Program Overview
Alvernia University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for a career as a skilled and compassionate healthcare provider. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, emphasizing ethical decision-making, patient advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination and are prepared for a wide range of nursing roles in various healthcare settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing at Alvernia University educates students to become skilled, compassionate healthcare providers in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, and disaster relief sites. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, emphasizing ethical decision-making, patient advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration.
Outline:
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program consists of 123 credits, including 61 credits in nursing courses, 31 credits in related sciences, and 31 credits in general education. The program aims to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN examination and entry-level nursing practice.
Nursing Courses:
- Foundations of Professional Nursing Concepts
- Introduction to Nursing Practice: Roles & Responsibilities
- Pharmacology & the Nursing Process
- Nursing in Health and Illness I: Adult Medical-Surgical Clients
- Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
- Nursing in Health & Illness II: Birth & Childhood to Adulthood
- Nursing in Health & Illness III: Behavioral Health & Chronicity
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Nursing in Health and Illness IV: Adult & Geriatric Clients
- Leadership & Ethical Dimensions for Nursing Practice
- Nursing of the Family and Community
- Nursing Role Synthesis Practicum
- Nursing of the Acute & Critically Ill
Related Requirements:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II & Lab
- Clinical Microbiology & Lab
- Pathophysiology
- Nutrition
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Fundamental Lab Techniques
- Introductory Statistics
- Medical Moral Theology
Assessment:
Students are evaluated through a variety of assessment methods, including written exams, quizzes, clinical evaluations, simulation exercises, and presentations. The program emphasizes the achievement of competencies in nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes, as outlined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. A minimum grade of "C+" is required in all nursing courses, and a grade of "C" or better in all related science courses.
Teaching:
The nursing faculty at Alvernia University are highly qualified and experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the nursing field. The program utilizes innovative teaching methods, such as simulation, case studies, and interprofessional learning experiences, to enhance student engagement and retention.
Careers:
Graduates of the BSN program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, including staff nurse in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, school nurse, community health nurse, nurse manager, nurse educator, and nurse researcher. The program also provides a foundation for advanced study in nursing, such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist.
