2nd Degree BSN at RIC

Published

Hello,

I have a B.A. in the liberal arts, am currently taking nursing prerequisites @ CCRI, and would appreciate some insight...

Has anyone here been through the 2nd degree BSN program at RIC? The website lists the curriculum (once prereq's are completed) as 2 years. I have many friends who went to RIC for other majors and had a very difficult time getting the courses they needed to graduate on time. What did you think of the program, and how intense is it? Is the school organized in getting students their clinicals?

I am also considering getting an associate's, which would take 1-2 years after I finish my prerequisites, depending on if I stay in RI or move for school.

Thankyou!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I dont know about RIC, but be aware that it requires two chemistry classes as pre reqs that CCRI does not have, Chem 105, 106. The CCRI class equivilant are called Health Science Chemistry 1 and 2.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

I am a junior in RIC's nursing program, so I may be able to help you out a bit. The second degree students blend right in with the traditional students, with the exception that you would not have to take any of the gen-eds (history, english, etc.). Otherwise, it really isn't much different. However, you can petition (as a second degree student) to take the first 4 nursing classes together. I WOULD NOT recommend this.

The normal course of the nursing portion of the program is to take 2 nsg classes per semester for 6 semesters. You could shave off a semester by taking the first 4 courses in your first semester of the program, but it is very intense taking them over 2 semesters.....I can't imagine taking them all together, unless you don't work or have other committments.

The nursing portion of the program is 3 years long, NOT including pre-reqs. Some students take summer clinicals to speed up the process, but keep in mind there are limited spots for these classes.

The program is intense. Between lectures, clinicals, papers, and studying, you don't get a break. RIC also has something called ATI testing. Starting your second semester, you will receive a book for every nursing clinical course that you take. You need to complete the book and take a computerized exam at the end of the semester for that class. If you do not pass, you get another shot. Upon a second failure of the ATI exam, you are given a failing grade for the course and have to repeat the entire course again (even if you have an A in the course, failing ATI twice means you fail the class).

You can only repeat a nursing class once; after that you are kicked out of the program. Right now I am in Psych and Maternity. The ATI book for each of these courses is over 400 pages....and you are expected to read them in your spare time (LOL!).

I think the program is as organized as it can be. I've had good experiences and bad ones, but overall I think I will come out with a good handle on things, ready to pass NCLEX. They also make sure you get the courses you need, no matter what. It may not be exactly what you want, but you will graduate on time when you're in the nursing program (as long as you pass!).

Passing grades in the program = 74% minimum

Clinical sites range from Women and Infants to Butler, Arbour Fuller, Miriam, RI Hospital, Roger Williams, etc...

Getting into the program:: RIC accepts students who started there as freshman as first priority. Then, they save a few spots for transfer and second degree students. It is VERY competitive. You need to take Chem 105, Chem 106, Anatomy, Bio 108, and two psych courses. It is also in your best interest to take Micro and Physio before applying. I think this gave me an advantage.

Your grades in the sciences will be weighted most heavily; specifically Anatomy, Chem 106 and Developmental psych.

I would highly recommend going the BSN route. It may take a bit longer, but in the end you will have more opportunities and a better chance of advancing the clinical ladder in the future. You will also have a great foundation for grad school, should you be interested in that. Please don't think I'm knocking the ADN programs...I'm not....but with all of the competition for jobs right now, I think having a BSN will give you a leg up.

Good luck, let me know if you have other questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks so much, that is great information.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just got accepted into the second BSN program. I was hoping maybe you all could answer some of my questions:

- Are all of the second BSN students offered the chance to take four introductory courses in the first fall semester?

- Are there clinicals in the first semester?

- How many BSN students are there enrolled at one time?

Thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.
I just got accepted into the second BSN program. I was hoping maybe you all could answer some of my questions:

- Are all of the second BSN students offered the chance to take four introductory courses in the first fall semester?

- Are there clinicals in the first semester?

- How many BSN students are there enrolled at one time?

Thanks so much!

-See your other post for this answer

-Traditionally, students take 220 and 222 during the first semester. N220 is is combination of nutrition, pharmacology and pathophysiology. N222 is an intro to nursing course. N223 and N224 are taken during the second semester. N223 is Nursing Fundamentals, which is where you'll have your first clinical (nursing home/geriatrics) about 8 weeks into the semester. N224 is Health Assessment and is a very important class that you will build upon during the entire program. Some 2nd degree students choose to take these 4 together during their first semester, which I can only imagine to be very difficult.

Third semester is Maternity and Psych clinicals, fourth semester is Pediatrics and Med/Surg 1 (which I am in now), fifth semester is Med/Surg 2 and Leadership, and sixt semester is Community and Transitions.

I'm not sure how many BSN students are enrolled, but my guess would be a few hundred.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion