This program is designed specifically for the Registered Nurse (RN) seeking to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students engage in a curriculum that is designed to support each student’s personal and professional career goals. Students learn vital information and essential skills that build on their current knowledge and skills to meet the demands of clients in the dynamic healthcare environment. Students evaluate the professional nursing role and enhance their skills and knowledge in the areas of health assessment, ethical decision making, communication, leadership, and research. Students learn new skills and knowledge through real world case studies, challenging assignments, and best practice simulations. Dedicated, experienced nursing faculty provide students with the most current and relevant evidence-based information in a highly supportive environment with individual mentorship and guidance. Students reinforce their critical thinking and problem solving skills by identifying, analyzing, and effectively addressing healthcare challenges drawn from the current or developing issues in the healthcare workplace. The program’s breadth and depth ensures the baccalaureate student integrates the knowledge and skills necessary to attain critical practice focused outcomes, and that students develop and refine knowledge and skills necessary to manage care as part of a highly skilled, professional interdisciplinary team. The program is based on the AACN, Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing, the Massachusetts Nurse of the Future Core Competencies and the Bay Path Thumbprint Aspirations & Supportive Values, which meet all national requirements.

Retention in the RN to BSN Program

We want you to have a successful journey as you complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The following criteria provides essential information for successful continuance in the RN to BSN program:

• Nursing students must earn a B- or better in WEL 331, WEL 441, and all nursing (BSN) coursework. In addition, nursing students must complete these courses collectively with a 2.67 GPA or better.
• If a student fails to meet the B- requirement in a nursing course or WEL331 and WEL441, the student may repeat the course once but must successfully complete it before the capstone courses.
• To graduate, students must complete the Professional Nursing Capstone II (BSN450) with an 80% B- or better.
• Please note: Students who do not progress satisfactorily through the nursing curriculum in its regular sequence or who take a leave of absence are not guaranteed that the curriculum and courses from which they departed will be in place upon their return. They will be expected to complete the curriculum of the current curriculum and program requirements.
• Each student must check their BPU email account daily. Specific alerts and notifications will be emailed to the students as they occur.
• All information about the RN to BSN program and career information is posted in the Nursing Virtual Learning Community in Canvas and in the Nursing Student Handbook. Additional information may be posted in Patify. Please check weekly.
• Students must read the Nursing Student Handbook and the BPO academic catalog for additional college/program policies. Students will receive and acknowledge in writing via signature the ability to ask questions and that they have received the Nursing Student Handbook each academic year. Starting at the time of enrollment.
• Students will participate in 30+ hours of simulated clinical experience in BSN 400 and 30 hours of hands-on clinical experience with a preceptor in BSN 450. Please note that additional simulated hours may be added to enhance the courses as needed.
• Students will purchase the necessary clinical requirement designated tracker system(s) as directed when the time comes for clinical preparation for Professional Nursing Capstone I & II. This is not needed at the time of admission; however, we want you to be aware of the additional cost when you enter the program.
  • The trackers include but are not limited to CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation), National Background checks, sanctioned screening, etc.
  • Immunizations/ Medical documents, which include but are not limited to: 
    • Copy of RN License.
    • Health Insurance Information (to demonstrate you are covered by medical insurance),
    • Basic Life Support BLS (American Heart/copy of front and back),
    • Physical Exam
    • Immunizations.
      • Measles, Mumps, & Rubella date of immunization (Titer or two (2) vaccines identified),
      • Diphtheria/Tetanus/ Pertussis (Tdap) date of immunization (must be within 10 Years) Vaccine verified. Per the MA Dept. of Public Health, one dose of Tdap is required for all health science students.
      • Varicella (Chicken Pox) date of immunization, positive titer, or two (2) vaccinations verified,
      • Hepatitis B disease, immunity, Flu vaccination, Proof of PPD (tuberculosis screen) OR an IGRA-test (T-spot or QuantiFERON Gold test),
      • The annual flu vaccine is completed after August and by October 20th of each year.
      • Covid Vaccine and Booster(s) are required for all students prior to the start of BSN 440 Professional Nursing Capstone I
        • Students who decline the vaccination must provide a Medical or Religious Exemption Form prior to the start of BSN 440 Professional Nursing Capstone I. In addition, all student medical exemption forms must be sent to Health Services
        • Please note Clinical sites may refuse access to their clinical site because a declination form was submitted.
      • Drug testing through Castle Branch
      • Students are required to complete the clinical requirement designated trackers by the specified date in BSN 440 Professional Nursing Capstone I
      • Students are required to complete the medical profile with Health Services one full session prior to taking Capstone II. 

Requirements in the undergraduate RN to BSN program are subject to modification due to changes as stipulated by Bay Path University, New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and/or as required by the specific clinical sites (required for clinical capstone). These requirements are in addition to the policies and protocols outlined in the Bay Path University catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of nursing practice, including a foundation in liberal arts, natural and social sciences.
• Demonstrate holistic patient-centered care with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion that is Individualized, respectful, compassionate, coordinated, and based on best evidence and clinical judgment
• Demonstrate and advocate for the care and protection of population health across the healthcare delivery continuum consistent with moral, altruistic, legal, ethical, humanistic regulatory, local, regional, national, and global principles.
• Demonstrate mastery and integration of nursing scholarship, theory, research, and policy, that will impact best practices to improve and transform health care.
• Foster a culture of quality and safety principles through individual performance and health systems to maximize the provision of healthcare.
• Demonstrate effective inter-professional partnerships, communication, teamwork, and collaboration to optimize care, healthcare, experience and strengthen outcomes
• Apply knowledge of systems-based practice to optimize the provision of healthcare
• Apply information, communication, healthcare technologies, and informatics processes to optimize the provision of healthcare.
• Accomplish of a sustainable professional identity, embracing the values of integrity, altruism, inclusivity, compassion, courage, humility, advocacy, caring, autonomy, humanity, and social justice.
• Demonstrate personal, professional, and leadership development by participating in activities and self-reflection that foster personal health, resilience, and well-being; contribute to lifelong learning, and support nursing expertise acquisition.