The RN to BSN track enables applicants who have earned an associate degree in nursing from an accredited college and hold a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing.  The upper division program is designed for working nurses and can be completed in 3 or 4 semesters of study.  The program is delivered asynchronously online to accommodate other responsibilities of the RN while advancing their education. 

Students may complete the upper division course of study as either full-time or part-time students.  The course instruction is delivered online allowing students to balance career, family, and other responsibilities along with advancing their education.  Students may choose to complete the curriculum in 3 semesters (1-year option) or in 4 semesters (1 1/2-year option).  Applicants who complete their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) through an LVN to RN or Paramedic to RN bridge program must have earned a minimum of 35 transferable credits in their program in order to apply.  This program is approved for delivery via asynchronous distance education technology.

A second path to the BSN is offered via the ASCEND co-enrollment program. The ASCEND program is offered to qualified students who have completed at least one semester of the associate degree nursing program. Successful ASCEND students will earn a BSN within 1 or 2 semesters after earning their ADN.  Note: ASCEND students must hold a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license before the BSN is conferred.

Entry to the RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program

Admission to the School of Nursing RN to BSN Program is competitive.

Admission decisions are based on the entirety of the student’s academic and professional background.

Minimum requirements include:

• Grade of C in each prerequisite course
• Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale); GPA associate degree in nursing course work grade point average of 2.5
• One professional reference from either a professor or the student's current supervisor
• Professional resume
• The student's experiences and attributes, to include community service, leadership, honors and awards and work experience
• Academic history of repeats, withdraws or failures
• Select applicants will be required to complete timed verbal and written assessments at the discretion of the Undergraduate Admissions, Progression, and Graduation Committee

Minimum enrollment requirements for RN-BSN applicants:

• Must graduate from a nationally accredited associate degree in nursing (ADN) program
• Must hold a current, unencumbered RN license
• New ADN graduates may be admitted to the RN-BSN program but must pass the NCLEX by the end of the first term in the program. Students who do not hold a valid RN license by the end of the first semester of enrollment will be dropped from the program
• ASCEND Program students must submit each semester attestation of ongoing program eligibility from the ADN program direction prior to enrollment

Articulation Agreements

Blinn College, South Texas College, and Angelina College

Application for the ASCEND program must include a written attestation of program eligibility signed by the ADN program director.