Bachelor of Science Nursing Program Frequently Asked Questions
- How long will it take me to complete the BSN?
- When may I start taking nursing courses once I have been accepted?
- Do you provide an orientation program?
- Will I ever be required to come to ASU during my course of study in the BSN program?
- Do you have to get all of your academics at Angelo State University?
- Does ASU offer any online academic courses?
- What course numbers at local colleges transfer for ASU credit?
- Does ASU accept credit by exam for academic courses?
- What is the College Network?
- How many nursing courses have a clinical component?
- How do I “do” the clinical from my home community?
1. How long will it take me to complete the BSN?
Students who have completed all of their core academic courses could complete the program in 12 months or 2 long semesters, provided they are full time students. However, degree plans are individualized to meet your needs. Part time students can complete the program easily in two academic years.
2. When may I start taking nursing courses once I have been accepted?
Once you have been accepted into the program, you may begin taking nursing courses any semester – provided that you have been advised. All students must be advised prior to registering for any course in any given semester.Upon initial acceptance to a nursing program, the student should contact the Department of Nursing to set up an advising appointment.Currently enrolled students will be assigned an advisor prior to the pre-registration period - April for the Summer-Fall semesters and November for the Spring semester. A student should feel free to contact his or her advisor at any time regarding questions about the curriculum requirements, etc. It is ultimately the responsibility of the student to be sure requirements for the degree are met.
3. Do you provide an orientation program?
Yes. Program orientation materials are available to you through the Current Undergraduate Nursing Student web page. Course orientations are also available to you through each course in Blackboard, the course management system.
4. Will I ever be required to come to ASU during my course of study in the BSN program?
No, you are not be required to come to campus during your course of study in the Online RN to BSN Program. However, meeting with your professors and/or seeing the campus will enhance your college experience.
5. Do you have to get all of your academics at Angelo State University?
No. A maximum of 66 hours may be used toward ASU degree plans from accredited two-year colleges. ASU requires 33 semester credit hours to be taken in residence in order to receive a bachelor’s degree from ASU. We often have students who take the academic courses in their home community while taking the online nursing courses at ASU. Local junior colleges offer excellent opportunities for core curriculum requirements. Please keep in mind that a student should be approved for admission before the Office of Transfer Student Services can evaluate your transcripts.
6. Does ASU offer any online academic courses?
Yes, During the academic year, several core academic courses are offered online including the following: Comm 2301, Govt 2301 & 2302, Math 1302, NUR 2337, & Psy 2304. Check the course schedule for when specific course are offered. Online classes will be indicated by the term “An Online Class” in the schedule.
7. What course numbers at local colleges transfer for ASU credit?
Review the information on admission requirements for transfer students and the Texas Junior College Equivalency Tables, which will give you the course equivalencies for many community colleges in Texas.If in doubt, contact the Office of Student Transfer Services at (325) 942-2041, Ext. 242
8. Does ASU accept credit by exam for academic courses?
Yes. ASU offers several mechanisms for earning course credit based upon ACT/SAT scores and/or through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). This link provides more information on the specific requirements, timeframes, and test registration deadlines.
9. What is the College Network?
The College Network has a Partnership in Education agreement with ASU to assist nursing students in completing the academic course requirements by testing out of up to 30 credit hours. The College Network offers review materials designed to prepare students to take CLEP exams for selected core academic courses. Using their self-contained study guide program, you can study at your own pace and schedule your competency examinations when you feel ready. Please review carefully both the College Network web site and the Credit by Examination Requirements at ASU.
10. How many nursing courses have a clinical component?
Three BSN courses include a clinical practicum in either traditional or community-based settings: NUR 3101 Health Assessment Practicum (45 clock hours); NUR 4201 Community Health Nursing Practicum (90) clock hours; and NUR 4302 Management in Nursing Practice (45 clock hours).
11. How do I “do” the clinical from my home community?
These clinical experiences can usually be completed in the student’s city of residence, under the supervision of a qualified preceptor, provided that a contract of association can be negotiated between the clinical agency and the university. Faculty will work with you to determine the appropriateness of an agency or preceptor for the specific clinical objectives of each course. Sometimes it may be necessary for faculty to make the initial contact with the agency on your behalf.The student is responsible for determining if a clinical contract with the preceptor’s clinical facility is on file in the department office. For more information on clinical agencies, clinical practicum requirements, and how to request that a Contract of Association be initiated see information posted on the Current Undergraduate Nursing Page.
