Welcome to the Department of Nursing
at Fitchburg State College
honored with the distinction of achieving the 2007 highest pass rate of four-year baccalaureate programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Accreditation
- The nursing program has full approval status from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing located at 239 Causeway St. Boston, MA 02114
- The nursing program is accredited by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) located at One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530 Washington, D.C. 20036
- Fitchburg State College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC)
The Department of Nursing at Fitchburg State College (FSC) prepares individuals for professional nursing practice through an undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree majoring in nursing. We offer an innovative and cutting edge graduate program leading to a Master of Science with a concentration in Forensic Nursing; the student graduates as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). A RN with a Masters Degree in Nursing, upon successful completion of the forensic courses, can earn a Certificate in Forensic Nursing.
The basic BS curriculum is designed for the high school graduate seeking a 4-year college experience. This 120-credit nursing program provides students with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. Accepted applicants are admitted as freshmen Nursing Pre-Majors. After finishing Spring semester of freshman year, students who have successfully completed all prerequisite courses are automatically admitted into the nursing major. They begin nursing courses and clinical in sophomore year. Graduates from the nursing program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in any state.
The R.N. curriculum provides the opportunity for educational mobility for U.S. licensed Registered Nurses (RN) through the acceptance of transfer credits, CLEP testing and challenge examinations.
The graduate curriculum consists of 16/17 credits in core nursing courses and, 21 credits in forensic nursing courses for a total of 36/7. The entire curriculum is delivered on-line.
Affiliations
• Epsilon Beta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International
• Student Nursing Association ( SNA ) Chapter
• Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing (MACN)
Department News:
The Department of Nursing office as well as most faculty offices are relocating to the third floor of Thompson Hall. The entire area has been beautifully refurbished. Please stop by for a visit!
The Department of Nursing was awarded a Fairlawn Foundation Grant to implement an on-line RN-BSN program and to pilot an RN-MSN track within the graduate program.
Professor Ann Scannell traveled to Ireland this summer for two weeks on behalf of the college. She was able to visit a school of nursing and a hospital while in Ireland.
Dr. Rachel Boersma traveled to China in June as part of a college trip exploring the development of a Master's in Health Care for Chinese students.
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