RN to BSN Program

     
  Please note:As part of our commitment to continual quality improvement, the RN to BSN Program continues its evolution to:
  • serve the unique educational standpoint of experienced nurses and their need for flexible distance-learning options and accommodations.
  • incorporate fresh approaches recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, The Institute of Medicine, the Carnegie Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation — all leading advocates of progressive, evidenced-based health care education.
Updates will be posted here as available.		  
     

 

RN to BSN program summary

Overview

The RN to BSN Program is an online advancement program for current registered nurses (RNs) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing.

Program delivery

Curriculum is presented via distance education, with most courses available on demand, anytime, to fit your schedule. Some courses may occasionally require synchronous login (that is: live, time-specific classes).

Preparation coursework

Some/much of this coursework may already be satisfied by your existing nursing degree. You first complete prerequisite courses — essential science and liberal arts courses — totaling 58 credits. Prerequisite courses are NOT offered by the UNMC College of Nursing. You may take them through the University of Nebraska (on campus or online/distance) or from any accredited community college, 4-year college or university.

UNMC nursing coursework

Students are admitted once annually for August program start. Required nursing coursework consists of 24 credits (See RN to BSN plan of study below). Up to 38 credits will be awarded based on your prior nursing education/experience, thus satisfying the 62 total credits needed to complete your BSN degree.

Completion timeline

Full time (1 year) or part-time (1.5 to 3 years) options are available.

Admission steps / requirements

 

Application due date

 

BSN learning approach

See BSN learning structure and objectives progression.

  
 
  A CONVENIENT ONLINE ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM FOR REGISTERED NURSES WITH AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE OR DIPLOMA IN NURSING  
 
Who will care for you and yours?
 
  Nurses have congested schedules with little free time, so we expressly built flexibility and convenience into our advancement program for RNs. Work and family responsibilities plus long-distance commutes mean it isn't practical — or desirable — to attend campus for classes. Nor is it necessary.

Our program is delivered online, so you may take classes on demand, day or night, when it suits your schedule, on a part-time basis. Clinical requirements may be satisfied in your community or one nearby using local preceptors.		  
 
 
  Advance yourself:
A BSN degree raises professional respect, expands career options, increases earnings and improves patient outcomes.		  
 

RN to BSN plan of study


  Curriculum   Full or part time options       CREDITS
  RN to BSN   COURSE   LECTURE CLINICAL TOTAL
  NRSG 325   Pathophysiologic Basis of Alterations in Health   4 0 4
  NRSG 268   Health Assessment & Promotion   2.5 1.5 4
  NRSG 386   Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Research   2 0 2
  NRSG 435   Health Policy & Issues   2 0 2
  NRSG 385   Health Care Outcomes Management   5 0 5
  NRSG 470   Nursing Management Strategies   2 0 2
  NRSG 420   Community Health Nursing   2 3 5
      RN to BSN required credits       24
      Award - prior nursing education / experience       38
  Graduation   Total BSN required credits       62

 

Please note: This program continues its ongoing transformation to serve the unique educational standpoint of experienced nurses and their need for flexible distance-learning options. The BSN curriculum will continuously evolve to offer superior preparation for the changing demands of modern nursing. Course numbers, titles and other details are subject to change.

Credits awards for your prior nursing education and experience

  1. Upon completion of NRSG 385 — Health Care Outcomes Management, you'll be awarded 11 credits at ½ current tuition rate.
  2. Up to 27 additional credits will be awarded upon curriculum completion for your prior nursing education and work experience completed before BSN graduation.

Transferring credits


Credits from any accredited community college, 4-year college or university — including online and independent study courses — are generally accepted for transfer.

Required courses challenge


Based on your prior nursing education and experience, you may challenge any course in the RN to BSN plan of study except NRSG 385, 386, and 420.

UNMC minimum requirement


You must complete a minimum of 20 nursing credits at UNMC.

Satisfy clinical requirements locally


All clinical requirements may be satisfied in your local community or one nearby.

Clinical education affiliations


We have relationships with over 100 health care institutions across Nebraska to provide students a convenient, diverse range of clinical learning.

Faculty advisor


Upon admission, you'll be assigned a faculty advisor who will guide your course scheduling and degree completion.

Your first step


Contact a student services representative for a review of your transcripts. This process addresses your questions and quickly tells you where you stand with BSN foundation courses. You can also discuss a plan of study that fits your schedule.