RN-BA Degree Completion Program
Nursing Courses Online

General Information
The Dakota Wesleyan University RN to Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (RN-BAN) Completion Program is an upward mobility program, which is designed to provide for the professional development of already licensed registered nurses, who have graduated from an associate degree or diploma nursing program. RN students have the opportunity to complete a liberal arts bachelor’s degree, which is built upon the core values of learning, leadership, faith and service.

The RN-BAN Completion Program builds upon previous knowledge and provides the opportunity for students to develop abilities and skills related to the roles of a bachelor’s prepared nurse. These roles include: provider of care; manager of care; member of a profession; and leader. In addition, students will have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of nursing theory through the application of Roy’s Adaptation Model.

The nursing component of the RN-BAN Completion Program is offered online, which accommodates the goal-directed adult learner, who often has multiple roles and an inflexible schedule that makes a face-to-face learning environment inconvenient. Students may assess whether an online learning environment accommodates their learning style and personal attributes by reading, “Is Online Learning for You?” on the DWU Nursing Program Web site. Enrollment for each online nursing course is limited to 20 students in order to enhance teacher/student interaction.

The RN-BAN Completion Program includes 20 credits of online nursing courses. Core nursing courses focus on enhancing skills in: leadership and management; decision making and problem solving; nursing research and evidence based practice; health promotion; health assessment; service to community; more in-depth study of pharmacology; and care of families, groups, and communities. Students also complete a nursing course elective. The elective nursing courses focus on integration of faith and health; more in-depth exploration of pathophysiology; and care of the client with chronic illness. RN students will have the opportunity to apply and synthesize nursing content through participation in clinical experiences, which may be completed with clinical preceptors as near as possible to their home communities.

The majority of general education and support courses required in the RN-BAN Completion Program are offered face-to-face. If students are unable to complete a non-nursing course in a face-to-face format, they may transfer an equivalent online course from another accredited university. Students should consult with the Dakota Wesleyan University Registrar for information related to transferring coursework.

The RN-BAN Completion Program has full approval from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.