Nursing: RN Program

Program Requirements

Nursing RN, BSN Program Checksheet

Includes:

• Major Courses and General Education Courses
• Admission and Transfer Requirements
• Graduation Requirements

Why Choose Nursing?

Nursing is the largest health care profession with workforce shortages anticipated for the next two decades. Earnings are above average, particularly for advanced practice nurses who have additional education and certifications. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Ferris are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a registered nurse.

Registered Nurses (RNs) with the BSN degree are preferentially hired in a variety of health care settings because they are prepared to provide nursing care for a wide variety of patient populations. The Registered Nursing BSN program at Ferris prepares nurses to promote health, prevent disease and to help patients cope with a variety of health problems. RNs with a BSN degree can anticipate opportunities in hospital nursing with positions to include medical, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatric, emergency or intensive care units. RNs can also work in a variety ambulatory care settings such as clinics, emergency medical centers, surgicenters and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or in long-term care settings. In addition, BSN prepared RNs can also expand their clinical practice to community settings such as Public Health, home care, hospice or school nursing. BSN prepared RNs are also educated to assume entry level management positions in the health care system.

Students in the Ferris Nursing program engage in a learner-centered approach to the study of nursing theory and skills in the classroom, online and state of the art nursing skills laboratories while also having the opportunity to practice direct patient care in hospital and community settings under the guidance of clinically expert faculty. The nursing program at Ferris is a five semester professional sequence that follows the equivalent of one year of pre-requisite coursework and is intended for traditional students who have not earned a college degree. Graduates are eligible to write the licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse. In addition, graduates of the BSN program can continue their education in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Ferris or at another University setting.

Career Opportunities

Due to the current and projected nursing shortage, faster than average growth is expected through the year 2020 and beyond. This increased need is based on industry growth and the projected replacement of existing practicing nurses.

Average full-time RNs earn $22 - $50 per hour nationally. The median annual salary for a full-time staff RN in 2018 was $71,730. Advanced practice nurses with education beyond the BSN can earn salaries up to $115,000 per year, depending on the specialty and location of employment.

More Information

College of Health Professions
Ferris State University
200 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307
231-591-2270
[email protected]

This program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN.) http://acenursing.org

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing publishes a variety of nursing and nursing education materials, including a list of nursing programs and information on student financial aid. For a complete list of ACEN publications, please direct your request to:

Communications Department
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000
FAX: 404-975-5020
www.acenursing.org