Atrium Health Floyd School of Health Sciences

The RN-BSN online program is designed for RNs with an associate or diploma degree in nursing who have an unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the state of residence. Admission to the program is based upon meeting the criteria for acceptance to Georgia Highlands College and the Department of Nursing. All BSN courses are delivered online with one course, NURS 4404 Clinical Leadership Practicum, having a leadership field experience component that may be completed at the student’s place of employment.

Students may be enrolled full-time or part-time. The program can be completed full-time in two semesters or part-time, in four semesters.

Accreditation and Approval

The Georgia Highlands Nursing RN-BSN program is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
http://www.acenursing.org/

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RN-BSN program is Continuing Accreditation.

Request information from ACEN regarding this program's accreditation at: https://www.acenursing.org/students-public/verification-accreditation-request-status

Criteria for Admission

  1. A current valid license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the U.S. with no current disciplinary actions
    1. New graduates may apply pending results of NCLEX-RN.
    2. Graduated from initial program of professional nursing in the last four years.
    3. Applicants with four years or more of practice as an RN must submit a completed Verification of Employment form.
    4. Georgia Highlands College RN-BSN program adheres to the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model.
  2. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  3. ENGL 1102 English Composition II and STAT 1401 Elementary Statistics (formerly MATH 1401 Elementary Statistics - eCore or MATH 2200) must be completed prior to admission with a grade of “C” or better
    1. Students may enter the program with three outstanding general education courses, excluding those listed above. (See pre-requisites for NURS 4404 Clinical Leadership Practicum).
  4. Verification of employment form (if applicable)
  5. Submit required transcripts
  6. Submit all required documentation

Consideration for Admission to the RN-BSN Program is a Four-Step Process

  1. Complete the process for admission to Georgia Highlands College
  2. Meet criteria for admission to the RN-BSN program as stated above
  3. Submit online application to RN-BSN program located here:
    http://forms.highlands.edu/nurs/bsn/
  4. Submit documentation as required by the RN-BSN program.

Admission to Georgia Highlands College

  1. If applying for initial admission to the College, student must submit a $30 non-refundable application fee made out to Georgia Highlands College, a copy of your high- school transcript, and official transcripts from any college(s) previously attended.
  2. If applying for readmission, you may be required to submit a $30 non-refundable fee made out to Georgia Highlands College and any official transcripts from any college(s) you attended since last attending GHC.
  3. Information regarding admission to Georgia Highlands College is located at http://sites.highlands.edu/admissions/.

Admission to RN-BSN Program

  1. Complete application process to become GHC student.
  2. Complete no-cost, online application for RN-BSN program by June 30.
    http://forms.highlands.edu/nurs/bsn/
  3. Submit GHC student ID number once admitted to GHC

Required Documentation for RN-BSN Program

Students must complete and submit the following requirements online by due date noted in acceptance letter:

  • Verification of employment (if applicable).
  • Signed AcknowledgeAment and Agreement for all RN-BSN required documentation.
  • Student contact information must remain current in Banner and RN-BSN office throughout program enrollment.
  • A copy of student’s current valid license to practice nursing in the state of residence with no current disciplinary actions.
  • Copy of State or Federal ID for verification purposes
  • Evidence of good health as documented by a nursing health form signed by a physician or a certified nurse practitioner.
  • The RN-BSN program may require additional proof of physical and/or mental well-being.

All students are required to submit the following prior to being registered for the required Leadership Practicum course (NURS 4404 Clinical Leadership Practicum).

  • Drug testing and a background check through StudentAdvantage.
    • A student may be tested if drug abuse is suspected.
    • Students are responsible for all costs associated with the drug test and background check.
  • Current (within 1 year) negative tuberculin screening. Documentation must remain current throughout enrollment. In addition, students will adhere to requirement(s) of agency used for assigned learning experiences.
    • Students who have been advised against tuberculin skin testing must maintain current documentation from Health Dept. or healthcare provider of TB risk assessment and completion of any recommended follow-up care.
  • Completion of annual influenza vaccine or signed declination form (if applicable for facility) which meets state requirements on file in BSN office.
  • Proof of two MMR injections or positive rubella, rubeola and mumps titers.
  • TDAP within the last ten years. (Note: if TDAP is greater than 10 years ago, must provide proof of the TDAP and a TD booster)
  • Two varicella vaccines or positive varicella titer (proof of disease is not sufficient).
  • Positive Hep B titer/declination form
  • Current certification by American Heart Association in Basic Life Support. (Heartsaver courses are not acceptable).
  • Maintain proof of health insurance in BSN office.
  • Professional liability insurance will be purchase as a group plan and premium added to student fees in NURS 4404 Clinical Leadership Practicum.