Registered nurses wanting to earn a bachelor of science in nursing degree, but do not have time to attend traditional classes, now have the option to earn their degree on-line with the newly accredited R.N. to B.S.N. Completion Program offered by the Department of Nursing at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia.
“The on-line program is intended for working, non-traditional students,” said Dr. Bernadette Fincher, chair of the Department of Nursing. “Students will have, at most, to visit the campus two to three times a semester. Because the courses are offered online, students are able to study and participate in class discussions anytime day or night, according to the student’s schedule.”
The clinical component of the program may be carried out within the student’s home region under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Instructors from the Department of Nursing will travel to each student’s area to check on the progress of their work.
“We know nurses have to work, and we are striving to accommodate the needs of those individuals,” said Fincher.
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission recently informed the Department of Nursing that it received full accreditation.
“The nursing faculty, as well as faculty and staff from numerous other departments, arduously worked for this accreditation, but it was well worth it,” said Fincher. “We received the full five-year accreditation with no deficiencies or recommendation for change in the new program.”
With this new program continuing in the fall, Fincher looks to the future to the Department of Nursing at SAU.
“I look for us to continue to grow and eventually become a School of Nursing at the University,” said Fincher. “We envision a master’s degree in nursing within the next few years.”
The Department will accept applications through Tuesday, Aug. 22, for the program.
“We have a quality program with excellent faculty and administrative support,” said Fincher. “We have hired additional faculty in anticipation of more students enrolling in the programs.”
For more information about the new RN to BSN Completion Program offered by the Department of Nursing at SAU, visit the website at www.saumag.edu.
