Nursing (RN-BSN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The RN-BSN curriculum is designed to provide registered nurses with an opportunity to broaden their career pathways. Students enrolled in the program will sharpen their critical thinking skills, develop their supervisory and communication abilities, strengthen their leadership potential—and ultimately increase their eligibility for supervisory and management positions in the nursing field. The program also prepares students for graduate-level study. Designed for the non-traditional working RN, the RN-BSN program is 100% online.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the RN-BSN program, the RN-BSN graduate will

1. Apply nursing leadership theories in professional nursing practice.

2. Utilize communication principles in professional nursing practice.

3. Incorporate evidence-based research findings to promote safe, effective, and patient-centered nursing practice.

4. Integrate professional standards in nursing practice to ensure the delivery of safe, quality, patient centered care. 

5. Integrate ethical, legal, and culturally competent nursing practice concepts that address social determinants of
   health.Graduates will utilize concepts of information systems to support nursing practice.

6. Support nursing practice by utilizing concepts of information literacy.

Approval and Accreditation

The RN-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, telephone 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org. The most recent decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the ASN program is Continuing Accreditation.

The RN-BSN is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN), 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, telephone 225-755-7500, www.lsbn.state.la.us. The most recent decision made by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) is full approval.

Admission Requirements

1. Hold an Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.

2. Provide verification of an unencumbered RN license in the United States. 

3. Be unconditionally admitted to the university and have declared RN to BSN as a major (see catalog for admission procedures). 

4. Have at least a grade of “C” in each of the general education courses required by the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

5. Have an overall GPA of 2.25 or higher. 

6. Submit all official transcripts from other universities attended.

Transfer students requesting permission to receive credit for 3000 and 4000-level nursing courses must have successfully completed equivalent nursing courses from nationally accredited nursing programs within the previous five years.

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete all of the requirements pertaining to baccalaureate degrees as prescribed in Degree Requirements .

2. Students must compelte 30 hours of 3000/4000 required nursing courses.

3. Students are required to make a grade of “C” or higher in all non-nursing and nursing courses applied to the BSN curriculum.

4. Students must complete the degree within 5 years of taking the first BSN nursing course.

Course Sequencing

Course sequencing for the RN-BSN student is dependent on entry date. There are six starting dates throughout the year. Courses are offered in a 7-week online format. Students who enroll in two courses per 7-week term can complete the program in a little over a year. Course sequencing will vary with entry point. An individualized curriculum plan will be developed for each student by an assigned professional advisor upon admission to the program.