PROGRAM INFORMATION
The College of Nursing provides registered nurses (RN) who have a diploma or associate degree in nursing an opportunity to broaden their education through flexible online programs. This program consists of 57–63 nursing credit hours and 58 prerequisite hours. PLEASE NOTE: This program is for those who are currently RNs with an unencumbered license.
Which Program Is Right for You: RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MNSc?
You have two great options to advance your nursing career.
RN-to-BSN
The RN-to-BSN program is designed for licensed Registered Nurses with an associate degree or diploma who want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Benefits:
- Flexible, often online format for working nurses
- Can typically be completed in about a year
- Builds advanced skills in leadership, research, and community health
- Opens doors to higher-paying roles and future graduate study
RN-to-MNSc (with BSN included)
The RN-to-MNSc program allows you to earn both a BSN and a Master of Nursing Science (MNSc) in one streamlined pathway. It combines the RN-to-BSN curriculum with the MNSc Nurse Administration track, preparing you for leadership and management roles. This MNSc program of study, detailed below, will prepare students to serve in various roles in the hospital or outpatient settings specific to the nursing administration specialty.
Benefits:
- Two degrees in one program
- Prepares you for advanced administrative and executive positions
- Reflects the College of Nursing’s mission to develop nurse leaders
Comparison Chart
| Programs | RN-to-BSN | RN-to-MNSc (with BSN included) |
| Goal | Complete your BSN degree | Earn both BSN and MNSc degrees |
| Curriculum | RN-to-BSN coursework | RN-to-BSN + MNSc Nurse Administration track |
| Degree Awarded | BSN upon completion | BSN during program; MNSc at program completion |
| Focus | Professional nursing practice | Advanced leadership and nursing administration |
| Ideal For | RNs seeking to complete a BSN | RN aiming for leadership- management roles |
Admission Requirments
License requirement: RN unencumbered license
Required Prerequisites:
- 4 hours — Chemistry & Lab
- 4 hours — Microbiology & Lab
- 8 hours — Anatomy & Physiology & Labs
- 3 hours — History (U.S. History or American Government)
- 9 hours — Social Science (examples: psychology, anthropology, economics, geography, sociology, or history)
- 6 hours — Fine Arts/ Humanities (examples: logical reasoning, art, foreign language, philosophy, or music)
- 6 hours — English Composition I & II
- 3 hours — Speech Communication (examples: oral communications or technical writing)
- 3 hours — College Algebra
- 12 hours — Electives (recommended: nutrition, introductory statistics)
**Students may be able to complete up to 21 hours of specific prerequisites after being admitted to the program
GPA: 2.5
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ADVANTAGES
- Flexible scheduling for the busy life
- Completely online theory courses
- Practicum near home
- Project-based capstone at end of program
Sample RN to MNSc in NURSING ADMINISTRATION Program of Study
Fall Semester Start
SAMPLE (subject to change)
RN-BSN Courses: 17 credit hours
Fall I (9 credits)
o NURS 41303 (formerly NURS 4130): Professional Transitions (3) – 7 ½ week course first section
o NURS 41383 (formerly NURS 4138): Health and Cultural Assessment (3) – 7 ½ week course second section
o NURS 41393 (formerly NURS 4139): Nursing Leadership and Management (3) – 7 ½ week course second section
Spring I (8 credits)
o NURS 42404 (formerly NURS 4240): Holistic Care of the Older Adult (4) – 7 ½ week course first section
o NURS 49404: Community Capstone (4) – 7 ½ week course second section
Courses for Dual BSN/MNSc Credit: 9 credit hours
Summer I (3 credits)
o NURS 52063 (formerly NURS 5205) : Quantitative Epidemiology (3)
Fall II (6 credits)
o NURS 71053 (formerly NURS 7105): Theoretical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice and Research (3)
o NURS 51003 (formerly NURS 5101): Research Methodology (3)
MNSc Courses: 31 credit hours
Spring II (6 credits)
o NURS 72103 (formerly NURS 7210): Evidence-Based Practice (DNP Level course) (3)
o NURS 52743 (formerly NURS 5272): Personnel Management (3)
Summer II (3 credits)
o NURS 51753 (formerly 5175): Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Education (3)
Fall III (6 credits)
o NURS 52753 (formerly NURS 5273): Law, Policy & Procedure in Healthcare (3)
o NURS 71133 (formerly NURS 7112): Healthcare Informatics (3)
Spring III (3 credits)
o NURS 51783 (formerly NURS 5178): Curriculum Development for the Nurse Educator (3)
Summer III (3 credits)
o NURS 52703 (formerly NURS 5270): Organizational Behavior (3)
Fall IV (6 credits)
o NURS 52763 (formerly NURS 5275): Financial Management (3)
o NURS 52693: Nursing Administration Practicum I (270 hours) (3)
Spring IV (4 credits)
o NURS 53693: Nursing Administration Practicum II (270 hours) (3)
o NURS 59951 (formerly 5995): Outcomes Portfolio (1)
Total 57 credits
Updated February 2025