PITTSBURGH, March 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Applications are now being accepted for the Duquesne University School of Nursing's new online program that will enable registered nurses (RNs) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Classes for the RN-BSN Program start in the fall of 2014, and students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis.
National trends—including an aging population, the increased demand for health care services through the Affordable Care Act and the need to improve health care outcomes—are spurring a need for a program like Duquesne's online RN-BSN program.
A recent report from the Institute of Medicine recommends that 80 percent of the country's nurses should have a baccalaureate degree by the year 2020. Research shows that RNs prepared at the baccalaureate-degree level and higher are linked to lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors and overall positive outcomes. Studies indicate that nearly 40 percent of U.S. nurses in the workforce hold either a hospital diploma or associate's degree in nursing.
Duquesne's RN-BSN degree, which requires 126 credits, offers every course online and can be completed in eight-week terms, allowing students to easily take six credits per semester. Specialty areas include ethics, quality and safety, forensics, veterans health, global health and human rights, and professional development.
All non-nursing courses will be offered in the program through Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement. Students may take any of the required non-nursing courses at Duquesne or at another pre-approved university. RN-BSN students will receive 60 transfer credits for their prior lower-division nursing courses, and other college credits can be transferred as well.
An orientation for the RN-BSN program will address the online format, Blackboard virtual learning environment, assignments, testing, technical support, and faculty and advisor support.
For more information, call 412.396.6550 or visit www.duq.edu/rn-bsn.
Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. Duquesne, a campus of more than 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students, has been nationally recognized for its academic programs, community service and commitment to sustainability.
www.duq.edu.
SOURCE Duquesne University
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