Clayton State College

What you'll study

The BSN curriculum combines foundational sciences, nursing theory, clinical skills and professional practice. Early study typically covers human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition and lifespan development to build a scientific base for nursing practice.

Core nursing modules introduce principles of safe patient care, clinical assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology, and the development of practical nursing skills in skills labs and simulation suites. Courses progress to cover adult health nursing, maternal and child health, paediatrics, mental health nursing, community and public health nursing, and care of the older adult.

Students also study evidence-based practice and research methods, nursing leadership and management, ethics and legal aspects of practice, and health promotion and disease prevention. The programme culminates in intensive supervised clinical placements across a range of settings (medical–surgical wards, emergency, obstetrics, paediatrics, mental health and community care) and a capstone or practicum where students demonstrate readiness for entry to professional practice.

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Microbiology for Health Sciences
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology for Nursing
• Fundamentals of Nursing & Clinical Skills
• Adult Health Nursing
• Maternity and Newborn Care
• Paediatric Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Community and Public Health Nursing
• Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
• Nursing Leadership, Ethics and Professional Issues
• Clinical Practicum / Capstone

Entry requirements

Admission to the BSN programme normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent for first‑time undergraduate applicants, or an associate degree/transfer credits for students entering as transfers. Applicants should have completed prerequisite college-level courses in biology (with lab), chemistry (or fundamentals of chemistry), English composition and mathematics. Some programmes require anatomy & physiology and microbiology as specific prerequisites.

Admissions decisions are based on academic record, prerequisite course performance and any additional programme criteria. Applicants are typically required to meet health and safety conditions prior to clinical placements, which may include immunisations, current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, a criminal background check and a drug screen. International students should check additional visa and English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates who complete a BSN are prepared to sit the national registration/licensure examination to become a registered nurse. Early career roles include staff nurse positions in hospitals (medical–surgical, emergency, intensive care), community and public health nursing, maternal–child and paediatric settings, and mental health services.

With experience and further training, BSN graduates can move into specialist clinical roles (critical care, oncology, neonatal), leadership and management, case management, clinical education, quality improvement and care coordination. The BSN is also the standard prerequisite for graduate study leading to advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator or nurse administrator.

Why study at Clayton State College

Clayton State College offers a practice‑oriented BSN with strong links to regional hospitals, community health providers and primary care partners, giving students diverse clinical placement opportunities. The programme emphasises community health and culturally competent care, reflecting the needs of the metropolitan Atlanta region the university serves.

Students benefit from small cohort sizes, hands‑on learning in simulation labs and faculty who are experienced clinicians. The college typically supports pathways for transfer students and practising RNs seeking to advance their qualifications, and provides academic support services to help students complete clinical requirements and transition into professional practice.