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Transfer Applicants
Program Requirements
Pathways
Traditional Program
B.A./B.S.-to-B.S.N. Pathway
LPN-to-B.S.N. Pathway
RN-to-B.S.N. Pathway

LPN-to-B.S.N. Pathway

Licensed Practical Nurses can earn their degree through the traditional B.S.N. program or by completing 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, 35 hours of basic 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, 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 2.75 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 chapter for additional information. Students who fulfill this requirement by completing the entire Spectrum option with a GPA above 2.75 receive priority consideration for the LPN-to-B.S.N. pathway.

Advanced Placement and Elective Credit

Students with an active unencumbered LPN license receive 17 hours of advanced placement nursing credit and 10 hours of electives upon successful completion of NURS 250 (2 hours). This transition course 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:

Students eligible for advanced placement credit receive an additional 8 hours upon completion of NURS 260 and 260L (4 hours combined):

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.

Sequence of Study

1 These courses are equivalent to NURS 302, 302L, 321, 321L, 322, and 322L.

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

Program delivery and progression are subject to change pending direction by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Committee (NLNAC) and the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Professional Nurses.

Accreditation

National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, Ph. 404.975.5000, www.nlnac.org. Status: Accredited. Placed on warning July 2008.

The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, 101 Dee Dr. Suite 102, Charleston WV 25311-1620, Ph. 304.558.3596, http://www.wvrnboard.com. Accreditation status: multiple codes for MSU, status depends on cohort site location. Accreditation varies from full to provisional depending on site.