Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin. ​

Program Description

The BSN program prepares the graduate to practice as a nurse generalist as a member of the healthcare team in a variety of settings. The program focuses on patient-centered care, teamwork, collaboration, evidence based practice, safety, quality improvement, and informatics. The program emphasizes the use of innovative technologies and preparation for assuming leadership roles.

Program Outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes)

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Prioritize patient-centered care using clinical judgment and the nursing process.
2. Collaborate with patients, families and team members to provide safe and culturally competent care.
3. Integrate evidence-based practice within diverse clinical settings to deliver optimal care.
4. Minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both systems effectiveness and individual performance.
5. Use informational technology to communicate, mitigate error, support decision making, and manage patient care.
6. Evaluate quality improvement processes to enhance patient outcomes.
7. Integrate professionalism and advanced leadership skills within the interdisciplinary healthcare environment.
8. Analyze national and global policies, legislative concepts, and economics to address population outcomes.

Special Admissions Requirements – Online BSN

Acceptance into the Bachelor of Science program is on a selective basis. Students who meet the minimum criteria for admission to the University will be further evaluated on a competitive basis through entrance test scores and prior academic performance as well as other criteria determined by the University. In addition, all students must pass a background check, provide fingerprints (if required by state of residency), pass a drug screening, and provide evidence of health screening including required vaccines.

Program Content

A minimum of 120.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.

Third Party Testing

Assessment and remediation are critical components of nursing education. Students in the nursing program may be required to take third-party, standardized, proctored exams in an electronic format throughout the curriculum. Students may be required to go to a third-party testing site to complete exams. These standardized tests are valid and reliable predictors of success on the NCLEX examination and provide valuable feedback concerning student strengths and weaknesses. Student learning outcome data identifies content areas that require remediation, allowing faculty to personalize student support and intervention. Courses that utilize third-party exams will incorporate the points earned on the test as a percentage of the final grade earned for the course as specified in the course syllabus.

RN Exit Exam

The exit exam will cover content from all nursing courses, is reflective of NCLEX readiness and is administered in the final semester. Students will take practice assessments during the NSG 426 course, in conjunction with individualized remediation and completion of assignments focused on NCLEX readiness. This is followed by a final exit exam. 

Students who are unable to reach the *benchmark score on the exit exam will receive an Incomplete (I) grade for their NSG 426 course and will be required to successfully reach this benchmark on the final exit exam by the second week of the subsequent semester to resolve the (I) grade.  

If they are unable to resolve the (I) grade by the second week of the subsequent semester, the grade will convert to an (F) grade and the student will be placed on “Approved Break” for the remainder of the semester, during which time they must remain actively engaged in formal remediation. This will cause a delay in program completion and graduation. Students should discuss the implications of being on “Approved Break” with their financial aid advisor. 

*Threshold benchmark scores required to pass the exit exams are based upon national student performance data and may be changed at any time by the university. 

Statement on the Importance of Proficiency in Dosage Calculation in Nursing Programs

Proficiency in dosage calculation is a critical competency for nursing students and a foundational requirement for safe and effective patient care. Accurate dosage calculations are essential to ensure that patients receive the correct amount of medication, minimizing the risk of adverse drug events and medication errors, which can have serious or even life-threatening consequences.

In recognition of the vital role that dosage calculation plays in clinical practice, nursing programs require that students demonstrate mastery in this area before they are eligible to participate in clinical experiences. This ensures that nursing students are adequately prepared to handle the responsibilities of medication administration in real-world healthcare settings.

Validating proficiency in dosage calculation is not only a measure of academic achievement but also a safeguard for patient safety. By upholding this standard, nursing programs affirm their commitment to producing competent, confident, and responsible nursing professionals who are equipped to deliver high-quality care. Please refer to syllabi for specific requirements for individual courses.

Clinical Readiness Requirement

This program requires completion of a clinical readiness  preparation.