Nursing Program frequently asked questions
Q: What is the status of the new program addition to Berry College, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
A: Berry College was granted initial approval for a
baccalaureate degree program in nursing by the Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON)
in November 2012. Pending the proposed
GBON rule change, the first nursing courses will be available at Berry in January
2014.
Q: When will applications be accepted for the Nursing Program?
A: The
inaugural class of nursing students may begin applying for admission to the Nursing Program on April 1,
2013. Nursing admission decisions will be made by July 15, 2013. The first cohort of admitted students will pursue a fast-track option
in which students will go to class in four consecutive terms, including spring, summer and fall 2014 and spring 2015, with graduation projected for May 2015.
The
second class of students may apply to the nursing program beginning October 1,
2013. Nursing admission decisions for this class will be made by March 1, 2014. The second class will begin nursing courses
in Fall 2014 with graduation projected for May 2016. The second class will
follow the traditional fall, spring, fall, and spring sequence of coursework. The first step for students interested in pursuing a nursing degree at Berry is to complete the general admission process. Admission to the nursing program requires additional application after enrollment to Berry, and space is limited.
Q: What classes should I take?
A: Prospective
nursing students are encouraged to begin
the general-education courses that are required for all Berry degrees. A new cohort of nursing students will begin every fall
semester starting in fall 2014. Follow this link for a more detailed Curriculum.
Q: Why is earning a nursing degree a good career choice?
A: Because nurses with baccalaureate degrees are in high demand and will continue to be in the foreseeable future. National studies suggest that Georgia
alone will face a shortage of nearly 40,000 registered nurses (RNs) by 2020 if
effective action is not taken, and national numbers are even more staggering. The
Institute of Medicine released its landmark report on The Future of Nursing,
initiated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which called for increasing
the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% and
doubling the population of nurses with doctoral degrees. The current nursing
workforce falls far short of these recommendations with only 50% of registered
nurses prepared at the baccalaureate or graduate degree level. (http://thefutureofnursing.org)
Q: Will the Berry/Emory Dual-Degree program still remain an option?
A: While Berry students continue to have access to a strong dual-degree nursing program with Emory
University, it requires nursing students to leave Berry’s campus and to spend five
full years earning a nursing degree.
Q: How does the Berry
BSN program differ from the Emory Dual Degree Program?
A: See comparison below:
Berry College- 4 years (124 credit hours)
- 61 hours of Core Classes
- 63 hours of Nursing
| Emory University- 5 years (156 credit hours)
- 93 hours of Core Classes
- 63 hours of Nursing at Emory site
- Additional science courses required (CHM 109 and CHM 221)
|