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. The RN/BSN program 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. Students who have completed their associate's degree at other institutions and wish to enroll in SKC's RN/BSN program may need to take additional courses to meet the program requirements. Advisors will work closely with students in order to develop an optimum program of study.
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 1
Students may apply for:
- Full-time or part-time plans of study.
- For those students wishing to attend school part-time, courses (NSGD 428 and NSGD 438) must be taken in sequence the final year.
- 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 reduce healthcare outcome disparities.
- Citizenship- Demonstrate citizenship, leadership, social consciousness, and commitment to improve the quality of life for Native American and rural communities.
Admission Documents
There are two separate departments on campus that you will need to send documentation to:
The first department is Enrollment Services:
- SKC application (found online at www.skc.edu)
- Official high school and college transcripts.
Please send to: SKC Enrollment Services PO Box 70 Pablo, MT 59855
The second department is the Nursing Department:
-
unofficial high school and college transcripts
- copy of unencumbered RN license
Please send to: SKC Nursing Department PO Box 70 Pablo, MT 59855
BSN advisors are available throughout the academic year for assistance with admission processes. Please call (406) 275-4922 for further information.
A GPA of 2.5 or greater for lower division general education and nursing coursework is required.
Application forms may be obtained 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 1 for the Fall admission.
The following information must be turned in to the Nursing Department after acceptance into the RN/BSN Program by August 1. Failure to do so will result in the student's forfeiting the acceptance/ admission status.
- A signed Admission Acceptance Disclaimer form that outlines student 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 two years.
- 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.
Expenses
In addition to SKC tuition and fees, RN/BSN nursing students have costs including laboratory, program fees, textbooks, lab coat, nametag, health insurance, background checks, drug screens, and clinical travel.
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. Students must have access to a computer equipped with a webcam and a microphone; high-speed Internet service is also required. Students are required to have a MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
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 160 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 in upper division nursing electives are required.
| NSGD 350 | Issues in American Indian Health | 3 |
| NSGD 384 | Health and Humanities | 3 |
| NSGD 402 | Palliative Care | 3 |
| NSGD449 | Pain Management for Nurses | 3 |
| NSGD471 | Health Disparities of Vulnerable Populations | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Full Time Course Schedule
This course schedule is for full time RN/BSN students who have completed the General Education and Upper Division BSN Electives. With the completion of these general education and electives, the student can complete the RN-BSN in one year of full time credit load.
Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
| NSGD 428 | RN-BSN Practicum I | 5 |
| NSGD 441 | Global Health | 3 |
| NSGD 443 | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| NSGD 444 | Health Promotion | 4 |
| NSGD 448 | Nursing Assessment with Pathophysiological and Pharmacological Concepts | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Spring Quarter
RN/BSN Recommended Course Schedule for Part Time students
**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.
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 |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Total ASN Degree Credits: 104
Total RN-BSN General Education and Elective Credits: 28
Total Required RN-BSN Nursing Credits: 48
Total BSN Degree Credits: 180