Academic Catalog

RN-BSN Completion (BSNC)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN-BSN Completion Program at Gordon State College is designed for the registered nurse who already has an associate’s degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing. The Gordon State College RN-BSN is part of a cooperative academic arrangement with other University System of Georgia (USG) institutions that facilitates the utilization of resources by offering some of the required RN-BSN courses through eCampus. USG eCampus is a service unit of the University System of Georgia that assists SACSCOC-accredited USG institutions in administering online degrees and credentials that address the workplace needs of Georgia. 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for acceptance into the nursing program, students must have:  

  1. Acceptance to Gordon State College 
  2. Be a graduate of an accredited associate degree or diploma program in nursing
  3. Proof of unencumbered RN Licensure 
  4. Minimum overall/cumulative GPA of 2.5 
  5. Ideally students should complete all prerequisite core curriculum course work with a grade of “C” or higher by the beginning of the RN-BSN program. However, a student will be allowed to submit an application with a maximum of 4 hours of CORE outstanding with the understanding that the CORE will be complete by the second semester of the RN-BSN program.
  6. If the student is an international student whose native language is not English and who did not receive a nursing degree from an accredited U. S. institution, the student must submit scores, not more than two years old, on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Official TOEFL scores of 550 paper-based, 213 computerbased, or 79 internet-based are required. 
  7. Ability to meet Department of Nursing Core Performance Standards. 

Self-managed nursing applications are available online only during selective periods from the Department of Nursing website. Application deadlines are posted online.

Progression / Readmission Policy 

To progress through the nursing program, the student must attain a “C” (75%) or better to pass any nursing course and have satisfactory clinical performance. If a student withdraws from one nursing course, they must withdraw from all nursing courses within the same semester. 

A student may apply for readmission to the Gordon State College Nursing Program one time only under the following conditions:

  1. The student has not previously failed or withdrawn from another nursing course, semester, or program.
  2. The student failed the required course(s) for one semester of the nursing program with a grade of “D” 68 - 74.99, OR the student withdrew from the semester with a grade of W. (Students that fail any nursing course(s) with an “F” 67.99 or less, are not eligible to return to the nursing program.)
  3. The student has no written disciplinary actions on file that may establish a pattern of unprofessional behavior. 

If the student meets the above criteria, the student may appeal to return to the semester they failed or withdrew. To appeal, the student must submit an academic request form to the department no later than midterm of the following semester. The student must return to the semester within one calendar year of the failed attempt. Readmission will be dependent on the outcome of the appeal and seat availability/clinical capacity. This policy is in effect no matter where in the program the student is unsuccessful, and for all Gordon State College nursing programs. The student may be required to sign a contract outlining requirements to be readmitted into the nursing program.

Graduation Requirements  

  1. Completion of the University System of Georgia Core Curriculum (including history and constitution requirements) 
  2. Successful completion of all RN-BSN nursing courses with a minimum grade of 75% 
  3. Successful completion of 121 total semester hours which includes: 
    • 60 semester hours USG IMPACTS core curriculum
    • 32 hours of articulation credit from an accredited associate or diploma program in nursing  
    • 28 hours of upper division nursing credit
    • 1 semester hour of GSC requirements (PHED)

Clinical Assignments 

All candidates may be required to participate in clinical experiences to meet specific course requirements in the RN-BSN Completion Program. Students must comply with requirements such as obtaining required immunizations, background checks, and drug screens to be eligible to attend clinical. If a student is denied a clinical experience at one clinical agency because of findings in the student’s criminal background check or drug screen, the clinical requirements for that course cannot be met. The student would then not be able to successfully complete the course; therefore, withdrawal from the program would be required. Gordon State College has no way of knowing or controlling who will be permitted to have clinical experiences in the agencies. 

Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Plan  

Gordon State College supports the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation model for entry and progression through the program. The registered nurse articulating to the baccalaureate level will be awarded 32 semester hours accrued from their previous associate or diploma degree. These credits will be held in escrow until the baccalaureate candidate successfully completes 7 semester hours of RN-BSN nursing credit at Gordon State College. Credits held in escrow will then be added to the student’s transcript. 

Policy for RN student who graduated more than 4 years ago and has not practiced as a Registered Nurse for at least 1000 hours (approximately 6 months) during the past three years: 

  1. Student must meet with the Dean and the Director of Nursing prior to the first semester and first day of class for the RN-BSN program. 
  2. Student must pass an exam consisting of medical-surgical and pediatric content with a 75% or higher accuracy. 
  3. Student must pass a skills check-off of common nursing skills. 
  4. Student must pass NURS 3397 Health Assessment and NURS 3398 Health Assessment Clinical with 75% or higher and/or Satisfactory in a clinical course within the first semester of the RN-BSN program.