RN-BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses
RN-BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses
Program Description
If you're a registered nurse looking to take the next step in your education and career, Rockhurst's fully online RN to BSN program has you covered! The RN-BSN provides a quality education that builds on the RN’s prior learning and nursing experience while recognizing their unique challenges when seeking a baccalaureate degree. Years of research show having a BSN degree actually leads to improved patient outcomes, including better rates for mortality and failure-to-rescue.**
If you're not currently a registered nurse, please take a look at our full BSN program and see if it's the right fit for you! And if you're an LPN, you may qualify for block credit. Speak with one our Admission Counselors for more info.
Saint Luke's Health System employees and their dependents receive a discount of $250/credit.
Why choose the RN to BSN program?
- 100% online
- $71,730 median BSN salary*
- 3 semesters to complete your program
- Bridge program to earn an MSN in no time! (see below for more info)
*Data provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2017-2018 report
**Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing
RN–BSN to MSN Bridge Program
Simultaneously pursue your BSN and MSN through our RN–BSN to MSN Bridge Program. Building a path to an even more rewarding career in nursing through this accelerated program.
Get in touch with the Admissions Office for more information!
Advantages of Saint Luke's™ College of Health Sciences at Rockhurst University
With a degree from Saint Luke’s College, you get a quality education from a proven nursing school program with over 115+ years of experience. Why wait? A bachelor of science in nursing degree means upward mobility, greater earning potential, and increased career flexibility.
Why do students choose Saint Luke’s College?
- Flexible part-time and full-time options available for working adult learners
- An innovative online RN to BSN curriculum with no campus visit required
- Ability to transfer in up to 90 credit hours
- No expiration on previous college credits for licensed RNs
- Opportunity to complete any needed prerequisites while attending
- Program completion in as little as three semesters or longer to suit your needs
Learning Outcomes
The RN-BSN seeks to build on the strengths of the learner while supporting their developmental potential. Adult learning principles used throughout the curriculum facilitate meaningful learning that the student can use to impact their world immediately and in the long-term. The RN-BSN helps learners to transform their nursing practice by sharpening and improving critical thinking and reasoning, promoting leadership skills that enhance personal and professional possibilities, lifelong learning, developing lifelong professional relationships, and feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Looking for something else? See our Frequently Asked Questions.
Experiences
- Three-hour clinicals completed at a site in your community
- Trained and experienced nursing faculty with clinical and teaching experience
- Academic advising and peer tutoring available through the Student Resource Center
Outcomes
- Students will successfully graduate within their cohort time frame
- Student receive networking opportunities with one of the largest employers in the Kansas City area
- Upward mobility, greater earning potential, and increased career flexibility
- Earn, on average, 21% more income compared to RN's without a BSN degree***
***Source: Payscale
RN to BSN Degree Requirements
Upon the recommendation of the faculty, Saint Luke's™ College will confer the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing upon students who have fulfilled the following requirements:
- Completion of the 120 hours of the required program of study for the BSN degree
- Completion of a maximum of 36 nursing credit hours transferred from an associate or diploma program
- Completion of up to 54 hours of general education coursework to include statistics, ethics, and nutrition
- Completion of the 30 semester hours of nursing coursework within three years of enrollment at Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences
- A cumulative minimum grade point average of 2.0 with no grade below C counting towards graduation
- RN-BSN students must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours from Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences to receive a degree from Saint Luke’s College and to meet residency requirements
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required | 30 Required | |
| N393 | Student Success Strategies | 1 |
| N401 | Role Development and Professional Issues | 3 |
| N411 | Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| N457 | Pharmacology for the RN | 3 |
| N482 | Community/Public Health Theory | 3 |
| N484 | Community/Public Health Clinical Project | 3 |
| N485 | Assessment for the Professional Nurse | 3 |
| N487 | Pathophysiology for the RN | 3 |
| N489 | Informatics | 3 |
| N499 | Organizational and System Leadership | 3 |
| NXXX | Elective/Directed Study | 2 |
| Total Credits | 30 Credits | |
N393 is taken the first semester of the program. N484 includes a clinical placement.
The BSN program has prerequisite requirements requiring coursework to follow a specific order. A 2-credit hour nursing elective course must also be taken prior to graduation. The nursing elective must be an approved elective as listed in the academic course catalog and it must be taken at Saint Luke’s College of Health Sciences. Courses are not offered every semester. An academic advisor will develop your individualized plan of study.
FAQs
What are the requirements to apply to the RN-BSN program?
- Have an active, unencumbered nursing license in the state where you practice
- Be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident
- Completion of a maximum of 36 nursing credit hours transferred from an associate or diploma program
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 with no grade below C counting towards graduation
What are the requirements prior to start?
You must return your application paperwork and attend a required orientation.
Can you be a part-time student?
Yes, this is a flexible program with both part-time and full-time options.
Will I finish this program in three semesters?
The program can be completed in as little as three semesters but you can pace the program to work with your schedule.
How will I pay for my education?
We offer financial aid (Department of Education loans, grants, scholarships)
- Complete your FAFSA application to help determine eligibility for need-based federal financial aid (Saint Luke’s™ College of Health Sciences FAFSA Code: 009782).
- We offer scholarships
- We accept third-party scholarships
- Workstudy positions available
- Personal or parent loans
- For Saint Luke’s Health System employees you can cover the entire cost of your discounted program with your tuition reimbursement dollars
Will my previous credits transfer?
We have a generous credit transfer policy. We will take coursework completed at a regionally accredited college. Courses, where a C or better was earned, will be accepted. Schedule a visit with an RN-BSN admission counselor to see what credits you can transfer.
What kind of computer do I need before I start in your program?
Below are the minimum laptop computer requirements required to work with the courses at Saint Luke's College. Google Chromebooks will not work at Saint Luke's College due to computer download requirements. Please make sure you have access to reliable, high-speed internet.
Minimum computer specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 (or higher) or AMD Ryzen 5 (or higher)
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Mac OSX 10.12
- RAM: 8 GB (or higher)
- Hard Drive: 128 GB minimum (or higher) SSD highly recommended
- Wireless network card 802.11AC
- Headset with microphone capability required
- Web camera required
Software Applications Required:
- Microsoft Office 2016 or newer (Saint Luke's College provides you with one free copy of Office 2016 via the OntheHub)
- Supported internet browser: Google Chrome
- Adobe Reader
What does the RN-BSN program cost?
