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 General Education Requirements (12 credits)

GenEd requirements are waived for students who completed an AA or AS degree program in NY or NJ. These additional foundational courses are required for the completion degree:

  • MEDT2005 Professional Communication (3 cr) 
  • MEDT1130 Bioethics (3 cr) 
  • MEDT2217 Information Systems and Applications in Healthcare (3 cr) 
  • MEDT2007 Science of Happiness and Well Being (3 cr) 

Global and Cultural Understanding (6 credits)

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

  • MEDT1120 Introduction to Medical Sociology (3 cr) 
  • MEDT4303 Introduction to Global Health (3 cr) 

Major Requirement (6 credits)

  • NURS5026 Leadership Synthesis (1 cr) 
  • NURS4307 Nursing Practicum (2 cr) 
  • MEDT4430 Utilization of Healthcare Research OR MEDT2900 Statistics for Health Sciences (3 cr) 

Major Elective Requirement (6 credits)

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

  • MEDT3204 Social Determinants of Health (3 cr) 
  • MEDT2900 Statistics for Health sciences (3 cr)  
  • MEDT2005 Professional Communication (3 cr) 
  • MEDT4304 Population Health (3 cr) 
  • MEDT3351 Epidemiology in Healthcare (3 cr)   
  • MEDT3208 Introduction to Healthcare Economics (3 cr) 
  • MEDT4301 American Health Care (3 cr) 
  • MEDT4430 Utilization of Healthcare Research
  • MEDT3353 Introduction to Nutrition as Medicine (3 cr) 
  • MEDT4302 Health Care Law and Policy (3 cr) 
  • MEDT4308 Management Principles for Healthcare (3 cr) 
  • MEDT7200 Foundational Topics in Infection Prevention (3 cr) 
  • MEDT2006 Medical Terminology (3 cr) 

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):

1st Semester (FALL, 12 credits)

  • MEDT4308 Management Principles for Healthcare (3 cr) 
  • MEDT2900 Statistics for Health Sciences (3 cr)
  • MEDT2007 Science of Happiness and Well Being (3 cr) 
  • MEDT4303 Introduction to Global Health (3 cr) 

2nd Semester (WINTER, 3 credits)

3rd Semester (SPRING, 13 credits)

  • NURS5026 Leadership Synthesis (1 cr) 
  • WRIT1003 Composition II: Research and Argument (3 cr)
  • MEDT1130 Bioethics (3 cr) 
  • MEDT1120 Introduction to Medical Sociology (3 cr) 
  • MEDT2217 Information Systems and Applications in Healthcare (3 cr) 

4th Semester (SUMMER, credits)

 

Total credits: 30. Total practice hours: ~120 community-based practice hours/individualized plan.  

Cost of Attendance 

Students can complete this degree program in as little as one year. 

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