Nursing: RN/BSN Completion Program
Major: Nursing
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 180.0 quarter credits (for Registered Nurses)
Co-op Options: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.3801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1141
About the Program
The RN/BSN Completion program is an option for nurses from associate degree and diploma nursing programs looking to complete the bachelor of science degree in nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program continues the education of registered nurses equipping them with the skills needed for complex health care environments. Core courses immerse the student in genetics, evidence-based practice, systems thinking, leadership and care coordination. Interactive practice experiences are woven throughout the curriculum using innovative learning technologies (e.g. digital clinical learning environments [DCE], problem-based/video case studies and global classrooms). Learning how to adopt evidence-based practice to both clinical and leadership roles prepares students to work in interprofessional teams and improve health care systems and patient outcomes.
A BSN is awarded at the completion of the program. Qualified students are encouraged to apply to an MSN program in their final quarter for seamless progression.
State restrictions may apply.
The RN to BSN program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Additional Information
Additional information is available on Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions RN-BSN Completion Program webpage and on the Drexel University Online RN-BSN Completion Program webpage.
Admission Requirements/Prerequisites
Admission Requirements
- RN licensure (provisional acceptance will generally be offered pending successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination)
- Official college transcripts
- College grade point average of 2.0 or better
- High school degree or equivalent
To be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, students must have completed 60.0 semester hours (90.0 quarter credits) of college prerequisites, as follows, with a grade of C or better. Students may transfer in up to 135.0 quarter credits. Remaining credits will be evaluated on an individual basis. To graduate, students must have completed 180.0 quarter credits.
The required 60.0 semester hours include:
| English (includes one semester of composition) | 6.0 | |
| Humanities (studio courses not acceptable) | 3.0 | |
| Anatomy and Physiology | 8.0 | |
| Microbiology | 4.0 | |
| Sociology | 3.0 | |
| Growth and Development | 3.0 | |
| Psychology | 3.0 | |
| Nursing | 30.0 | |
| Total Credits | 60.0 | |
Students must be graduates of nursing programs that are both regionally accredited and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education for Nursing (ACEN) or the National League for Nursing Commission for Education Accreditation (CNEA). Students who meet the criteria of the Pennsylvania Nursing Articulation Model will receive credit for 30.0 semester hours (45.0 quarter credits) of nursing, which may be applied toward the program entrance requirements.
Degree Requirements
The College of Nursing and Health Professions faculty uses a variety of teaching and learning methods to facilitate the achievement of a student’s personal objectives. All RN-BSN courses are offered online and incorporate a variety of innovative, interactive learning technologies. Courses are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats that allow the student flexibility in completing coursework over 10 week quarters.
Students should contact their academic advisor prior to registration.
| TIER 1 COURSES | ||
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 111 | English Composition I | |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 112 | English Composition II | |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| or ENGL 113 | English Composition III | |
| Or transfer in 2 English courses (3 semester credits from a semester school) must include one semester of composition) | ||
| Humanities Electives | 3.0 | |
| Intro to Sociology | 3.0 | |
| General Psychology | 3.0 | |
| Developmental Psychology | 3.0 | |
| Nursing Electives | 45.0 | |
| Anatomy & Physiology I & II (w/ Labs) | 10.0 | |
| Microbiology w/ Lab | 5.0 | |
| Science Elective | 3.0 | |
| TIER 2 COURSES | ||
| Into to Computer Science of Communication | 3.0 | |
| Statistics of the Health Sciences | 4.0 | |
| Health Care Economics, Macro, or Micro | 4.0 | |
| Health Care Ethics I or Advanced Health Care Ethics | 3.0 | |
| Social Science Electives | 3.0 | |
| Science Electives | 6.0 | |
| Pharmacology or Advanced Physiology or Pathophysiology | 5.0 | |
| Open Electives | 23.0 | |
| TIER 3 COURSES | ||
| NURS 333 | Appreciative Inquiry into Nursing: Science, Theory, and Patterns of Knowing | 4.5 |
| NURS 334 | Nursing Research: Investigations to Improve Health Outcomes | 4.5 |
| NURS 341 | Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery | 4.5 |
| NURS 342 | Inclusive and Equitable Health Assessment: Promoting Health; Respecting Diversity | 4.5 |
| NURS 343 | Leading and Managing Complex Systems of Health | 4.5 |
| NURS 344 | Safety Science and Quality Improvement: Delivering a Safe and Excellent Care Experience | 4.5 |
| NURS 347 | Educating Patients, Professionals, and the Public to Improve Health Outcomes | 4.5 |
| NURS 348 | Responding to the Challenges of Global and Population-based Health Needs | 4.5 |
| NURS 349 | Transitions of Care: Investigating Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care across the Life Span | 4.5 |
| NURS 351 | Healthy Aging: Personal and Professional Opportunities to Promote Aging Well | 4.5 |
| Total Credits | 180.0 | |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.
Sample Plan of Study
The Accelerated RN-BSN program is designed to be completed in 4 terms. Enrollment in Tier III assumes the student has completed an ADN or Diploma program, has passed the NCLEX-RN, and has completed all required coursework in TIER I and TIER II.
TIER III
| First Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Winter | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| NURS 333 | 4.5 | NURS 342 | 4.5 | NURS 347 | 4.5 | NURS 349 | 4.5 |
| NURS 334 | 4.5 | NURS 343 | 4.5 | NURS 348 | 4.5 | NURS 351 | 4.5 |
| NURS 341 | 4.5 | NURS 344 | 4.5 | ||||
| 13.5 | 13.5 | 9 | 9 | ||||
| Total Credits 45 | |||||||
Program Level Outcomes
- Apply concepts from liberal arts to nursing practice
- Demonstrate leadership behaviors that enhance patient safety and quality care
- Utilize multiple technologies to access and manage information to guide professional practice
- Apply research-based evidence to nursing practice
- Integrate technology to support clinical decision-making in patient-centered care
- Examine health care policy and financial/regulatory environments that influence the delivery of health care
- Foster caring and collaborative relationships with self, patient and the health care community that provide positive outcomes
- Practice culturally congruent care that addresses health promotion and disease prevention
- Assimilate ethical principles and professional standards into practice using evidence-based clinical judgment
- Apply age-specific knowledge to provide safe, competent care across the lifespan
- Pursue life-long learning as a means to enhance practice