RN to BSN Program

The RN to BSN program offers a learning experience that caters to the needs of working nurses who are eager to advance their education and careers within a short timeframe. The full-time program is planned for three 15-week semesters, and the part-time program is planned for six 15-week semesters. The program’s structure is designed to build upon the student’s prior nursing education and experience, promoting professional growth and strengthening their skills in evidence-based practice, leadership, and community health. The RN-BSN student will enhance their previous nursing program with general education courses that can be transferred in for credit. The RN to BSN program is offered as an online program except for the two clinical experiences which will be arranged in a healthcare setting of the student's choice.

Total Nursing Course Credits: 40 (36 Gen Ed credits + 44 Core Associate/Diploma Nursing credits expected to be transferred in to meet 120 total credits)
Expected Length: 3 Semesters or 6 Semesters Part-time
Degree issued: Bachelor of Science, Nursing

The RN to BSN program uses American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) publication “The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education” (2021) to guide the curriculum. It is divided into general education courses (36 credit hours) and core nursing courses (84 credit hours) for a total of 120 hours. General education courses include Mathematics, English Composition, Statistics, Humanities, Anatomy & Physiology, and others, which provide a solid foundation for critical thinking and effective communication. The core BSN nursing courses cover essential topics such as Health Assessment, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Practice and Research, Leadership and Management, Community and Public Health, Nursing Informatics, Quality and Safety Healthcare Practices, Nursing Policies Finance and the Regulatory Environment, Transition to Professional Nursing, Ethics and Legal Issues, and a Nursing Capstone. The program also includes clinical experiences in Community and Public Health Nursing and Leadership and Management in Nursing, which allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world healthcare settings.

RN to BSN Program Outcomes

Integrate theoretical and empirical knowledge from nursing, natural and social sciences, humanities, and arts in the provision of holistic, evidence-based nursing care.
Demonstrate proficiency in health assessment, critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and nursing skills to provide safe, quality, and patient-centered care across diverse populations and healthcare settings.
Apply nursing research and evidence-based practice principles to promote optimal patient outcomes and contribute to the improvement of nursing practice and healthcare delivery.
Employ effective communication and collaboration skills to work as an integral part of interprofessional healthcare teams, fostering a culture of respect, partnership, and shared decision-making.
Utilize nursing informatics and technology to enhance patient care, improve healthcare systems, and support lifelong learning and professional development.
Demonstrate leadership and management skills to advocate for patients, families, and communities, facilitate positive change, and promote high-quality nursing care in diverse healthcare settings.
Engage in health promotion and disease prevention strategies to support the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, addressing social determinants of health and healthcare disparities.
Uphold ethical, legal, and professional standards in nursing practice, promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and social justice.
Commit to the principles of lifelong learning, professional growth, and active involvement in the nursing profession to maintain competence and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge, practice, and policy.
Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to address the needs of diverse patient populations and reduce health disparities, fostering equitable and inclusive healthcare environments.

Primary Job Skills:

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions. RN's who obtain their BSN, may have more opportunities to work in leadership roles, education roles, and others.