Welcome to USD, Hahn School of Nursing and the profession of nursing. There
are many benefits you will receive as a result of completing your bachelor's
degree in nursing, such as an increased salary, promotion within clinical
agencies, and increased responsibilities. Most importantly, this education
will provide you with the knowledge and skills to serve as an effective
change agent in the profession of nursing, able to advocate for better
health care for your patients and their families in the hospital and their
respective communities. The bachelor's degree is the first step towards
those goals you might have to serve in leadership roles, clinical faculty
roles, advanced practice nursing roles, or research roles. The bachelor's is
the stepping stone to your master's degree and a doctorate.
Your education at USD is pristine and clinical agencies respect the degree and education you receive from us. The RN-BSN program was the first nursing program offered at USD and its reputation laid the foundation for the excellence of the MSN and PhD programs that followed. Within your program of study in the RN-BSN-MSN, you will be with a small but unique group of colleagues who come with a variety of skills and expertise; you will be in classes with MSN students and master's entry (MEPN) students; and you will be taught by PhD faculty. Our hope is that you will be able to call USD your nursing home and treasure the experience you have with us.
Anita J. Hunter, PhD, RN, CPNP
RN-BSN-MSN Program Director