Nursing Major All Academic Programs
Nursing is a complex field which requires knowledge of nursing and knowledge of the humanities, behavioral and natural sciences. The Coppin State University Helene Fuld School of Nursing prepares students for professional nursing practice, which includes functioning as members of multidisciplinary health teams when providing care to individuals, families, and groups in a variety of health care settings.
The Nursing Program initially approved by the Maryland State Board of Examiners of Nurses in 1974 (currently known as the Maryland Board of Nursing) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, leads to the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Generic graduates are eligible to write the registered nurse licensure examination of the Maryland Board of Nursing. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, is located at One DuPont Circle, NW Suite 530 Washington, DC 20036-1120 Telephone: (202) 887-6791 Fax: (202) 887-8476. The Helene Fuld School of Nursing is a member of the National League for Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Policies of the Helene Fuld School of Nursing are subject to change due to requirements of external accrediting agencies.
OUR MISSION
The School of Nursing, as an integral part of Coppin State University, is committed to empowering students, promoting community revitalization, and strengthening relationships with local, national, and global partners. Through its programs of study and outreach service, the School of Nursing fosters the University's unique mission and legacy of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
OUR VISION
- Be the region's preferred institution for the preparation of nurses and allied health professionals prepared to serve underserved community based populations
- Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs will allow for the infusion of current and emerging technologies, innovative clinical experience for students developed with collaborative relationships and in non-traditional settings
- Clinical focus will continue to move from acute care settings to community-based providers with increased emphases on environment sustainability, prevention, wellness, and health education
BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Graduates of the Traditional BSN, RN to BSN and Accelerated Second Degree BSN Plans of Study are prepared to:
- Synthesize knowledge from the natural and behavioral sciences, the humanities, and nursing to make nursing practice decisions.
- Apply the nursing process to deliver and manage nursing care for culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups across the life span in a variety of health settings.
- Use critical thinking strategies, communication, and other affective skills as well as psychomotor skills to provide therapeutic nursing interventions to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups in varying health states.
- Assist individuals, families, and groups to identify and mobilize resources to meet health care needs.
- Collaborate with consumers, members of the health team, and others to improve the delivery of health care.
- Use research findings in nursing practice.
- Use leadership strategies while functioning as a caregiver and manager of nursing care.
- Demonstrate professional and legal responsibilities for nursing practice.
ADMISSIONS POLICIES
Traditional BSN Plan of Study
Students must be admitted to the university, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V) to be eligible for admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing Undergraduate nursing program (traditional). The Admissions, Progression, and Retention Committee and Dean of Nursing review all applications to determine academic readiness for admission to the program. All students admitted to the program will be required to complete a Release of Information Form, Background Check and Drug Screen. The Helene Fuld School of Nursing does not discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, creed, handicap, veteran status, or national origin.
Note: Applicants are advised that if they have been convicted of or have pled nolo contendere to a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, they may not be eligible for licensure as a professional nurse in Maryland.
Admissions Criteria
- Qualify for admission to Coppin State University.
- Achieve 470 or above on each of the SAT components - math and verbal
- A 2.50 cumulative grade point average or above. ( A grade of "D" is not acceptable for transfer credit for any major support courses listed on the Nursing Program of Study)
- Satisfactory completion of any required developmental courses.
- Achieve the passing score determined by the faculty on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V).
Procedures
- Complete the application process as required by the Office of Admissions.
- Indicate Nursing as your area of study (concentration) on the Application for Undergraduate Admission Form.
- Complete the application form for the Nursing Program and all necessary documentation.
- Submit three (3) letters of recommendation. (These forms are available in the Admission Packet and available online at www.coppin.edu).
- The Nursing Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee and the Dean of Nursing will review the records to determine applicant eligibility.
- Candidates will be invited to take the TEAS V (TEAS V may only be taken twice).
- The School of Nursing will notify the applicant of their TEAS V results.
- Applicants may not take the TEAS V while enrolled in developmental courses
- The applicant will be notified of the decision regarding admission or denial to the Nursing Program.
RN TO BSN Plan of Study
Registered Nurse Applicant Criteria
- Complete an Application of Undergraduate Admission for Coppin State University.
- Complete a Helene Fuld School of Nursing application and any other specified forms required.
- Must hold a current Registered Nurse License for the State of Maryland.
- Graduate of an accredited Associate Degree (ADN) and/or Diploma Nursing Program with a minimum 2.80 cumulative grade point average.
- Completion of all pre-requisite courses.\
- Complete the undergraduate application for admission to Coppin State University.
- Indicate Nursing as your area of study (concentration) on the Application for Undergraduate Admission Form.
- Complete the application form for the Nursing Program and all necessary documentation.
- Complete the application process as required by the Office of Admissions.
- Submit three (3) letters of recommendation on the form required by the Nursing Program (available in the admission packet and online at www.Coppin.edu).
- The applicant will be notified of the decision regarding admission or denial to the Nursing Program.
All application materials are to be sent to:
Coppin State University
Helene Fuld School of Nursing
Office of Student Affairs and Retention
2500 W North Ave, HHSB
Baltimore, MD 21216.
Note for all applicants: Admission to Coppin State University is not considered automatic admission to the Helene Fuld School of Nursing.
ACADEMIC POLICIES TRADITIONAL AND RN TO BSN
Grading
Students must attain a final grade of "C" in all nursing courses required in the Nursing Program of Study. Student performance in the clinical practice components will be graded on a pass/fail basis; the criteria for determining acceptable performance are included in the syllabus of each clinical nursing course. Satisfactory clinical performance is required to earn a passing grade in a clinical nursing course. Students who are not performing at a satisfactory level will be so advised at mid-point in the course. Students must pass both clinical and didactic components to pass the course.
The grading scale for all nursing courses:
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 75 - 79
D = 69 - 74
F = 68 or below
Clinical Courses: PASS/FAIL
Requirements for Graduation
Senior nursing students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater, and satisfactory completion of all courses in the nursing program of study(perquisites and major); and pass a standardized comprehensive assessment examination which predicts the students probability of passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) at the benchmark established by faculty in order to exit the nursing program.
RN to BSN students will complete a formal portfolio as the Exit requirement.
Student Participation in Governance within the Helene Fuld School of Nursing
Students participate in program development and evaluation. At the end of each course, students have the opportunity to evaluate both the course and the instructor(s). Students participating on faculty committees are selected through the Nursing Student Association.
Resources for Success in Nursing
The Nursing Program provides its students with various resources to assist in meeting their learning needs - the Nursing Resource Center (NRC) and Nursing Student Enrichment Program (NSEP). Students are also referred to the University's Academic Resource Center (ARC). Students' health needs may be met through the Coppin State University Helene Fuld School of Nursing Community Health Center, located on the first floor of the Health and Human Services Building (HHSB).
Nursing Resource Center (NRC)
The Nursing Resource Center is available for individual students and/or student groups' use during the week and on Saturdays. The NRC is equipped with the latest technological advances (i.e. computers, computer assisted instruction, media and audio visual equipment). Students may use the NRC on an independent basis or with an instructor to enhance nursing knowledge.
Nursing Student Enrichment Program (NSEP)
The Nursing Student Enrichment Program (NSEP) provides students with academic support services aimed at improving performance outcomes and retention. Prevention strategies are utilized. Early diagnosis of students' learning needs is employed and appropriate immediate intervention strategies are implemented. Tutoring is provided through collaborative efforts by staff of the Nursing Resource Center, tutors, and the University Academic Resource Center. To ensure student success, referrals are made for appropriate tutoring and other supportive interventions by nursing faculty and/or the students assigned academic advisor.
Student Fees
In addition to annual University tuition and fees, students in the Helene Fuld School of Nursing should anticipate the additional fees throughout the nursing program which are subject to change based on vendor costs. These include and are not limited to (health clearance, background and drug screen, books, uniforms, student membership fees, lab supplies, simulation center, integrated testing package, graduation, transportation costs to clinical settings, and nursing kit).
Most clinical facilities are accessible by public transportation; otherwise, a personal automobile is needed. Clinical facilities may be located within a fifty (50) mile radius within the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan Area.
Information on fees for the Nursing Program is provided annually by the Helene Fuld School of Nursing to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One DuPont Circle, NW Suite 530 Washington, DC 20036-1120.
Articulation Agreement
"A Maryland statewide nursing education articulation agreement among all public nursing programs is in effect. The goal of the Maryland statewide education articulation agreement is to minimize barriers to educational advancement for nurses, thereby encouraging nurses to reach the highest possible level of education. Well educated nurses are essential to providing Maryland citizens with the best possible nursing care."
RN to BSN Articulation Model:
No more than half of the baccalaureate degree, with a maximum of 70 non-nursing credits, will be accepted from a community college. Nursing credits will not be transferred. However, Registered Nurses with an active unencumbered Maryland or compact RN license articulating to the baccalaureate level are awarded a minimum of thirty (30) upper division nursing credits as advanced placement in the program.
Transfer Credits
Under the Maryland Nursing Articulation Model, credits are awarded for transferable nursing and non-nursing courses at the college level. Vocational-technical and non-college general education courses do not transfer, subject to individual college policies. No more than half of the credits for a degree can be transfer credits. "(New Maryland Articulation Agreement, 2003)"
Advanced Placement with the Helene Fuld School of Nursing (Maryland State Articulation Agreement)
| NURS 311 | Medical /Surgical Nursing | 9 |
| NURS 310 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 319 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURS 320 | Maternity and Women's Health | 5 |
| NURS 321 | Nursing Care of Children | 5 |
| NURS 432 | Mental Health Nursing | 4 |
| NURS 424 | Adv Medical-Surgical Nursing | 6 |
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Total: | 35 |
** A total of 30 credits must be taken at the degree granting institution.
GRE Pre-Requisites for RN to BSN
| English Composition I & II | 6 |
| General Psychology | 3 |
| Human A&P I & II w/Lab | 8 |
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Mathematics(College Algebra*) | 3 |
| Basic Statistics | 3 |
| Microbiology w/Laboratory | 4 |
| Chemistry for Health Sciences | 4 |
Additional GER
| Philosophy | 3 |
| Speech | 3 |
| History (two courses in sequence) | 6 |
| World Literature | 3 |
| Normal/Applied Nutrition | 3 |
| IDIS or Art or Language | 3 |
| TOTAL: | 55 |
The RN to BSN program of study provides the educational mobility for registered nurses to continue their academic progression from the associate degree or diploma nursing programs to completion of the baccalaureate degree in nursing. Building upon the previous learning and diverse clinical experiences of adult registered nurse learners the baccalaureate curriculum prepares nurse graduates for the increased complexity of the changing health care delivery system through in-depth study of leadership and management sciences, public and community health, nursing research, and the analysis and communication of health-related data.
Major: Traditional BSN
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Level II (Sophomore)
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| Level III (Junior)
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Level IV (Senior)
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Major: RN to BSN
Level IV (Senior Year)
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| * | General Education Requirement |
| ** | University Graduation Requirement |
| ¦ | Major Course |
| » | or any 2 part 200 level History |
| ? | or any ENGL 200 level or above |
| • | BIOL 101 or 107 or CHEM 101 or PHSC 101 or PHSC 103 |
| × | PHIL 103 or PHIL 102 |
| † | or IDIS 103 or any Foreign Language or ART 105 or MUSC 201 or DANC 226 or THEA 211 |
| ‡ |
or any 3 credit Health course, or SPCH 202 or SPCH 204 or GEOG 102 |
| ? | General Elective - any University course |
| ? | Program Elective - any non-required course within the discipline |
| ? | Support Course |
| § | Management Science Elective |
NOTE: Please consult a program advisor to discuss course options.