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Find Your Program
Saint Joseph's University's Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for individuals who have an RN license and an associate or diploma in nursing.
If you are an RN who holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited pre-licensure program in a discipline other than nursing, you may be granted conditional acceptance into our Master of Science in Nursing graduate program. Alternatively, if you do not have an associate degree or higher, we invite you to explore our Associate Degree in Nursing program.
What is the RN to BSN Program?
This award-winning program enables busy nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree through flexible, individualized scheduling. For the practicing nurse, we provide courses that build upon your existing professional expertise and provide additional opportunities for personal and professional growth. You will learn about the theory behind nursing and will study current research as well as ethical dilemmas in healthcare.
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What Sets Our RN to BSN Program Apart
Accelerated Learning Courses Offered 100% Online
All classes are offered 100% online. The RN to BSN track utilizes an accelerated learning model to meet the needs of practicing nurses who have work, family or other commitments. Accelerated learning is a learning strategy in which students achieve educational outcomes equivalent to traditional courses in a more autonomous, student-centered course environment.
Most classes are offered in 7-week blocks. The program is structured to be completed in 22 months; however, the exact length of time for the program is dependent upon students’ goals and previous college experience. Customized scheduling is available to meet the needs of individual students.
Career Preparation that Meets Today’s Rigorous Healthcare Requirements
Hospitals and healthcare networks across the country are seeking to reach or maintain ANCC Magnet Recognition. As a result, we are seeing an increase in employers requiring the BSN. Additionally, many healthcare companies agree to pay for employees to return to school to earn their BSN, and your employer may provide financial assistance.
Preparation for Leadership Roles in the Field of Nursing
A BSN is required if you want to work in leadership or management roles at the nursing level. The RN to BSN track provides students with an opportunity to contribute to advanced critical thinking and professional autonomy in the delivery of holistic, competent nursing care.
You will build on your existing knowledge of nursing practice, preparing for both interdisciplinary collaboration and positions in management and leadership. You will be introduced to the importance of incorporating evidence-based findings as well as managing information to ensure quality outcomes and patient safety. You will also be challenged to consider diverse theories and perspectives to provide culturally competent care to a variety of populations.
Hands-On Experience Through Service Learning Opportunities
Students in the RN to BSN program complete 30 clinical hours as a service-learning project. These hours are completed at a community agency of the student’s choice. During this time, students apply academic knowledge to address the needs of the community.
Taught by Experienced Nursing Faculty
Nursing faculty maintain a clinical practice in the specialty areas they teach. Small class sizes offer the opportunity to work closely with your teachers and peers. Additionally, faculty members understand that you may be working while attending school and/or have a family at home. Faculty members are available to support you during a time when you may have many responsibilities on your plate.
Why Study this Program in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to top-tier hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking nurses with a BSN, including:
- Lancaster General Hospital
- Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Lehigh Valley Hospital
- UPMC
- Wellspan
- Lebanon VA
- Haven Behavioral Health
- Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute
- Hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania-Penn Presbyterian
Program Details
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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Saint Joseph's University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
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Saint Joseph's University – Lancaster’s tuition structure includes bothper-credit tuitionandprogram-specific fees.
PER-CREDIT TUITION:
Thecost of the Nursing RN to BSN program is $670 per creditfor the 2023-2024 academic year.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC FEES:
In addition to the per-credit rate,there are alsoprogram-specific fees.When a student enrolls in the following courses, they are responsible for paying a fee of$2,825 for each course:
- NUR 170
- NUR 270
- NUR 275
- NUR 295
- NUR 355
- NUR 405
For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our.
Curriculum
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Course Credits Nursing Students are awarded 39 lower division nursing credits for their nursing coursework completed through their associate degree or diploma program. 39 General Education Science Courses 14 General Education Social Science Courses 6 General Education Mathematics Course (College-level Math) 3 General Education Humanities Course (English Composition) 3 Total Lower Division Credits: 65
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Fall
Course Credits CSS 101 - College Studies Seminar 3 IPC 302 - Introduction to Capstone 1 NUR 301 - Conceptual Foundations of Nursing Practice 3 NUR 312 - Human Diversity and Cultural Care in Nursing 3 Total Credits 10 Spring
Course Credits ENG 300 - Advanced Composition for Health Care 3 IPC 322 - Teaching and Learning 3 NUR 340 - Comprehensive Health Assessment 3 Total Credits 9 Summer
Course Credits ECO 310 - American Health Care System 3 PHI 330 - Ethical Issues in Health Care 3 Total Credits 6 Fall
Course Credits IPC 401 - Research in Health Care 3 MAT 260 - Statistics 3 Total Credits 6 Spring
Course Credits NUR 410 - Issues and Trends in Nursing 3 NUR 420 - Nursing Leadership and Management 3 NUR 430 - Nursing in a Global Society 3 Total Credits 9 Summer
Course Credits IPC 450 - Capstone 3 Total Credits 3 Any
Course Credits Humanities Elective 3 300- or 400-level Elective 3 Other Electives 6 Total Credits 12 Total RN to BSN Credits: 55
Total Program Credits: 120
On Average, How Much Do Registered Nurses Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a registered nurse in 2022 is $81,220.
Admission Information
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1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.
2. High school or post-secondary college-level courses must include the following:
- At least four units of English
- At least three units of Social Sciences
- At least three units of Mathematics (Two (2) of which are at least the level of Algebra)
- Two (2) units of Science with a related laboratory or an equivalent (One (1) of which must be biology).
3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0-point scale in secondary or post-secondary education (whichever is more recent). However, the GPA requirement can be different depending on specific program requirements. Please see our undergraduate requirements or please reach out to the Office of Admission for additional information.
4. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is also required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.
Additional Admission Factors for Consideration:
In addition to the required items above, the admission team will consider the following factors when making an admission decision:
- Class rank
- Academic performance in post-secondary science and math courses
- Community service
- Healthcare-related service
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To apply for this program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.
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There is no application deadline for this program. Here are recommended application submission dates:
February 1 – recommended application submission for Fall semester
August 1 – recommended application submission for Spring semester
Saint Joseph’s accepts students on a year-round basis, so any applications received after these dates will be considered for the next applicable semester. Contact the Office of Admission for information regarding space availability.
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If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:
- Satisfy general admission requirements
- Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey
Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT instead of the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agencies is required.
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Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University’s Lancaster campus:
- Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
- Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above (Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit)
- Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
- The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph’s University
- Some programs have a time limit for specific courses
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Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
- Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
- Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
- Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
- Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
