Nursing Major

In compliance with policy of the Massachusetts State Board of Nursing, all applicants/students are informed that completion of the BS degree does not guarantee admittance to the registered nurse licensure examination. According to Board Licensure Policy 00-01, any individual convicted of a felony or misdemeanor conviction and/or who has been disciplined by a licensure/certification body must be evaluated by the Board to determine a licensure applicant’s compliance with the “good moral character” licensure requirement established at Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 112, section 74 and 74A. Any individual who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor conviction, and/or who has been disciplined by a licensure/certification body, or whose ability to practice professional nursing is adversely affected by a physical or mental disability/illness that may endanger the health and/or safety of a person should seek special advising prior to enrolling in any professional nursing program in Massachusetts. Individuals convicted of certain criminal convictions are permanently excluded from nurse licensure in Massachusetts.

All students in the nursing program will be required to have periodic Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks requested by the department and/or clinical agencies. This background check is a computerized search to determine if an individual has any convictions, outstanding warrants or pending complaints. The information from these records is confidential and is destroyed when students graduate. Progression and mandatory clinical placements in the nursing program are contingent on a “no report” CORI check result. Clinical agencies may independently perform CORI checks on students and are not required to accept a student with a CORI report indicating that an offense exists. The department is not responsible for alternate clinical placements for students who cannot be placed in an agency related to a CORI offense report. Students have an obligation to inform the department chair if any legal issues arise while in the program that are reportable on a CORI. Read more.

All newly admitted students will be required to participate in an online documentation tracking system and provide the documentation listed below. Students are required to maintain compliance (updated documentation) for the entirety of the program. Information for accessing the online documentation tracking system will be provided by the clinical resource coordinator. Requirements that must be electronically submitted include:

1. Current, unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of MA.
2. CPR: American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Provider or the American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer are the only accepted certifications
3. Health Information Disclosure Form
4. Proof of Health Insurance
5. Physical Exam
6. Hepatitis B Immunization Series & positive titer
7. MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) Documentation of 2 doses or positive titers for each
8. Varicella (documentation of 2 doses or positive titer, history of disease is not accepted
9. TuberculosisA. All students with no past history of a positive Tuberculosis (TB) screening test must provide documentation of annual TB screening. Any student with a TB screening that is greater than 12 months old must provide baseline TB screening through IRGA (Interferon Gamma Release Assay) or a 2 -step TST (tuberculin Skin Test)

B. Students who have been vaccinated with BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) and are accustomed to obtaining chest x-rays are required to have a baseline TB screening. BCG is no longer considered to be a protective measure against TB or a contradiction to TB screening. Should the result be positive, a chest x-ray and a doctor’s note is required to rule out active disease

10. Tdap (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) vaccine, if it has been 5 years or more since the last dose of Td

11. Flu Vaccine for current flu season or signed declaration (medical exclusion only)

Please note that Clinical facilities may stipulate additional requirements for which documentation must be provided. Also, many of these requirements need to be updated annually or biannually. It is students’ responsibility to submit updated records.

1. Criminal Offender Record Investigation (CORI) is required for all students
2. Sexual Offender Record Investigation (SORI) and/or drug screening may be required by health care agencies
3. Professional liability insurance is renewed annually provided by Worcester State University

Registered nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and their families about health conditions, and provide emotional support. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, and home healthcare agencies. Our BSN degree provides the education often required for leadership and management positions, specialized nursing roles, and public health jobs and the qualifications typically required for positions in research, consulting, and teaching. The degree provides a foundation for further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who assess, diagnose, and treat patients, including prescribing medications, ordering tests, and providing primary and specialty care. They may specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric-mental health, or women’s health.

* Further education required.

Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia and monitor patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. They work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and comfort in surgical settings.

* Further education required.

Nurse educators teach and train future nurses in academic settings such as colleges, universities, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities. They develop curriculum, facilitate lectures and clinical rotations, and mentor students to help them develop the knowledge and skills needed to become competent nurses. Worcester State offers a Post-Master’s Certificate for Nursing Education.

* Further education required.

Nurse case managers coordinate healthcare services and resources for patients with complex medical needs, chronic illnesses, or disabilities. They assess patients’ needs, develop care plans, collaborate with healthcare providers and insurance companies, and advocate for patients to ensure they receive appropriate care and support. Nurse case managers often work in hospitals, insurance companies, rehabilitation centers, or home healthcare agencies.

* Further education required.

A population/public health nurse (PHN) focuses on the health and well-being of entire populations or communities, rather than individual patients. These nurses work to promote and protect the health of populations through various means, including disease prevention, health education, policy advocacy, and community organization. Worcester State offers a Post-Master’s Certificate in Public & Population Health Nursing.

* Further education required.