Capital University Accelerated BSN Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the program take to complete?
Capital University offers two options for our accelerated bachelor of science in nursing. Beginning in the fall of 2021, both programs will have a fall start date.
Our Flexible Hybrid Option blends independent online learning with on-campus face-to-face delivery options as well as clinical experiences. Students will be on campus one evening (typically Wednesdays from 4-9p.m.) a week and will have one 12 hour clinical day (Thursday or Saturday) in one of our local clinical sites. This program is 5 semesters (20 Months).
The Regular Option offers a full-time traditional style on campus delivery where you will spend your days (usually 4 days per week) attending classes as well as immersed in clinical experiences. Regular time commitments on campus or in clinical locations typically take place M-F. Exact days and times vary by semester. This program is also 5 semesters (20 Months)
Where will my clinical experiences take place?
Capital has strong partnerships with over 80 area health care systems, including several Magnet® hospitals. Our students have clinical experiences at most major hospitals in Central Ohio including OhioHealth – Riverside, Grant, Dublin, etc.; OSU – The James, OSU East, Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s, Mt Carmel St. Ann’s as well as many other community partners. We are not affiliated with just one hospital, so students get a variety of experiences in many different facilities. This helps students decide where to target their career path when they graduate.
Nursing is an applied profession with skills that can’t be learned in books. We place you in clinical experiences beginning your first semester. You will apply everything you learn in the classroom to real-life situations in a clinical setting. This enhances your technical skills and hones your cultural competence so you’re fully prepared for a diverse working environment.
Can I specialize in a specific area of nursing?
Nursing is a great career opportunity with many different paths of specialization. At the undergraduate level, we believe in exploring many areas of nursing while keeping your options open. It is very common for students to come in set on a specific type of nursing and find themselves drawn to something else once they have had experience in a variety of clinical settings with several different mentors. We give you the tools to examine all of the possibilities that are open to you, so you will end up right where you are meant to be.
Will I be able to work while pursuing this degree?
We believe in each student as an individual, so each student has a unique experience. Our program is accelerated, so students need to take their studies seriously, but we work at a pace where students can be successful while still having some time for family and work. The length of our program is very intentional, because we believe strongly in work-life balance to go along with our holistic philosophy of nursing.
The reality is that most students have to work at least part-time while pursuing this degree. Good planning and time management skills are critical for success.
Where is Capital University located?
We are located in Bexley, Ohio which is a suburb of Columbus - the 14th largest city in the United States. Our pedestrian friendly “Main Street” has everything you need to make your time on campus enjoyable. Unique shops, local restaurants with every type of food you can imagine and a multi-level grocery store that keeps with the cozy aesthetic of our historic neighborhood. Bexley and Capital are a great place to live and learn – all within a stone’s throw of some of the best medical facilities in the country. Our students definitely have the best of both worlds.
What are the prerequisites for the program?
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (in any subject area) from any regionally accredited college or university with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher (2.75 in the 4 required science courses).
Prerequisites may be completed at any U.S. accredited college or university. We have a list of suggestions on our website.
- Microbiology
- Human Anatomy*
- Human Physiology*
- Biochemistry
- Lifespan Development/Human Growth and Development – needs to cover the entire lifespan from conception through death.
*We will accept A&P I and A&P II (two courses) in place of Human Anatomy & Human Physiology. Sciences should include labs. If the courses are taken at different schools, we need to review course syllabi to make sure they have all of the content covered. The four science courses need to be completed within 5 years of starting the program.
What does it mean that Capital’s program has a holistic focus?
Holistic nursing incorporates more than just taking care of the physical aspects of healing an individual. It involves seeing the whole person including their mind, body and spirit to care for them.
There is also an element of self-care involved with holistic nursing. Work-life balance is an important part of who we are. We see each of our students as a unique individual who bring their varied life experiences to our program. This diversity makes all of us better nurses.
Once you complete our program, you will have covered the course content necessary to sit for the holistic nurse certification. This will give you an added layer of credentialing to complement your RN/BSN degree.
What is something that is unique to Capital’s program?
As a part of our curriculum, you will complete 3 master’s level nursing courses, so you will get the most out of your time and money. Students study healthcare statistics, research and evidence based practice and healthcare informatics and technology. Graduates are on a fast track to completing one of Capital’s MSN concentrates in Administration, Education or Legal Studies. It is also a possibility that the courses will transfer to other master’s programs. It is added value to an investment you are already making.