Rappahannock Community College (RCC) recently announced an associate of arts and sciences pre-bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) specialization.
This new degree is designed for those who want to earn a BSN. Starting at RCC, students begin earning the credits and knowledge necessary to transfer to any number of four-year bachelors degree programs.
Health sciences dean Dr. Charles Smith said this degree was created to align with the needs of universities’ BSN programs across the state. Smith is a member of a statewide steering committee that has investigated common pathways for associate degree nurses to transfer to four-year colleges.
“All of the baccalaureate programs share many common courses. This Pre-BSN program was designed around their needs for courses to prepare to transfer,” he said.
The pre-BSN is a 62-credit, general education transfer degree, meaning that students will earn all of their general education requirements over two years.
The curriculum is designed for:
• Students who are in high school dual enrollment programs.
• Students who have graduated high school who do plan to take a few years at home to do prerequisites.
• Registered nurses who graduated from associate degree or diploma nursing programs.
• Students who are enrolled in the RCC nursing program who wish to continue their education immediately upon graduation.
“We have lots of options for many types of students,” said Smith. “As I tell everyone, RCC should be your first stop when investigating anything nursing related. We have excellent opportunities and we are all here to help you succeed.”