Santa Fe College Offers New RN to BSN Completion Program

January 15, 2012

Santa Fe College will begin offering a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN to BSN) in the spring 2012 semester. An informational meeting, open to the public, will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 in room 104 of the Health Sciences Annex (Building WA at the Northwest campus, 3000 NW 83 St.).

"We're going to go over the program in depth," said Lois Ellis, director of nursing programs. "Whether people are already enrolled, or interested in sSpring A orSpring B, or just want to learn more about what we're offering, they are welcome to attend."

Spring A and Spring B classes start Jan. 9 and March 12, respectively.

The 30-credit-hour completion program was designed with the working RN in mind. It is part of a 120-hour BSN program, which also includes an AA degree and credit for the ASN degree. The program is predominantly online, with some local lab (one course) and clinical components (final two courses).

"We expect the classes to fill quickly and for this to be a very popular program," Ellis said, adding that it will be coordinated by Professor Susan Beverung.

Due to seeking the initial accreditation, the first cohort will take approximately two years of classes. After accreditation, students will complete the program in five mini-mesters (6 credits per mini-mester), the equivalent of 2.5 regular semesters, or one year, if they attend full time.

"A national accreditation site visit will be planned and completed prior to any student graduating, so that they will graduate from an accredited program," Ellis said.

Santa Fe's ASN program is among the best in Florida. Its graduates consistently score above the state and national averages on the national board exams.