Nursing

The Bethel College nursing program has a competitive yet holistic admissions process for students who wish to enter the nursing program in the final two years of study. 

Early Acceptance to the Bethel College Department of Nursing is designed for high-achieving high school students who want guaranteed admission into the nursing program at the completion of all prerequisite coursework. The Department of Nursing admits 46 students every fall semester. 

Early Acceptance 

1. Students wishing to seek early acceptance should apply and be accepted to Bethel College within the fall of their final year of high school. 
2. Students should then complete an application to the nursing program, indicating Early Acceptance, by March 1 of their final year of high school. 

Criteria for Early Acceptance

• Minimum 24 ACT Composite score, or 1110 SAT Total score
• Minimum 3.5 high school GPA (can be weighted or unweighted)
• Completion of the Nursing Pre-Admission Test (given by Bethel Department of Nursing staff)
• Two letters of reference
• Oral and written interview

Students selected for the Early Acceptance Guarantee will be notified of their acceptance by May 1 of their final year of high school.

Once approved for Early Acceptance, a student must:

• Provide official high school transcripts with a GPA of 3.5
• Maintain a minimum 2.75 college cumulative GPA
• Earn a C or better (not C-) in all prerequisite courses
• Complete all prerequisite courses prior to starting nursing coursework

Failure to meet the above criteria will result in removal of Early Acceptance status, and will require reapplication to the nursing program.

Students not selected for Early Acceptance can enroll in prerequisite courses at Bethel College and apply for admission in the fall semester of their second year of college enrollment. 

Once you have submitted your transcripts and test scores to admissions and your letters of reference to Tammy Shirley, you can sign up to interview and complete your pre-admission test.

Nursing Admission Requirements

Bethel College offers a 4-year Baccalaureate degree through the generic program and articulation policies. Admission to the Department of Nursing at Bethel College occurs once a year for the fall semester. All students requesting admission to the nursing major will be considered by the Admissions and Progressions committee under the same criteria.

• General education competency as documented in the Bethel College Catalog. (math, oral & writing)
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75
• Completion of ALL pre-requisite nursing/required supporting courses with a grade of C (not C-) or better
• An applicant must not have more than 9 hours of general education courses &/or competencies left to complete by Aug. 1^st prior to starting the nursing program
• Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Pathophysiology must be successfully completed within 5 years prior to the fall start of the nursing program. The only exception to this is if the student holds a current LPN license in the state of Kansas and is currently employed and working a minimum of half-time or greater
• Ability to meet Bethel College Department of Nursing Technical Standards for Nursing Practice Policy

Nursing Application Process

Completed application packets will include:

• Application to Bethel College- https://engage.bethelks.edu
• Written essay-a minimum 500-word essay on your interest in nursing and what goal you have as a member of the nursing profession
• Two completed reference forms from-(1) an employer, and (2) minister/rabbi/youth sponsor, academic advisor, or health professional
• Official transcripts-for evaluation of previously completed courses requesting to be transferred to meet general education and/or nursing prerequisite requirements
• ACT scores
• TOEFL exam scores-students whose primary language is not English

Upon submission of completed application packet, arrangements will be made with the applicant for the final step in the application process that must be completed by July 1^st prior to the fall start of the nursing program:

• Nursing Pre-Admissions Test (NPAT)
• Interview- including oral (informational only) and written components

The Bethel College Department of Nursing utilizes a holistic admission process in considering applicants for admission to the nursing program. Each applicant is assessed using a broad range of factors including unique experiences, attributes and academic metrics to determine academic readiness and potential for success.

Nursing Major Requirements and Course Descriptions

The Bethel baccalaureate nursing program (BSN) builds a comprehensive professional nursing curriculum on a strong liberal arts foundation well known for its academic excellence. Bethel’s nursing program with its beginnings in 1908, reflects current trends in nursing education that emphasize the preparation of a professional nurse as a generalist—one who can function as a beginning practitioner in home, hospital, business, community or other settings in an urban or rural environment. In addition, graduates of Bethel’s program develop expertise in clinical practice, counseling, teaching, management and in understanding nursing theory and research. The baccalaureate program provides clinical experience in a variety of settings as well as providing the foundation for expanded professional roles. The nursing curriculum teaches nursing care focused on client needs that emerge throughout the lifespan. The goal for the nurse is to restore, maintain and promote health, utilizing a variety of nursing roles. The nurse provides care to individuals, families and communities in a variety of environments in their clinical experiences. Bethel nursing students are exposed to a variety of urban and rural settings while providing care to individuals, families and communities. Multiple agencies in acute care, long-term care, ambulatory care agencies, home health and hospice environments as well as other community health agencies are utilized to provide a variety of clinical practice experiences. All of these agencies are available within 30-45 minutes of the North Newton community and therefore students are provided a broad exposure to all types of nursing roles.

Prerequisites

• Chemistry – 3 (meets General Education requirement)

• Anatomy and Physiology** – 4

• Cell Biology and Microbes** (Microbiology) – 4 (meets GE requirement)

• Psychology – 3 (meets GE requirement)

• Pathophysiology** – 3

• Sociology – 3 (meets GE requirement)

• Life Span Development (Human Growth and Development or Developmental Psychology may be equivalent) – 3

• Statistics – 3

• Nutrition – 3

• English Composition II (Critical Writing) – 3 (meets GE requirement)

• Speech – 3 (meets GE requirement)

**Course must be successfully completed within 5 years prior to the fall start of the nursing program.

Additional General Education (GE) requirements

• Arts and Humanities – 6 credit hours from minimum 2 departments

• Science and Mathematics – 6 credit hours from minimum 2 departments

• Social Sciences – 6 credit hours from minimum 2 departments

• Bible and Religion – 3 credit hours

• Vocation Seminar-2 credit hours

Nursing Course Descriptions (NSG)

300. Foundations of Nursing- 3 hours

This introductory nursing course discusses the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse. Within the context of the course, the historical development of nursing as a profession will be discussed, including nursing theory and foundational concepts related to essential nursing function, ethical and legal issues, and concepts related to providing biopsychosocial, spiritual, and cultural care to patients. Fall. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program.

310. Nursing Dosage Calculations- 1 hour

This course will focus on a review of essential math concepts for dosage calculation including fractions, percentages, ratios, measurements and conversions.  Practice and assessment tests will include problems featuring medication administration, including oral, intravenous and parenteral routes. Fall. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program.

311. Health Assessment- 2 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the study of health assessment as it relates to the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs of patients with planning of health promotion, maintenance, and restoration. Emphasis is placed on body systems and the acquisition of skills related to performing health assessments. Fall. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program.

312. Nursing Care of the Adult I- 4 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of the adult medical surgical patient through the development of the nursing process as it relates to acute and chronic health conditions. Focus will be placed on the use of the nursing process in planning for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration, while meeting the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs of adult patients Fall. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program.

320. Clinical Practicum I- 3 hours

This clinical course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in providing safe competent care to patients. Emphasis is on the development of basic psychomotor and psychosocial nursing skills. Students will have dedicated experience in the clinical laboratory, simulation, long-term care, and structured clinical environments. Fall. Prerequisites: Admission to the nursing program.

327. Mental Health-3 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care for patients who are experiencing acute and chronic mental health illness. Focus will be placed on the use of the nursing process, planning for health promotion, restoration, maintenance, and therapeutic communication. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; & NSG 320.

329. Nursing Care of the Adult II- 4 hours

This course builds on the concepts presented in Nursing Care of the Adult I and will focus on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of the adult medical surgical patient through the development of the nursing process as it relates to acute and chronic health conditions. Focus will be placed on the use of the nursing process in planning for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration, while meeting the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs of adult patients. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; & NSG 320.

330. Basic Nursing Pharmacology- 2 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse as it relates to legal, ethical, and professional issues related to safe medication administration.  In addition, exploration of the science of pharmacology including medication absorption, effects, metabolism, and excretion through the human body will occur. Medication and the administration process will be explored by drug class and body systems.   Spring Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; & NSG 320.

335. Clinical Practicum II- 3 hours

This clinical course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of patients in the medical surgical and mental health setting. Students will have dedicated clinical experiences in the clinical laboratory, simulation, and structured clinical environments. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; & NSG 320.

340. Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses- 2 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse and the use of evidence-based practice, the research process in the development of nursing knowledge and practice, and the improvement of healthcare. The emphasis is on understanding the research process, the critical appraisal of published research, and incorporating research findings in clinical nursing practice by becoming informed consumers of nursing literature. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; & NSG 320.

401. Maternal Newborn- 3 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of the childbearing family during the preconception, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn periods. The emphasis is designed to utilize the nursing process in the ongoing development of critical thinking, communication, and caring to meet the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs of the childbearing family. Fall. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340.

402. Child and Family- 3 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of the pediatric patient and their families. Focus will be placed on the use of the nursing process in planning for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration, in varied settings, as well as the developmental changes that occur through infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Fall. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340.

403. Community Health- 3 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of patients outside of the acute care setting within a community and the planning for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration of a community as a whole is emphasized through community assessments and environmental analysis. Fall. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340.

409. Complex Nursing Pharmacology- 2 hours

Complex Nursing Pharmacology builds on the concepts presented in Basic Nursing Pharmacology and focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in providing safe patient care as it relates to medication administration of more complex drugs and more sophisticated routes of administration in caring for complex patients and populations.  Alternative and complimentary therapies are also discussed. Fall. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340.

410. Clinical Practicum III- 3 hours

This clinical course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of patients in the pediatric, obstetric, and community settings. Students will have dedicated clinical experiences in the clinical laboratory, simulation, and structured clinical environments. Fall. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340.

416. Complex Nursing Care of the Adult- 2 hours

This course focuses on nursing care of adult patients experiencing complex alterations in body systems and multiple co-morbidities. Focus will be placed on the use of the nursing process in planning for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration, while meeting the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and cultural needs in higher-acuity settings. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340; NSG 401; NSG 402; NSG 403; NSG 409; & NSG 410.

417. Nursing Leadership and Management- 3 hours

This course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the development of management and leadership skills assumed by the entry-level professional nurse. It includes an examination of leadership and management principles, the delegation of responsibilities, priority setting and decision making, networking, facilitation of groups, conflict resolution, legal/ethical issues, case management, and collaboration. Spring Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340; NSG 401; NSG 402; NSG 403; NSG 409; & NSG 410.  Meets core requirement in peace, justice and conflict studies for nursing majors only.

425. Clinical Practicum IV- 2 hours

This clinical course focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate nurse in the care of patients in medical surgical, intensive-care, and emergency room settings. Students will have dedicated clinical experiences in the clinical laboratory, simulation, and structured clinical environments. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340; NSG 401; NSG 402; NSG 403; NSG 409; & NSG 410.

426. Bethel Capstone- 3 hours

The Bethel Capstone is a clinical course that focuses on the role and scope of practice of the baccalaureate prepared nurse through the opportunity to practice in an acute care setting under the supervision of an approved preceptor. Students synthesize the knowledge and skills learned throughout the curriculum with emphasis being placed on patient safety, priority-setting, delegation, decision making, and leadership principles. Legal and ethical care issues are examined as they emerge within the student’s clinical experience. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340; NSG 401; NSG 402; NSG 403; NSG 409; & NSG 410.

430. Synthesis of Concepts- 3 hours

This course utilizes a variety of approaches to assist the student to synthesize content learned throughout the entire nursing curriculum and pre-requisite course work and apply that knowledge to patient care within selected care settings. Individual plans of study guide students through nursing regulations for licensure, knowledge acquisition, test taking strategies, and critical thinking processes in preparation for completion of the nursing licensing exam. Spring. Prerequisites: NSG 300; NSG 310; NSG 311; NSG 312; NSG 320; NSG 327; NSG 329; NSG 330; NSG 335; & NSG 340; NSG 401; NSG 402; NSG 403; NSG 409; & NSG 410.

Internships/research

Among others, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and health-care facilities locally in the Wichita area have been settings for student internships.

In keeping with Bethel’s emphasis on undergraduate research, nursing students complete an individual or group research project and present their work at Bethel’s Undergraduate Research, Internships and Creative Activity (URICA) Symposium in April or at the Sigma Theta Tau Epsilon Gamma Chapter-at-Large Research Day symposium. Content of these projects center on quality and safety in nursing competencies, such as patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, or safety informatics, or on a nursing practice issue relevant to the student's Capstone placement.

Curriculum plan.pdf

Program Goal

The goal of the Bethel College nursing program is to prepare pre-licensure baccalaureate nurses for novice positions in diverse setting in healthcare.  This preparation allows graduates to work as direct and indirect providers of care; designers, coordinators, and managers of care; and to be a member of the nursing profession and advocate for patients, populations, and the profession.

Post-graduate careers include:

• Staff nurse
• Specialty nurse (OB / ER / ICU / Pediatrics / Oncology)
• Nurse manager / leader
• School nurse
• Flight nurse
• Corrections nurse
• Forensic nurse
• Camp nurse
• Missionary nurse
• Home health/hospice
• Wound care nurse

Student Learning Outcomes

The student learning outcomes that have been identified for the Bethel College Nursing Program are based on The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (2008) developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

The Bethel College BSN graduate:

• Synthesizes knowledge from the liberal arts, sciences, and nursing to meet the health needs of patients, families, and communities
• Evaluates principles of communication and interpersonal relationships in professional nursing practice    
• Develops, implements, and evaluates a holistic plan of care for the patient, group, family or community with complex needs
• Assumes the role of the professional nurse in various settings to meet the needs of patients, families, and communities
• Analyzes the results of research and scholarly work for applicability into nursing practice
• Synthesizes ethical and legal principles and professional values into nursing practice
• Commits to the responsibility of lifelong learning and self-evaluation
• Supports the relationship between spiritual care and service within a multicultural society

Mission

The Bethel College Department of Nursing aims to educate exemplary generalist nurses who are committed to the pursuit of transformational nursing service, leadership, and scholarship within the global community.

Philosophy

Invoking the mission, vision, and values of Bethel College we, the faculty of the Bethel College Department of Nursing, believe that nursing is both an art and a science; a profession requiring lifelong learning and a calling to the service of others.  As such, this faculty aims to provide an empowering, student-centered educational experience with an emphasis on safety through incorporation of evidence- based practice, holistic individualized care, and professionalism.

Nursing scholarship information

By posting these links, Bethel College makes no claim to the validity/reliability or currency of the potential scholarships, but simply makes them available as a service to students and potential students. You should carefully and critically evaluate the requirements of a desired scholarship to determine fit and eligibility.

Kansas State Board of Nursing:

http://www.discovernursing.com/

 

Kansas Nurses Foundation:

www.ksnurses.com

 

Scholarships for junior nursing students who are residents of six specific Kansas counties or are enrolled in nursing programs in any of those six counties:

www.marshasangels.org

 

Scholarships for junior nursing students who are graduates of high schools in six specific Kansas counties and enrolled in no less than 6 credit hours:

www.machhealthfound.info

 

Federally funded nursing scholarships:

http://www.hrsa.gov/loanscholarships/scholarships/nursing/

 

American Association of Colleges of Nursing:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/financialaid.htm

 

National League for Nursing:

https://www.nln.org/education/training/professional-development-programs/grants-and-scholarships

Additional links for individual scholarships:

• http://www.topekacommunityfoundation.org/field-of-study
• http://www.tylenol.com/scholarship
• http://www.kha-net.org/aboutkha/kherffoundation/scholarshipskherf/
• http://www.bestnursingdegree.com/scholarship
• http://nurse.org/resources/nurse-practitioner/#scholarship
• http://machealthfound.info/fundscholarship.html

Also check out Bethel College's "Career Pathways" scholarships.

An articulation agreement with Eastern Mennonite University is available to two Bethel graduates annually to continue their education. The EMU Master of Science in Nursing program is an online platform designed for working nurses who need to maintain commitments and remain on the job while developing leadership for health care systems, multicultural settings, school nurse settings, and the nonprofit sector. Full time students can earn their degree in as little as 24 months.  If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact the Bethel College Director of Nursing or visit https://emu.edu/msn/.  

Nursing Program Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bethel College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Bethel College

Department of Nursing
300 East 27th Street
North Newton, KS 67117-0531
Link to Website

Chief Nurse Administrator: Becky Bartell, MSN, RN, CNE
Title: Director & Assistant Professor of Nursing
E-Mail: rbartell@bethelks.edu
Phone: 316-284-5340
Fax: 316-284-5286

Bethel College Accreditation

Bethel College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission,   230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States. HLC is a private, nonprofit accrediting agency. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. If you have questions, you may contact the HLC at info@hlcommission.org or by phone at 800-621-7440 or 312-263-0456.

Licensure Disclosure Statement

As of July 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education implemented Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v) that requires professional nursing programs to provide:

• a list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution’s curriculum meets state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification,
• a list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution’s curriculum does not meet state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, and
• a list of all states/jurisdictions where the institution has not decided whether the curriculum meets education requirements.

The following information, by state, is complete and accurate to the extent information is available from a variety of sources. Because licensure information continuously evolves, Bethel College cannot guarantee completeness and accuracy. For more information about individual state’s requirements, please visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

Last Updated July 2023

Nurse Licensure Compact

The Nursing Licensure Compact is an agreement among states that allows nurses licensed in a compact state to practice in other state. Kansas participates in the agreement so that nurses licensed in Kansas can practice in other states. States that do not belong to the compact may have additional requirements for licensure than provided for in the Bethel College educational program. More information about the national nursing compact requirements can be found at National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

We recommend students contact the appropriate state licensing agency in their state or the state where they intend to work to seek the most up-to-date information about state licensure/certification requirements before beginning the program.