RN to BS Program - see below
RN to BS to MS Program - follow this link
Subspecialty Courses and Options
Overview/Program of Study
In a traditional RN to BS program of study, nurses with associate's degrees or diplomas are required to take a prescribed list of courses. Our RN to BS completion program is tailored to the practicing nurse who brings a wealth of knowledge from prior education and experience to the program.
A total of 128 credits are required to complete the BS degree, half (64) in the nursing major and half (64) in foundational arts and sciences coursework. A total of 32 nursing credits will be transferred in upon admission. The remaining 32 nursing credits consist of core courses (18 credits) and elective courses (8-14 credits). Up to 6 academic credits may be awarded for prior experiential learning through the Portfolio Seminars. The arts and sciences credits can be transferred in from any accredited college or university, as well as through the College Level Examination Program ("CLEP" challenge examinations).
There are both full-time and part-time enrollment options. The length of time for completion of the program depends on the number of foundational arts and sciences credits students have completed. For students who have completed their arts and sciences requirements, the full-time option is designed as a three-semester, one calendar year program of study. The part-time option is designed as a six-semester, two calendar year program of study. The Bachelor of Science degree is awarded upon completion of the required 32 credits of nursing coursework and 64 credits of arts and sciences coursework.
Subspecialty Courses and Options
In addition to completing core courses, students can choose from a range of elective options, some of which may enable them to attain certification in a specialty area. For example, coursework is available to prepare students to assume roles such as a Legal Nurse Consultant or RN First Assist. Elective coursework is also available in areas such as Genetics, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, Global Health, and Telemedicine. The elective courses are offered in convenient evening classes, compressed workshop formats, or online.
(Back to top)Careers
Although many of our graduates stay employed in acute care, the baccalaureate degree enables them to work in a wide range of other settings, including private practices, public health agencies, pri mary care clinics, home health care, outpatient surgi-centers, health maintenance organizations, nursing school-operated nursing centers, insurance and managed care companies, nursing homes, schools, mental health agencies, hospices, the military, and industry. Through the Portfolio Seminar, students will be assisted in showcasing their career accomplishments and developing resumes to support achievement of their goals as part of the program.
Admission Criteria
- Completion of a Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing
- RN licensure within the United States or U.S. territory
- Two favorable references which address professional and/or academic ability (e.g., nursing faculty member, nursing supervisor)
- Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or above preferred
- Typewritten professional statement with career goals
What to Expect
A transcript analysis will be done upon admission to the program, providing detail on the number of credits which can be transferred into the program (maximum of 96). Your advisor will use this as the basis for developing an individualized degree plan with you. The core courses are all offered in a “hybrid online” format. That means that course content delivery and interaction between faculty and students occurs primarily online, supported by occasional in-class sessions. This has been described by students as “the best of both worlds”. Students are able to complete their coursework on their own time, in a location that is convenient to other aspects of their lives, but still have the benefit of face-to-face interaction with faculty and other students. Course content is accessible from any computer with internet access anywhere around the world.
There is no clinical requirement in the program. However, students will complete two observational field study experiences with practicing nurses in leadership positions, and case managers working in the community.