Nursing (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Advising
Program Advisor: Katie Polchlopek, MSN, RN
413-236-4642 • kpolchlopek@berkshirecc.edu
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 at UMass. 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.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The RN to BSN Advisor works with multiple colleges/universities who offer an RN to BSN pathway. Please contact Katie Polchlopek for information about the various programs offered for students who wish to continue on in their education from RN to BSN.
Graduation Requirements
A minimum of 90 credits are required to complete the program through UMass Amherst. (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
- The 120 credits for graduation are derived as follows:
- Nursing Prerequisite, General Education and electives — 60 credits
- RN Licensure — 30 credits
- RN to BS Track — 30 credits
- A world/global diversity course is also required. This course may be integrated with a general education or elective course.
- Two program formats offered:
- Online
- On-site (face-to-face) at UMass’ Springfield Center
- There are two admission cycles:
- Spring (January)
- Summer (June)