Program Distinctives and Benefits

Distinctives

This program, designed for the adult learner, emphasizes convenience, practicality, and relevance.

The BSN equips RNs with advanced skills and knowledge to care more thoroughly for patients and distinguishes them as capable leaders in many health care settings.
Professors use students' experiences as the foundation upon which theory and practice are tested.
Major theoretical concepts are integrated throughout the courses.
Courses are designed to affirm personal and professional strengths.
Nursing education provides the theoretical basis for nursing practice, emphasizing the essential interrelationship of theory, practice, policy, and research.
Students in the program study in a cohort and progress through the entire program together.
The program takes 15 months to complete.

TRADITIONAL FORMAT

Students take one class at a time, (except during clinicals), one night per week, meeting for a four-hour session from 6-10 p.m. Each course takes between five and ten weeks to complete. There are approximately 60 class sessions total.
Classes meet at our beautiful main campus in Azusa, conveniently located 26 miles Northeast of Los Angeles.
Classes start once or twice a year with a maximum of a 20-student cohort.
Small classes ensure focused student-teacher interaction.

ONLINE FORMAT

Students take one class at a time. Each course takes between five and ten weeks to complete. There are approximately 60 class sessions total.
Enjoy the freedom of taking classes and studying when it best fits your schedule.
Classes start year round as cohorts form.
Technical support staff and online tools provide support to begin your online learning right away, even if you are not Internet-savvy.
The virtual classroom is always at your fingertips, allowing you to connect with faculty and other students as easily as checking your email.
The cutting-edge online learning environment centralizes instruction and helps students organize their studies.

Benefits

The Nursing (RN to BSN) Degree Completion Program seeks to enhance and develop the following skills and competencies:

Communication Skills

Write clearly and accurately, including use of APA format.
Convey clear and congruent verbal and nonverbal messages.
Apply communication skills with individuals and larger groups.
Use information technology to communicate when appropriate.
Develop competent cross-cultural communication.

Critical-Thinking Skills

Categorize, explain, and clarify the meaning of information.
Examine ideas or arguments logically and critically.
Assess the relevance and significance of claims or conclusions.
Question evidence, consider alternatives, and draw conclusions from information.
Describe data, present arguments, and justify claims clearly.

Leadership Skills

Refine leadership, management, and professional decision-making skills.
Initiate and participate in conflict resolution.
Function as a change-agent to promote health and professional nursing practice.
Function collaboratively as a leader and member of the health care team.
Facilitate case management.

Professional Nursing Competencies

Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for individuals and aggregates.
Provide spiritual care.
Function in the role of patient advocate.
Teach and promote health care in the community.
Incorporate nursing research into nursing practice.

Personal Competencies

Demonstrate professional and ethical accountability and responsibility.
Integrate Christian values in personal and professional life.
Accept responsibility for personal and professional growth.
Understand the value of service to the community.

Note: This information is current for the 2007-08 academic year. To view 2008-09 program information, visit the Academic Catalogs page. For additional information, please contact the appropriate office.