South College Nursing Program Review
South College in Tennessee, formerly known as Knoxville Business College (KBC), was founded in 1882. Aside from the main campus on Lonas Drive, South College has a facility on Goody’s Lane in west Knoxville. The College is a smoke-free area, and smoking is only allowed inside of student’s personal vehicles.
The College is private and coed, and has almost 1000 students enrolled.
Nursing Programs
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This program is for the student just beginning their career in nursing. After completion of the program, they will earn a BSN degree and be able to take the Registered Nurse (RN) licensing exam (NCLEX).
The BSN program begins with two years of general education classes. Once these are complete, students will take six quarters of nursing classes, which usually average at least twenty hours per week of in-class time. Students should anticipate spending approximately three hours outside of class prepping for each hour of class.
To apply to the nursing program, students must finish all general education courses, have an interview, and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants are ranked based upon a score made up of their GPA for all classes, GPA for science classes, and their interview.
The general education classes required to enter the nursing program include Introduction to Computers, Mathematics, Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Nutrition in Health and Disease, English Composition, Effective Speaking, College Management, Career Management, Interpersonal Communications, and a Humanities and a Philosophy elective. The nursing curriculum is made up of 100 quarter hours of general electives, and 88 quarter hours of nursing major courses.
This program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
RN to BSN
This program is for nurses who have graduated from an accredited diploma or associate nursing program. Students must also be licensed as an RN in Tennessee or be eligible for a TN license, and must have worked as an RN since graduation from their prior nursing education, or in the past three years.
They must have a 2.5 GPA or better in their previous college experience, as well as a 2.5 GPA or higher in all nursing courses. They will also be interviewed.
RN to BSN students are required to complete the general education courses listed above, if they haven’t already done so.
The upper division nursing courses may be taken over the course of four quarters. Students are expected to take 100 credits of general education classes and 37 credits of nursing major courses. They will receive 45 credits for their prior nursing education.
Other Healthcare Related Programs
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
This program provides a comprehensive health sciences education, and is a path to graduate studies in health professions such as medicine, nursing, or pharmacy. Students may also choose to go into professions such as Biological Scientist, Chemist, and Food Scientist.
This four year degree program requires 196 quarter hours to graduate.
In addition, students may study a concentration in either Radiography or Nuclear Medicine. This will prepare students for leadership positions in the field of Imaging Sciences.
Associate of Science Degrees
South College offers two year Associate of Science degrees in Medical Assisting, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiography.
Graduates of the Medical Assisting program are allowed to take the certification exam for the American Association of Medical Assistants. Physical Therapist Assistant graduates are required to become licensed by taking the National Physical Therapy Examination before they can practice. Radiography graduates may take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam to become licensed.
Nuclear Medicine Certificate
This one year, four quarter program prepares students to work as entry-level nuclear medicine technologists. After completing the program, graduates will be eligible to take the certification exam for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in Nuclear Medicine.
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