Why Do I Need a BSN?

As the healthcare industry grows more complex, employer demand for highly educated registered nurses increases. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) strongly believes that RNs should, at minimum, be prepared with a BSN from an accredited university due to the breadth of nursing expertise gained through the standard BSN curriculum.

UofL’s online RN-BSN degree doesn’t repeat what you learned through your ADN education, but supplements it with more complex, diverse and interdisciplinary coursework to make you a better-rounded healthcare provider.

What outcomes can I expect?

Our unique online RN to BSN curriculum is designed for nurses who want to expand their ability to work with diverse global populations and develop targeted skills in leadership and management.

With a BSN, you’ll be equipped with the education credentials you need to meet employer demand for RNs with a bachelor’s, as well as pursue advanced nursing roles including: registered hospital nurse, school nurse, physician’s office nurse, clinical nurse specialist, nurse manager, nurse director, nurse case manager, public health nurse, research nurse and many more.

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Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning enrollment counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.

Steps to Apply

Informal Transcripts Review (pre-evaluation)

Wonder what credits may transfer from your previous program(s) in UofL's RN-BSN Online program? Get a review at uofl.me/pre-eval. Please note that the transcripts submitted for pre-evaluation are not considered official transcripts and will not be used to determine eligibility for admission

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Are you a UofL Health employee?

Contact your education liaison or HR representative to receive information about tuition remission options.

1. Contact the School of Nursing advising office at 502.852.8519 to let them know you plan to apply to the BSN program and to review your previous credits.
2. Complete the undergraduate application for admission
3. Submit application fee of $30
4. Order official transcripts from previous institutions and have them sent directly to UofL:
   

   Office of Admissions, Dept AO
   2211 S. Brook St., Houchens Bldg, Rm 150
   University of Louisville
   Louisville, KY 40292
   

5. Check for Scholarships

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Admission Requirements

• Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
• Unrestricted RN license or eligibility to take NCLEX
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on all undergraduate work (on a scale of 4.0)
• Certified criminal background check required before clinical course. Details are available on the School of Nursing website

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.0 to be admitted in good standing. Complete the credit transfer pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.

Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.

See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.

The curriculum in the online RN-BSN program at UofL builds upon your previous knowledge and experience. The program is typically completed within 5 semesters, but 8-week courses and the flexible curriculum allows you to complete the degree at a faster or slower pace, depending on your individual situation. All coursework is delivered 100% online. The Community Health Leadership Practicum (NURS 476) courses includes 84 clinical hours, which can be completed in student’s local community.

Based on credits transfered (earned during ADN education) from other regionally accredited institutions

Online RN-BSN Core Courses

• NURS 355 Portfolio (equivalent to 30 credit hours tuition-free)
• NURS 381 Foundations for Evidence-based Professional Nursing
• NURS 382 Nursing Research for Evidence-based Practice
• NURS 383 Case Management for Individuals and Families
• NURS 385 Nursing Leadership and Health Policy
• NURS 387 Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for RNs
• NURS 388 Global Health: Disparities and Social Determinants - SBD2
• NURS 470 Community Health Nursing
• NURS 476 Community Leadership Practicum - 84 clincal hours, completed in the student’s local community
• NURS 482 Health Promotion for Individuals, Families and Communities
• NURS 488 Leadership Project

Sample RN-BSN Program Plan

Fall Start

Spring Start

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Course Descriptions

• Why should I choose UofL?

  The UofL School of Nursing offers an RN-BSN program in an academic health sciences center. Students benefit from the focused curriculum and personal attention of the faculty in a large, metropolitan university setting. Our 100% online courses are taught by well-prepared nursing faculty who are engaged in nursing practice, scholarship, and community service, but also committed to quality distance learning programming.

• Is the online RN-BSN program at UofL accredited?

  The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

• What are the benefits of online learning?

  Online learning at UofL provides learning that is independent of time and location. Rather than gathering in a classroom, students and instructors use technology to interact. Classes follow the same semester calendar as traditional classes, however students only need a computer and Internet access to complete their coursework. Our program structure allows registered nurses to maintain their professional engagements while earning their BSN online.

• Is online learning right for me?

  The online program offers both flexibility and convenience; however, students must be disciplined to complete course assignments within identified time frames as defined in the course syllabi.

• Are there any helpful tips for online learning success?

  Check your school email every day. In order to be in compliance with FERPA regulations, instructors, advisors and the university communicate with students via their school email account. Check Blackboard at least every two days.

• What are the technology requirements for the online program?

  Access to a computer and the Internet are required. MAC or PC format is acceptable. Advanced computer skills are not a requirement to complete the program. For details go to http://louisville.edu/online/Student-Resources/tech. The program uses Blackboard for course access and assignments, with support provided seven days a week by the UofL Help Desk.

• When can I start?

  As an added benefit of 8-week terms, the RN-BSN program offers multiple start options each semester. Currently, students can begin the program in August, October, January and March. If you are a new ADN graduate but are not yet licensed, you may start the program. You are required to obtain your RN license by the end of the first semester in order to progress.

• I am on active duty. Can I take online classes at UofL?

  Yes! You can take online classes from anywhere in the world, provided you have consistent Internet access. Our faculty and staff are very supportive of those who serve the country here in U.S. or around the world and work hard to provide all needed learning resources so you can succeed.

• What academic resources are available for online students?

  UofL offers several services for online students including:

  • A Virtual Writing Center to assist with writing assignments
  • Virtual tutoring services available for all undergraduate students
  • Library services, including the “Ask a Librarian” feature from the library website
  • IT support available from morning through the evening
• Is there a length of time before my credits expire?

  For licensed RNs, there is no expiration date for previously earned credits.

• Can I transfer credit from another school?

  The RN-BSN online program’s admission requirements include an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. You must submit transcripts from all undergraduate institutions you attended. Upon review, some or all credit may be applied to your degree program. You can also find transfer equivalency resources online at: louisville.edu/admissions/apply/transfer.

• How does the portfolio course, and the $11,250 in tuition savings, work?

  The portfolio course is worth 30 college credit hours at no charge. Credits count towards completion of your BSN. The portfolio is an electronic record of professional documents related to your nursing education, practice, and accomplishments. While assembling the portfolio is required for the program, it will be useful documentation for promotions, job applications and other professional activities. Your RN-BSN Program Director will assist you in developing your Portfolio.

• Are there any clinicals for the RN-BSN?

  Yes, the RN-BSN requires a Community Health Leadership Practicum (NURS 476) that includes 84 clinical hours, which can be completed in your local community unless restrictions apply. Please note that the Board of Nursing in certain states may restrict access to practicums. These restrictions may change without notice, thus it is important to notify your advisor in advance of any relocation while completing the online RN-BSN program. Currently, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Washington have practicum restrictions, but other locations may have or could implement similar restrictions.

• What do students pay for?

  Students pay for books and pay tuition for the 31 core RN-BSN credit hours and any required Cardinal Core (general education), program, or elective courses. There are no additional course fees.

• Additional questions?

  Please submit an Information Request Form to connect with us and obtain more details about our program. An enrollment counselor will contact you promptly to provide assistance.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT

Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), Ivy Tech students working toward their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can now earn their RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing in less time by taking RN to BSN courses at the University of Louisville (UofL) —while they are still enrolled at their home KCTCS or Ivy Tech school.

Attend UofL as a non-degree seeking (continuing studies) student while completing your ADN at your home KCTCS or Ivy Tech school.

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PROGRAM BENEFITS

• Enroll in UofL online RN to BSN courses after successfully completing your first semester at your KCTCS or Ivy Tech school.
• Get started on your RN to BSN program before taking the NCLEX (RN license exam)
• Graduate with your BSN, after completing your ADN, in as few as 2 semesters, and thus complete your BSN degree more quickly than the 2 + 2 model
• Receive a reduced UofL RN-BSN tuition rate of $375 per credit hour

ADMISSION CRITERIA KCTCS

• Current enrollment in good standing at KCTCS School
• Successful completion of first ADN semester at KCTCS School
• No prior failures in a nursing course
• 2.0 cumulative GPA

ADMISSION CRITERIA IVY TECH

• Minimum grade of a B in the first Ivy Tech Nursing Course
• Cumulative GPA of 2.3 - 4.0 on a 4.0 scale GPA. Students with a 2.2 - 2.29 cumulative GPA will be considered on an individual basis.

APPLICATION DEADLINES AND INFORMATION

Summer Start - Enrollment Deadline 4/1

Fall Start - Enrollment Deadline 8/1

Spring Start - Enrollment Deadline 12/1

Before you apply, please connect with us to learn more about qualifications, recommendation, application and admission process. You can connect with either:

• Diane Riff DNP, RN (UofL RN-BSN Program Director) at diane.riff@louisville.edu or at 502.852.8393

OR:
• Cassie Thompson (UofL Enrollment Counselor) at online@louisville.edu

PATHWAY TO GRADUATION

Students can complete up to 6 of UofL’s online BSN courses while still a student in the ADN program at at their home school.

• NURS 381 Foundations for Evidence-based Professional Nursing (note: must be taken first) (3 credit hours)
• NURS 387 Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for RNs (4 credit hours)
• NURS 382 Nursing Research for Evidence-based Practice (3 credit hours)
• NURS 383 Case Management for Individuals and Families (3 credit hours)
• NURS 388 Global Health: Disparities and Social Determinants (3 credit hours)
• NURS 482 Health Promotion for Individuals, Families and Communities (3 credit hours)

Total credit hours available in CEP: 19/31 credit hours

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Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP) Scholarship-Designated for CEP students only

Scholarship Application