Nurse Process: Families	3
N-420	Introduction to Research in Nursing	3
N-438	Professional Role	3
N-440	Vulnerable & Under-served Populations	3
N-498S	Practicum: Special Populations	2

Completion Options

There are two program format options. (See Footnote 3.) Students may complete this program on a full- or part-time basis as follows. (See Footnote 4.)

One-Year Plan

Summer (Entry Point)

N-312	Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness	4
N-317	Writing in Nursing	3
N-415	Community Focus in Nursing	3
Total Credit Hours:		9

Fall

N-315	Health & Physical Assessment of Individuals & Families	3
N-440	Vulnerable & Under-served Populations	3
N-498S	Practicum: Special Populations	2
Total Credit Hours:		8

Winter

N-290B	Introduction to Health Care Information	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

Spring (Entry Point)

N-420	Introduction to Research in Nursing	3
N-438	Professional Role	3
N-418	Nurse Process: Families	3
Total Credit Hours:		10

Two-Year Plan

Summer I (Entry Point)

N-317	Writing in Nursing	3
N-415	Community Focus in Nursing	3
Total Credit Hours:		6

Fall I

N-440	Vulnerable & Under-served Populations	3
N-498S	Practicum: Special Populations	2
Total Credit Hours:		5

Winter I

N-290B	Introduction to Health Care Information	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

(Take Either Winter I Or Winter II)

SPRING I (Entry Point)

N-418	Nurse Process: Families	3
Total Credit Hours:		4

Summer II

N-312	Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness	4
Total Credit Hours:		3

Fall II

N-315	Health & Physical Assessment of Individuals & Families	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

Winter II

N-290	Introduction to Health Care Information	3
Total Credit Hours:		3

(take either Winter I or Winter II)

Spring II

N-420	Introduction to Research in Nursing	3
N-438	Professional Role	3
Total Credit Hours:		6

Footnotes

1. The 120 credits for graduation are derived as follows:
   1. Nursing Prerequisite, General Education and electives — 60 credits
   2. RN Licensure — 30 credits
   3. RN to BS Track — 30 credits
2. A world/global diversity course is also required. This course may be integrated with a general education or elective course.
3. Two program formats offered:
   1. Online
   2. On-site (face-to-face) at UMass’ Springfield Center
4. There are two admission cycles:
   1. Spring (January)
   2. Summer (June)