Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Hours: 120 Hybrid
About
The Department of Nursing is pleased to introduce a new hybrid pre-licensure pathway for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This flexible and effective pathway integrates online theory courses with in-person lab and clinical experiences, enabling students to complete most of their studies asynchronously with weekly assignment due dates and scheduled testing. Virtual engagement opportunities are available through both individual and group settings.
The precepted and observational components of the practicum are primarily completed at students’ local healthcare facilities, minimizing the need for frequent travel to Fort Hays State University. Faculty-led clinical sessions are offered through virtual simulations and bundled clinical days at centralized locations. This structure provides students with hands-on experience while significantly reducing travel requirements compared to the traditional full-time, on-campus nursing program.
The pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Hybrid) program provides a well-balanced combination of virtual and face-to-face instruction designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN examination. Students are expected to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per week to asynchronous learning activities, including viewing instructional videos, reading course materials, completing assignments, and practicing clinical skills and assessments. Each semester includes approximately 180 hours of clinical experience.
Why pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Hybrid) at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing the pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Hybrid) program at Fort Hays State University offers a flexible and rewarding route to a career in healthcare. Registered nurses are well-prepared to explore a variety of nursing specialties, including emergency care, pediatrics, obstetrics, and intensive care. The BSN program at FHSU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing, ensuring a high-quality education recognized nationwide.
FHSU consistently equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the nursing field. The hybrid pre-licensure pathway combines online theoretical coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, enabling students to gain practical, real-world training while reducing the need for frequent campus visits.
The program's dedicated faculty and mentors offer personalized, one-on-one support, guiding students from admission to program completion. Students also benefit from access to cutting-edge simulation labs, where they develop critical clinical skills using the latest medical technology. With FHSU’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty, graduates are thoroughly prepared to pursue diverse nursing careers and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Who is this program for?
The program is designed to help a diverse range of individuals achieve their dream of becoming registered nurses. Whether entering directly from high school, holding an associate's degree in health or a related field, or transferring with prior college experience, this program provides a supportive and flexible path to completing a nursing degree and preparing for a successful healthcare career. Here are several reasons why it may be the ideal choice:
- Students seeking flexibility while pursuing a nursing degree
- Those who prefer a combination of online theory courses with in-person clinical experiences
- Individuals located in or near Kansas who can attend required on-campus skills validations and clinical rotations at sites within Kansas
- Aspiring nurses looking for a high-quality education
Real-World Applications
This program emphasizes practical, real-world nursing applications. The curriculum includes hands-on clinical experiences in hospitals and healthcare agencies, enabling students to apply their knowledge in authentic settings. These clinical placements, combined with classroom instruction, foster critical thinking and equip students with the practical skills to deliver high-quality patient care with confidence. Graduates are well-prepared to transition smoothly into the role of a registered nurse (RN).
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The program stays ahead of the curve by providing students with clinical experiences in healthcare agencies that actively employ registered nurses. By partnering with these healthcare agencies, students gain exposure to the latest nursing practices and patient care protocols used in today’s hospitals and healthcare facilities.
These clinical placements allow students to work directly with experienced professionals, empowering them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. This blend of hands-on clinical training and academic instruction ensures graduates are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the nursing profession and deliver high-quality care across diverse healthcare environments.
Hands-on Activities
Throughout the pre-licensure pathway in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Hybrid) program, students gain valuable hands-on experience each semester through integrated clinical activities. These practicum opportunities enable students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world healthcare settings, working alongside experienced nurses and caring for diverse patient populations.
In the final semester, students complete an intensive internship to develop their clinical skills further and gain insight into their chosen nursing specialty. This comprehensive experience ensures graduates are well-prepared to transition confidently and competently into professional nursing practice across various healthcare environments.
What You’ll Learn:
- Comprehensive anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology knowledge
- Skills for nursing practice across healthcare settings
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Strong communication skills in healthcare environments
- Generalized nursing care in obstetrics/pediatrics, critical care, community, med/surg, and psychiatric nursing
How You’ll Learn:
- Flexible online coursework with asynchronous learning
- Hands-on clinical rotations in local healthcare settings
- Virtual interaction opportunities for group and individual learning
- Simulation lab experiences with the latest healthcare technology
- Internships for in-depth clinical practice
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University provides a range of opportunities to enrich the nursing education experience, both within and outside the Department of Nursing:
Information about the Department of Nursing
The Department of Nursing at FHSU offers programs and courses that integrate the latest technology in a student-centered, feedback-driven learning environment. Students benefit from close interaction with highly qualified faculty who bring extensive clinical and nursing experience to the classroom. This supportive and engaging atmosphere ensures that graduates are well-prepared to earn an in-demand degree and pursue a rewarding career in nursing.