Program Highlights

The RN to BSN Nursing program helps prepare you to meet the many changes in the health care field by expanding and enhancing your nursing education. This fully accredited, 120-credit nursing curriculum is offered through our partners at the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. Penn State Nursing is a premiere educator of nursing students throughout the state, with this program specifically designed for current RNs who want to earn their BSN. 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 BSN 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)

Why Penn State?

The RN to BSN program is designed for individuals who hold a valid United States RN license and graduated from a nationally accredited diploma or AD program. As a student, you can expect the following:

  • Flexible scheduling of courses to accommodate a working RN, including:
    • Part-time or full-time study
    • Hybrid, in-person, and web-based classes
    • Flexible course schedules
    • Independent study opportunities
  • "Credit by Portfolio Assessment" enables students to receive credit for certain prescribed nursing courses based on their RN licensure (up to 33 credits)
  • We accept transfer courses from accredited colleges or universities to meet curriculum requirements (C or better required, must provide official transcripts); most students enter the BSN program with 57 credits
  • Option to complete an experiential learning assessment on your nursing and life experiences instead of integrated studies classes
  • Only 45 hours of clinical time required
  • The benefits of a large research University with a small community feel
  • You’ll get the Penn State Experience and upon graduation, join the largest alumni network in the country

Clinical Experience

Penn State acknowledges both previous learning and continuing education achievements that the returning registered nurse brings to the University. To reflect that, the RN to BSN curriculum has reduced the overall clinical requirement from 180 hours to 45 hours beginning fall 2020. Obtaining a BSN degree is now more convenient than ever, while still providing everything expected from the Penn State name. All clinical hours will now be completed in one course–NURS 475: Integrated Concepts in Nursing Practice.

Students who are already enrolled in the program will transition to the new program clinical requirements in fall 2020. All students will be expected to complete 45 clinical hours in NURS 475. Clinical hours from previous courses may not be used for clinical credit hours in NURS 475.

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 AD nursing program. Students will need to have an RN license. Diploma graduates apply for Credit by Portfolio for 33 credits; AD. graduates transfer and make up in electives any credits short of the 33 required. There are fees for these processes.

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

Accreditation

The Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus nursing program is offered through the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is one of the largest educators of pre-licensure students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with over 2200 undergraduate and graduate students on 13 campuses. Our College is positioned to lead the next generation of nurses and nurse scientists while enhancing the health of all people through quality care and education.

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.