Members of Wittenberg's nursing team are happy to answer any questions you may have. Below are questions that the team routinely receives, but if you cannot find what you need, please feel free to contact nursing@wittenberg.edu.
How do I find out what courses I still need to complete my BSN?
Wittenberg RN to BSN students must complete 32 semester hours at Wittenberg. Students must complete 24 hours of Nursing courses, 12 of which must be completed at Wittenberg. We can estimate your transfer courses and needed courses from your unofficial transcripts, which can be emailed to nursing@wittenberg.edu. In most cases, we can let you know within a few days. Asking for an evaluation of your status toward BSN completion does not cost you anything and does not obligate you in any way. The Registrar makes final decisions on transfer credit and requires official transcripts.
How do I register for classes?
Contact us via email at nursing@wittenberg.edu or by phone 937-327-7375 for information about how to register for classes.
How do I request official transcripts?
Most institutions allow you to request official transcripts online at a minimal cost. You can go to your institution's homepage and search for "transcript request."
What is a "registration hold"?
Registration holds prevent you from registering for the subsequent term and significantly reduce your chances of getting into required courses. Wittenberg's Office of Student Accounts can enter a registration hold if you fail to pay tuition or fees on time. The Health Center can enter a registration hold if you fail to submit any part of health requirements. An administrator can enter a registration hold if you haven't completed an administrative requirement. Students can find information about registration holds in www.wittenberg.edu > Experience > Student Academic Info > Registration & Priority Holds.
Why do I have to complete six "writing-intensive" courses?
Although "intensive" to nurses often means "busy and stressful," "writing-intensive" simply means that you have opportunities to write work, receive improvement feedback, and re-write the work before submitting for a grade. Wittenberg's general education requirements call for completing six writing-intensive courses. English 101 no longer counts as writing intensive. Your associate's degree counts for two writing-intensive courses, leaving the need for four more. Currently two RN-BSN courses are approved as writing-intensive and one more is under consideration for approval.
What does the program cost?
The cost of completing your entire BSN depends on how many courses you need to take. Wittenberg adult students pay adult tuition rates of $428/credit hour. Many RN-BSN students use employer education benefits to pay for their tuition.
How long does the program take?
The total length of time for completing your entire BSN depends on how many courses you need to take and how many courses you take each term. We are shaping the curriculum to facilitate smoother, speedier completion. For example, four-credit courses were taught in a full semester and most students took one course per semester. Now, some four-credit courses are taught in eight weeks (half semester) so students can complete two courses per semester, but take one course at a time. We also encourage students to take courses as a group to support each other. It is much easier to take courses with your colleagues.
What does "hybrid" mean?
Ensuring that the program matches your professional and lifestyle needs, Wittenberg offers the @witt/@home platform, which allows students to complete their education through a hybrid evening course that meets partly in the classroom and partly online. Nearly all adult courses start at 6:30 p.m. The course also alternates classroom meetings with online assignments. This means that you may not have to attend class every week.
How do I set up my Wittenberg email?
After you're admitted and we enroll you for your first course, Wittenberg's Information Technology Services will create a computer account for you. To set up your email, go to the https://www.wittenberg.edu page and click on the "Experience" icon at the top right. When you arrive at the Information Technology page, click on "Create New Email" icon. You will be asked to enter your information.
How do I access my Wittenberg email?
Even when you're not attending classes it is very important to check your Wittenberg email every day. We are not permitted to communicate academic information with your personal email, but you can forward your Wittenberg email to your personal account if you wish. Your email is found by going to http://www.wittenberg.edu page and clicking on the "Experience" icon at the top right. When you arrive at the Information Technology page, click on the "Student Email" icon.
Who do I contact if I need help with my computer account?
Wittenberg's 24-hour Solution Center is available at solution@wittenberg.edu and is staffed with great folks who can help you. You can email the Solution Center for help with your email, Moodle access, or any other information technology question. Copy your instructor when you email the Solution Center so your faculty member can help where needed.
What is "Moodle"?
"Moodle" is Wittenberg's online learning management system where hybrid course discussions, assignments, lecture notes, tests, and communications are posted. Optimally when you register for your course, you are automatically entered into the Moodle course section. Let your faculty member know immediately if you cannot see the course or cannot access the course assignments.
What financial aid is available for adult students?
Adult students may be eligible for Wittenberg's Adult Access Award. Registered nurses who are considering graduate degrees in nursing education may be eligible for the Ohio Nurse Education Loan Assistance Program.
What requirements are needed for the NURS 402 final practicum?
Just like in nursing school, each host institution may have unique requirements for students who wish to complete the final preceptor-led leadership/management practicum. The requirements usually include a BCI/FBI criminal records check, physical exam, immunizations, health insurance, and professional liability insurance. When you are ready to take NURS 402 you will recruit your own preceptor. The director will ensure that Wittenberg has a clinical affiliation and will send you information about the site's requirements. The director must have copies of all completed requirements before you can begin the practicum.
What is the best way to complete the BCI/FBI criminal records checks?
Residents of Ohio for at least five years need only the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) background check. Residents of other states or who have lived in Ohio less than five years need the BCI and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) background checks. A complete list of Ohio background check providers is found here. In the Springfield area the easiest and most cost effective way to complete your BCI/FBI is to make an individual appointment at the Springfield Clark Career Technical Center, 1901 Selma Rd., Springfield OH 45505, 937.325.7368, ext. 115 or 120. They are open M-F 9:00a - 3:00p. An appointment takes 10-15 minutes. You must take your driver's license and know your social security number. The BCI costs $25; if you need both BCI and FBI the cost is $55. They accept credit/debit cards, checks, and cash.
How can I contact nursing?
Contact us via email at nursing@wittenberg.edu or by phone 937-327-7375.