Columbus State University

Nursing Programs

• $22,440 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
• $19,538 In-State Graduate Tuition*

• Program
  Format
  Tuition
  Score
• Clinical Nurse Leader CNL - BSN to MSN
  Online Program
  $14,220 In-State Tuition
  4.4 Program Score
• Family Nurse Practitioner FNP - BSN to MSN
  Online Program
  $13,244 In-State Tuition
  4.4 Program Score
• Nurse Educator - BSN to MSN
  Online Program
  $25,344 In-State Tuition
  4.4 Program Score
• Nurse Informatics - BSN to MSN
  Online Program
  $25,344 In-State Tuition
  4.4 Program Score
• Traditional BSN
  Online Program
  $22,440 In-State Tuition
  4.4 Program Score

Columbus State University is a public institution that was founded in 1958.

Undergraduate

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program is for students who are seeking to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Graduates of the nursing program are eligible to take the Registered Nurse Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) and then be eligible for state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

The first set of courses within the BSN degree are based on a liberal arts background and health. After the pre-nursing courses, the nursing program will begin. Components of the clinical and classroom time will include nursing skills and theory.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Admission assessment exam (A2)
• All Science classes with a grade 'C' or higher
• No failure of more than one nursing pre-requisite course in the past 5 years
• Ensure that science classes are completed within the last seven years prior to the anticipated date of admissions into the upper-level nursing courses
• Complete all pre-requisite courses as they apply to the junior level nursing
• References

Online RN-BSN

This program is for Registered Nurses who already hold an associate's degree (ASN/ADN) looking to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

The program can be completed in 12 months with small classes in 7-week sessions. The program is 100% online, no traveling to campus, but there is a requirement that clinicals be completed in or near your hometown. Students will have a faculty advisor to help.

The program consists of 63 hours of prerequisite courses and 60 hours for nursing courses.

Graduate

The online Master's program is cooperatively offered by Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern University. Both are accredited institutions in the University System of Georgia.

The graduate program for the MSN degree consists of a 36-38 hour program to help prepare nurses for advanced practice.  

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

The Family Nurse Practitioner title can be awarded to BSN nurses who want to complete a degree while working. There is no commuting to campus and the program can be completed in as little as two years. There are 765 clinical hours to complete. Faculty members have vast clinical experience and are dedicated to helping the student to succeed.

The Family Nurse Practitioner Program is accredited by the Georgia Board of Nursing and by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Specialty Programs

There are other program specialties to consider when completing a Master's Degree to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. The specialty programs offered at Columbus State University include:

Health Care Informatics

This course includes hands-on experiences to learn to solve problems within the healthcare industry utilizing project management, data analysis and more.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• Hold a regionally accredited BSN degree
• Have an average GPA of 3.0 for a regular admission and a 2.75 GPA for provisional admission
• Provide three letters of reference

Nurse Educator

The Nurse Educator certificate program is offered to those nurses looking to become educators within their hospital or at a university.  This certificate can be completed in as little as two semesters and is all online. Nurses will learn to prepare and facilitate other nurses through education.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• Earn an MSN degree from an NLNAC or CCNE accredited program
• Take the classes to become eligible to sit for the certification exam

Nurse Leadership

The Nurse Leadership track is for nurses who want to influence, transform, and become more knowledgeable about the evolution of nursing. Leadership is needed in the nursing world and will be recognized at many jobs in the future.  Becoming certified as a Nurse Leader can be difficult and we at Columbus State University are ready to ensure that you are successful.

I am worried about landing a job after graduation.  Is that going to be a problem?

After graduation from Columbus State University and being licensed as an RN, the graduate Nurses enjoy a 100% employment rate.

Accreditation and Approval

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Columbus State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2019)

• #102 (tie) in Regional Universities South
• #19 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
• #42 (tie) in Top Public Schools
• #118-#154 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
• #264-#346 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs

NICHE (2019)