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Nursing Degrees at SBU

Learn About SBU's Nursing Degrees

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Demand is growing for highly qualified nurses. Our communities need registered nurses, and the need is growing! In a study published in the May 2012 edition of the American Journal of Medical Quality, each state's nursing shortage was graded using a reliably developed model. By 2030, Missouri is projected to have a shortage ratio of 27 RNs per 100,000 people.

Southwest Baptist University is helping address the nursing shortage issue by preparing professional nursing graduates through a variety of nursing degree options, ranging from degrees that prepare you to become a Registered Nurse to more-advanced nursing degrees.

Do you want to become a registered nurse?

SBU offers nursing degrees on three campuses in Bolivar, Salem, and Springfield, Mo. Each campus nursing program is a little different. Review these options below to determine which program might be the best fit for you.

Are you already a registered nurse?

Complete a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing to advance in your career. Course schedules are flexible enough to fit around your busy schedule. Most courses are offered online.

Resources

Student Handbook (PDF)

Associate's Degree in Nursing (Springfield Campus)

  • Prerequisite requirements: 11 hours of science courses
  • Time to complete: 2 years (4 semesters)

After completing prerequisite courses, you can apply for the 2-year nursing program. Upon completion of the nursing coursework, you will take the RN-NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). The Springfield campus is non-residential.

ASN Degree in Springfield

LPN or Paramedic - ASN Bridge Program (Salem or Springfield Campuses)

  • Prerequisite requirements: Hold an LPN or paramedic license
  • Time to complete: One year (8 weeks + 2 semesters)

If you already hold an LPN or paramedic license and live in the Salem or Springfield, Mo., areas, you can complete the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree in just one year and then take the RN-NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse. You will complete a "bridge" course prior to the beginning of the first semester to ensure that you are prepared for the nursing courses. The Salem and Springfield campuses are non-residential.

LPN or Paramedic-ASN Bridge Program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program

If you already have an Associate of Science in Nursing degree are a Registered Nurse, you can complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through a 34-hour course of study.

This nationwide RN to BSN program offers a flexible course sequence option, including a fully online eight-week block schedule with one block of experiential service learning activities that can be completed where you live. No onsite visits are required. Faculty are dedicated to helping you realize your professional goals while also balancing work and personal demands.

RN-BSN Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Bolivar campus)

  • Prerequisite requirements: 3 semesters before applying to the nursing program
  • Time to complete: 5 semesters in the nursing program, for a total of 4 years (8 semesters) to complete the degree

If you want to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and want the traditional, residential college experience, consider the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program on the SBU-Bolivar campus. You will graduate with a bachelor's degree and be prepared to take the RN-NCLEX exam to become an RN.

BSN Degree

Master of Science in Nursing

Combining a unique blend of online courses and clinical experiences, the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) education program provides advanced degree options for BSN graduates. As an MSN student, you will have the opportunity to complete your master's in nursing education.

The nursing education track will prepare you for academic, staff development, and patient education roles. The nursing administration track will provide you with an in-depth study of nursing leadership principles and practices promoting nursing excellence and process improvement.

Master's Degree in Nursing

Accreditation Information

Accrediting Commission for Education in NursingAll nursing programs offered by Southwest Baptist University are accredited by ACEN.

Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Rd., NE Ste. 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org

Program Approval

The Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN) oversees approval of all pre-licensure nursing programs in the state of Missouri. SBU's associate of science in nursing (ASN) degree and SBU's pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree have received full approval from the MSBN.

Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN)
3605 Missouri Boulevard
P.O. Box 656
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0656
(573) 751-0681 Telephone
(573) 751-0075 Fax
(800) 735-2966 TTY
(800) 735-2466 Voice Relay
http://pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp