Medical College of Georgia

  A-Z Index  |  MCG Home  |  Site Search  

Admissions Financial Aid Registrar Tuition/Fees Student Affairs Student Health Housing
 

General Admission Requirements 

Core Curriculum Requirements

Obtain an Application for Admission 

Contact an Admissions Counselor
An Admissions Counselor will be glad to answer your questions via e-mail or to give you a call. Please include your complete telephone number in message.

Other Career Opportunities in Nursing

School of Nursing Home Page

Additional Information Links
- MCG Catalog
- Multicultural Affairs and Summer Programs
- STAR Programs - Biomedical Research Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
 
Visiting the Medical College of Georgia
- Sign Up for a Visit to Campus
- Augusta Map/Driving Directions
- Campus Map/Virtual Campus Tour
 

Information sheets are in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF).

To view or print PDF files, you will need a copy of  Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded free of charge from Adobe:
 
Get Acrobat Reader
 

Career Opportunities in Health Science

Nursing
R.N.-B.S.N.
Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program for Registered Nurses

Print Version (4 page PDF file)

The Medical College of Georgia offers registered nurses the R.N.–B.S.N. program to  complete their bachelor of science in nursing degree. This articulation program offers flexibility and accessibility for the R.N.–B.S.N.  student through online courses.

The main campus of MCG, the state’s health sciences university, is in Augusta.  We also have an Athens campus and offer the R.N.–B.S.N. program at Gordon College in Barnesville, Ga. and Columbus State University. MCG School of Nursing faculty are on-site at each campus and teach all courses. The B.S.N. degree is awarded by MCG.

Program Features

  • The program includes eight courses, or 31 semester hours.

  • The program emphasizes professional development, research, health  assessment, community health and leadership/management.

  • All courses are online. Students come to campus only one to three times per semester.

  • The program offers in-depth student orientation and computer support for the online courses at all four program sites: Augusta, Athens, Barnesville and Columbus.

  • The curriculum includes three clinical courses that students complete in their home community.

  • Students may enter the program in Fall (August) or Summer (May) semesters.

  • Students may enroll full time or part time. Progression through the courses is individualized for each student.

  • 35 semester hours of equivalent credit for previous nursing licensure are awarded after completing 15 credits of MCG courses.

Admission Criteria

  • Graduate of an accredited associate degree or diploma program

  • Current Georgia Board of Nursing license

  • Completion of 60 semesters hours of core curriculum (non-nursing) courses

  • Preferred college transfer GPA of 3.0

  • Two academic and/or employment  references

Technical Standards
In addition to demonstrating personal characteristics appropriate for a health professions career, students must satisfy general and specific technical standards for this program. Please visit www.mcg.edu/catalog/nsgcatalog/techstand.htm to review these requirements.

The Articulation Process

The purpose of the R.N.–B.S.N. Articulation Model is to enable registered nurses to advance their education with minimal duplication of knowledge and skills, by recognizing the value and worth of previous learning and professional experiences. The R.N.–B.S.N. student must:

1.  Complete the core curriculum at any regionally accredited college or university.

The core curriculum provides the basic educational foundation for the bachelor’s degree. To be considered for the R.N.–B.S.N. program, students must complete the 60 semester hours of required core courses before enrolling at MCG. (See Core Curriculum Requirements)

2. Apply for admission to the R.N. - B.S.N. program when your core curriculum courses are near completion.

(See How to Get an Application) Be sure your application file is complete by the deadline for the semester you plan to enroll.

3. Complete 15 semester hours of MCG nursing courses.

Upon acceptance and successful completion of the 15 semester hours of MCG courses, 35 semester hours of equivalent credit for previous nursing licensure are awarded. (See Professional Licensure Credit.)

If an R.N–B.S.N. applicant is currently enrolled with the University System of Georgia, the student should complete the legislative exams and Regents exam prior to admission. If a student enrolls without these exams being completed, these requirements must be satisfied during the first semester of MCG enrollment.

4. Complete the remaining 16 credit hours of nursing courses.

Required Courses/Semesters Offered

Fall Semester

  • NURS 3102 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I 

  • NURS 4995 Professional Issues

  • NURS 4301 Foundations III: Leadership in Nursing Research and Legal/Ethical Issues 

  • NURS 4993 Health Appraisal and Promotion for the Individual and Family

  • NURS elective

Spring Semester

  • NURS 3202 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II 

  • NURS 4991 Population Health 

  • NURS 4994 Synthesis in Professional Nursing 

  • NURS elective

Summer Semester

  • NURS 4993 Health Appraisal and Promotion for the Individual and Family

  • NURS elective

Professional Licensure Credit
After successfully completing the academic and professional requirements of the School of Nursing and the Medical College of Georgia, the following upper-division courses will be credited by proof of previous licensure as a registered nurse:

NURS 3100 Principles of Professional Nursing Practice       (6)
NURS 3103 Lifespan I: Nursing Care of the Beginning Family (5)
NURS 3104 Lifespan II: Nursing Care of the Young Family (5)
NURS 3203 Lifespan III: Nursing Care of the Middle Family (5)
NURS 3204 Lifespan IV: Nursing Care of the Mature Family   (5)
NURS 4302 Professional Nursing Management of Individuals and Families Experiencing Complex Health Problems (9)

Total credit  35 semester hours

Estimated Full-Time Academic Expenses
 
  Tuition Fees Books/Supplies/Other
Per semester $2,044* *343.50 1,000**
Athens   452  
Barnesville   94  
Columbus   243  

* Non-residents of Georgia pay an additional $6,131tuition per semester.

**  Costs vary by major. Please check with your department for details.

(Costs are for 2007-2008. All tuition charges, board, room rent or other charges are subject to change at the end of any academic term.)

Applying for Admission
Apply Now: www.mcg.edu/Admissions/AdmissionsInfo/index.htm

For additional admissions information:

Office of Academic Admissions
170 Kelly Building-Administration
Medical College of Georgia
Augusta, GA  30912
Telephone: (706) 721-2725 or (800) 519-3388
E-mail: underadm@mcg.edu
Web site: www.mcg.edu/admissions

For more information on our RN-BSN program, visit www.mcg.edu/son/undergrad.htm#RN_to_BSN or email the program director at RN_BSN@mcg.edu.

R.N.–B.S.N. Nursing Course Descriptions
The following courses have been selected for their importance to professional practice and their relevance to the background of the experienced nurse.  (Numbers in the parentheses indicate class/online-lab/clinical-credit hours.   Clinical credit is awarded on a 1:3 credit to clock hour ratio.) All courses are online.

NURS 3102 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology  I (3-0-3)
Introduction to the pathophysiologic basis of illness and basic principles of clinical pharmacology. The focus is on compromises in the body’s ability to meet physiological needs integrated with nursing-based pharmacological interventions in response to these compromises.  
NURS 3202 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II (3-0-3)
A continuation of Patho/Pharm I.  

NURS 4995 Professional Issues

(3-0-3)

This course addresses the transition from the R.N. student’s basic educational preparation to the baccalaureate professional practice. Concepts, issues and theories impacting nursing and health care are analyzed.  This course emphasizes professional development and trends and predictions for professional nursing practice.

 
NURS 4301 Foundations III: Leadership in Nursing Research and Legal/Ethical Issues (3-0-3)

This course explores legal/ethical issues in nursing and the importance of research to nursing practice. Preparation for dealing with legal and ethical problems in day-to-day nursing situations is emphasized.  The research process is examined as it applies to nursing practice.  The course develops critical-thinking skills while analyzing case studies involving legal/ethical dilemmas and critiquing published nursing research.

 
NURS 4991 Population Health          (3-3-4)

This course develops knowledge and skills needed to promote health care of populations. Theories,  concepts and models are presented and students develop competencies of leadership and management to collaborate with community members and health care providers.

 
NURS 4993 Health Appraisal and Promotion for the Individual
and Family
(4-6-6)

This course presents the knowledge and skill base for health assessment of individuals and families across the lifespan.  Nursing interventions related to the promotion of health for individuals and families based on state and national priorities are emphasized.  Community-based clinical experiences allow the student to demonstrate the integration of knowledge and clinical skills. 

 
NURS 4994 Synthesis in Professional Nursing (3-9-6)

This course applies principles of professional nursing practice. Students synthesize and integrate theory in developing the professional role.  Concepts related to leadership, management, policy, resource utilization and planning/ evaluating services are critically examined.

Students choose a track (education, management, health policy research or professional practice) for their clinical experience. The course includes a requirement of 135 clinical hours. These hours can be completed within each student’s community.

 
NURS Elective (3-0-3)

One three-hour elective is required. A variety of electives are offered each semester for students to choose based on personal interest or professional goals. Students may also work with a faculty member to develop an independent professional development study elective.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online courses right for me?

MCG’s development of online courses for the R.N.–B.S.N. program addresses students’ need for increased accessibility and flexibility in the degree-completion program. Most R.N. students who return to school for the B.S.N. degree already carry a busy schedule of work and family commitments. Online technology enables students to use home computers with Internet connections to complete the courses, so you decide when and how long to spend each day or week in study.

Is there an orientation for online courses?

Definitely! When you enroll in the R.N.–B.S.N. program, you will access the MCG online orientation tutorial to begin your orientation at home. You must attend an orientation on one of the four campuses at the beginning of the program to complete your orientation. The online orientation provides an introduction to the Medical College of Georgia and the School of Nursing as well as an explanation of the skills needed by an online learner. The on-campus orientation is an opportunity to meet faculty and fellow students. While on campus, you will also learn how to access library resources, acquire course materials and complete your initial registration. Students have access to technological support throughout the program. At the beginning of each semester, you will also attend a short on campus orientation to each course.

How are the courses conducted?

It is hard to imagine a class taught online if you’ve only experienced the classroom setting. Each course is structured to meet clear course outcomes through a variety of methods. Courses utilize reading assignments, case studies, clinical scenarios, threaded bulletin board discussions, Web searches and written papers delivered as e-mail attachments.

Students have 24-hour access to online courses. Course calendars and guidelines are provided by faculty to enhance timely course completion.

How often will I be required to come on campus for class?

Each semester begins with on-campus orientation. Typically, students meet one or two additional times per semester at one of the four program sites (Augusta,  Athens,  Gordon College in Barnesville or Columbus State University).

How do I communicate with my online course instructors?

Opportunities for instructor contact are readily available. Communication with instructors occurs primarily through e-mail and the bulletin board forums. Instructors are also available by telephone or pager. Faculty members on all four program sites also maintain scheduled office hours.

What if I’m a procrastinator? Will I be successful with online courses?

Self-direction and positive time management practices are important with any educational experience. With online courses, faculty set due dates and timelines to complete course assignments. A successful student recognizes that although the responsibility for learning is generally shared between the instructor and the student, the student is ultimately responsible for the learning experience.

Advice from students who have completed the online curriculum includes “Complete a calendar with due dates on the first day of class and stick to it!” and “Plan ahead!”

What are the core curriculum requirements?

Review the Core Curriculum Requirements or contact the Office of Academic Admissions for an unofficial evaluation of your transcripts.

When should I apply?

Applications are received year-round. You must complete your core curriculum requirements prior to enrollment. Students are admitted to begin in fall or summer semesters. Early application is encouraged.


Copyright
Medical College of Georgia
All rights reserved.

Information for Prospective Students
Medical College of Georgia
Please email comments, suggestions or questions to:
Carol Nobles,

June 12, 2007