Kent State University College of Nursing awarded its first Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in 1971. The program continues to focus on excellence in teaching through class and clinical instruction with a goal of preparing graduates to meet the needs of a changing society and health care delivery system. Graduates of the program are prepared as professional nurses having a solid theoretical knowledge base, a strong foundation in clinical skills, and components of professional nursing. Graduates are prepared as contributing members of society and have the basis for graduate education. Each student's previous education and experience are evaluated for placement or for advanced placement. 
 
The non-registered nurse student completes an established core of pre-nursing courses prior to formal admission to the nursing sequence. Please see our application process for details on how to qualify for the Nursing program. Individual advising and program planning by persons experienced in student services is a key component of the success of the student in the program.
 
The first year of the program provides a beginning understanding of the profession and a theoretical basis for the nursing courses that are taken in the subsequent years of the program.  Experience is provided with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of clinical settings including primary health care, acute care, and long term care. Research, professionalism, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills are key concepts in the program. The four year Baccalaureate nursing program is also offered at the following regional campuses:  Geauga, Salem, Stark, and Trumbull. 

Kent State University College of Nursing uses a variety of clinical agencies and affiliations through Northeast Ohio for clinical experiences. Students have the opportunity to select agencies that broaden their experiences. For information about specific agencies, contact your academic advisor.

Curriculum Sheets

How to Apply/Admission Requirements
College of Nursing Visits
BSN 2009-2010 Handbook

The accelerated nursing program for second degree students at the Kent State University College of Nursing is a rigorous academic program that requires demonstration of critical thinking, strong written and oral communications skills, and the time, support, and resources to commit to an intensive four semester full-time program. Those applying for admission will be required to meet all admissions criteria for the generic nursing program and in addition must demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills. Extra weight will be given to applicants with class-related, extra-curricular, job-related, or volunteer experience working with individuals and/or groups in a helping setting.

For further information, comments, or questions about the Accelerated Program, please visit our Accelerated Program website.  

The College of Nursing recognizes that students who are also Practical Nurses have valuable clinical experience.  This experience allows LPN students to smoothly transition into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program.

LPN students must meet the minimum requirements for admission into the BSN program (2.5 gpa in the prerequisite sciences, and a 2.5 accumulative gpa) as well as all graduation requirements for the BSN.  However, LPN students can choose to take a quicker path towards graduation. 

Each spring semester, the College of Nursing offers a web-based LPN Transition Course to students who have a 2.5 gpa and will have completed all science prerequisites by the end of the same spring term.  This course takes the place of NURS 10050 “Intro to Professional Nursing” and NURS 20010 “Interpersonal and Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals.”  After successful completion of the Transition Course, students have to opportunity to complete Credit By Exam (CBE) for NURS 20020, NURS 20030, and NURS 20950. Students who successfully pass these exams progress to the junior level nursing courses.  Students who attend full-time can potentially finish the BSN in 3-years!  Although many LPN students are also working during school and spread the program out for 4 or more years.