TO: Potential RN/MS Students RE: RN/MS Program Program Overview The RN to Masters Program enables registered nurses without a baccalaureate degree in nursing to obtain the MS degree and prepares them for advanced nursing practice. In addition to the admission process for the MS program, RN to MS applicants must complete the following: Request a portfolio review to verify that prerequisite coursework has been completed. In order to request a portfolio review, please: Collect all your official academic transcripts together and submit them to MaryBeth Crowley, Boston College School of Nursing, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Maloney Hall, 2nd Floor, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. The transcripts may be sent directly to you by the academic institution BUT must remain sealed. Include a cover letter with your mailing requesting a portfolio-review. The Graduate Programs office will conduct a portfolio review to determine what coursework if any needs to be completed before an applicant may proceed with the MS application. Our RN/MS students come from diverse backgrounds. They may possess a diploma, an associate degree in nursing, an associate or bachelor’s degree in another field, or various course credits acquired over time. All applicants, however, must have approximately 112 credits accrued (42 in general education credits and 70 in specialty knowledge related to nursing including Anatomy & Physiology I and II with Lab, Microbiology with lab and Chemistry with lab). The breakdowns of the credits are outlined on the following pages. RN to MS students must demonstrate leadership potential, motivation, interest in a specific clinical specialty, and an excellent academic record. The BCSON makes every attempt to maximize credits earned in prior education program and to recognize clinical expertise. **Students who already possess a non-nursing BS or BA degree will have the general education requirements waived** RN/MS students are allowed up to six years to complete the program including any Leaves of Absence (except for Military Leave). The length of the program will vary because of the need of some students to engage in part-time study before and during beginning graduate study. Please note that a baccalaureate degree is NOT awarded by Boston College. The pre-requisite educational requirements must be completed before the student begins study in the bridge courses at BCSON. These requirements are designed to ensure that all students have a broad background in the liberal arts and sciences. Approximately 112 credits should be accrued in order to meet these general education requirements. Approximately 42 credits should be under the category of general education with the remaining credits accrued from specialty knowledge related to the nursing major. A well rounded undergraduate college education should broaden, enhance, and strengthen a nurse’s specialty knowledge, intellectual capabilities, and ability to manage complex health problems. A student should be able to analyze critically the surrounding world and communicate articulately with members of the inter-disciplinary health care team and diverse clients. General Education Requirements (approximately 42 credits): Social Sciences: 6 courses (18 credits) (Human behavior/social institutions; Social behavior and social sciences, etc) English: 2 courses (6 credits) Statistics: 1 course (3 credits) Humanities: 1 course (3 credits) Electives: 4 courses (12 credits) In addition to the above general education requirements, application must have: Nursing and Specialty Knowledge (approximately 70 credits): Upon completion of these requirements the student can make formal application to the RN/MS program. Upon admission the student will enroll in the following BC transitional courses. Transition courses must be completed before enrolling in MS courses. Bridge Courses (taken at Boston College if not already completed): NURS 4260 Community Health Theory – 3 credits NURS 4261 Community Health Clinical – 3 credits NURS 4263 Synthesis Practicum (*waived for RNs with experience at the Dean’s discretion). NURS 3170 Principles of Evidence Based Nursing – 2 credits (effective Spring 2012). For matriculated students, once bridge courses have been successfully completed, students may progress to the MS curriculum. RN - MS Portfolio Review Undergraduate Courses required General Education Social Science Social Science Social Science Social Science Social Science Social Science English (literature) English (writing) Statistics Humanities Elective Elective Elective Elective Nursing and Specialty Knowledge Anat & Physiology I lab Anat & Physiology II lab Chemistry - Life Science Microbiology with lab Pharmacology Health Assessment* Pathophysiology* Adult Health I Adult Health II* Child Health Child Bearing Psych Mental Health Leadership Research** Ethics** Intro to Nursiing** Nutrition** Total approximate credits: *may be integrated **may not have all of these courses Cr 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 42 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 tbd tbd tbd tbd tbd tbd 3 3 3 3 67-73 112 Completed Yes/No Name of Courses Taken Cr Grade Year Comments