The required minimum for completion of the degree includes a total of 120 semester credit hours. The RN-BSN program will recognize and transfer a total of 62-75 credit hours for the AAS in Nursing Degree or Diploma program from an accredited institution. A valid, unencumbered RN license is a requirement for application. A minimum of an additional 45 credits is required to complete the bachelor’s degree inclusive of co/prerequisites and core nursing courses. Please speak with the RN to BSN Nursing Advisor for specifics about your pathway.
Nursing Core Courses
The core nursing courses amount to 30 credit hours. The program has 6 courses that are entirely online and three courses that are hybrid, requiring minimal lab, simulation, and/or clinical field work. If you live in a rural area, it is possible some of your clinical field work can be done in your geographic area. Here are brief descriptions of the nine core nursing courses:
NUR301, Role of the Professional Nurse
Introduction to the transition from Registered Nurse to the role and scope of the professional baccalaureate nurse. Review of nursing philosophies, theories, and conceptual models. Focus on concepts and attributes of the baccalaureate nurse. (Online, 3 credits)
NUR302, Health Assessment and Promotion
Overview of the health assessment process, including methods of taking health history, physical examination skills, documentation, and health promotion strategies. Emphasis on health promotion across the lifespan among diverse populations, health equity, and community resources. (Hybrid, 4 credits)
NUR303, Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Use of evidence-based research findings for improving clinical practice and person-centered care outcomes. Exploration of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Emphasis on the critical review of research studies and their applications to clinical practice. (Online, 3 credits)
NUR304, Public and Community Health Nursing
Exploration of population health as a system of diverse cultures, values, and subgroups with varying socioeconomic circumstances and levels of vulnerability. Emphasis is placed on analysis of factors which affect community settings, using epidemiological data and functional health pattern assessments to plan, organize, and deliver services in community settings, including health education and promotion, illness prevention and disaster preparedness. Includes project and simulation-based field experiences. (Hybrid, 4 credits)
NUR305, Legal and Ethical Topics in Nursing
Overview of health policy, legislative and regulatory guidelines, Nurse Practice Act, and legal and ethical concepts that impact the practice of professional nursing. Focus on ethical decision-making models. (Online, 3 credits)
NUR401, Systems-Based Thinking in Nursing
Overview of systems-based thinking in nursing and its role in improving the quality and safety of patient care. Focus on coordination of healthcare systems components to address complex issues and deliver optimal care. (Online, 3 credits)
NUR402, Healthcare Technology and Informatics
Exploration of various modalities and integration of healthcare technology and Informatics to manage and communicate data, advance health information literacy, and improve patient outcomes. Focus on components, applications, problem-solving, and data management strategies. (Online, 3 credits)
NUR403, Nursing Leadership and Management
Overview of leadership qualities, abilities, and personal style, including strengths and challenges. Focus on understanding the difference between management and leadership. Emphasis on communication and transparency in management and leadership. (Online, 3 credits)
NUR404, Advanced Nursing Capstone
Capstone project that provides the baccalaureate nursing student with the opportunity to assess, identify, propose, and present an evidence-based project that addresses an issue significant to nursing practice. The project will synthesize knowledge from coursework and experience. The capstone project will be under the guidance and in collaboration with program faculty and a preceptor from the facility or entity. (Hybrid, 4 credits)