Nursing (RN/BSN) Program, Bachelor of Science
The RN/BSN program is designed for RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing. 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. The curriculum is designed to complete the BSN in 6 quarters. Students who have completed their Associate Degree in Nursing 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.
RN/BSN Nursing Program Admission Requirements
Enrollment into baccalaureate level courses is based on availability of clinical facilities and faculty. Tribal members and American Indian descendants traceable to the second generation receive first preference for admission.
RN/BSN Program Admission Process
Prospective students must complete applications for both Salish Kootenai College and the Nursing Program by June 7, 2025 to be considered for Fall 2025 admission. Students are encouraged to apply online at SKC Admissions (for the SKC college application) and nursing.skc.edu (for the Nursing Program application). Please check the SKC college website (SKC admissions) for documents required to accompany your SKC application.
The following documents must be included in the nursing program application:
The RN/BSN admission committee reviews all applications. Upon completion of application review, students will be notified of the admission committee's decision by June 13, 2025. Students must submit an 'acceptance consent' form by June 27, 2025 in order to secure their place in the Fall Admission cohort. Failure to submit the 'acceptance consent' form by June 27, 2025 will result in forfeiture of the admission.
Additional requirements of a copy of a current Health Care Provider BLS CPR certification, legal document containing a photo (driver's license/passport), and background check must be submitted to the Nursing Department by June 27, 2025. RN/BSN students will ne required to attend an online orientation prior to the start of fall quarter.
Expenses
In addition to SKC tuition and fees, RN/BSN students have costs including program fees, textbooks, professional liability insurance, and background check.
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 SKC Student Nursing Handbook. Handbooks can be found on the nursing website at nursing.skc.edu.
Please note that annual background checks, health history in which a healthcare provider asserts the student is capable of clinical experience, and current annual immunizations are completed are required every year the student is in the nursing program.
Program Delivery
RN/BSN courses are offered as online classes. General education courses are available online or on campus depending on college course schedule. Students will be notified on the first day of the quarter if any of their nursing courses will be meeting synchronously for a day in that 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 Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Clinical Practicum
Two senior nursing courses include clinical preceptorships in an institutional agency. Students are expected to identify a project with a quality improvement or health promotion focus.
End of Program Outcomes
The RN-BSN Program has three end of program outcomes which are measured annually:
- 65% or greater of the students complete the program
- Of the students who complete the program, 65% or greater complete the program within 6 quarters
- 15% or greater of graduates report a promotion or increase in scope of their work position within two years of graduation
RN/BSN Degree Requirements
Fall (RN-BSN Year 1)
| NURS305 | Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS405 | Nursing Informatics | 3 |
| NURS430R | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Native American Studies General Education Open | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
NURS 430 is designated as a course that emphasizes information literacy.
Winter (RN-BSN Year 1)
Spring (RN-BSN Year 1)
Fall (RN-BSN Year 2)
Winter (RN-BSN Year 2)
| NURS355 | Ethics and Issues | 2 |
| NURS444R | Health Promotion, Health Protection, Disease Prevention | 3 |
| NURS450 | Genetics and Genomics for Nurses | 3 |
| NURS469R | Senior Capstone I | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Native American Studies General Education Open | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Spring (RN-BSN Year 2)
| NURS472 | Population Focused Care | 3 |
| NURS499R | Senior Capstone II | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Native American Studies General Education Open | 3 |
| ELECTIVE | Open 3 cr | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Total BSN Degree Credits: 180