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 Physiology8.0
Microbiology4.0
Sociology3.0
Growth and Development3.0
Psychology3.0
Nursing30.0
Total Credits60.0


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 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
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 Electives3.0
Intro to Sociology3.0
General Psychology3.0
Developmental Psychology3.0
Nursing Electives45.0
Anatomy & Physiology I & II (w/ Labs)10.0
Microbiology w/ Lab5.0
Science Elective3.0
TIER 2 COURSES
Into to Computer Science of Communication 3.0
Statistics of the Health Sciences4.0
Health Care Economics, Macro, or Micro4.0
Health Care Ethics I or Advanced Health Care Ethics3.0
Social Science Electives3.0
Science Electives6.0
Pharmacology or Advanced Physiology or Pathophysiology 5.0
Open Electives23.0
TIER 3 COURSES
NURS 333Appreciative Inquiry into Nursing: Science, Theory, and Patterns of Knowing4.5
NURS 334Nursing Research: Investigations to Improve Health Outcomes4.5
NURS 341Using Genetics and Genomics to Inform Nursing Care Delivery4.5
NURS 342Inclusive and Equitable Health Assessment: Promoting Health; Respecting Diversity4.5
NURS 343Leading and Managing Complex Systems of Health4.5
NURS 344Safety Science and Quality Improvement: Delivering a Safe and Excellent Care Experience4.5
NURS 347Educating Patients, Professionals, and the Public to Improve Health Outcomes4.5
NURS 348Responding to the Challenges of Global and Population-based Health Needs4.5
NURS 349Transitions of Care: Investigating Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care across the Life Span4.5
NURS 351Healthy Aging: Personal and Professional Opportunities to Promote Aging Well4.5
Total Credits180.0
 

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
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
NURS 3334.5NURS 3424.5NURS 3474.5NURS 3494.5
NURS 3344.5NURS 3434.5NURS 3484.5NURS 3514.5
NURS 3414.5NURS 3444.5  
 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

Nursing Faculty

Joyce Brill, PhD, RN, CPNP-AC. Assistant Clinical Professor. Pediatric critical care and pediatric rehabilitation
Linda Celia, DNP, RN-BC (Drexel University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Adult medical-surgical nursing and telemetry.
Beth Chiatti, PhD, RN, CTN, CSN (Widener University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Genetics, transcultural nursing, immigrant health, human rights and global health
Danielle Devine, PhD, RN (Villanova University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Neurology, Critical Care.
Gloria Donnelly, PhD (Bryn Mawr College) Dean Emerita. Professor. Nursing education and a variety of mental health topics including assertiveness, stress and change.
Jane Donovan, PhD, RNC -MNN (Widener University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Maternal-newborn and gynecological nursing, intellectual and development disabilities nursing, nursing administration, nursing education.
Theresa Fay-Hillier, DrPH, MSN, PMHCNS-BC (Drexel University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Child, adolescent and family mental health nursing.
Maryann Godshall, PhD, RN, CCRN, CPN, CNE (Duquesne University). Associate Clinical Professor. Pediatrics, critical care, nursing education, pediatric burn patients.
Maureen Gonzales, MSN, WHNP (University of Pennsylvania). Assistant Clinical Professor. Women's health, high risk obstetrics.
Elizabeth Hammond-Ritschard, PhD, MSN, RN (Indiana University of Pennsylvania). Assistant Clinical Professor. Cardiac nursing, adult medical-surgical nursing, leadership, and nursing education.
Shelly Hickey, MSN, BSN, RN (Villanova University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Critical care, nursing education.
Dana C. Kemery, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, CEN, CPEN (Drexel University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Emergency nursing (adult and pediatric), nursing education.
Tasha Martin-Peters, MSN, RN (Duke University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Pediatric critical care, pediatric cardiac care.
Kristen McLaughlin, PhD, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC (Widener University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Pediatric nurse practitioner.
Maura Nitka, MSN, RN, CPN (Drexel University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Pediatric nursing.
Jennifer Olszewski, EdD, MSN, CRNP, ANP-BC (Drexel University) Chair of the BSN Nursing Accelerated Career Entry Program. Assistant Clinical Professor. Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, dementia care.
Alis Kotler Panzera, DNP, WHNP-BC, RN (Drexel University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Board certified women’s health nurse practitioner, reproductive health and female urology.
Hailey Park, DNP, MSN, AGACNP-BC (Vanderbilt University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Acute critical care and nursing education.n
Genevieve Porrecca, MSN, RN, PCCN (Holy Family University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Critical care
Meaghan Shattuck, MSN, RN, OCN (Holy Family University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Oncology certified, medical/surgical nursing and education.
Tina Solomon, MSN, RN FNP-C (West Chester University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Adult medical-surgical nursing and nursing education.
Helen Teng, PhD, RN (University of Pennsylvania). Assistant Clinical Professor. Community health, immigrant health.
Ann Thiel-Barrett, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CNE (Chatham University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Family health nursing.
Elizabeth Ward, MSN, RN, FNO-BC, CORLN (Drexel University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Family nurse practitioner, nursing leadership and education, pediatric otolaryngology.
Denise Way, DNP, MSN, RN (Wilmington University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Osteoporosis prevention throughout the lifespan.
Joyce Welliver, MSN, CRNP, CAC, RN (Drexel University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Psychiatric/mental health nursing, adult health
Mary Yost, PhD, RN (Widener University) Chair of the BSN Co-Op Program. Associate Clinical Professor. Trauma/Critical Car and Emergency Nursing.
Mary Ann Zimmer, PhD, RN, MSN, CPN (Villanova University). Assistant Clinical Professor. Pediatrics, adult medical-surgical nursing, nursing education.