UB School of Nursing - RN/BS Program

The UB School of Nursing is pleased to announce a newly revised RN/BS program, designed specifically for nurses who have already successfully completed a community college (associate’s degree) or hospital based (diploma) nursing program, and are licensed to practice as a registered professional nurse.

This part-time course of study is aimed at the RN currently working at least part time in the clinical setting. This program not only supplements and builds upon the core nursing knowledge, it also focuses on educating the bachelor’s prepared RN as a leader in the health care arena.

This part-time program recognizes the busy lives of the practicing nurse with a new curriculum that employs technology-based coursework, along with projects that can be completed at the work-site. RN/BS students will progress through the program together as a "cohort" group or learning community, meeting no more than two designated days a week. This new program uses innovative teaching strategies that effectively and conveniently educate experienced RNs as future leaders of their profession.

All current RN/BS students, enrolled before Fall 2006, should contact their advisor in order to workout a program completion plan, or to find out how to transfer into the new program.

The UB program is seeking graduates of Associate Degree or Diploma Programs with a minimum of 2.7 overall GPA, completion of all prerequisite courses, RN licensure and employed at least part-time. Each group will begin in fall, with most attending part time and progressing as a learning community cohort through the courses over two years. Students must complete both a UB and School of Nursing application and are encouraged to apply by June 1.

The RN/BS nursing curriculum encompasses biomedical and social science courses taken as prerequisites for the clinical program of study. The courses are indicated below. A grade of “C” (2.0) or better must be earned in each course with a minimum overall GPA of 2.7. Courses taken at a students’ prior institution may fulfill some or all of these requirements if they are determined to be equivalent. A chart of some equivalencies from certain schools from which students commonly transfer to UB can be found at: http://nursing.buffalo.edu/transfer.shtm.

Please note, all prerequisites must be completed before emrolling in the RN/BS sequence.

All courses must be completed in sequence. If a student fails to earn at least a “C” (2.0) or better in any course, he/she must wait to reattempt that course until the following sequence is offered again.

Courses will be scheduled for only 1-2 days a week.
Prerequisites must be completed before starting the nurse sequence.
University requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree include:
1. Minimum of 120 credit hours, at least 30 of which must be completed at UB.
2. Minimum 2.0 overall GPA for UB and transfer coursework.
3. Completion of University general education requirements. Certain prerequisite courses may also satisfy general education requirements.
The faculty of the School of Nursing reserves the right to make minor changes in the curriculum to enhance learning experiences.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Upon entering the RN/BS program, all students must have completed a certified Basic Life Support (BLS) course (including both adults and pediatrics for the health care provider) and submit the completed Health Background Form for Health Professions Standards to the Office of Student Affairs and the UB Student Health Center. The School of Nursing reserves the right to discuss with a student any health problems that may affect performance as a student in nursing.

FOR DIPLOMA SCHOOL GRADUATES ONLY:
Graduates of hospital based diploma programs may be required to successfully complete Associate Degree level theory examinations in Nursing offered by Excelsior College (effective January 1, 2001 – formerly Regents College). Examinations must be completed prior to taking upper division nursing courses. For information on these requirements, please contact the Academic Advisor, Elizabeth Kalfas at (716) 829-2537 or eakalfas@buffalo.edu

Special Features

Only 2 years part-time

Students will progress together as a “cohort” learning community

All classes will meet 1-2 days a week

Clinical hours completed on weekends and/or in the summer

Some clinical projects at students’ worksites

Program developed in recognition of a student’s previous RN experiences

Focused on empowering the future leaders of nursing

Curriculum centered on evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary care, technology, and statistical analysis

A fully staffed new computer lab for student use

Clinical affiliations with Western New York’s major health facilities

A new fully equipped health assessment lab and a nursing skills lab

Faculty who are expert practitioners of nursing with advanced preparation in their specialties; many with national and international recognition

The School of Nursing Simulation Center features a “state of the art” patient simulator

The Center for Nursing Research

Access to “state-of-the-art” educational technology including a wide variety of health care databases, computer assisted instruction, and electronic mail.

Office of Student Affairs
School of Nursing
University at Buffalo
1040 Kimball Tower
Buffalo, NY 14214-3079
(716) 829-2537
E-mail: nurse-studentaffairs @buffalo.edu

Morning appointments at the School of Nursing are recommended as then visitors can plan to attend the University Admissions Office Information Sessions.

Visit this web site - http://admissions.buffalo.edu/visit/index.php to schedule a 1:00 visit with the UB Admissions Office following your morning stop at Nursing.

To arrange an appointment please call our Office of Student Affairs at 716-829-2537. Appointments can be in person or by phone. If you call please leave a message and someone will return your call within a day.