Bethune-Cookman University BSN Programs

The Bethune-Cookman University BSN program provides a well-laid-out path to becoming a registered nurse with its detailed 120-credit hour curriculum. Students can complete this program in 8 semesters (4 academic years). The program builds a strong foundation in nursing practice and honors Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy.

This faith-based program shapes nurse generalists into professional practitioners. Students learn from a blend of liberal arts, biological sciences, physical sciences, behavioral sciences, and nursing disciplines. The curriculum’s foundations create competent, visionary nurse leaders who deliver innovative, culturally sensitive healthcare that helps people thrive.

Students start with general education and prerequisite courses in their first two years. These courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, chemistry, and statistics. The sophomore year marks the beginning of nursing-specific courses. Students learn fundamentals, health assessment, pharmacology, adult health, maternal/child health, psychiatric-mental health, community health, and leadership.

Students become skilled at four key learning outcomes:

• Safe and effective care environment
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Psychosocial integrity
• Physiological integrity

The BSN program has full accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN) and approval from the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON). Graduates can apply for the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN).

Recent program metrics show:

• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2023): 85.71%
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2024): 40.00%
• Program Completion Rate (2023): 36%
• Program Completion Rate (2024): 30%
• Job Placement Rate: 100%

The program lives in the L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing building, a 33,628 square foot facility that opened in 2008. This modern learning space includes the Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity, which serves as a hub for health literacy, community outreach, and clinical experience.

The nursing program’s rich history dates back to 1976 when it started within the Division of Science and Mathematics. Five BSN-prepared nurses made up the first graduating class in 1981. The School of Nursing received its original accreditation in 1996 and has managed to keep good standing with the State of Florida since then.

Available Program Tracks

Bethune-Cookman University has two nursing pathways that cater to different educational needs and career goals. Students can choose between two main program tracks at the undergraduate level:

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the core of the nursing program for students starting their nursing journey. This detailed program needs 120 credit hours spread across eight semesters or four academic years. The well-laid-out curriculum combines liberal arts education with specialized nursing courses. This track will give you the skills you need to become a registered nurse after passing the NCLEX-RN examination.

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) creates a special path for licensed registered nurses who want to advance their BSN education. The program builds on your nursing knowledge and introduces advanced concepts in leadership, research, and community health. The program follows the same accreditation standards as the traditional BSN, though specific details about its length and format aren’t clearly stated in available resources.

Students looking beyond undergraduate studies can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Education program at Bethune-Cookman. This advanced program gives you specialized skills to work in educational roles at academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and community settings. The program runs completely online for 12 months with 38 credit hours, so working professionals can keep their jobs while studying. Classes run in 8-week sessions to accommodate busy schedules. Graduates can take the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, which opens doors to new career opportunities.

Each track follows high nursing education standards while adapting to different student needs. The nursing programs reflect Bethune-Cookman’s steadfast dedication to creating visionary healthcare leaders who excel professionally and show cultural sensitivity.

Flexible Learning Formats

Bethune-Cookman University’s nursing education challenges traditional classroom limits by using modern teaching methods that work for all students. The School of Nursing features smart classrooms and simulation labs that give you the tools needed for today’s healthcare workforce.

Students looking for distance education options must follow Bethune-Cookman’s strict attendance rules, which match traditional programs. You must enroll by the second full week of the semester and attend at least 75% of all class meetings to earn course credit. All the same, online courses have different participation requirements than classroom-based ones.

Students actively participate in online nursing courses through several weekly activities:

• Discussion board postings
• Assignments, exams, and quizzes
• Virtual classroom activities
• Blogs and chats
• Guest lectures

The university’s Distance & Online Learning department works with teams across campus to create high-quality distance learning programs. These programs help you advance your career or boost professional skills while learning from anywhere in the world.

Online courses follow specific contact hour formats. To name just one example, a three-credit course might track attendance through a one-hour virtual class weekly plus assignments on two other days, or a 1½-hour virtual class with one assignment another day. So, just logging into the Jenzabar eLearning platform doesn’t meet attendance requirements.

The nursing program matches current education trends by offering various learning formats. Students can choose from in-person classes with hybrid elements, fully online components for certain courses, and accelerated options for qualified applicants. This setup works especially when you have career obligations to balance with your studies.

Bethune-Cookman University’s flexible learning formats uphold its steadfast dedication to quality nursing education while supporting different learning styles and life situations. This adaptability helps fulfill the university’s mission to create visionary nurse leaders ready for success in healthcare settings of all types.

Entry Criteria & Prerequisites

Getting into Bethune-Cookman University’s nursing program means meeting several academic and professional standards. The program is competitive, and the selection process uses specific criteria to find students who will excel in the challenging BSN curriculum.

Students need unconditional admission to Bethune-Cookman University first and must choose pre-nursing as their path. The application packet needs to reach by the published deadline and has all the necessary forms, entrance exam scores, and transcripts.

Academic excellence is the core of admission eligibility. Students must keep an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above. The program accepted a 2.8 GPA earlier, but standards are higher now for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Students need a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses before they can apply. These essential prerequisites are:

• NU 112: Introduction to Nursing (BCU-specific course)
• College English I and II
• College Algebra
• General Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology I and II
• Introduction to Chemistry
• Developmental Psychology

Academic success isn’t enough – applicants must prove their abilities through the National League for Nursing: Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX). The minimum composite score is 138, with standard scores needed in specific areas: Verbal (64%), Math (60%), and Science (62%). These scores must come from one exam attempt since combining results from multiple tries isn’t allowed.

The university requires criminal background checks before enrollment. Applicants can’t join the program if they have misdemeanor convictions in the last 5 years or any felony conviction. A positive drug screening or presence on the National Sexual Offender & Predator Registry also disqualifies candidates.

Competition gets intense especially when there are more applications than available spots. Entrance exam scores and overall GPA become the deciding factors in these cases. Students with more credit hours at Bethune-Cookman University get preference when all other factors are equal.

What Sets the BSN Programs Apart at Bethune-Cookman University

Several unique attributes make Bethune-Cookman University’s BSN programs stand out and prepare graduates for exceptional nursing careers. The program’s faith-based foundation honors Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s legacy by combining spiritual values with professional practice.

This program stands apart through its focus on culturally sensitive healthcare delivery. Nurse generalists learn innovative care practices that promote human flourishing in a variety of populations. Today’s healthcare environment demands this cultural competence training.

Students get unique chances to tackle healthcare disparities firsthand at the Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity, which serves as a hub for health literacy and community outreach. This center boosts their educational experience significantly.

Graduate preparedness and industry recognition shine through the program’s impressive 100% job placement rate. Employers consistently seek Bethune-Cookman nursing graduates, despite variations in NCLEX-RN pass rates.

The L. Gale Lemerand School of Nursing’s modern 33,628-square-foot building features state-of-the-art facilities that outshine most comparable programs. Smart classrooms and advanced simulation labs mirror ground healthcare settings perfectly.

The program’s rich 46-year history since 1976 shows its strong foundation in nursing education. Continuous accreditation since 1996 proves its sustained excellence.