King University’s RN to BSN is a cohort-based, accelerated program that provides a unique alternative to the traditional method of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. With an online learning option and evening class schedule, students can complete the degree in as little as 12 months. Ideal for ambitious registered nurses who want to elevate their careers, the program aims to advance their knowledge and skills in health care and effective nursing, including critical thinking, cultural competency, patient care, leadership, and management.
What is RN to BSN?
BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the RN to BSN program is specifically designed for practicing nurses who already earned an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. Compared to the traditional BSN program, which takes four years to complete, the RN to BSN is a shorter program that allows registered nurses to expand upon their existing nursing knowledge and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Why Choose the RN to BSN Program at King University?
Accelerated BSN Pathway
With 7-week-long courses on a one-night-a-week schedule and convenient online classes, students can finish their degrees in as little as 12 months. Students can also easily transfer credits of general courses and nursing courses from their associate degrees and diploma programs to meet some of the educational requirements of BSN.
Flexible Learning Formats
To balance working nurses’ full-time jobs, families, and life commitments, our RN to BSN program offers flexible learning formats including on-campus, synchronous learning, and online learning. In addition, the program allows students to learn at their own speed with a flexible plan of study. Depending on students’ personal timetables, besides the 12-month accelerated option, they can choose to finish their degrees in two years.
Learn more about the fully online RN to BSN program.
Start without a Nursing License
Can students without a nursing license join the program? The answer is yes. At King University, we welcome students to start the program immediately after graduation from an Associate degree in Nursing program prior to completing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). Students can have up to one semester after enrollment to complete and submit their RN licenses.
Guaranteed Admission to MSN
We encourage high-achieving nursing students to pursue graduate education and provide them the opportunity to enter our graduate nursing programs without competing in general admission. Students completing the BSN degree from King University may apply for guaranteed admission to an MSN program during the final semester of the RN to BSN program. In addition to standard MSN admission requirements, students applying for guaranteed admission must meet the following admission criteria:
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Three letters of recommendation: Two academic and one professional
- No academic sanctions during the BSN program
Please note that guaranteed admission is contingent on the time of application and seats available per semester.
King University’s School of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Our programs are fully approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing and are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
A Real-World Education
At King University, we put our focus on real-world education and help students develop tangible nursing skills that they can apply to diverse health care settings. Made up of experienced nurse educators, our faculty bring their first-hand experience and practical methods to the classroom. In addition to our experienced faculty, we incorporate clinical assignments into the courses to deepen students’ knowledge and skills in providing quality and effective nursing.
Program Outcomes
Aiming to cultivate responsible, compassionate health care professionals, the RN to BSN program is designed to help students attain strong patient care and nursing skills to:
- Assess patients’ conditions and identify actual and potential issues.
- Use therapeutic techniques to establish a positive rapport with the client and their family.
- Think critically and integrate pertinent data from multiple sources in planning care.
- Create viable solutions to medical problems and provide diagnostic reasoning.
- Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
- Promote and teach healthcare knowledge to individuals, families, and the community.
- Manage, collaborate, and supervise other nursing staff.
RN to BSN Curriculum
King University’s RN to BSN program offers a robust curriculum covering topics from evidence-based practice, nursing ethics, and disease prevention to leadership and management. The curriculum consists of a total of 124 semester hours of major courses, general education, and additional elective courses. Students in the RN to BSN program are required to finish 36 semester hours of nursing major coursework including:
- NURS 3005 Pathophysiology
- NURS 3310 Dimensions of Professional Nursing
- NURS 3315 Introduction to Healthcare Informatics
- NURS 3330 Introduction to Evidence-based Practice
- NURS 3410 Health and Physical Assessment
- NURS 3420 Spiritual and Cultural Considerations in Nursing
- NURS 4330 Community and Population Health
- NURS 4310 Nursing Ethics
- NURS 4410 Principles of Leadership and Management
Career Development with an RN to BSN Degree
As the landscape of health care continues to change, the role of nurses has expanded beyond providing medical care to patients. Nurses are taking on more responsibilities in conducting clinical research, serving on boards, promoting health knowledge, and supervising other health care workers. Therefore, even though the AACN recognizes the importance and usefulness of registered nurses with ADN degrees, it sees a BSN degree as minimal preparation for professional practice. Registered nurses who want to take on a broader role in nursing and health care are encouraged to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
As more and more hospitals and other health care facilities also require BSN as the minimum qualification for entry-level nurse roles, RNs with BSN degrees often have more available job options. In addition, a BSN degree provides you with more opportunities to move up in the nursing field and that increases your earning potential. According to PayScale, nurses with ADN degrees make an average salary of $69,901 per year while nurses with BSN degrees can earn an average salary of $85,539 per year.
With a bachelor’s degree, you are also qualified for many administrative and teaching roles in nursing, such as:
- Nurse educator
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Director of nursing
- Nurse Manager
- Healthcare Manager
RN to BSN Admission Requirements
Qualified applicants of the RN to BSN program must have completed an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school of nursing and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, we require applicants to hold a current American Heart Association CPR certification.
We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. If you are interested in applying for the program, please submit:
- A completed online application;
- A $25 application fee;
- Official transcripts of all college-level work;
- A copy of an unrestricted RN license with the ability to practice in the state where clinical experiences will be completed.
New graduates from an associate degree or diploma program may be accepted on provisional status for one academic semester to obtain and submit an RN license to the School of Nursing.
Helpful Links:
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (AACN.CCNE)
- American Nurses Association
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing
- National League for Nursing (NLN)
- Virginia Nurses Association
- TN Nurses Association
Learn More about King University’s RN to BSN Program
Guided by Christian values, our program prepares you for professional nursing practice to serve our society through the competent and compassionate delivery of health care to individuals, families, and communities. The RN to BSN program also provides the leadership and management skills necessary for your career development. Ready to take the next step to elevate your nursing career? Request for more information or apply to the program today!
All Nursing Programs Require:
Laptop computer with Microsoft Office 365, wireless and webcam capability is required. Microsoft Office 365 is available to all King students to load on the PC or Mac and is accessible at Office.com using their King University credentials.