Fitchburg State College

Nursing Programs Offered

RN to BSN Program Details

The Fitchburg State University Online RN to BSN program was specifically designed for both associate degree registered nurses, and diploma registered nurses looking to advance skills and broaden career options by completing their BSN degree. The program is a high quality, user-friendly online degree program that recognizes both the clinical and classroom experience of the RN. Degree candidates with a valid RN license frequently earn 60-75 of the 121 required program credits through proficiency/mobility exams and transfer credits.

Individual advising is available to review your credentials and help you maximize transfer credits for prior experience and course work.

There is no minimum course load requirement. You can take one course at a time, or up to a full-time course load, making it possible for you to complete your degree in as little as 2 years.

The Fitchburg State online RN to BSN program is primarily asynchronous—which means you don’t have to be at your computer at any particular time of the day or week. You will need to maintain regular course participation each week and visit the course web site on a regular basis. Throughout the program, you will have opportunities to interact with fellow students and faculty, building relationships, and sharing experiences in a virtual environment.

Using our web-based technology you can access course material at your convenience, wherever you have an Internet connection. This state of the art program will also incorporate the latest technology allowing students and faculty to have some ”real-time” classroom experiences. Our online course demo walks you through the process, step by step, so you’ll be ready to use the system before you start your coursework. And you’ll have access to technical support by phone 24/7.

In addition to working online, you’ll gain first-hand experience, individualized to match your area of interest, as you complete the clinical component of your degree. With the assistance of an advisor, you will arrange your own clinical placements, providing you with the flexibility to meet your scheduling and geographical needs.

When you complete the program, you are invited to participate in the graduation ceremony at Fitchburg State University so you can receive your degree in person.

BSN Program Details

Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are evaluated for admission to the pre-Nursing program. Applicants must meet state university admission standards as well as demonstrate the potential to succeed in the Nursing program. Accepted students enroll in prerequisite courses during their freshman year, specifically anatomy & physiology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, and writing. At the conclusion of the freshman year, all pre-Nursing students who have successfully completed the prerequisite coursework with grades of 2.5 or better in the sciences during both the fall and spring semesters are formally admitted to the department as Nursing majors. As sophomores, Nursing majors begin their Nursing courses and gain hands-on experience in an on-campus lab and then in an acute health care setting. During the junior year, students learn the basics of maternity, pediatric and mental health nursing along with acute care medical surgical nursing. Over the course of the senior year, Nursing majors study community health and chronic care nursing. Throughout the last semester, students work side-by-side with a professional nurse in a full semester practicum experience and prepare for the licensing exam.