Nursing (BSN) - Pre-Licensure

The Nursing (BSN) program is currently only approved to be offered to students who are physically present in Georgia or Alabama. This program is designed to lead to initial RN licensure from the Georgia Board of Nursing and prepares students to take the Georgia NCLEX exam.

CSU has not made a determination as to whether this program meets the state educational requirements for state licensure or certification in any state other than Georgia. Contact the state board in your state for licensure requirements.

Clinicals: Students in the Nursing (BSN) are only allowed to conduct clinical or practicum placements in Georgia or Alabama. The ability to participate in clinical placements is contingent on:

• clinical work taking place in an approved state,
• your ability to secure a program approved clinical site and preceptor, and
• your ability to meet clinical document submission deadlines.

Each state licensing board establishes their own criteria for initial RN licensure which, in addition to educational requirements, may include (but are not limited to) testing requirements, background/fingerprint checks, applications and fees. The ability to be licensed as an RN in your state will be contingent upon your ability to meet the licensure criteria established by the state BON at the time you seek licensure. For information about current state board requirements for licensure in your state, please contact the State Authorization office at state_authorization@columbusstate.edu or the BON in your state.

Accreditation: Our BSN Nursing programs are nationally accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and have the approval of the Georgia Board of Nursing. Columbus State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC).

Contact the State Authorization office at state_authorization@columbusstate.edu for additional details on out of state requirements for these programs, or if you do not see your program included in the information above. Your email should include:

• Your name
• State(s) you will physically live in while taking classes/participating in field experiences
• State you want to seek licensure or certification in (if different)
• Program of interest