School of Nursing
Nursing Student Handbook
Admission Standards
RN/BSN Completion Track
The RN-BSN track is available for registered nurses who are graduates of associate degree or diploma nursing programs. Clayton State participates in the Georgia Statewide Articulation Model.
The program is designed to prepare graduates to practice professional nursing in diverse health/illness settings, including the hospital, public health home, clinic, hospice, industry, and community. Progression through the track is possible on a full-time or part-time basis. Flexible schedules are designed to facilitate the educational efforts of the working RN. Core and elective classes are offered during the day and evening. Some classes are offered on weekends. Alternative format and online course options are also available.
The track offers a flexible curriculum that builds upon previously attained knowledge and experience and recognizes the unique educational needs and abilities of the adult learner. Educational experiences are provided to facilitate the registered nurse in expanding the scope of his or her practice in a rapidly changing society and health care delivery system. Upper division course work in nursing includes content in leadership/management, health assessment, community health nursing, nursing theory, interpersonal communication, current issues/trends, nursing research, as well as provides an opportunity to select from a variety of electives and clinical experiences to meet personal learning goals. Nursing and general college course offerings promote critical thinking, interactive communication, expanded role development, and leadership skills, as well as a sensitive and analytical perception of self, the human condition, and the world.
Eligibility Requirements
Admission requirements for the RN-BSN Completion Track shall include but not be limited to the following:
- Candidates must hold valid unrestricted licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Georgia and must have evidence of current professional nursing practice.
- Candidates must have a minimum overall grade point average of 2.50 on all college level work attempted and have completed a minimum of 48 of the 60 required semester credit hours of core curriculum Areas A-F and the transition course Pathophysiology with a grade of 'C' or better in all natural and behavioral science and math courses at the time of application.
- Candidates must pass both sections of the Regent’s Test as prerequisite to entry into the BSN program. Those candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree are exempt from this requirement but must demonstrate writing competency in another assessment format.
- Candidates must satisfy the Legislative Requirement of the University System of Georgia as prerequisite to entry into the BSN program. This requirement is normally met by taking POLS 1101 and HIST 2111 or 2112 in Area E of the core curriculum. Alternative methods to meet this requirement include passing CITZ 1001 Citizenship at Clayton State University. Refer to Clayton State University Catalog for complete details on the Georgia and U.S. Constitution and History Requirement.
- Candidates who are international graduates and/or registered nurses who have been professionally inactive for four or more years and graduates of non-accredited programs may be required to validate nursing knowledge prior to acceptance and enrollment in nursing coursework. The Admission and Progression Committee reviews all international students are reviewed on an individual basis to determine program eligibility.
- Candidates who have been dismissed from another nursing education program are ineligible for admission to either track of the BSN program.
- Candidates to both tracks of the BSN program are expected to meet the Performance Standards for Baccalaureate Degree Nursing and may be required to submit evidence of overall health status consistent with these standards.
Admissions Requirements
Candidates to the BSN program must meet the admission requirements of Clayton State University, however admission to Clayton State University does not constitute admission to the School of Nursing. The admission requirements shall include a completed nursing program application, official ACT/SAT score, if applicable, health records, and transcripts of previous academic work. These are to be submitted to the School of Nursing.
Admission requirements for the RN-BSN track are:
- Admission to Clayton State University is prerequisite to admission to the BSN program. Transfer students must meet the admission requirements of Clayton State University and provide official transcripts from all previously attended institutions including prior nursing education, requested immunization records and other supporting documentation as requested. After acceptance into the university, applicants are to schedule an appointment with the departmental program advisor.
- When ready to enter the major, submit the RN-BSN application. Applications can be obtained from the Business & Health Sciences Building, Room 61 or call at (678) 466-4900.
- Specific programmatic admission requirements are:
- Evidence of graduation from a state board-approved associate degree or diploma nursing program must be documented with official transcripts. Transfer students who have been dismissed form another nursing education program are ineligible for admission to either track of the BSN program.
- Candidates requesting admission under the advanced placement option must show evidence of award of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution at the time of application. Candidates under this category are exempt from areas A-E of the University System of Georgia core curriculum. Prior to application, these candidates must satisfy area F requirements and the transition course Pathophysiology.
- Evidence of current unrestricted licensure as a registered nurse in Georgia. If the license is limited or restricted, the potential applicant must disclose the terms of the consent order and any restriction on practice as a condition of admission.
- Completion of all lower division core requirements, Area F and HSCI 3201
- Successful completion of the Regents Test or any other legislative requirements.
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or greater.
- Evidence of satisfactory health status, AHA CPR certification, malpractice insurance, health insurance, and immunizations.
RN-BSN Program Specific Progression requirements are:
- Students may not register for any nursing courses except (NURS 3201/3202 and NURS 3110/COMM 3110) until they have been formally been admitted into the RN-BSN nursing program.
- RN/ BSN students with a one-year or greater break in the completion of their program of study must request in writing to return to the program. They will also be required to complete the Clayton State University short application form. The Admission and Progression Committee will review the request.
- Consistent with university requirements, RN-BSN program students must adhere to the laptop policies. Any online courses require students to bring a laptop computer to orientation.