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Degree Overview

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Dr. Steven Yoho speaking at the College of Nursing 2021 Graduation
Dr. Steven Yoho, South University Chancellor, speaking at the College of Nursing 2021 Graduation

South University’s RN to BSN program is here to help registered nurses enhance their professional knowledge and potentially advance their careers. The Richmond campus provides a curriculum that includes concepts of nursing research and community health, problem-solving skills, organizational skills, and many others that make up South University’s RN to BSN program.

Forty-five credit hours of nursing credit will be accepted toward the BSN degree based upon graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

For potential students who are not registered nurses, another South University  program that may interest you is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program*.

* Nurses must pass the NCLEX exam in order to work. Each student is responsible for reviewing all national requirements as well as any state requirements where the student is located for the most accurate information to work as nurses. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University.

South University, Richmond, and South University, Virginia Beach, are certified to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to Title 23, Chapter 21.1, §23-276.4 of the Code of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North 14th St; Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600; www.schev.edu).

 

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). 

Admission Requirements

Procedure for Admission to the RN to BSN Program

For students enrolled on September 19, 2023 and prior.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The criteria used to determine admission to the RN to BSN degree program include:

  • Completion of the application for admission.
  • An associate's degree in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution, or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.
  • Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks* after the initial start date.
  • A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). Note: An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
  • All general education prerequisites must be completed before the student takes any professional nursing courses beyond the 3000 level.

*Effective August 14, 2023 – Students beginning classes at Online Programs will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Procedure for Admission to the RN to BSN Program

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The criteria used to determine admission to the RN to BSN degree program include:

  • Completion of the application for admission.
  • Satisfy one of the following:
    • Earned an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution,
    • have an equivalent accredited associated degree in nursing from a foreign institution, or
    • hold a nursing diploma AND a bachelors degree from an accredited institution
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.
  • Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks after the initial start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance).
  • A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). Note: An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Career Outlook

When you have completed your degree program, you'll be prepared to work* as a registered nurse. Please note that if you are not yet a registered nurse, you must pass the NCLEX exam in order to enroll in South University BSN program.

*South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Nurses must pass the NCLEX exam in order to work. Each student is responsible for reviewing all national requirements as well as any state requirements where the student is located for the most accurate information to work as nurses. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.

Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.

Course Requirements

RN to BSN: 180 Credits

A block transfer will apply per the General Education Course Transfer Credit RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN and RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) policy.

General Education Requirements: 78 general education credits transferred from transfer of credit policy

Area I: General Education: 86 Credits
Natural Sciences/Mathematics and Statistics

Included in Transfer of Credit from Associate of Nursing Degree or Bachelor’s Degree

Arts and Humanities
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Elective Pool: (12 credits) Choose 3 courses below:

Outcomes

Offered at Austin, Columbia, High Point, Montgomery, Online Programs, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The RN to BSN degree program at South University is designed to enhance the professional knowledge and employment scope for the licensed registered nurse. Concepts of nursing research and community health are key components of the curriculum. These educational experiences are designed to prepare professional nurses for practice today and well into the future. Graduates of the RN to BSN degree completion program meet the same program student learning outcomes whether in the campus-based BSN degree program or the online RN to BSN degree program.

Potential students must be comfortable with technology, self-motivated, able to solve problems independently, have good organizational skills, good writing skills, and are prepared to invest time to their studies in both the campus-based and online nursing programs. Forty-five credit hours of nursing credit will be accepted toward the BSN degree based upon graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program will have demonstrated their acquisition of competencies and proficiencies related to the following:

  1. Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines in the practice of professional nursing practice.
  2. Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
  3. Apply critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, formulating decisions, and maintaining accountability in the practice of professional nursing through the application of nursing standards.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency using the nursing process and systematic inquiry to deliver evidenced based, comprehensive, and holistic nursing care which promotes health and quality of life for diverse populations.
  5. Demonstrate professionalism using ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the development of quality improvement in the healthcare setting(s).

Comments and Concerns

All Fields Are Required

The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.

To file an anonymous complaint, please submit the comment, concern, or complaint in a written letter or via email directly to the campus.

Authorization for South University to contact you to collect additional factual information regarding your comment, concern, or complaint

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success stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our nursing graduates have to say.

Aleksandra Avakova
Aleksandra Avakova Grad Alumni
Class of ’23
South University’s Online Program: Master of Science in Nursing with specialization in Nurse Educator

“I feel incredibly grateful that the education I received at South University opened so many opportunities for me. I can make a real impact on the future of nursing and be able to train and guide a new generation of nurses along this beautiful journey!”

Jennifer Bradley
Jennifer Bradley Grad Alumni
Class of ‘15
South University’s Online Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner

“At South University, I felt like I was given real-life experiences. The knowledge and information given were based on life-like scenarios that I still apply to my clinical practice today.”

Michela Mazard
Michela Lambert Mazard Grad Alumni
Class of ‘11 and ‘16
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“I wanted an education that would prepare me to build relationships and treat patients and families throughout their lifespan with interaction among their physical, emotional, and mental systems. I chose South University because I was confident that I would receive a well-rounded education that ensures I am armed with the skill set I need to provide the best care possible. Read more

Charrita Ernewein
Charrita Ernewein Grad Alumni
Class of ‘12 and ‘15
Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice-South University, Tampa

“Being a military wife, I had the opportunity to work all over as a nurse in many specialties. Now that my children are older, I am focused on helping others, training the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners, fighting human trafficking and influencing the policies that affect my profession. Read more

Sylvia Rushing 2010
Sylvia Rushing Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Columbia

“Well foremost, I am privileged to be the first in my family to get a bachelors degree and also, to graduate with honors from a really great program at South University is a great feeling as well. Dr. Morrow helped me see how nurses have a great ability to change lives, in very tangible and far reaching ways. I've known this gift a long time, but in studying for the BSN degree I learned that there is a whole new door opening to my career in nursing that I never knew existed”