Nursing - LPN to B.S.N. - Bachelor of Science
Berkeley College
Key Information
Campus location
Woodland Park, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 13,450 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* full-time tuition per semester academic year 2022/23
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Berkeley College’s School of Health Studies is committed to excellence in nursing education and offers an LPN to B.S.N. degree and a Practical Nurse certificate program. Both programs prepare students to enter this rewarding, in-demand healthcare field and enhance their skills and expand their career opportunities.
The LPN to B.S.N. program combines liberal arts and professional education with a humanistic and comprehensive approach to healthcare, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (B.S.N.). The LPN to B.S.N. curriculum prepares students for advanced nursing positions and provides a strong foundation for graduate study.
The program offers two track options:
- The LPN to B.S.N. Beginner Pathway is designed for the newly graduated Licensed Practical Nurse who completed their Practical Nurse training within the last 12 months and wishes to continue her/his educational track into professional nursing. Upon admission to the program, the course of professional study is eight semesters in length. This Pathway is designed for LPNs who, at the time of Admission, have less than one year or no clinical experience working as an LPN.
- The LPN to B.S.N. Accelerated Pathway is designed for the experienced LPN who has worked a minimum of 2,080 clinical hours (one or more years) as a Licensed Practical Nurse within the last two years. The program moves at a fast pace – seven semesters of full-time study – with a cutting-edge curriculum that prepares individuals for a career as professional nurses.
The LPN to B.S.N. program is the only LPN to B.S.N. program in New Jersey. Licensed, experienced LPNs can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree and prepare to participate in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). With advanced skills and training, graduates can qualify for higher-level positions and pursue graduate degrees.
Berkeley College’s Nursing programs meet the educational requirements for licensure in the State of New Jersey. Licensure, however, is not automatic. In addition to successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN), the New Jersey Board of Nursing requires that applicants graduate from a Board approved nursing program, clear a criminal history background check, and be at least 18 years of age. Applicants wishing to become licensed in another State are encouraged to explore licensure requirements, which vary from State to State.
Nurses with a B.S.N. are qualified to perform advanced tasks, including:
- Developing nursing care treatment plans
- Providing care to patients who are ill, injured, or suffering from other medical conditions
- Providing support and education to patients and families
- Supervising nurses and other professionals
- Administering medications and injections
- Assisting doctors during surgical and other medical procedures
Program Outcome
LPN to B.S.N. Students Benefit From:
- A strong foundation in both the theory and practice of clinical care
- The practical experience of hands-on labs and faculty-monitored clinical assignments
- A supportive faculty selected on the basis of academic excellence and relevant professional experience in the nursing field
- Eligibility to participate in the NCLEX-RN examination and to apply for graduate programs in nursing
Career Opportunities
Registered nurses work in a variety of settings including hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, schools, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities.
Curriculum
The LPN to B.S.N. Beginner pathway is designed for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who has less than one year of clinical experience working as an LPN. Students accepted into the LPN to B.S.N. Beginner Pathway program will receive 18 credits for a) completing an accredited Practical Nurse program in the United States, b) possessing an unrestricted active practical nurse license, and c) successfully completing the Foundations of Nursing challenge examination developed by the National League of Nursing.
Sample Course Sequence
First Semester
- SCI1100 Anatomy and Physiology I 3
- SCI1110 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I 1
- ENG1105 Writing and Research 3
- MAT2211 College Algebra 3
- SOC2225 Introduction to Psychology 3
Second Semester
- SCI2100 Anatomy and Physiology II 3
- SCI2110 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II 1
- SCI3310 Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals 3
- ENG2205 Writing Through Literature 3
- SOC2231 Human Relations 3
Third Semester
- SCI2228 Microbiology 3
- MAT2215 Statistics I 3
- SCI3000 Chemistry for Healthcare Professionals 4
- ENG3316 The Confident Writer 3
Fourth Semester
- NUR3100 Introduction to Professional Nursing 1
- NUR3105 Healthcare Policy and Informatics 3
- NUR3110 Clinical Nursing 3
- NUR3115 Basic Health Assessment 3
Fifth Semester
- NUR3310 Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice 3
- NUR3320 Transition to Professional Nursing 3
- NUR3330 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 3
- HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics 3
- Free Elective (4000 level or higher) 3
Sixth Semester
- NUR3360 Advanced Mental Health Nursing 3
- NUR4440 Advanced Nursing Pharmacology 3
- SOC3305 Marriage and Family 3
- Free Elective (4000 level or higher) 3
Seventh Semester
- NUR4410 Advanced Maternal-Child Nursing 3
- NUR4450 Advanced Adult Health Nursing 3
- Free Electives (4000 level or higher) 6
Eighth Semester
- NUR4420 Nursing Leadership and Management 3
- NUR4430 Community Health Nursing 3
- NUR4460 Professional Nursing Capstone 3
- Humanities Elective (3000/4000 level) 3
Credits granted upon acceptance into the program............18
120 semester credits required for graduation
This program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the State of New Jersey. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Successfully passing the NCLEX-RN is one of several requirements to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Licensure is not automatic. Applicants for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in New Jersey must successfully complete a New Jersey Board of Nursing approved program, such as this program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and satisfy all other New Jersey Board of Nursing requirements (including, but not limited to, submitting an application and supporting documents, application fees, and satisfactory criminal history background check results).