The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers a program of study which combines general education courses with professional nursing theory and clinical education. The program prepares the graduates for the role of the professional nurse and provides a foundation for graduate study. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. The BSN also has a post-licensure (RN track also known as RN-BSN) component where graduates of associate degree and diploma nursing programs may pursue the baccalaureate degree. The baccalaureate nursing program at Morehead State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, phone 202-887-8476. The baccalaureate nursing program is also approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
Program Competencies
Upon completion of the Baccalaureate Nursing Program (BNP), the graduate will be able to demonstrate the role of the professional nurse by:
- Demonstrating the application of critical thinking skills through the nursing process in the planning and provision of nursing care.
- Communicating effectively in a variety of spoken, written and technological formats.
- Demonstrating competence, initiative and commitment to the nursing profession.
- Integrating current scientific knowledge, nursing theory and nursing research to deliver quality healthcare in accordance with the ANA Standards of Care and Code of Ethics for Nurses.
- Assuming leadership roles within interdisciplinary healthcare teams and the profession of nursing.
- Providing compassionate, sensitive, spiritual and culturally appropriate nursing care for patients at any stage of the life span.
- Analyzing global issues in the context of cultural diversity.
- Creating a health care environment that is conducive to wellness and health promotion.
Assessment Procedures
Course and program outcomes are assessed by formative and summative standardized testing, evaluation of clinical and campus lab experiences and graduate performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Students complete standardized testing at the completion of selected courses within the curriculum to evaluate specific outcomes. See Standardized Testing Policies located in the Department of Nursing Student Handbook and undergraduate catalog for details regarding the administration of standardized exams across the Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate Nursing Program (BNP) curriculum and Post-Licensure (RN-BSN) curriculum.
Pre-licensure Baccalaureate Nursing program students must successfully complete the HESI RN Exit Exam with a minimum score of 850 in order to meet course requirements for NURB 499C: Advanced Nursing Practicum. Following graduation, each prelicensure student must complete the NCLEX-RN to gain licensure as a registered nurse.
Additional assessment procedures include baccalaureate nursing program surveys of graduates and employers.
Fees and Expenses
There are fees and expenses specific to the Department of Nursing in addition to those required by the University. These fees are subject to change without prior notification. See Tuition and Fee Information for general university fees and expenses.
BNP Prelicensure
The BNP has a selective admission procedure. Enrollment in the program is limited. In the event there are more qualified applicants than available positions, students with the highest GPA will be accepted.
BNP Prelicensure Application Procedure
- Be unconditionally admitted to MSU.
- Declare nursing as an area of study.
- Meet with assigned nursing faculty advisor
- Enroll in required pre-nursing courses as outlined in the BNP curriculum sequence.
- Submit a completed application packet to the Baccalaureate Nursing Program. The application packet includes:
- Completed BNP application.
- Copy of high school transcript(s).
- GED validation if applicable.
- Transcript from MSU and a copy of transcripts from all universities and colleges attended, if courses not listed on MSU transcript.
- Nursing transfer student: in addition to the above materials must submit:
- University undergraduate catalog(s) if transfer credit is sought;
- Syllabi for nursing course(s) to be evaluated for transfer credit; and
- Written letter of recommendation from the director/coordinator of the nursing program from which the student is transferring.
- Copy of midterm grades for spring semester if applicable.
- Student selection process occurs during the spring semester preceding fall admission.
- Students transferring from other nursing programs must follow the same admission procedure and meet the same criteria for admission. The student who has completed nursing courses in another program may be eligible for advanced placement. For consideration of placement into a spring semester of the curriculum sequence, application materials must be submitted by Sept. 1 of the preceding semester.
- Students are officially admitted to the BNP in the fall semester of the sophomore year of the curriculum sequence.
- To be considered for official admission to the prelicensure component of the BNP, all materials must be submitted to the address below before March 15 preceding fall admission to the program:
Academic Counseling Coordinator
Baccalaureate Nursing Program
Department of Nursing
Morehead State University
Center for Health, Education and Research (CHER) Suite 201
Morehead, KY 40351
Information related to required tuition and fees may be obtained from Morehead State University, Office of Enrollment Services.
BNP Prelicensure Admission Criteria
The BNP has a selective admission procedure. Enrollment in the program is limited. In the event there are more qualified applicants than available positions, students with the highest GPA will be accepted. Applicants to the BNP are selected based upon the following criteria:
1. Completion of the 31-33 credit hours of the required pre-nursing courses:
| BIOL 234 | Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| | or | |
| BIOL 244 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| BIOL 244A | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| ENG 100 | Writing I | 3 |
| | MATH Core | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
| PSY 154 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| | | |
| BIOL 235 | Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | or | |
| BIOL 245 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| BIOL 245A | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | | |
| COMS 108 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 |
| ENG 200 | Writing II | 3 |
| CHEM 101 | Survey of Chemistry | 4 |
| | SBS I elective | 3 |
2. ACT
Submission of American College Test (ACT) score with a mandatory minimum composite of 20 or higher.
3. GPA
A GPA of 3.0 or above (with no rounding) based on the required 31-33 credits with no grade being less than a "C."
4. Minimum GPA
A minimum GPA of 2.5 or above for one of the following:
| BIOL 234 | Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| BIOL 235 | Principles of Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| | and | |
| MATH 135 | Mathematics for Technical Students | 3 |
| | | |
| | or | |
| | | |
| BIOL 244 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 3 |
| BIOL 244A | Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 245 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 3 |
| BIOL 245A | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lab | 1 |
| | and | |
| MATH 135 | Mathematics for Technical Students | 3 |
5. Eligibility
More than two failures of any two required courses within three years of application to the program will result in ineligibility for admission. Students with course failures prior to the three-year period will be considered for admission if the student has demonstrated satisfactory academic progress ("C" or above in required courses) since the course failures. Full-time study for two consecutive semesters will be required to evaluate academic status. At least two-thirds of these credit hours must be in program required general education or support courses. This policy also applies to transfer students.
6. Currently enrolled applicants
Applicants who are currently enrolled but have not yet completed the required 16 semester hours of the second semester are eligible for conditional acceptance based on midterm grades. A copy of current midterm grades must be submitted with the application packet or as soon as available after the application deadline. Final acceptance will be dependent on maintaining course grades and GPA as outlined in the above criteria.
7. Technical Performance Standards
Compliance with the Technical Performance Standards.
8. Certification
Possess current certification by American Heart Association in Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (CPR).
9. Health Requirements
Documentation of compliance with all health requirements.
10. Criminal Background check
Documentation of criminal background check.
11. Drug Testing
Documentation of drug testing (dates scheduled by program).
12. Status Maintenance
Final acceptance to the program will be dependent on maintaining course grades and grade point average, as well as meeting CPR, health and drug testing requirements by established dates.
Conditions for Enrollment
- Students may be assigned to clinical practice areas other than those in the immediate area, requiring traveling some distance from campus. Transportation to and from these settings is the responsibility of the student.
- Clinical experiences and formal lectures may be required during various hours of the day (including weekends), evening and night.
- Students have the responsibility for the costs incurred by enrollment in the nursing program. These costs include CPR, immunizations, professional malpractice insurance, criminal background check, drug testing, academic materials, testing fees, clothing and equipment.
- Clinical education is a mandatory component of the BNP. Due to accreditation requirements of the clinical education centers, students will be required to obtain a criminal background check and/or undergo drug testing prior to acceptance of clinical assignment. The student is responsible for any incurred cost. Any student who fails acceptance to the clinical assignment will be unable to complete the program.