Bachelor's Degree

CVT to BSN Bridge Option
Madison, Wisconsin

CLASSES START
Jan 6th

28 Mo.

Program Length

120

Credits

On-campus

Format

MSN

Dual Credit

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Information

Bachelor's Degree

CVT to BSN Bridge Option
Madison, Wisconsin

Go from CVT to RN with Herzing Madison

Accreditation	CCNE accredited,¹ Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer credit	Up to 90 approved credits
Format	On-campus classes at our Madison, Wisconsin location + online
Pathways	Earn dual credit towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
QuickPaths	Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

BSN Bridge Option - Cardiovascular Technologists (CVT) - Madison

BSN Bridge for Cardiovascular Techs - Madison, WI

The BSN Bridge option for CVTs is a 120-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The Madison campus bachelor's degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the nursing process, health assessment, managing care, evidence-based practice, and much more.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Experienced faculty

Get face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty with real-world success in the field.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Learn More Today!

Classes start: January 6th

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You may qualify for our online option

We now offer an online BSN Bridge option for CVTs featuring asynchronous didactic (lecture) courses, meaning you can complete all gen ed and core nursing courses online on your own schedule.ⁱ

The online bridge option includes practical, hands-on training including clinicals and intensives, which you must attend at a designated Herzing or partner site.

This can be a great choice if you are seeking maximum flexibility in completing your didactic coursework throughout the program.

Explore the online option

i. The online and on-campus programs have unique enrollment requirements. View our online CVT to BSN Bridge Option admission requirements.

Curriculum

CVT to BSN option classes & curriculum details

The BSN Bridge program in Madison uses online & on-campus classes, lab simulations and clinical practice to help cardiovascular techs develop the tools needed to transition into a role as a registered nurse and excel.

Upon graduating you will be eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), meet the Wisconsin Board of Nursing requirements and earn your RN license.

Program	Monthsⁱ	Credits
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Bridge Option	28	120

*Average number of months for students to complete program

Required Courses in Nursing

55.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NSG 120 - Nursing Pathophysiology 3.00

This course focuses on the basic understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness with an emphasis placed on cellular alterations in organ systems as they relate to selected disease states. Opportunities will be presented that provide for the use of critical thinking processes to analyze diverse patient presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.

NSG 124 - Pharmacology 3.00

This course introduces the student to the role of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of illness and in the promotion of wellness in patients throughout the lifespan. These concepts provide the basis for the study of drug actions, indications, side effects, nursing implications, and patient education.

NSG 126 - Transition to Professional Nursing 3.00

This course focuses on the transition into the role of a Registered Nurse, emphasizing the scope of practice and integration of professional competencies, clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, technology, cultural competence, quality, and safety. It aims to identify and strengthen existing competencies, enhance student knowledge, and prepare individuals to deliver quality nursing care that incorporates both prior proficiency and new concepts introduced in the course. Skills and concepts related to nursing assessment are integrated throughout the curriculum and validated in clinical and lab settings.

NSG 221 - Mental Health Nursing 4.00

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in caring for patients with alterations in mental health. Focus is placed on the nursing process framework with emphasis on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, and current practices related to the care of the mentally ill. Interventions focus on aspects of care to include professional communication, patient and family teaching, review of community resources, and practical application in various clinical settings.

NSG 222 - Family Nursing 6.00

This course introduces the student to family-centered care and the health needs of the childbearing family. Students review concepts, skills, and techniques needed to care for culturally diverse maternal, infant, and pediatric patients and their families. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family-centered care, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and community. The clinical experiences focus on concepts and skills required to provide safe and evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings.

NSG 223 - Medical-Surgical Nursing II 6.00

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to patients that have complex health alterations in a variety of clinical settings. Students will explore the concepts of professionalism, collaboration, communication, and cultural competency within the context of illness and their role as provider of care, educator, and patient advocate. In the clinical setting, students will care for selected patients in various settings, applying knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with medical and/or surgical problems.

NSG 233 - Medical-Surgical Nursing III 5.00

This comprehensive course expands on previously acquired knowledge and skills necessary to manage and plan care for complex patients. Focused on nursing care of complex patients, families, and groups in unstable situations with unpredictable outcomes. The course focuses on nursing practice that facilitates the wellbeing of individuals within the context of critical or complex illness and continues in preparing the student as a provider of care. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various settings, integrating knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with acute or complex medical and/or surgical problems.

NSG 321 - Advanced Leadership and Management 3.00

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system. Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice.

NSG 323 - Community and Public Health Nursing 5.00

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health. The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

NSG 324 - Evidence Based Practice in Nursing 3.00

This course explores the research process and its contributions to professional nursing practice. The skills related to reading published research findings and utilizing that evidence as a basis for professional nursing practice are developed.

NSG 421 - Nursing Informatics 3.00

This course focuses on the use of health information systems, communication devices, computer applications and explores the impact of these technologies on nursing practice.

NSG 423 - Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing 3.00

The course focuses on current national and global trends, policies, and challenges which impact health and healthcare delivery. An overview of ethical and legal issues commonly presented to nurses and other health care providers is discussed with emphasis on the identification and analysis of legal and ethical principles underlying clinical judgment in nursing.

NSG 425 - BSN Practicum 5.00

This course provides a clinical practicum for the application of concepts learned throughout the program. Evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, management/leadership, skills/technology, and professional development are embodied and exhibited. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

NSG 426 - Review of Integrated Nursing Concepts 3.00

This course provides the student with the opportunity to evaluate his/her strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam. Utilization of the nursing process and integration of all previous concepts will be emphasized through the use of case studies, integrated testing, and directed study.

Dual Credit Option for Taking Graduate Level Courses

Dual Credit Options are not available for New Orleans students. See Academic Information for full requirements under title Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student. Undergraduate Course Graduate Course Equivalency NSG 321 Advanced Leadership and Management NU 730 Systems-Based Practice (Transferrable to MSN & DNP Programs) NSG 324 Evidence Based Practice in Nursing NU 602 Epidemiology, Research, and Theory (Transferrable to BSN to DNP Program Only) NSG 421 Nursing Informatics NU 725 Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice (Transferrable to MSN & DNP Programs) NSG 423 Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing HA 610 Health Policy and Management (Transferrable to MSN Program, except for MSNWHNP)

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in the BSN program must complete a minimum of 41.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. A minimum of 9.00 semester credit hours must be upper level (300- to 400-level courses). The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for additional information on general education requirements. 12.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 English Composition I EN 111 Information Literacy EN 116 Speech EN 304 English Composition II 14.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses SC 166 Microbiology SC 186 Chemistry 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 Cultural Diversity HU 340 Humanities and Contemporary Popular Culture 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 College Algebra MA 320 Statistics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science PS 101 Psychology Note: Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 41.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines. Science courses being transferred in from other institutions must meet the nursing program science requirements.

Special General Education Grading Requirements for Nursing Support Courses

The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 109 College Algebra Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the BSN nursing program in a future semester. Resuming students should refer to the section on re-entering for additional requirements.

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course Lecture Hours Lab Hours Clinical Hours Total Contact Hours Credits NSG 120 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 124 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 126 15.00 30.00 45.00 90.00 3.00 NSG 221 45.00 0.00 45.00 90.00 4.00 NSG 222 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 223 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 321 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 323 60.00 0.00 45.00 105.00 5.00 NSG 324 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 421 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 233 45.00 30.00 45.00 120.00 5.00 NSG 423 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 425 30.00 0.00 135.00 165.00 5.00 NSG 426 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 101 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 111 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 116 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 304 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HU 140 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HU 340 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 MA 109 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 MA 320 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PS 101 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 SC 154 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 254 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 166 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 SC 186 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 Block Credit for License 24.00 Totals 1185.00 180.00 495.00 1860.00 120.00

Requirements

Enrollment requirements

To be considered for admission into the program, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED or GED) and meet the following criteria based on your cumulative GPA:

Cumulative GPAⁱ	Science Requirement	TEASⁱⁱ
3.50–4.00	None	None
3.00–3.49	3.00 GPA in college scienceⁱⁱⁱ	None
2.50 and higher	None	Composite TEAS of 58
i. Students with 18 or more transferable collegiate credits will be assessed on their collegiate cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the high school GPA will be used. ii. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI). iii. Based on your cumulative GPA in these college science courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Biology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. Two of these courses must be used to calculate science GPA. Any of these courses completed must be included in the calculation, and no others. If you do not meet this requirement, you must score a composite score of 58 or higher on the TEAS. A grade of "B" or better must be earned for transfer credit to be awarded for Anatomy & Physiology, regardless of whether it was included in the calculation.

Classes Start January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Info

Your nursing career is possible

Join Emily and embark on a complete, holistic, career-focused education preparing you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a registered nurse.

Job outlook and pay potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurse is expected to increase 6% from 2022-2032.*

Registered nurses earn an average salary of $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour). That represents a raise for the average cardiovascular technician/technologist in the US ($70,270 per year, $33.79 per hour).

You can take a big step forward in your nursing career by becoming an registered nurse.

Careers

Going from CVT to RN

Transitioning from cardiovascular technologist to RN means expanding on your medical-based cardiovascular education into the more holistically-focused field of nursing.

As a registered nurse, you’ll be the backbone of day-to-day operations in many healthcare settings. Your duties can include:

Develop and direct treatment plans
Counsel patients and family members
Ensure patient comfort
Serve as the key connection between doctors and patients

Registered Nurse ranks as the #8 Best Healthcare Job for 2023 according to U.S. News & World Report.

Can I specialize? While a nursing degree curriculum can introduce a wider spectrum of course topics, RNs can specialize in an area of their choosing with enough education and experience. You may be able to use your experience as a CVT to help become a cardiac nurse in the future.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

There’s nothing easy about being a nurse. Nurses with a thirst for knowledge, compassion, empathy, self-awareness and a constant focus on lifelong learning are truly exceptional.

Learn more about what makes a good nurse, from the quality of the care you provide to the confident smile you wear every day.

We offer online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree pathways for those without nursing experience looking to become an RN. Eligibility varies by state of residence.

Learn more about our online nursing programs designed for non-nurses.

While cardiovascular technicians and technologists assist physicians in diagnosing and training heart disease and heart-related conditions, RNs provide a broader range of care with greater emphasis on holistic care of the whole person.

CVTs can have a more distinct set of hands-on tasks they regularly perform, trained for certain invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular procedures.

RNs must be familiar with a wide scope of knowledge and procedures. While RNs can specialize in cardiology, they can also specialize in many other areas and discover opportunities to advance their practice in the future.

It’s a question of:

What your goals are
How quickly you want to reach them

If your goal is to go from LPN to RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years.

If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.

Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. Earn your associate’s degree in nursing and you can become an RN more quickly and earn your first set of scrubs.

However, if your goal is to continue climbing the ladder to become a nurse practitioner or pursue roles in nursing leadership or administration, you may be best off enrolling in a BSN program so you can reach your goals faster.

No matter what you choose, Herzing is here to empower you to become the best nursing professional you can be.

There are many different nursing specialties to choose from. Depending on your personality, educational background and preferred working environment you can follow your own personalized path in the nursing profession.

Here are a few popular nursing specialties you may consider:

You can take our nursing personality quiz to get a better idea of what you might prefer in your nursing career.

Because nurses with a BSN have earned that next degree level and generally have the edge on the job market, they will on average earn a slightly higher salary than nurses with an ASN. However, there are always exceptions; an ASN with several years of an experience may earn a higher salary than an RN with a BSN who is just starting their career.

Madison nursing students practice in simulation lab under supervision of nursing instructor

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Accreditations

Accreditations & Disclosures

1. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

CVT to BSN Bridge Option
Madison, Wisconsin

CVT to BSN Bridge Option
Madison, Wisconsin

Go from CVT to RN with Herzing Madison

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