Program Highlights

The RN to B.S. Nursing program helps prepare you to meet the many changes in the health care field by expanding and enhancing your nursing education. The program is open to nurses who have previously earned either an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. In addition to upgrading your skills, the program prepares you for non-traditional areas of nursing such as administration, pharmaceutical sales, managed care, and insurance.

Whatever career you choose, our RN to B.S. program is designed to build on what you've already accomplished. The curriculum is divided into phases that allow you to build upon previous knowledge as you progress in the program.

The registered nurse student must enroll in the following nursing courses:

  • NURS 390 - Nursing Transition (3 cr)
  • NURS 200W - Introduction to Nursing Research (3 cr)
  • NURS 357 - Introduction to Computers and Nursing Information (3 cr)
  • NURS 417 (US, IL) - Family and Community Health Concepts (4 cr)
  • NURS 465 - Adult Health Concepts (3 cr)
  • NURS 251 - Health Assessment (3 cr)
  • NURS electives (6 cr)
  • NURS 475 - Application of Family and Community Health Concepts (3 cr)

Clinical Experience

Clinical experience in NURS 417 (US,IL), NURS 465, and NURS 475 is collaboratively planned by students, nursing faculty, and agency preceptors.

Insurance

Students must carry personal liability insurance and have annual health examinations when enrolled in clinical courses.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing credits are awarded for all students who have graduated from a State Board approved Diploma or A.D. nursing program. Students will need to have an RN license.  Diploma graduates apply for Credit by Portfolio for 33 credits; A.S. graduates transfer and make up in electives any credits short of the 33 required. There are fees for these processes.

For the BS degree in nursing, a minimum of 120 credits is required.

Accreditation

The College of Nursing is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post graduate APRN certificate program at The Pennsylvania State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791.

The original date of March 18-20 has been postponed by CCNE in alignment with the CDC and the state of Pennsylvania's coronavirus mitigation efforts. The College of Nursing will announce the new accreditation visit date once it is determined.