Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Degree Program
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree that distinguishes nurses as knowledgeable healthcare providers with the highest standards of American practice and current clinical knowledge. Nurses with a BSN degree are set apart as academically proficient, clinically adept individuals who are able to diversify their nursing care in a variety of skill sets including patient advocacy, nursing leadership, case management, and independent bedside care.
American Health’s educational partners who provide instruction represent some of the highest quality institutions in the United States, Canada, the UK and Australia.
Nursing students are eligible to participate in an accelerated BSN degree program if they have an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing from an accredited educational institution with a minimum number of college credits acceptable to the US school. Nurses who meet the requirements of the BSN program will receive conditional acceptance letters from the school in which they will be studying. American Health will offer ongoing support throughout the BSN program for the nurses including assisting with immigration and entry into the United States, room and board, and acclimating to the American culture. Nurses will begin the program upon arrival in the United States with intensive study of English with a concentration on medical terminology.
Concurrently, the nurses will attend NCLEX review classes to equip and prepare them for this national licensure exam, which is necessary to participate in clinical rotations in a Bachelor of Nursing program. American Health’s focused NCLEX review program is particularly designed for non-American born nurses, and familiarizes them with the questions, process, terminology and analytical thinking necessary for success on the NCLEX. Nurses will also take courses designed to familiarize them with the American healthcare system. Because nurses with diplomas typically require more college credits to obtain a bachelors than students with an associate degree, diploma students may require additional credits during this preliminary year to fulfill their liberal arts requirements.
Passing the NCLEX exam allows the nurses to apply for a registered nursing license in any state in the United States, making them eligible to obtain a BSN degree and participate in clinical rotations. Students who do not pass the NCLEX exam will not be eligible to participate in the remainder of the BSN program.
After successfully completing the foundational language year and passing the NCLEX exam, nurses will complete the accelerated BSN program in approximately 12 months. Most nurses will need to earn approximately 60 or more undergraduate credits during the two year period. Based on the amount of credits students have when entering the program, and based on their progress, most students will be able to earn their BSN degree at the end of this second year. The second year of the BSN program focuses on current nursing standards in accordance with nationally recognized principles of evidence-based practice. Nurses will also participate in self study programs and clinical rotations where they will receive hands-on training in area hospitals.
Under the American Health/Educational Partner program, nurses will be grouped in cohorts of approximately thirty students, with the program tailored to the needs of those specific students and faculty assigned to that cohort. This allows special support and mentoring for the nurses, maximizing their chances for success. Nurses who participate in the BSN program will have the advantage of working in a small classroom setting with individualized attention and supervised hospital rotations with clinical experts in several specialties.
Once the BSN year is complete, students will be eligible to enroll in Optional Practical Training (OPT) where they may work as a healthcare provider in clinical settings. This will not only award students the opportunity to put their new level of skills into practice, it will also allow them to earn a salary. An OPT year provides practical training where students can integrate their critical thinking skills and clinical competencies in the nursing care field, furthering their understanding of practical application. OPT is provided by Lehman College under a student F-1 Visa.
Learn more
Apply now to begin the process of earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Click here to learn how American Health can advance your learning in your field of study.
For more information about American Health’s Continuing Education Programs, download specific programs in PDF format.