BSN, LPN to BSN

The first LPN to BSN program in New Jersey!

(LPN License Required)

Berkeley College’s LPN to BSN program grants LPNs the opportunity to transition into the role of a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse. Graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and are eligible to participate in the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). In the rapidly changing world of healthcare, a BSN can expand employment and earning opportunities. Baccalaureate prepared nurses have more complex nursing care responsibilities in providing direct care. Graduates will be prepared as communicators, educators, leaders, and advocates. In fact, many hospitals and other healthcare facilities now require RNs to possess a BSN The BSN also prepares nurses to pursue graduate degrees.

The LPN to BSN Accelerated Pathway is designed for the experienced LPN who has worked a minimum of 2,080 clinical hours (one or more years) as a Licensed Practical Nurse within the last two years. The program moves at a fast pace – seven semesters of full-time study – with cutting-edge curriculum that prepares individuals for a career as a professional nurse.

It is strongly advised that students accepted into the Accelerated Pathway adjust their full-time work schedule in order to accommodate sufficient study time, lab time, as well as class and clinical hours. Success in this program may depend on it.

Berkeley College’s LPN to BSN program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of New Jersey. Licensure, however, is not automatic. In addition to successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Professional Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the New Jersey Board of Nursing requires that applicants consent to have a criminal history background check performed and they must be of good moral character. Applicants wishing to become licensed in another state are encouraged to explore licensure requirements, which vary from state to state.

Nurses with a BSN are qualified to perform advanced tasks, including:

• Developing nursing care treatment plans
• Providing care to patients who are ill, injured, or suffering from other medical conditions
• Providing support and education to patients and families
• Supervising nurses and other healthcare professionals who provide nursing care
• Administering medications and injections
• Assisting doctors during surgical and other medical procedures

Registered nurses work in a variety of settings including hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, schools, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities.

Benefit from:

• A strong foundation in both the theory and practice of clinical care
• The practical experience of hands-on labs and faculty monitored clinical assignments
• A supportive faculty selected on the basis of academic excellence and relevant professional experience in the nursing field
• Eligibility to participate in the NCLEX-RN examination and to apply for graduate programs in nursing

 

LPN to BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

To be accepted into the LPN to BSN program, students must have completed an accredited Practical Nurse program in the United States or the Army Practical Nurse Program (68W-M6). 

Students accepted into the LPN to BSN Accelerated Pathway will receive 30 credits for a) possessing an unrestricted active or inactive practical nurse license, and b) completing a minimum of 2,080 hours of work as an LPN within the last two years.

Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online. The Internship courses are only offered online.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - Accelerated Pathway

Course Requirements

MAJOR CORE COURSES

NUR3310 Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice

2 Credits

Focuses on the introduction of research with an emphasis on its application in nursing practice. The steps of the research process for qualitative and quantitative design will be examined. Students will review and critique scholarly, peer-reviewed nursing and inter-professional research studies. Ethical implications of research and translational scholarship will be discussed. Prerequisites: MAT2215, SCI2100, SCI2110, SCI2228, ENG2205

Prerequisite or Corequisite: SCI3310

NUR3320 Transition to Professional Nursing

3 Credits

Focuses on the transition of the Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse within the healthcare environment. The development of professional values, critical thinking, and clinical judgment will be emphasized. Integration of nursing theory and evidence-based practice into nursing care will be explored. Concepts of social, political, and economic influences on nursing practice will be examined. Legal issues, organ and tissue donation, the nurse practice act, concepts of leadership, and appropriate delegation will be introduced.

Prerequisites: MAT2215, SCI2100, SCI2110, SCI2228, ENG2205

Prerequisite or Corequisite: SCI3310

NUR3330 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan

3 Credits

Using didactic and simulated clinical experiences, skills needed to conduct comprehensive physical assessment for individuals across the lifespan in a variety of settings are developed. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analysis, and the integration of systematic data collection for effective decision making in nursing practice. Use of evidence-based assessment tools for risk reduction is emphasized. A transcultural approach is used to assess the holistic human being.

Prerequisites or Corequisites: NUR3310, NUR3320

NUR3360 Advanced Mental Health Nursing

3 Credits

This course focuses on understanding the role of the professional nurse who cares for clients with mental health needs. Students will participate in clinical care of those in need of mental health services across a spectrum of care settings. Emphasis is placed on clinical judgment skills and professional values within a legal and ethical framework. Current issues in caring for individuals, families, and communities managing mental health challenges will be discussed. Topics may include, but are not limited to, abuse and neglect, chemical dependence, coping mechanisms, therapeutic communication, stress management, support systems, and cultural and religious influences.

Prerequisite: NUR3330

NUR4410 Advanced Maternal-Child Nursing

3 Credits

This didactic and clinical course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in meeting the holistic health needs of the childbearing and childrearing family. The nursing process is utilized to provide family-centered psychosocial and culturally sensitive care. Topics include, but are not limited to, maternal health, newborn and pediatric assessment, and pediatric growth and development (well/ill care). Students are provided the opportunity to utilize an evidence-based approach to critical thinking and nursing practice in various healthcare settings.

Prerequisite: NUR3330

NUR4420 Nursing Leadership and Management

3 Credits

This course explores management and leadership skills for the professional registered nurse in designing, coordinating, directing, and evaluating safe and quality healthcare. The role of the RN will be emphasized as a change agent and transformational leader. Students will demonstrate the application of nursing theory, evidence-based practice, information systems, problem solving, and effective communication strategies for best practices within a nursing organization.

Prerequisites: NUR3360, NUR4410, NUR4450

NUR4430 Community Health Nursing

3 Credits

Focuses on the application of the nursing process for a vulnerable population or community group in the promotion and protection of public health using health promotion, risk reduction, and disease management strategies. Community assessment, epidemiologic, environmental, change, political action, and case management frameworks are used to guide evidence-based nursing care delivery to persons, families, and populations in community settings. The nurse’s role on the community health team and an understanding of healthcare needs of different cultural groups will be studied.

Prerequisites: NUR3360, NUR4410, NUR4450

NUR4440 Advanced Nursing Pharmacology

3 Credits

This course builds upon basic nursing knowledge of pharmacology. In-depth review of drug classifications will be emphasized. Students will apply critical thinking skills to the calculation and administration of medications. A case study approach will be used to focus on the nursing role of promoting safe, high-quality pharmacological care. Advance concepts such as chemotherapy, blood administration, and critical care medications will also be explored.

Prerequisite: NUR3330

NUR4450 Advanced Adult Health Nursing

4 Credits

This didactic and clinical course builds on the basic concepts of critical care related to multi-organ/system function and dysfunction, requiring the development of critical thinking. Nursing care relating to physiology, assessment, pathophysiology, system failure, end of life, and clinical management of the cardiovascular system, neurological system, pulmonary system, endocrine system, and renal system are addressed. Core concepts of complex pathophysiology, evidence-based treatment modalities, and advanced nursing roles are integrated in discussions of providing care to critically ill patients.

Prerequisite or Corequisite: NUR4440

NUR4460 Professional Nursing Capstone

3 Credits

Knowledge and skills from previous courses will be integrated into case studies and simulations focused on building critical thinking and clinical judgment. Individual student plans will be developed through testing to identify strengths and opportunities for learning. Test-taking strategies will be reviewed and utilized. Preparation for the transition to professional nursing practice will be emphasized.

Prerequisites or Corequisites: NUR4420, NUR4430

SCIENCE CORE COURSES

SCI1100 Anatomy and Physiology I

3 Credits

Study of the structure, function, and pathology (disease) of the human body. Students are introduced to various body systems including the musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, and integumentary, as well as the special senses.

SCI1110 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I

1 Credit

An introduction to the basic principles of human anatomy and physiology as explored through laboratory sessions. Laboratory activities coincide with lectures to enhance understanding of each topic by providing visual and hands-on experiments for the concepts learned in the lecture. Laboratory sessions include microscopy, dissections, and elementary physiological experiments. Among the topics considered are various body systems including the musculoskeletal, digestive, nervous, and integumentary, as well as the general and special senses.

Prerequisite or Corequisite: SCI1100

SCI2100 Anatomy and Physiology II

3 Credits 

Study of the structure, function, and pathology (disease) of the human body. Students are introduced to various body systems including the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, and reproductive systems.

Prerequisite: SCI1100

SCI2110 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II

1 Credit

Continues the study of human anatomy and physiology through laboratory exploration. Laboratory activities coincide with lectures to enhance understanding of each topic by providing visual and hands-on experiments for the concepts learned in the lecture. Laboratory sessions include microscopy, dissections, and elementary physiological experiments. Among the topics covered are the cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, lymphatic, and reproductive systems.

Prerequisite: SCI1110

Prerequisite or Corequisite: SCI2100

SCI2228 Microbiology

3 Credits

The morphology and function of microorganisms, especially viruses and bacteria, are studied. The characteristics of microorganisms, the disease process, and the immune response are discussed.

SCI3000 Chemistry for Healthcare Professionals

4 Credits 

An introduction to chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry for students in nursing and other health science programs. This course expands on foundational knowledge of physiological processes and treatment modalities in human beings. A case study approach will be integrated into the course.

Prerequisite: MAT2211

SCI3310 Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals

3 Credits

An introduction to the basic principles of nutrition and a foundation for wellness. Practical application of essential information and the interrelationships between nutrition, food, and the environment as they impact health status will be explored. Culture/religious beliefs, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and nutritional trends and how they influence the nutritional health of the person will be examined. The nutritional needs associated with obesity and eating disorders, enteral and parenteral nutrition, metabolic and respiratory stress, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, renal disorders, cancer, and HIV/AIDS across the lifespan will be discussed.

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES

ENG1105 Writing and Research

3 Credits

An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.

ENG2205 Writing Through Literature

3 Credits

Further develops the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.

Prerequisite: ENG1105

ENG3316 The Confident Writer 

3 Credits

Explores a wide variety of non-fiction writing genres, including personal profile, journalism, criticism, and more. Students build their reading, writing, and researching skills while also reinforcing the fundamental concepts and current developments associated with the areas of their respective majors.

Prerequisite: ENG2205

HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics

3 Credits

MAT2211 College Algebra

3 Credits

Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches. Topics include the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, absolute value, rational and exponential functions, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, logarithms, and polynomials.

Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score

MAT2215 Statistics I

3 Credits

Introduces statistical methods and procedures. Students become acquainted with the collection, analysis, and presentation of quantitative data. Topics include basic concepts of probability, frequency distributions, binomial distributions, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, and regression and correlation.

Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score

SOC2225 Introduction to Psychology

3 Credits

Explores the basic principles of psychology and their direct application to individuals’ thoughts and behaviors and awareness of their own everyday existence. Topics explored include human development, personality, cognitive process, motivation, emotion, adjustment, perception, and psychological disorder and treatment.

SOC2231 Human Relations

3 Credits

Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with a focus on the challenges of workplace relationships involving coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors.

SOC3305 Marriage and Family

3 Credits

Examines the institution of marriage and the family throughout history and across cultures with an emphasis on the contemporary family. Topics such as the changing family, raising children, love, mate selection, sexuality, ageism, productive communication, divorce, breakups, traditions, gender roles, and domestic violence are studied. Students also analyze and research the sources and identify factors of public issues in the family system including family-related social problems.

Humanities Electives*- 3 Credits

Free Electives**- 12 Credits

Credits Granted upon Acceptance into the LPN to BSN Program

• Accelerated Pathway - 30 Credits 

120 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

*Three credits of Humanities Electives must be at the 3000/4000 level.

Additional Program Information

Applicants must have an LPN license.

Students applying to the LPN to BSN program must provide authorization for a criminal background check prior to being accepted into the program. In instances where a student’s criminal background check contains information related to past criminal activity, Berkeley College may not make an offer of Admission into the program or guarantee that it will find suitable clinical placement(s) since the decision to allow students to complete clinical rotations is at the sole discretion of the clinical affiliate. The Accelerated Pathway requires clinical experience. Prior to participating in clinical rotations, students must satisfy all clinical clearance requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a physical assessment by a licensed medical professional; meeting immunization requirements; purchasing their own malpractice insurance; a secondary criminal background check at the request of clinical facilities; and drug screenings.

Students enrolled in the LPN to BSN program must meet the minimum passing grade requirements for certain courses.  

For more information about the LPN to BSN program, grade requirements, and clinical requirements, see: LPN to BSN Student Handbook Supplement: https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/lpn-bsn-student-handbook-supplement-2024-2025/index.html

Program Costs

Requirements required for clinical courses are extensive and may total several hundred dollars. The costs of these health requirements are borne by the student.

Information about program costs (including tuition, fees, books, and supplies) is available at: https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2024-2025/admissions/undergraduate-degree-program-tuition-fees-2024-2025/index.html and https://berkeleycollege.edu/catalogs/undergraduate-2024-2025/admissions/certificate-program-tuition-fees-2024-2025/index.html

Professional Licensure & Certification

Information about professional licensure and/or certification requirements for this program is available online at: https://berkeleycollege.edu/about/accreditation-regulatory/professional-licensure-and-certification/index.html