The RN to BSN degree completion program is designed for the licensed (or NCLEX-qualified) RN who has completed an Associate degree program or hospital-based education program. Many students will be able to achieve the BS degree in as few as 30 credits.  The program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, with most courses available in online, asynchronous format. 

Individual program plans are based on a student’s prior learning:

  • Completion of AA or AS degree program in NY or NJ, or
  • Completion of AAS degree program, or other AA or AS degree program +/- additional credits, or
  • Completion of accredited hospital-based/diploma training program +/- additional credits but do not have an Associate degree.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation, of which at least 30 credits are taken at FDU.  

Students who have passed the NCLEX exam and have current RN licensure prior to program completion will receive 30 credits for prior learning (contingent upon review of licensure documentation) toward the BSN degree.

Students with an AA or AS degree in NY or NJ will ALSO: (1) receive 60 credits toward the BSN degree; (2) have GenEd requirements waived; and (3) be able to substitute major electives for University Requirements (6 credits).

Students with AA or AS degree from another state, or students with an AAS degree will ALSO: (1) be able to transfer up to 60 credits toward the BSN degree, including to complete GenEd requirements; and (2) be able to substitute major electives for University Requirements (6 credits).

Students who completed a hospital-based training program (but do not have an Associate degree) will ALSO (1) receive 30 credits toward the BSN degree; and (2) be able to transfer up to 30 credits from an approved university toward the BSN degree, including completing GenEd requirements.

Admission Requirements

  • License as a RN in the United States OR completion of an accredited license-qualifying program. (RN licensure must be achieved prior to graduation to qualify for 30 credits for prior learning.)
  • Evidence of potential to succeed in college.

Curriculum

Modified BS General Education Requirements

GenEd requirements are waived for students who completed an AA or AS degree program in NY or NJ. Transfer credits (from recognized institutions) can be applied to fulfill GenEd requirements for other students.

  • MEDT1130 Bioethics – 3 credits
  • WRIT1002 Composition I: Rhetoric and Inquiry – 3 credits
  • WRIT1003 Composition II: Research and Argument – 3 credits
  • Inquiry in the Arts & Humanities – 3 credits 
  • MEDT2217 Information Systems and Applications in Healthcare 

University Requirements (6 credits)

Students who completed an AA or AS degree program in NY or NJ may take a NURS or MEDT elective course in lieu of UNIV 2001 and/or UNIV 2002 (up to 6 credits). Transfer credits cannot be applied to fulfill these University Requirements.

Major Requirement (3 credits)

  • NURS4307 Nursing Entry Level Practicum 

Major Elective Requirement (minimum 15 credits)

Transfer credits cannot be applied to fulfill these requirements. Students will choose from MEDT courses such as these and others:

  • MEDT3204 Social Determinants of Health 
  • MEDT2005 Professional Communication
  • MEDT2217 Information Systems and Applications in Healthcare (OR NURS7008 Information Systems for Healthcare)
  • MEDT4430 Utilization of Healthcare Research (OR NURS7701 Advanced Research and Evidence Based Practice)
  • MEDT4304 Population Health
  • MEDT3351 Epidemiology in Healthcare  
  • MEDT3208 Introduction to Healthcare Economics
  • MEDT4301 American Health Care
  • MEDT3353 Introduction to Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition
  • MEDT4302 Health Care Law and Policy
  • MEDT4308 Management Principles for Healthcare (OR NURS6600 Advanced Nursing Theories & Roles)
  • MEDT4303 Introduction to Global Health 
  • MEDT2006 Medical Terminology 

Free Elective Requirement (up to 9 credits)

Transfer credits cannot be applied to fulfill these requirements.

 

Academic Program Plan

Sample full-time plan for Fall Start (actual plan based on prior learning):

Total credits: 30. Total practice hours: ~90 community-based practice hours/individualized plan.  

Cost of Attendance 

Students can complete this degree program in as little as one year (e.g., 15 credits Spring/15 credits Fall, or 12 credits Spring/6 credits Summer/12 credits Fall). 

There is a significant tuition discount for students in a “completion program” track, such that degree completion can often be achieved for under $20,000 (and often can be covered in full by employee tuition assistance programs). Please see our allied health home page for the current tuition discount for students pursuing a completion degree.

Contact Information
Dr. Sylvia Cabassa (Director, Entry-Level Nursing Program)
scabassa@fdu.edu
(201) 692-2880