Salem State College

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated MSN Programs
BSN Programs
MSN Programs
Nursing Science - Master's degree
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

BSN Program Details

The Nursing program prepares graduates for beginning positions in nursing for the purpose of providing quality nursing care in a variety of settings for people of all ages and lifestyles. Graduates will be able to progress to leadership positions in nursing and will possess a foundation for advanced education. The program is accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120, telephone 202.887.8476. Additionally, the School of Nursing holds full approval status from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Graduates who meet the school requirements are eligible to sit for the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Eligibility to take the Professional License Examination also includes compliance with the “Good Moral Character” licensure requirement established at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 112, Section 74. (Board of Registration Policy 00-01). This includes evaluation by the Board of Registration in Nursing of all misdemeanor and felony convictions, and discipline by a licensure/certification body. Individuals convicted of certain crimes are permanently excluded from nurse licensure in Massachusetts. Applicants are advised to call the Board of Registration in Nursing at 617.727.9961 for further clarification.

The School of Nursing at Salem State College provides students with an opportunity to acquire:

-Knowledge of theoretical foundations upon which to base nursing decisions in practice.
-Competency as a self-directing professional nurse who utilizes the nursing process to provide quality nursing care.
-The ability to collaborate with peers, members of other health disciplines and the general public for the improvement of health care.
-The foundation necessary to pursue further education (formal, informal) based upon perception of individual learning needs.
-A personal commitment to professional nursing today and the ability to redesign the nursing role, as appropriate, to meet health needs in the future.

The baccalaureate program in Nursing provides a liberal arts education and prepares graduates for entry into professional nursing, providing a sound foundation for beginning practice and advanced study. The curriculum is built upon a substantial foundation of art and science courses. The baccalaureate degree requires 122 credits, with 55 credits required in the Nursing major.

The philosophy upon which the nursing curriculum is based sets forth the belief in the wholeness and uniqueness of individuals with diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and values. It views humankind as evolving through the life process and interacting with the environment, which impacts on his or her health. It asserts that nursing, through the use of the nursing process, assists the individual to attain, maintain, and regain an optimum level of health.