Bachelor of Science in Nursing & RN-to-BSN

Do you want to work on the frontlines of health care as a skilled nursing professional? Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) from Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing at Hardin-Simmons University and prepare to make major impacts on the health and wellness of your community.

Nurses are the foundation of the health care system and are always in high demand. As one of the best R.N. to B.S.N. programs in the region, our graduates are sought after throughout Texas and the nation for their knowledge and dedication to their patients. Our B.S.N. and R.N. to B.S.N. programs are also grounded in and enlightened by Christian principles like leading and serving in our communities.

R.N. to B.S.N. Program

If you’re a registered nurse, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as little as two semesters through the R.N. to B.S.N. program online at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN). Our program stands out among online R.N. to B.S.N. programs because of its experienced faculty mentors, its ease and accessibility, and its commitment to Christian ethics and values.

Our intensive program will expand on your initial nursing preparation. Joining PHSSN—one of the best R.N. to B.S.N. programs in the region—will enhance your professional development; prepare you for more career opportunities in clinical practice; and help you better understand the cultural, political, economic, and social issues affecting patients and care every day. With our online R.N. to B.S.N. program, you can also earn your B.S.N. degree while working and caring for your family, no matter where you are located.

Program Contact

Martha Hartranft

PHSSN Coordinator of Admissions, Records, and Advising Martha.hartranft@phssn.edu

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Majors

Minors

Why Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Hardin-Simmons?

A nursing instructor hands a white coat to a student.

Hands-On Service Learning

Whatever field of practice you are considering, PHSSN provides you with real-world experience with patients. For example, if you want to serve in communities, we offer opportunities for you to identify health care needs within your community that can be met through nursing interventions and education. If you want to work in the world of labor and delivery, post-partum care, newborn care, and pediatric care, our Maternal Child course will provide you with immersive experiences. Also, in your Senior Practicum, you will work alongside a seasoned nurse for 144 hours, earning valuable work experience to help you transition to a future nursing role.

Exceptional Career Preparation

There are a lot of reasons why we’re one of the best R.N. to B.S.N. programs. For example, 100% of our graduates are employed within six months of completing the program. There is currently a major nursing shortage across the nation, resulting in more career opportunities for graduates. Our B.S.N. programs prepare you to enter these careers ready to succeed and help others.

Building Community

Our B.S.N. programs are about so much more than just exceptional education. They are also about community. Our faculty members are all doctorly-trained pillars of the health care community. Thanks to small class sizes, you’ll get many opportunities to work closely with them, as well as to collaborate with your peers. Even our online R.N. to B.S.N. program students will get one-on-one time with faculty members and peers through class assignments and open-door office hours.

Katie Barefield's Story

Katie Barefield

Bachelor of Science in Nursing & RN-to-BSN

’18

"At a lot of schools you might be there for two years and then you have to go somewhere totally different for the last two years, but Patty Hanks is still very much part of the university as a whole."

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What Can You Do With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree?

Nursing is a remarkably diverse field of study. Many graduates enter the field of nursing in medical settings. However, graduates of our B.S.N. programs also go on to work in community settings, physician offices, mental health clinics, and missionary positions that take them across the globe. Our graduates go on to work at prestigious organizations such as the Hendrick Medical Center, the Children’s Medical Center, and even here at the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. Whether you take the traditional B.S.N. track or the R.N. to B.S.N. program online, you’ll also be well-prepared to attend an MSN program if you’d like to continue your nursing education and increase career opportunities.

On top of the personal and professional satisfaction you’ll feel helping others every day in a career you love, you’ll also benefit from amazing job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that health care occupations such as nursing will grow 16 percent over the next decade, adding more jobs than any other occupational field.

Top Jobs for B.S.N. Program Graduates

Registered nurse
Nurse educator
Health policy nurse
Nurse recruiter
Clinical research nurse
Forensic nurse
Nurse health coach

Salary for B.S.N. Program Graduates

The estimated salary of alumni from our BSN program is $79,231.

Program Details

BSN Admission Requirements

All Applicants must complete the Application Process, which will then be reviewed by the PHSSN Admissions Committee to determine if students meet the below requirements.

Cumulative grade point average (GPA) must be a minimum of a 3.00 on a 4.00 scale
Completion of all nursing prerequisite courses with a letter grade of ‘C’ or higher (Letter grade of less than ‘C’ will not be accepted toward Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree)
Course Exception: Students must complete the required Anatomy & Physiology, and Microbiology courses with a grade of at least ‘B’ before admission to PHSSN
Students are also required to take a Nursing Entrance Exam
Completion of General Education and Prerequisite coursework before entering first semester at PHSSN (HSU Degree Plan)

Online RN to BSN Admission Requirements

Full admission to the R.N. to B.S.N. program online is granted to applicants who have met all admissions requirements. Applications will be reviewed holistically and exclusively. The following is required of applicants for the R.N. to B.S.N. Program Online:

Current, active RN unencumbered license
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for admission consideration. All calculated grades from schools attended are admission grade point average
Prerequisite coursework completed with a grade of “C” or better, prior to the beginning of this program
Students must successfully complete all nursing courses (with a grade of ‘C’ or better) in sequential order at each level before progressing to the next level in the curriculum
All applicants who receive offers of admission must consent to a criminal background check (a complete FBI/DPS background check). A history of criminal conduct or conviction may result in withdrawal of admission offer. Refer to the PHSSN website school policy in the student handbook

All online R.N. to B.S.N. program applicants must provide documentation of the following prior to enrollment:

Professional liability insurance
Completion of a current physical
Proof of health insurance
Compliance with the School of Nursing’s required immunizations. (Contact PHSSN for current list)
Healthcare provider BLS or ACLS (CPR) certification (adult, infant, & child)
Current negative 10-panel drug screen

We believe that the cost of education should never hinder your dreams of helping others. That’s why our program offers numerous awards and grants every year for nursing students. In addition to these exclusive awards, you may also be eligible for university-wide awards. Learn more about scholarships at Hardin-Simmons University.

If you’re interested in joining one of the best R.N. to B.S.N. programs in the region, you may also want to learn more about other programs at Hardin-Simmons University that are similar:

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Degree

Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate

Master of Science in Nursing