Fisk University has joined with the Vanderbilt University School of
Nursing (VUSN) to launch a Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing. This
unique cooperative program of study will provide students with an
experience in the liberal arts environment of a small university and a
two-year clinical experience at a research-based university and
hospital center. The program received final approval from the State
Board of Nursing on September 4, 2003.
Students
in the program will spend the first five semesters at Fisk in a liberal
arts program of study with an emphasis on ethics strongly complemented
by three semesters at Vanderbilt with training in undergraduate nursing
education. The Fisk/Vanderbilt Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing
curriculum meets the requirements of the Tennessee Board of Nursing for
a professional nursing degree with initial approval for enrollment of
students in September 2003. Upon successful completion of the combined
programs of study the degree will be awarded by Fisk University.
This unique combination of study on two different campuses will provide
students with the training to function as a bachelor’s degree nurse and
have the required foundation to pursue masters and doctoral studies in
nursing. Students in this program have the opportunity to apply for
early admission to Vanderbilt’s Masters in Nursing program during their
seventh semester. The program will be administered by Fisk and
Vanderbilt’s Senior Associate Dean of Nursing who will serve as the
Director of Nursing at Fisk.
Fisk University and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
have collaborated in a joint degree program since 1989. VUSN closed its
BSN program in 1989 to focus on the preparation of masters graduates
for the nursing profession. Currently there is a senior year in
absentia option, whereby students complete 3 years of coursework at
Fisk and enter the 6 semester sequence of the VUSN “bridge” masters in
nursing program. Fisk University counts the first two semesters of the
VUSN program as meeting degree requirements at Fisk and awards a
bachelors degree in nursing after successful completion of these
semesters. The student continues at VUSN for the additional four
semesters and receives the MSN from Vanderbilt. For more information
please contact the Office of Admissions (615) 329-8665.