RN to BSN Program
The best way to stay competitive in the nursing field is to keep strengthening your credentials.
The RN to BSN program at Widener University is a uniquely tailored curriculum for students who are graduates of associate degree programs at community colleges or diploma programs and who are licensed registered nurses (RN).
The program can be completed in as little as 12 months full time and up to 3 years as a part-time student. Classes are offered online in a hybrid format allowing students to maintain employment while completing the course of study.
The hybrid format provides the best of both worlds in terms of learning. The majority of learning experiences are conducted online through interactive group discussions, presentations and video- conferencing. Students can expect to come to campus up two times each semester. These dates are announced at the beginning of every semester to facilitate planning due to your busy life styles.
The program provides a foundation for professional development and easy transition to graduate studies such as a Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Certified Nurse specialist (CNS) programs.
This education process prepares students to become a leader in the nursing profession. This innovative curriculum focuses on information nurses can use in their current positions, while preparing them for the next level of education and career advancement. Leadership, evidenced- based practice, health policy, and gerontology are important focal points!
Building on Previous Learning and Experience
Widener's RN to BSN program builds on prior education and experience. Admitted students are awarded 33 block credits for previous nursing preparation and experience.
These courses can be taken at the University or transferred from the community collage if deemed to be equivalent in content to those taught at Widener. Fourteen free elective credits are awarded from your associate's degree or diploma.
The RN/BSN curriculum is based on a new American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials for Professional Baccalaureate Nursing Education (2008), and is aligned with the priorities for the delivery of nursing care in the twenty-first, century. The 30 credit curriculum includes:
- N440 Leadership & Management for the RN (6 credits)
- N441 Healthcare Policy for the RN (3 credits)
- N442 Nursing Theories & Professional Practice (3 credits)
- N443 Population Health for the RN (6 credits)
- N444 Genetics & Genomics (3 credits)
- N446 Research Design for the RN (3 credits)
- N447 Evidence Based Practice for the RN (3 credits)
- N448 Gerontology for the RN (3 credits)
Enrollment
Students can enroll in the University and, upon completion of prerequisite general education requirements courses, receive 33 block credits for prior nursing preparation.
Students must satisfy the prerequisite general education requirements prior to the start of the eight core courses. A grand total of 122 semester hours is required for the baccalaureate degree.
Once admitted, students work with the faculty advisor to create a plan of study that best meets their academic and professional goals.
RNs with an undergraduate degree in another subject (non-nursing area) may apply also for the RN/MSN Bridge program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are my credits transferred?
A:On presentation of a school transcript, students accepted for transfer to the School
of Nursing will be granted transfer credit for academic course work taken at an accredited
institution if the grade earned was a C or higher. The courses are then linked to
those offered at the University School of Nursing. Questions regarding acceptability
of specific courses for transfer should be referred to the Office of Admissions and
Student Services in the School of Nursing. Prospective applicants are encouraged to
meet with the Admissions Counselor to discuss how your prior credit would apply to
the University's general education requirements.
Q: What is the Clinical Practicum or Guided Project?
A:There are two clinical experiences that are a part of the RN-BSN curriculum. These
practicums occur in the Leadership Theory and Population Health courses in fall and
spring semesters. The clinical experiences can be met in a variety of settings for
this course. The experiences are designed to enhance and build upon the RN's previous
knowledge. It is not what you learned in the prelicensure experience. The School has
a number of existing clinical contracts with facilities in PA and NJ.
Q: What prerequisites do I need?
A: Undergraduate Statistics and Nutrition as well as the following General Education Requirements.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. Applications for admission will be considered through the Widener University undergraduate admission process.
To be considered for admission to this program, applicants must submit an online application and:
- Have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school of nursing.
- Have completed the two required courses (Statistics & Nutrition) by the start of the academic semester.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on all college/university courses completed prior to admission.
- Possess an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania by the start of the academic semester. Please submit a copy of your current nursing license with your application.
- Submit official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- All supporting documents (recommendation, transcripts, etc.) should be mailed directly or uploaded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Widener University One University Place, Chester PA 19013 (admissions.office@widener.edu)
- Once you have completed the admission requirements, you will receive a letter from admissions with a transfer equivalency report. This will list the credits that transferred into the Widener University RN to BSN program.
Why Obtain a Widener University Nursing Degree?
- Fully Accredited Program
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) - Flexible Format Options
Online and hybrid format - Course Flexibility
Complete the program at a pace that fits your schedule. Take one course (3 credits) per term up to a full-time course load (12 or more credits per semester). - Transfer Options
Individualized to meet your initial basic nursing preparation. - Seamless Transition into Graduate Studies
You don't have to wait to start. Widener University offers rolling admission and classes that begin every semester. APPLY TODAY!
