Program Overview

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Introduction to the RN to BSN Pathway

The RN to BSN Pathway is a program designed for registered nurses who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This program is tailored to meet the needs of working nurses, providing them with the opportunity to advance their education and career.

Admission to the RN to BSN Pathway

Admission to the RN to BSN Pathway requires applicants to meet specific criteria. These include:

• Being accepted into a RN associate degree nursing program through a VCCS school
• Meeting the pre-requisites outlined in the RN-BSN Co-Enrollment Requirements
• Having a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4-point scale for all college work attempted
• Having a minimum GPA of 2.5 for any nursing courses completed, excluding repeated courses
• Being committed to 11 or fewer credits in their ADN program each semester
• Being able to meet the JMU School of Nursing Technical Standards for nursing practice

Application Process

The application process for the RN to BSN Pathway involves submitting an application by the designated deadline. There are two cycles each year for enrollment in the RN-BSN co-enrollment option:

• For Fall Enrollment: Submit application by May 25, with notification of enrollment decision by June 1
• For Spring Enrollment: Submit application by October 15, with notification of enrollment decision by November 1

Requirements for Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another institution or from JMU are exempt from completing the pre-requisite, co-requisite, and general education requirements, with the exception of the Nursing pre-requisite requirements.

Program Costs

The estimated cost of attendance for the RN to BSN Pathway can be found using the Cost of Attendance Calculator. Students will spend between 1 and 4 semesters in the co-enrollment pathway, with totals including the number of credit hours plus a $20 non-degree seeking application fee. The estimated costs are as follows:

• First Semester: 4 credit hours + $20 application fee = $1,920
• Second Semester: 3 credit hours = $1,425
• Third Semester: 3 credit hours + $20 application fee = $1,445
• Fourth Semester: 3 credit hours = $1,425
• Total: $6,059 (based on in-state tuition rate)

Financial Aid

The James Madison University School of Nursing is committed to assisting students with identifying and obtaining resources to finance higher education. However, JMU will not count the classes students are taking at a VCCS school while completing their ADN when determining financial aid eligibility. Once students graduate with their associate degree from their VCCS school, they may apply for financial aid through the FAFSA and explore additional resources through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships upon entering as a traditional degree-seeking student in the RN-BSN pathway at JMU.

Program Structure

The RN to BSN Pathway is flexible, and entry is open to any qualified VCCS student enrolled in an ADN nursing program, regardless of their semester in the program. Students may start in their first, second, third, or even fourth semester, and their plan of study will be tailored accordingly.

Transition to Degree-Seeking Status

To matriculate as a degree-seeking student into the RN-BSN pathway, students need to have an active nursing license and be working as a RN. Students who graduate in December from their ADN program may transition into the degree-seeking pathway during the summer following their graduation.

Academic Requirements

Successful completion of all VCCS nursing courses is a requirement. Students must submit unofficial transcripts at the end of each semester while enrolled as a co-enrollment student and achieve a C or higher for all nursing courses. Students with grades less than a C will be required to take a leave of absence from JMU until they have completed their ADN.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Qualified co-enrollment students may participate in the Costa Rica study abroad program either as co-enrolled students or as degree-seeking students during summer transition into the degree-seeking pathway.

Post-Graduation

After graduation from the ADN program, students need to stay in touch with their RN-BSN advisor to design their plan of study moving forward. They must pass their NCLEX to matriculate into the program as a degree-seeking student.