The RN-MS Bridge program is for those who have a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. Students in the Bridge program do not earn another bachelor’s degree but would be able to matriculate into the Regis College Master’s of Science in Nursing program.

The Bridge program is comprised of four (4) upper division-nursing courses:

NU 304 Health Assessment
NU 403 Evidence for Clinical Practice
NU 404 Concepts and Challenges for Professional Practice
NU 510 Community-Based Nursing
The above courses would be completed prior to taking any graduate level courses.  

Facts/Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in another field (see below if you do not hold a Bachelor’s degree)
• All courses open to RNs
  Three (3) courses, NU304, NU403 and NU404 can be taken while a student enrolled at LM/RC after completion of NU102
• One course, NU404, is part of the LM/RC curriculum
• Courses offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer.  Schedules to be determined prior to the start of each semester
• GRE’s not required for qualified candidates
• Two courses can be taken prior to applying to the RN to MS program
• Upon completion of the four upper-division nursing courses and after acceptance, students move directly into a chosen Master’s track and specialty area as appropriate
• Tuition: 2010-2011 $630/credit
•  Regis College New Student Discount Program  - 20% discount given for 2 off-site courses or 2 graduate level courses
• All courses are held on the LM/RC campus in Medford, MA

Program Offerrings for Master's

• Nurse Practioner (Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Adult/Psych, or Family)
• Nursing Leadership/Health Product Regulation
• Nursing Leadership/Health Administration
• Clinical Nurse Specialist

Student’s without a Bachelor’s Degree: Barrier Free – RN-BS-MS Upward Mobility Track for AD/Diploma Graduates

• Only 12 courses must be taken at Regis College to complete the BS component (up to 24 courses can be transferred)
• AD Nursing and liberal arts courses awarded transfer credit, if C- or better
• No time limit on science courses for practicing RNs
• 6-7 courses required to complete the MS component
• Evening, weekend, and online courses

NU 304 Health Assessment in Nursing (3 cr.)
This course teaches the student to assess the health status of clients of any age in any setting. Students incorporate knowledge attained in the prerequisite courses. The student learns verbal and non-verbal communication techniques used in obtaining a health history and the written communication techniques used in documenting the health assessment. Students acquire the basic psychomotor skills of inspection, palpation, percussion and auscultation necessary when performing a physical examination. The effects of age, gender, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, lifestyle and adaptation are identified.  RNs and LM/RC students after the successful completion of NU102; separate cohorts of RNs and students.

 

NU 404 Concepts and Challenges in Professional Practice (3 cr.)
An introductory course for the registered nurse to explore the role of the professional nurse in the ever-changing health care system with a view to empowering and solidifying that role.  Students explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in professional nursing including, but not limited to, advances in nursing practice and role development, the increased use of technology in practice, ethics and legal issues in practice, concepts critical to leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration and systems thinking, and the increasing role of theory and research in advancing the profession and providing quality, safe patient care.  Activities include values clarification, portfolio development, seminar leadership, group activities, and/or on-line discussions. RNs and LM/RC students together after the successful completion of NU102.

NU 510 Community Based Nursing (5 cr.)
The role of the professional nursing I the primary level of health care is explored.  With client models, students use the nursing process and adaptation model to plan therapeutic nursing interventions for individuals, families and groups in a variety of community settings. In addition, the course will focus on community assessment, communication, critical thinking and decision making skills, teaching, epidemiology, research utilization, group process and other strategies used in community health.  Students will develop competence in clinical practice setting.  RNs only; LM/RC students after licensure.