Program Overview

Introduction to the RN to BSN Pathway

The RN to BSN Pathway is designed for licensed Registered Nurses (RNs) who have completed an associate degree or diploma nursing program at a community college or nursing school accredited by a specialized accrediting agency for nursing education programs. This pathway allows RNs to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Admission Requirements

To apply to the RN-BSN pathway, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Associate Degree or Diploma in Nursing from a community college or diploma nursing school that is accredited by a specialized accrediting agency for nursing education programs.
• Transcripts reflecting a cumulative GPA on all college work attempted of 2.5 or better on a 4-point scale with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in Nursing (if applicable). Transcripts below 2.5 will be reviewed on an individual case-by-case basis.
• TOEFL minimum score of 81 (internet-based test) or IELTS minimum score of 6.5 for international applicants.
• Current unrestricted RN license in any state, Washington D.C., or a U.S possession or territory.
• Graduates of foreign nursing schools who are licensed outside of the United States are required to pass the Qualifying Exam of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
• Employment as a RN for a minimum of six months or plans to practice concurrently with coursework.
• Ability to meet the school's Technical Standards for nursing practice
• Have completed all RN-BSN Pre-requisite Course Requirements.

Curriculum and Courses

Pre-requisite courses must be completed at any institution prior to entry as a degree-seeking student. Co-requisite courses and general education courses must be completed at any institution prior to graduation with a BSN. CLEP test credit may be submitted for co-requisite and general education courses only.

Transfer Credit Approval

Once admitted, students wishing to take co-requisite and general education courses at schools other than the university must complete the INTENT TO TRANSFER CREDIT form prior to taking classes.

Community Health Clinical

Students must complete a 1-credit community health practicum during one summer to complete curriculum requirements. Students living outside of Virginia must contact the RN-BSN coordinator to determine if they can complete their clinical in their home state prior to submitting an application.

Mandatory Orientation

A mandatory orientation is required for all students and takes place prior to the start of the semester. This orientation is presented in a fully online format and includes online activities, videos, group meetings, and live synchronous presentations. It is associated with the Strategies for Success course and accounts for a portion of the grade in that course. Failure to attend orientation will delay entry until the following semester.

Technical Standards

Technical standards are basic physical, cognitive, and psychosocial skills and abilities that are required for nursing practice. All students must possess abilities and skills in the areas of sensation, communication, motor function, and behavioral proficiency to complete the nursing curriculum and enter practice as a registered professional nurse.

Minimum Standards for Information Literacy

All entering students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of computer and internet literacy. Each student must demonstrate the competency by the successful completion of the Strategies for Success course and any online learning/technology assessments assigned in courses in the RN-BSN pathway.