LPN-to-B.S.N. Pathway
School of Health Sciences

Licensed Practical Nurses can complete the traditional B.S.N. program or complete a nontraditional program through the LPN-to-B.S.N. pathway. To qualify for pathway admission, applicants must have completed an accredited LPN program and hold a current unencumbered LPN license (which they must maintain throughout the program). Applications for admission must include official LPN program transcripts.

The LPN-to-B.S.N. pathway consists of 50 hours of general education and required supporting courses, 36 hours of basic nursing courses that are completed through advanced placement credit, and 58 hours of upper-division nursing courses. Students adhere to the same program and University requirements as traditional nursing students. Those who do not successfully complete all requirements outlined under the traditional program are required to complete additional coursework in any area of deficiency as determined by the program director. Coursework can be completed through traditional courses or such alternative means as transfer credit; independent study courses; proficiency examinations; and prior learning credit for certificates, licenses or diplomas, noncollegiate or corporate instruction, experiential learning, and contract learning.

General Education and Supporting Coursework
Regardless of how you choose to complete the LPN-to-B.S.N. curriculum, the first step requires completion of the University’s general education requirements and the nursing program’s required supporting courses with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Three options are available to fulfill these requirements: traditional study on MSU’s campus; independent study; or the health care track of Spectrum, an integrated general education program that requires class attendance one evening a week for four semesters. See the Spectrum listing in the General Education Requirements section for additional information.

Advanced Placement Credit
Students with an active unencumbered LPN license receive 26 hours of advanced placement nursing credit and 10 hours of electives upon successful completion of NURS 250 (2 hours). This transition courses is completed during the first semester of upper-division coursework; enrollment is subject to successful completion of general education requirements and admission and program requirements listed for the traditional nursing program. Credit is granted for the following courses:

Upper-Division Nursing Courses
Students can complete upper-division nursing courses through the traditional program on the Beckley campus or one of the cohort- based programs offered at selected sites throughout West Virginia. Cohort-based classes are offered one or two evenings a week, with 8 to 16 hours of clinicals scheduled on the weekends, week nights, or at other times.

* Credit is granted for NURS 302, 302L, 321, 321L, 322, and 322L upon completion of this 13-hour sequence.

A physical examination, health and liability insurance, CPR-BLS health care provider certification, and first aid certification are prerequisites for all clinical courses.