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 healthcare 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 prepare students to work in inter-professional teams, 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 also 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 325 [WI] | Critical Issues in Nursing | 4.5 |
NURS 330 [WI] | Nursing Research: Methods and Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice | 4.5 |
NURS 335 | Genetics and Genomics: Application to Nursing Practice | 4.5 |
NURS 340 | Transformational Leadership | 4.5 |
NURS 346 | Health Assessment | 6.0 |
NURS 380 | Complex Systems of Care: Technology, Patient Safety & Quality | 6.0 |
NURS 407 [WI] | Issues in Aging and Longevity | 4.5 |
NURS 460 | Population Health: Local & Global | 6.0 |
NURS 465 | Senior Capstone in Nursing | 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
Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits | Term 3 | Credits | Term 4 | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NURS 325 | 4.5 | NURS 330* | 4.5 | NURS 346 | 6.0 | NURS 460 | 6.0 |
NURS 335 | 4.5 | NURS 380 | 6.0 | NURS 407 | 4.5 | NURS 465 | 4.5 |
NURS 340 | 4.5 | ||||||
13.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 | 10.5 | ||||
Total Credits 45 |