A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree program that prepares nurses for a broader range of roles and responsibilities beyond entry-level positions, offering greater professional opportunities and often higher earning potential compared to an associate level nursing degree program. A BSN program includes clinical hours and covers subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and nursing-specific courses.  Courses are designed to equip graduates with foundational knowledge and skills, but also leadership, research, and management skills needed for high-quality patient care in various healthcare settings.

It can partially be done online with labs and clinicals in person. At South College we have a unique Hybrid/Online BSN track at select campuses that allows for didactic coursework to be delivered online.  Students only come to campus or clinical locations at designated times.

Here is more information: https://www.south.edu/program/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-hybrid-online-option/

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an educational program level and a Registered Nurse (RN) is a license to practice designation.  Graduates of both Associate level and BS level nursing programs may attempt the NCLEX-RN.  A BSN program provides a more comprehensive education, adding in courses in leadership, research, management, and community health that are not normally part of an Associate-level program, which in turn, is designed to prepare graduates for career advancement opportunities in leadership, management, nurse education, or as a pathway to advanced practice nursing.

BSN vs. RN

RN (Registered Nurse):

This is a professional license to practice nursing. You must pass a national board exam to become an RN, regardless of your educational path (which could be an Associate Degree in Nursing – AND/ASN or a BSN).

BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing):

This is a baccalaureate undergraduate degree level program. It provides a deeper and broader education than the ADN, including courses in research, leadership, health policy, and management in addition to core nursing skills.

The South College Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for completion in 39 months (full-time).  However, this depends on prior academic background as many of the pre-requisite courses may have already been completed and transfer credit may be awarded.  The Nursing Major portion of the program may be completed in 18 months.

Accelerated BSN pathways require a previous bachelor’s degree in another field. In contrast, a traditional BSN is for students without prior degrees.  Time to completion may be different as someone who has already completed bachelor’s degree may have already completed a large portion of the prerequisite courses in general education and science.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

• Time to Complete: Approximately 18-30 months, depending on prior academic background.
• Prerequisites: Requires a prior bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and specific prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
• Structure:  Year round coursework without summer breaks to achieve a fast-paced education.
• Curriculum: Focuses on science and nursing-specific coursework, general education courses needed depends on prior education.
• Ideal For: Individuals with a bachelor’s degree looking to switch careers into nursing quickly.

Traditional BSN

• Time to Complete: Typically around four years.
• Prerequisites: Usually requires a high school diploma and completion of general education and introductory courses.
• Structure: Follows a standard academic calendar.
• Curriculum: Includes both general education and science courses and core nursing classes.
• Ideal For: Students without prior college experience or who have not completed a bachelor’s degree.

Yes! We are institutionally accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) and for the BSN (Including Hybrid/Online, Accelerated, Traditional, LPN-BSN, and RN-BSN pathways) we are programmatically accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).  Programs are also approved at the state level by the Boards of Nursing for several states including Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

[*Some students may have additional or less requirements depending on the program]

Cohorts will begin depending upon enrollment and approvals from the associated state board of nursing. All students must meet the requirements for general admission to South College in order to pursue core/general education courses. General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Application deadlines are available in the School of Nursing and the Admissions Department.

Admission decisions will be made based on a holistic review of academic qualifications, previous educational experiences, and standardized test scores. The School of Nursing reserves the right to update or modify admission criteria as deemed necessary.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be admitted without stipulation:

• Submit a School of Nursing application by the applicable deadline.
• Entrance Exam:
  • Achieve a minimum ATI TEAS Assessment score at the academic preparedness level of BASIC or equivalent score on the HESI A2*.

* HESI A2 Entrance Exam will be accepted at as an equivalent passing score.

• • Scores below this threshold will not be considered for admission.
• Completion of all required prerequisite courses. Courses may be in progress at time of application, but to be admitted without stipulation they must be completed. Applicants who have completed all required prerequisite courses except NSG 1000 Introduction to the Nursing Profession and NSG 2000 Transitions to Core Nursing and have additional earned college credit from other institutions will have their transcripts reviewed to determine if credit can be applied as a course substitution or transfer credit for NSG 1000 and/or NSG 2000.
• Complete all required general education/core courses with a grade of C or higher.
• Achieve a minimum of 2.50 cumulative grade point average for general education/core prerequisite courses.
• Achieve a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average for required science prerequisite courses.

Requirements Other Than Academic

• Take the required drug test before the 1st day of class*.
• Complete the background check application before the 1st day of class*.
• Attend the nursing orientation on the scheduled date in its entirety.

*Prospective students who fail either the drug test or background check will be canceled.

See more information here: https://www.south.edu/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-admission-requirements/

Yes, scroll up on this page for options or see our other BSN Program page(s) for more information:

• https://www.south.edu/program/bachelor-science-nursing/
• https://www.south.edu/program/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-accelerated-bsn/
• https://www.south.edu/program/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-hybrid-online-option/