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Bachelor of Science in BSN Program Frequently Asked QuestionsThe following questions are often raised by prospective
and enrolled BSN students at California State University, Dominguez
Hills (CSUDH). GENERAL
INFORMATION The BSN program is responsible to the needs of RN adult learners whose time, life-styles or work schedules might make it impossible to complete a traditional course of study in residence at a college campus. In California, the program (state program) is offered on the web, or at geographically convenient locations that combines student study outside the classroom with seminar discussion in the classroom. The same curriculum is offered nationally (national program) on the web. In web-based courses, inter-activity between teacher and students and among students is maintained through electronic communications and email rather than classroom meetings. 2. Is the degree program accredited? If so, by whom? Yes. Both the BSN and the MSN programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC), the regional accrediting authority for institutions of higher education plus BRN approval. 3. What are the instructors’ qualifications? All instructors qualify for an appointment in the California State University system as full-time or part-time faculty members. Additionally, those who teach nursing courses meet the faculty standards specified by the National League for Nursing and hold at least a master’s degree in nursing. Most of the part-time faculty are actively employed in the field of nursing and bring this perspective to the classroom. Some nursing support and elective classes are taught by individuals who are academically prepared in other disciplines, e.g. statistics, biochemistry. 4. If an RN lives in California, can s/he take classes in the national or the state program? California residents may enroll in the California program and take classes anywhere in the state or on the web; or they may take nursing courses via the national program (registration is at a higher rate through the Department of Extended Education). BSN courses must be taken in proper sequence; exceptions require prior written approval by the nursing academic advisor. 5. Where can I obtain more information? How do I begin? How do I register? For Information: California
Students: Call the Student Services Center at (800) 344-5484 for
dates of online, telephone or “live” information sessions,
and to obtain written material. To Register: California Students: see Touchtone Registration Procedures” below: Each student eligible to register will receive a Registration Access Mailer or an admission letter from the Admissions and Records Office, which will provide important registration information: Registration
appointment date and time It is very important to review all the information printed and to clear all holds as soon as possible; do not wait until your registration appointment date and time. Appointment Date and Time You will not be able to access the Touchtone Registration System (T.O.R.O.S) before the date and time printed on your Registration Access Mailer or admission letter. Appointment dates and times are determined by class level and number of units completed. Note that units in progress at CSUDH are not included and course taken at another institution may not be included in the calculation of units completed. It is important to register during the touchtone registration period at, or very soon after, your priority appointment time for the best selection of classes. Mailed requests to register or add will be accepted but not processed until your appointment date; however, registration and schedule adjustment via T.O.R.O.S. is quicker, more convenient and will provide you with the best course selection. If you are not able to register on your priority registration appointment day, you may register at any time after your appointment time though the end of registration period, but you will be competing for classes with students with lower priority access. It is in your best interest to register as early as possible to secure a seat in your preferred classes! Personal Identification Number (PIN) Each student is assigned a 6-digit personal identification number. This PIN is used to access any of the touchtone applications (registration, billing, application status, financial aid status and grade reporting). You are urged to change your PIN for security reasons and to keep your PIN in a safe place. You can change your PIN via T.O.R.O.S. by making the appropriate selection at the opening menu; the recorded voice will guide you. Student Identification Number (SID) The 9-digit SID on your Registration Access Mailer or admission letter should match your social security number. If the number is incorrect, use the assigned number and then mail a request for a change of SID to the Admissions and Records Office after you have completed your registration. Include a copy of your social security card. Holds Holds must be cleared prior to registration. Clear holds immediately upon notification; do not wait until your registration appointment time. Refer to the appropriate department to release holds. Hold
Type: Contact: Telephone Number: ASAP,
EPT/ELM, GWAR, Academic Probation, Disqualification Financial Measles,
Rubella, Hepatitis B
TIME FACTORS 6. When are classes held? Web-based classes are held in "cyber time", i.e., there are specific beginning and ending dates with timelines noted within the course materials on the web. Classes held in the classroom meet twice for four hour periods per unit. Preceptor units may vary in length and frequency. 7. How long will it take to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree? The time required for completion varies and is highly dependent on the individual student. Several personal factors are: the amount and categories of transfer credit accepted toward the degree; the courses offered during the semester; options chosen for completion of degree requirements; and the individual student’s desired unit load each semester, which is impacted by home and work commitments. Usually, the degree can be completed on a part-time enrollment basis in two and a half to four years. 8. Is full-time study required at any time? No. The BSN program was specifically designed for working nurses and curriculum delivery is directed toward the part-time student. However, the student may elect to register full-time any semester if their personal circumstances permit. There is no time limit within which a student must graduate. 9. Why does it seem that very few class hours are scheduled for a course held in the classroom? The student activity time expectation is the same as for courses in a traditional program. The difference is that in the web-based program there is no in-class "seat time" and more time allocated for structured out-of-class learning activities. This program delivery method, based on adult learning principles, recognizes the ability of registered nurses to pursue specified learning activities and accomplish many of the learning objectives at a time and place convenient for them as individuals. 10. How many hours of study are required to earn one semester unit of academic credit through the national nursing program? At CSUDH, the term "unit" is used rather than "credit" or "credit hour". A one semester theory unit requires in class and out of class learning activities totaling 45 hours. This value is the recognized academic standard in the USA. Individual learning style affects how much time a particular student may need to meet course requirements. 11. What happens if a student has to miss several weeks of a class in a term? The student must contact the instructor for each class as soon as possible to negotiate timely completion of requirements. Contact the Student Cervices Center 1- (800) 344-5484 office if you cannot reach the instructor electronically. If a course is not completed, the eligible student may negotiate an Incomplete Grade Agreement form with the instructor, and complete the course as agreed. 12. What about registering late for a course? California students should refer to the published policies and procedures regarding late registration. For the national program, late registration for the begins the day after the first date of the class, i.e., the start date for the class. Late registration is not generally allowed. California and national students should contact the Student Services Office ((800) 344-5484) if there is a question. 13. What is the academic calendar? Students may begin their BSN-completion program at the beginning of any term. Nursing courses for the program are offered over three terms: FALL:
late August - December 14. When does the first class start? At the beginning of each term, new students may enter and are usually advised to start their coursework by enrolling in the initial course BSN 310 "Professional Nursing Horizons". This two unit (credit) course is offered every semester. BSN 301 "Technology for the Information Age" (1 u) is taken concurrently with BSN 310. Other courses may be taken concurrently. (Students who do no have Basic Skills courses completed need advisement before enrolling. Call (800) 344-5484.) Ongoing students continue each term according to their individualized Program of Study which each student will develop in BSN 310. 15. If a student needs to take a year off from school, will s/he be dropped from the program? No. To remain in active status (continuous matriculation) students must take at least one CSUDH unit every other term (excludes summer sessions). If a student needs to miss the fall and spring terms of one academic year, a Leave of Absence form must be obtained from the Student Services Office (800) 344-5484, completed and returned so that it is on file with CSUDH prior to the beginning of the leave in order to maintain continuous matriculation status. Upon returning to the Program, a student must reapply (without charge) and any added transcripts must be submitted. TRANSFER CREDIT 16. Can units earned at other colleges and universities be applied toward this degree? In general, applicable credits earned at other accredited colleges and universities are transferable. Up to 70 units earned at the two-year college level and unlimited units earned at the four-year college level are transferable. CSUDH Nursing Admissions and Records Office evaluates all transferable units from other colleges and universities to determine which are acceptable and may apply to CSU General Education requirements. Acceptable baccalaureate level nursing credits earned at other colleges and universities may be petitioned for BSN course substitution. Contact the Student Services Center (800) 344-5484 to obtain the necessary petition form. 17. Are CSUDH nursing courses transferable to other schools of nursing? All university coursework is accredited and transferable to another college or university. Whether the nursing course meets the requirements of another nursing program is dependent on that program’s curriculum and any other applicable policies. Course substitution is possible with advisor approval. The amount of coursework taken by assessment (test option) which is acceptable varies with the institution. For validation one should confer with the school to which he/she is transferring. Decisions about course acceptability are the responsibility of the university considering an applicants’ status. 18. Is credit awarded for basic nursing education in a diploma or ADN program? Transferable college and university credits earned during a hospital diploma program or an ADN program are counted toward the BSN degree. Nursing course units earned from a hospital diploma program (taught by instructors paid by the hospital) are not recognized by universities and, therefore, are not transferable. However, options exist for diploma RNs who have little or no transferable credit to earn credit for their basic nursing education.*Diploma RNs who may not yet have earned 56 transferable college credits are admissible to the Nursing Undergraduate Preparatory Program which assists in the recognition of hospital-based courses. The nursing academic advisor assists the diploma nurse to proceed. 19. What about nurses with foreign nursing school education? There are three areas to consider: transcript evaluation, GPA, and the nationally offered Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). 1. The initial evaluation of foreign transcripts may need to be handled by an international agency. If you have sent your transcripts directly to a recommended agency, original transcripts must also be sent from your school to CSUDH, Division of Nursing Admissions and Records. The recommended agencies will provide: evaluation of high school level, post-secondary through graduation level, employment and skill re-certification; reconstruction of education studies; certified translation of documents; career development and counseling; and, authenticity verification. The fee of $50-$150 depending upon the complexity of the evaluation covers subject breakdown, equivalence statements, detailed analysis and a narrative evaluation if needed. This includes one original evaluation sent to the designated agency or institution and one copy to the applicant. CSUDH will provide names of highly recommended agencies. CSUDH Admissions and Records Office will evaluate the transfer units allowed as well as the general education breadth requirements from the original analysis of the international evaluation service. CSUDH Office of Admissions and Records has final authority of approving the transferability of credit. 2. International students are required to have a 2.4 GPA on all units attempted in college; if that education was completed in English, a 2.0 GPA is acceptable. 3. All students, regardless of citizenship, who have not attended school at the secondary level for at least 3 years full-time or beyond where English is the principle language of instruction, are required to earn a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This is considered an admissions requirement and must be completed within the first semester. REQUIREMENTS 20. What are the admission and equipment needs? Note: National students may enroll in courses prior to admission; the application must be made before the second registration. California residents in the California program must apply and be admitted prior to enrolling in courses. Completion
of CSUDH admissions application package with accompanying fee.
To
the Internet with e-mail and web search capability. This modality
is increasingly used to facilitate communication between students,
instructors and advisors. There are several choices that a student
can make regarding online services. The important features you need for e-mail are: 1.
Unlimited access (Don’t get one that only provides so many
hours per month) Windows
95, 98, NT, 2000 or XP
No. Entrance examinations or prerequisite coursework are not required for admission to the BSN program. 22. What is "general education"? Are any General Education (G. E.) courses offered through the nursing program? The CSU requires that students complete courses which satisfy specified categories of study which contribute toward broader understanding and a more well-rounded graduate. Nursing support courses are recognized as meeting certain general education requirements. Support Courses General Education Category BSN
Course BSN
315 Life Cycle CSU Category E: Lifelong Understanding 23. How many units are required for graduation? A minimum of 120 semester units must be completed for graduation with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the California State University, Dominguez Hills. These units are accumulated by transfer of credit from previous colleges (70 maximum transferable from a community college), completion of CSUDH courses through classes or assessment, and completion of courses from other institutions through classes or assessment as approved per the nursing academic advisor. CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT 24. Can CEUs which are needed for re-licensure be earned by completing courses in the BSN curriculum? If so, how many? All BSN (support and major) and MSN courses are approved for C.E. credit by the California Board of Registered Nursing at the rate of 15 contact hours per unit of theory (California BRN Provider Number 03594). General education (GE) courses that are not the BSN support courses do not qualify. Inquiries regarding the applicability of California BRN continuing education units for licensure renewal in states other than California should be referred to that state's Board of Nursing. The academic transcript is the certificate of completion. ADVISEMENT 25. Who provides advisement to students and how does this occur? Prospective Students: RNs who would like to receive information regarding the program, procedures, registration, and general education/elective courses, should visit the web, e-mail sohadvising@csudh.edu or call (800) 344-5484. Enrolled But Not Yet Admitted National Students: Students enrolled in BSN 310 or taking their basic skills courses and nursing course prior to admission will be assigned a personal nursing academic advisor for initial advisement purposes. Admitted Students: Students who have an application on file with CSUDH are assigned a personal academic advisor. Contact Student Services Center (800) 344-5484 for all issues. If you need to speak to a faculty advisor, the Student Services Center will refer you to an assigned faculty advisor. COURSE MATERIALS 26. How will I know what to study? Course materials, including required textbooks will guide the student throughout the course, beginning with readings and other activities that must be completed prior to the first class. The web-based courses, presents the same guidance and additional information and clarification. The student completes other out-of-class learning activities between each lesson and final assignments. 27. How does the student obtain required materials for each course? At the time of registering for a course, all required course materials are ordered by calling the Textbook Connection 800/844-4473 or by ordering online at: Click Here COSTS/REFUNDS 28. What are the costs involved in obtaining my BSN from this program? Email sohadvising@csudh.edu or call (800) 344-5484. 28. How may fees be paid? Are costs tax deductible? Fees may be paid by charge card, personal check or purchase orders. Check with your employer regarding tuition reimbursement. Keep track of all expenditures (from first inquiry to graduation) and consult with your tax advisor regarding a possible deduction for educational expenses. 29. What about refunds? Refunds are not automatic. When a student withdraws from the term or drops a course he/she must officially request a refund using the Withdrawal Form. Refunds are made according to the following schedule: California Students Email sohadvising@csudh.edu or call (800) 344-5484 to contact an advisor who will provide current information for application, registration, and program fees. National Students: Email: eereg@csudh.edu for information regarding refunds. CLINICAL COURSES 30. How are clinical experiences provided, and where do they occur? Clinical courses are called performance courses. The field experience for a performance course may occur in a variety of health care settings appropriate to the particular course. Since students are RNs and are accountable under their licensure and personal professional liability insurance coverage, an instructor need not be physically present. Instead, the instructor interfaces with a qualified preceptor who facilitates access to learning opportunities which the student needs to complete the performance course objectives. 31. If a student’s employer provides liability insurance, does the student still need to carry a personal policy? Yes. This insurance must be in force prior to enrollment in a performance course. Each time a student enrolls in a performance course, she/he must re-validate current personal coverage of professional liability insurance. 32. Are there other requirements for beginning a performance course? There are specific requirements related to CPR certification, licensure and immunization that must be met prior to beginning clinical experience. Certain health care settings may have additional requirements. PROGRESSION 33. Does each student need to follow the specified sequence of nursing classes? Yes, but in true commitment to flexibility, the Program offers many options at each level. In limited situations an exception may be appropriate. Any exception requires advisement and prior written approval by the nursing advisor. 34. How are nursing courses graded? For nursing courses, students earn a credit ("CR") or a no credit ("NC") grade for BSN 310, BSN 301 and for all performance (clinical) courses. Other courses in the nursing major are graded A-F. For course requirements met through assessment, a CR/NC is awarded, according to University policy. 35. When are grade reports issued by the University? You can check your grades through Toro Web. 36. Can a student add a course or drop or withdraw from a course during the term? Yes. If a course is dropped, a Withdrawal Form must be filed. If a course in not officially dropped, a "U" is entered on the transcript. Failure to submit a completed Withdrawal Form within the specified time frame, or failure to complete the course in the agreed time frame, will result in a failing grade entered on the academic record (transcript). For refund information see Question #34. You may download a withdrowal form from: www.csudh.edu/soh/don/forms.htm 37. If a student does poorly in a course, can the student repeat the course? If a student receives a "D", "F" or a "U", the course may be repeated according to the CSUDH Repeat and Cancel policy for students working toward a baccalaureate degree (the student must request a Repeat and Cancel petition from the Student Service Center). Repeat and Cancel may be used only for grades of "D", "F" or "U". The grade subsequently earned is substituted for the previous grade in the computation of units attempted and GPA. ASSESSMENT OPTIONS AND EXAMINATIONS 38. What is the assessment option? Consistent with the program’s adult learning philosophy that, whenever possible, students should have an opportunity to demonstrate previously acquired knowledge and skills by examination rather than coursework. Depending on the nursing course, the method may be a written examination or a performance examination, and it must be successfully passed prior to the first televised class. The cost of each exam varies. The following exams are available: Written Exams Performance Exams through Excelsior College: BSN 315 Challenge Exams through CSUDH: BSN
305 GWE (Read number 41-42) To earn credit by assessment for elective and general education courses, selected standardized examinations may be used. The nursing academic advisor should be consulted regarding which tests are appropriate and their unit value. Students may order free study guides directly from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) by sending a written request: CLEP 39. How many times can a challenge examination be repeated? A challenge exam may be repeated twice without academic penalty. 40. What is the ELM test? When is it needed? Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) is a test which is prerequisite to enrolling in courses designated as meeting the General Education Mathematics requirement. The transcript evaluation, which is done by the CSUDH Admissions & Records Office, will indicate if the student has already met this requirement through previous coursework or test scores, or will need to meet this requirement. The nursing advisor provides numerous options including, in lieu of the test, taking an approved course. This requirement must be satisfied prior to enrolling in BSN 405 Statistics, a support course which meets a GE requirement. 41. What is the CSU Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)? All students in the California State University System (CSU) must meet the upper division graduation writing assessment requirement within the first year. Successful performance on a CSUDH test, the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR), satisfies this requirement. FYI: THE GRADUATION WRITING ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT EXAM As a student of California State University Dominguez Hills, your competency in written composition may be assessed by a standardized test called the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement. (GWAR) or Graduate Writing Exam (GWE). The GWAR/GWE evaluates writing, usage, and grammar skills. GWAR exams may consist of an objective test and an essay portion. you may access test options registeration form at: www.csudh.edu/soh/don/forms.htm The essay writing portion is concerned with how well you write, rather than how much you know. You will be expected to develop an assigned topic in an organized, clear, and coherent manner, as well as demonstrated competence in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style. The GWAR is a requirement for graduation which you should complete during your 2nd or 3rd term in the program. If you do not pass this test on your first attempt, you will have the opportunity to repeat the test once. Many CSU campuses offer courses which meet the graduate writing requirements. Confer with your advisor if you prefer to enroll in such a course rather than take the exam.
Some courses or challenge exams have evaluation measures which must be completed in a supervised environment. LEARNING RESOURCES/TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS 43. What are the requirements for a computer? All nursing students are required to have access to a computer which has a modem for the purpose of communicating with teachers and classmates, and an Internet provider with a browser and an e-mail account. (The provider is a communication medium such as America Online, Compuserve, or local Internet provider, allowing access to the Internet; the browser is software such as Netscape that is able to follow hypermedia links on the web and reproduce desired data on the computer.) A modem is a device which connects a computer to a phone line. The phone line may or may not be dedicated for computer usage. Some course assignments are submitted by computer and instructors and classmates "talk" with each other using E-mail/Internet, Discussion Board or Chat room 44. What about library resources? BSN 301 course assists students’ assessing library search engines and document delivery. Students access and use the resources of their local libraries. Further, students may perform their own on-line literature searching with the following electronic information services. In addition, these are other databases are linked from the CSUDH Cyberlibrary. Follow the links to the Library from http://www.csudh.edu. CINAHL: The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature is an on-line database, which enrolled nursing students can use to search and retrieve bibliographic information from nursing publications. Information on accessing CINAHL is included in the BSN 301 course. Document Delivery: On-line data bases and other document delivery services provide, at additional cost, full-text documents. The method of ordering, receiving, and paying for this convenience is described by the various providers of the service. 45. How can I join the Xi Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International? Click here for information.
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