Nursing (RN/BSN) Program, Bachelor of Science
The RN/BSN program is designed for RNs with an associate degree. Diploma certificate RNs may be accepted with approval. It builds upon associate degree coursework to expand the level, complexity, and scope of RN practice to provide clinical leadership and care for individuals, families, and populations. RN students are admitted to the program at the upper division level. Coursework may be completed with full-time or part-time enrollment.
The Admission Process
The RN/BSN application packet and all supporting documents must be received by the SKC Nursing Department on the following dates annually to be considered for enrollment in RN/BSN courses.
Fall admissions: June 15th
Spring Admissions: February 15th
Students may apply for:
- Full-time or part-time plans of study.
- For those students wishing to attend school part-time, courses (NSGD 444, NSGD 428, NSGD 438, NSGD 439) must be taken in sequence the final year.
- NSGD 305 and 405 are pre-requisites for all other RN-BSN NSGD courses.
- Must have an unencumbered RN License.
Student Learning Outcomes
The RN/BSN Degree Program encompasses the four competencies of critical thinking, communication, culturally congruent care, and citizenship.
Upon completion of the RN/BSN program, graduates will be able to:
- Critical thinking- Utilize critical thinking, nursing theory, and research to support decision making in nursing practice.
- Communication- Incorporate information literacy, effective communication strategies, and analysis of nursing knowledge to provide effective community based care.
- Culturally Congruent Care- Provide culturally congruent care to utilize advocacy in improving the effectiveness of health care systems.
- Citizenship- Demonstrate citizenship, leadership, social consciousness, and commitment to improve the quality of life for Native American and rural communities.
Admission Documents
Application documents include:
- Nursing Department application
- Official copy of high school and college transcripts, send directly to the Enrollment Services Department.
SKC Enrollment Services
PO Box 70
Pablo, MT 59855
- Copy of current unencumbered RN license
- BSN advisors are available throughout the academic year for assistance with the admission process. Please call 406-275-4922 for further information.
- A GPA of 2.5 or greater for lower division general education and nursing coursework.
- Application forms may be obtained from the Nursing Department or online at nursing.skc.edu.
The Acceptance Process
Enrollment into baccalaureate level courses is based on availability of clinical facilities and faculty. The RN/BSN admission committee reviews all applications. Tribal members and American Indian descendants traceable to the second generation receive first preference for admission. RN/BSN students will be sent written notification of acceptance status into the RN/BSN program postmarked by July 10th for Fall Admissions and March 1st for Spring Admissions.
The following information must be turned in to the Nursing Department after acceptance into the RN/BSN Program
- A signed Admission Acceptance Disclaimer form that outlines colleague responsibilities.
- Documentation of health insurance, IHS beneficiary status, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage
- Documentation of current Health Care Provider CPR certification
- A legal document containing photo such as driver’s license or passport
- A current criminal background check, unless student has had one within the past year.
- RN/BSN students must attend a required orientation prior to the beginning of classes.
- A completed Health Form, documenting health status, immunizations, skin tests, and ability to meet physical and mental essential abilities criteria for nursing practice.
- Immunizations are required by clinical agencies; therefore, strict adherence to immunization deadlines will be enforced.
Expenses
In addition to SKC tuition and fees, RN/BSN nursing students have significant costs including laboratory, program fees, textbooks, lab coat, nametag, health insurance, background checks, drug screens, and clinical travel. A written list of nursing program expenses may be obtained at the Nursing Department.
Nursing Department Policies
Due to the unique nature of the nursing profession, the Nursing Department maintains policies in addition to those of the college. The policies are available in the RN/BSN Student Handbook. Examples include admission, progression, readmission, professional behavior, and grading policies.
Program Delivery
BSN courses are offered as hybrid campus/online or online classes. General education courses are available online or on campus. Hybrid courses require weekly online activities and mandatory all day campus or online sessions scheduled one to three times a quarter. Approximately 6 to 20 hours per week is required for on-line activities. Students must have access to a computer and high-speed Internet service. Students are required to have a MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Students may choose to access these services on SKC campus if desired.
Clinical Practicum
Two senior nursing courses include clinical preceptorships in institutional or community-based agencies. Students are expected to identify a project either with a quality improvement or health promotion focus. Students will arrange their own preceptorships with faculty approval. A total of 162 precepted clinical hours are required for the program.
Graduation Requirements
General Education Requirements
Upper Division Nursing Electives
Choose at least three courses; a minimum of 9 credits are required.
RN/BSN Recommended Course Schedule
Fall (BSN Year 1)
| ENGL306 | Writing Research Papers | 3 |
| NSGD305 | Transition into BSN | 3 |
| NSGD 405 | Nursing Theory | 3 |
ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Winter (BSN Year 1)
Spring (BSN Year 1)
Fall (BSN Year 2)
Winter (BSN Year 2)
| NSGD 428 | RN-BSN Practicum I | 5 |
| NSGD 444 | Health Promotion | 4 |
| NSGD 448 | Nursing Assessment with Pathophysiological and Pharmacological Concepts | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
Spring (BSN Year 2)
| NSGD 438 | RN-BSN Practicum II | 5 |
| NSGD 439 | Population Focused Care | 4 |
| NSGD | Nursing Upper Division Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
**Students may wish to earn their BSN degree in nursing on a part time basis. In that case, students are encouraged to meet with their advisor to ensure appropriate sequence of taking their coursework.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Total General Education Credits: 63
Total Nursing Credits: 117
Total Degree Credits: 180