Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.

Available in a fully-online format.

The registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing (R.N. to B.S.N.) provides career mobility for the registered nurse. The coursework blends scientific and humanistic theories with nursing theories to provide graduates with a foundation for professional nursing practice. Graduates are prepared to function in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings and in roles that are dependent, interdependent, or independent according to the level of care required. They are able to lead and influence colleagues and coworkers for the enhancement of their knowledge and skills, thereby effecting change to promote quality nursing care for clients in any health setting. The Bachelor of Science in nursing (B.S.N.) is designed to provide a foundation for higher degree programs in nursing.

Special opportunities for our students: The R.N. to B.S.N. program provides career mobility for R.N.s who need the high flexibility that distance education can provide. Students are eligible for awards including membership in Sigma Theta Tau Rho Theta Chapter (honor society for nursing).

Accreditation: The R.N. to B.S.N. program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Admission requirements: To be admitted to the program, an applicant must:

• Be fully admitted to NKU as a degree-seeking student.
• Submit to the Office of Admissions:
  • Official transcripts from an associate degree or diploma program in nursing.
  • Official transcripts from all postsecondary work completed.
• Hold current, unrestricted RN licensure within first semester of admission to RN-BSN program.  Proof of R.N. licensure in state of practice is mandatory prior to enrollment in any nursing course.

Admitted students must:

1. Complete Introduction to Statistical Methods (STA 205  OR STA 205R ) prior to enrolling in NRP 472 , Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice.
2. Complete one full year of anatomy and physiology with labs (BIO 208 , BIO 208L , BIO 209 , BIO 209L ) and Microbiology for Health Professionals with Laboratory (BIO 202 /BIO 202L ) prior to enrolling in NRP 476 Impact of Genetics and Genomics on Health (2 credits) .
3. Complete the following courses with a minimum grade of C in each course prior to graduation.
   1. One full year of English composition (ENG 101  and ENG 102 ).
   2. Introduction to Psychology (PSY 100 ).
   3. Lifespan Development - OR - Human Growth and Development (PSY 321  – OR – EDU 300 ).
   4. Health Care Ethics - OR - Ethics (PHI 220  – OR – PHI 200 ).
4. Meet all requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree as stated in this catalog.

NKU College of Health and Human Services policies:

Progression: To progress in the R.N. to B.S.N. nursing program, students must achieve a grade of C or higher in all required nursing and support courses. Students withdrawing from the nursing program for any reason are requested to have an exit interview with the program director or faculty advisor. Students may repeat only one semester of nursing.

You should also know: Students entering the R.N. to B.S.N. program may have transfer credit hours that will satisfy some of the requirements of the program. Additionally, you are eligible to receive credits for prior learning through the NCLEX exam in the Industrial Credentials program.  Your adviser can tell you more about this program.

♦  Indicates prerequisite.