College Catalog: 2010-2011

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program has two tracks: 1) Generic track for individuals interested in becoming nurses, and 2) RN/BSN track for Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree or Diploma level, returning to receive the BSN. The Nursing Programs of Ramapo College of New Jersey are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326.

Program Outcomes:

Upon graduation from this program, graduates will:

Knowledge – Synthesize and apply selected nursing theories with a broad base of knowledge from basic sciences, the arts, and humanities to support general nursing practice.

Change – Participate in the change process of health care systems, incorporating knowledge of social and political forces.

Scientific Research – Identify problems for clinical research and apply findings in general nursing practice.

Teaching and Learning – Identify and apply basic concepts of teaching and learning in general nursing practice.

Leadership and Management – Use basic concepts of leadership and management, including knowledge of internal and external organizational influences on nursing practice.  Function collaboratively with other health team members to provide continuity of health care.  Determine the need for, and use appropriately, consultants for clinical problem-solving.

Clinical Practice – Demonstrate clinical judgement in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluation nursing care.

Role Function – Practice in accordance with generalist practice nursing standards.

Professionalism – Demonstrate commitment and accountability to self, continuous learning, health care consumers, and professional standards.  Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional accountability for generalist nursing practice.

Generic BSN curriculum – The generic curriculum is designed so that students complete all general education and science requirements in the first two years of the major. Upon satisfactory completion of all general education and science courses, students enter the nursing sequence which is two years in length. Upon graduation from the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX exam for licensure as a registered nurse. The generic program offers two unique clinical partnerships which greatly enhance the clinical education of the BSN students.

The Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and The Valley Hospital, both recognized by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Commission as Magnet Hospitals – Centers of Nursing Excellence serve as clinical partners for the BSN program. In the Englewood partnership, students go to Englewood Hospital for all nursing courses. Students in The Valley Hospital partnership go to the Valley Hospital for a majority of the clinical experiences and remain on campus for classes. Students are expected to provide their own transportation.
Transfer and second degree students are accepted into the major. Courses are evaluated on a case by case basis.

RN/BSN curriculum – The BSN program admits registered nurses, with either an associates degree or diploma in nursing. These students transfer in credits from their initial nursing program, and complete the general education and nursing requirements at Ramapo.  Graduates of diploma programs in nursing are granted 30 credits for their diploma nursing courses upon satisfactory completion of their first two BSN nursing courses. The majority of the nursing courses for the RN are heavily on-line, with clinical experiences at nearby facilities.  Students have the option of entering the BSN program with the intent to progress to the MSN program at Ramapo College.

Admission Requirements for the Joint BSN Program:

B.S.N. Program Admission Requirements

Criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program include academic achievement, dependability, scholarship, professional behavior, accountability, and interpersonal skills.

For admission to the Generic Program (to become a nurse):
Admissions’ decisions are based upon review of the following minimum requirements:

1. Graduation from High School or a High School Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.);
2. SAT scores of 1120 or above;
3. Top 20% of graduating class;
4. Completion of three science courses with laboratories, including chemistry, with a grade 85 (“B”) or better;
5. Two letters of recommendation; and
6. A minimum score of 550 on the paper based TOEFL or the equivalent on the internet or internet based test..

For admission to the RN/BSN Program (already a RN):

1. Graduation from an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Nursing Program, an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing Program, or a Diploma in Nursing Program accredited by an appropriate agency or association at the time of graduation from the program;
2. Licensure as a registered nurse in New Jersey. Individuals licensed as registered
   nurses in other states must be eligible for New Jersey State Board of Nursing licensure as a registered professional nurse;
3. Cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5 or higher.
4. A grade of “C” or higher in all nursing, science, and English composition courses.
5. A minimum score of 580 on the paper based TOEFL or the equivalent on the computer or internet based TOEFL.
6. Two letters of recommendation

A physical examination, required immunizations, health and liability insurance, CPR certification and a  satisfactory criminal background check are required upon entry into the nursing sequence.

Questions concerning the program or application packet should be directed to:
Mr. Michael Di Bartolomeo, Office of Admissions, RCNJ
Dr. Kathleen Burke, Assistant Dean, Nursing Programs

Requirements for the Major:

Students must earn 126 credits, meet General Education, School Core, and Major Requirements.
Courses offered at Ramapo College of New Jersey.

Required grades in Nursing courses and Nursing prerequisite courses are determined by the Nursing faculty and are printed in all degree evaluations and syllabi.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.

Note: A 2.3 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.

Note: A 2.3 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

General Education Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Nursing Program Website
School of Theoretical and Applied Science Website
Faculty Profiles