Named after celebrated aviation pioneers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, and located in Dayton, Ohio, Wright State University
(WSU) provides students across the country with a variety of nontraditional educational formats. The College of Nursing and
Health, accredited by the National League for Nursing, offers several innovative online and distance learning options. An
Online Nurses project is made possible through a $1.125 million, federally-funded Special Projects Grant from the Division
of Nursing.
The web-based RN to BSN completion option is designed for registered nurses with diploma or associate's degrees, enabling
them to continue toward a graduate course of study. In addition, two online master of science degree programs are offered
with Family Nurse Practioner (FNP) concentration.
ONLINE TOOLS The use of multimedia, graphics, animation, discussion groups, case studies, and demonstrations allows participants to network
with virtual classmates and guest experts. Since many online classes exchange Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel files,
Wright State Computing and Telecommunications Services (CaTS) supports and distributes Microsoft Office software to students
enrolled in WSU at no additional cost when they sign a Microsoft Enterprise License Agreement through September 30, 2003.
After that date, WSU students may purchase Microsoft Office software at a special student discount rate.
Minimum PC hardware recommendations are an Intel Pentium II 350MHz processor, 128 MB RAM (256 recommended), CD-ROM, 800 x
600 resolution monitor, 1 GB of available hard drive space, and 56 kbps modem, plus access to an Internet Service Provider.
Windows 98 or 2000 should be installed, with Internet Explorer 6.0 as the optimal browser for WebCT. Requirements for MAC
users include a Power Macintosh G3 with 300MHz processor and at least 750 MB of hard disk space, along with the same hardware
recommendations as PCs. MacOS 9.1 is the desired operating system, with Internet Explorer 6.0. To check if browsers are compatible
with WebCT, candidates can visit wisdom.wright.edu/browser.html.
RN to BSN COMPLETION PROGRAM The RN to BSN Completion Program is designed to help sharpen critical thinking skills as well as strengthen conceptual and
theoretical nursing knowledge. RNs interested in enrolling in the online program must first apply to Wright State University.
Once accepted, they can then apply to the College of Nursing and Health. Admission requirements include 48 quarter credit
hours of prerequisite course work with a grade of C or better. Many of these credits can be transferred from other colleges
and universities. At this time, transcripts will be evaluated and a maximum of 44 of the required 89 nursing credit hours
may be awarded in recognition of prior learning experiences and success in transition courses. A total of 192 quarter credit
hours is required for graduation. By taking just two online nursing courses per quarter, nurses can complete their degree
in seven quarters -- all from the comfort of their homes.
Admission for online classes is available in the fall and spring. Students are required to complete 45 quarter credit hours
of WSU's nursing program courses. Two clinicals are taken in the student's home area under the guidance of an approved preceptor
and a faculty supervisor. These experiences are available in a variety of settings, including day care centers, schools, hospitals,
senior citizens' centers, and industry.
FNP MASTER'S PROGRAM To enroll, master's candidates must apply to both the School of Graduate Studies and the College of Nursing and Health Family
Nurse Practitioner program. In addition to visiting the campus for orientation, distance learning students are required to
return to the university at least four times during the program for clinical evaluations.
WSU College of Nursing and Health offers two online master's options with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The first,
designed for candidates who have a bachelor's degree in nursing, will launch its inaugural online semester in September 2003.
This program involves a six-quarter, full-time curriculum and a ten-quarter option for part-time study. The second master's
option, implemented last September, is a flexible program intended for those who already possess a master's degree in nursing
from a nationally accredited institution. While courses may be accepted from other universities, 33 quarter hours must be
taken at WSU for the second master's degree.
Both options include 740 hours of clinical practicum with clinical evaluations on standardized patients. Nurse practitioners,
midwives, and physicians act as preceptors. Clinicals are coordinated with faculty and preceptors at locations convenient
to students. The combined use of asynchronous and synchronous class formats provides added flexibility for scheduling course
work and discussion groups.
For further information about the RN to BSN Completion Program, contact Debra L. Thomas at (937) 775-3134 or e-mail debra.thomas@wright.edu
For information regarding the FNP Master's Programs, contact Cherri Thompson at (937)775-3194 or e-mailcherri.thompson@wright.edu
Wright State University
College of Nursing and Health
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy.
Dayton, OH 45435
937-775-3131
nursing@wright.edu
www.wright.edu/
