Ball State University Nursing School Review

Muncie, Indiana based Ball State University (BSU) has earned the reputation as one of the best higher education institutions in the Midwest by Princeton Review. The university focuses on creating “educational entrepreneurs” and uses state-of-the-art resources and faculty to produce well-educated innovators in every field of study.

Founded in 1918 by a group of entrepreneurs, the university’s first purpose was to educate and train teachers. Since then, Ball State University has grown to over 22,000 students enrolled in over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing, education and social sciences. Ball State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Nursing Programs

 Nursing programs at Ball State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Nursing students at Ball State University will benefit from modern technology and unique experiences provided by the nursing program. Online study, a dorm just for nursing students and a simulation center are just a few of the benefits students will experience in the School of Nursing at Ball State University. The School of Nursing offers bachelor’s through doctoral degree programs as well as certificates.

Ball State University Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Basic Baccalaureate Track-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Students without previous nursing experience or education are eligible for the Basic Baccalaureate Track which leads to a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). The program also prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN, National Council for Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (RNs). Students in the BSN program will have the opportunity to develop clinical proficiency in a variety of healthcare settings including homes, hospitals and other long-term care facilities. Students apply to the nursing program and begin clinical studies in the second year of college as sophomores.  Students must be accepted and enrolled at Ball State University prior to applying for the nursing program. The Basic Baccalaureate program may be completed in 4 years (3 semesters).

Degree in 3 Baccalaureate Track

Upon applying to the nursing program, students have the option of selecting a 3 year BSN plan. Admission criteria to the program include a minimum 3.0GPA. Students should apply to the program in their sophomore year as with the Basic Baccalaureate Track.

ROTC Partners in Nursing Education (PNE)
Students aspiring to enter the military may complete basic military requirements and nursing education together through the Partners in Nursing Education (PNE) program. Upon completion of the program, nurses will work in the Army as military nurses. Admission to this track requires approval from the Department of Military Science.

LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Transition Track

The LPN Transition Track provides an option for LPNs to use their previous education and experience to advance their career by earning a BSN qualification. The flexible LPN to BSN option offers nurses the opportunity to complete nursing course pre-requisites online or through independent study. Admission requirements include a valid and clear LPN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA in 30 credits of study, and pre-requisites completed in a maximum of 2 attempts. The program can be completed in 5 semesters, and begins in the summer term.

Second Baccalaureate Degree

Students holding a bachelor’s degree without previous nursing education or work experience can complete the BSN and take the NCLEX-RN in less time than students in the Basic Baccalaureate Track. The Second Baccalaureate Degree program can be completed in 19 months (5 semesters, including a summer), and prepares students to become nurses in a variety of healthcare settings as does the Basic BSN. Students applying for admission to the Second Baccalaureate Degree program should have a 3.0 or higher GPA in previous academic programs and have a bachelors degree from an accredited institution.

RN to BS (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

The RN to BS (more commonly RN to BSN) program prepares nurses to pursue greater career opportunities through completing the BSN, the next step in nursing education. Students in the RN to BS program do not attend on-campus courses. Independent study and online courses are options for completing requirements. Although, students must complete a practicum, it is completed locally. Students have the option of completing the course in 3 or 6 semesters.

Ball State University Graduate Nursing Programs

Online Master’s Program (MSN Master of Science in Nursing)

As with the RN to BS program, Ball State University understands the needs of the working RN and offers its master’s degree program in a flexible online format.  The program is completed part time in as little as 3 years (or as many as 6) and allows nurses to complete clinical practicum experiences in their local community. Students choose from four tracks for the online master’s program:

Leadership Tracks

– MSN Nurse Education

– MSN Nurse Administration

Advanced Practice Tracks

– MSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

– MSN Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

– MSN programs range from 33 to 50 credits.

RN to MS (Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing)

RNs with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing who aspire to earn a graduate degree in nursing may bypass the traditional undergraduate BSN programs through the RN to MS (more commonly known as RN to MSN) program. The RN to MS option requires students to take an additional 16 credits of the BSN course to meet requirements for MSN study. As with the online master’s program, students will complete courses online and complete a practicum in their community.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program

The DNP program prepares nurses with an MSN to become a clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife or nurse practitioner. The program is completed online on a part-time basis with clinical practicum experiences completed locally. Students will be required to attend on-campus orientation and annual weekend courses. The program can be completed in 3 years. Admission requirements to the program include an MSN degree from a nursing program accredited by a nursing body and a minimum 3.2 GPA.

Ball State University Nursing Certificate Programs

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Nurses with a BSN can pursue a post-baccalaureate certificate in Nursing Education or Evidence-Based Clinical Practice. Both programs are 14 credits.

Post-Master’s Certificate

Nurses with an MSN may pursue a post-masters certificate in the nurse educator or practitioner tracks. Admission to the program requires a BSN and MSN from a nursing program accredited by a nursing body.

Contact:
Ball State University
2000 West University Avenue
Muncie, IN 47306

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