Associate in Applied Science in Health Studies Degree Pathway to BSN

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The Associate in Applied Science in Health Studies Pathway to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designed for adults who are interested in fulfilling the prerequisites for the Accelerated BSN Program at TESU.

As an Accelerated BSN Program applicant with some or no college credits, students can enroll in this option of the AAS in the Health Studies pathway. This track positions students at TESU where they can complete the general education and nursing prerequisite requirements necessary to be considered for admission to the Accelerated BSN Program. Student enrolled in the program, can complete the Accelerated BSN Program requirements; and, if they choose to, earn the AAS degree at the same time. Students will also be assigned to an advisor in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions who will help guide them through the requirements. To learn more about enrollment and program requirements, students can email: nursing@tesu.edu.

Program Highlights:

Flexibility: Complete general education and nursing prerequisite requirements for Accelerated BSN Program and earn an AAS degree at the same time completely online and at the student's own pace.
Liberal transfer policy: TESU will evaluate the course credits students may have earned elsewhere and apply those credits toward the degree.
Versatility: Once students complete the general education and nursing prerequisite courses, they will be considered for admission to TESU’s Accelerated BSN Program (or) can complete the AAS program and advance to a bachelor’s degree program in another area of study.

Credit Distribution

I. General Education Featured Courses (21 Credits)

TESU Featured Courses are listed as a guide. Other courses may satisfy the areas and can be viewed on our website under General Education Courses. For more information see About Our General Education Program. To plan your program please contact an Advisor.

A. Intellectual and Practical Skills (12 credits)

ENC-101	English Composition I	3
ENC-102	English Composition II	3
HPS-200	Statistics for the Health Professions	3
SOS-110	Critical Information Literacy	3

For all TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Intellectual and Practical Skills.

B. Civic and Global Leadership (3 credits)

SOC-1010

Our Changing World: An Introduction to Sociology

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Civic and Global Leadership.

C. Knowledge of Human Cultures (3 credits)

SOC-210

Marriage and the Family

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Knowledge of Human Cultures.

D. Scientific Knowledge (3 credits)

CHE-1110

General Chemistry I

For additional TESU course options that will satisfy this area of the degree, go to Scientific Knowledge.

II. Applied Health Studies (15 Credits)

BIO-211	Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab	4
BIO-212	Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab	4
BIO-251	Introduction to Microbiology with Lab	4
BIO-208	The Science of Nutrition	3

For health elective course options, please contact a Nursing Advisor.

III. Associate Capstone (3 Credits)

IV. Electives (21 Credits)

-	Oral Communication	3
-	Ethical Leadership	3
-	Civic Engagement and Awareness	3
-	Math	3
-	History	3
-	Humanities	3
PSY-211	Developmental Psychology	3

For TESU course options, go to Elective Courses.

TESU accepts credits in transfer from accredited institutions as well as non-collegiate providers. Please click here for information and resources on where you may find additional learning experiences.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Admissions Process

1. Apply

Students submit their application through the TESU Online App. If students have previously attended any other higher education institutions, they should make sure to send official transcripts. Learn how to submit official transcripts.

2. Application Review

Once the student’s application materials and transcripts have been reviewed, the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Services will review the application and the Office of the Registrar will officially evaluate all transcripts. An admissions counselor will then contact the student to discuss registering for his or her first courses!

Additional Requirements

Proficiency in using a computer, browsing the internet, and sending and receiving email (including attachments).
For students of foreign universities, all transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency. An official course-by-course evaluation must be submitted with the student's application.
The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions has the discretion to require an applicant to take the TOEFL Exam regardless of the applicant's native language.

Program Progression

Option 1: Once accepted into the AAS program, students can earn up to 60 credits and graduate with an associate’s degree in health studies.
Option 2: Toward the end of the program, students can apply to the School's Accelerated BSN Program. This program is designed for students who have at least 60 college credits and are interested in obtaining their BSN and RN license. If students are interested in transitioning to our Accelerated BSN program, they should contact their academic advisor! Learn More about the Program.
Option 3: Toward the end of the program, students can continue and earn a bachelor's degree in another area of study.