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Degree Overview

RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Dr. Steven Yoho speaking at the College of Nursing 2021 Graduation
Dr. Steven Yoho, South University Chancellor, speaking at the College of Nursing 2021 Graduation

The Columbia campus of South University offers the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion degree. The RN to BSN program is designed to enhance the professional knowledge and employment scope for the licensed registered nurse. Concepts of nursing research and community health are key components of the curriculum of South University’s RN to BSN program. These educational experiences are designed to prepare professional nurses for practice today and well into the future.

Potential students of South University’s RN to BSN program must be comfortable with technology, self-motivated, able to solve problems independently, have good organizational skills, good writing skills, and are prepared to invest time to their studies in both the campus-based and online nursing programs. Forty-five credit hours of nursing credit will be accepted toward the BSN degree based upon graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

For students who are not registered nurses, South University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is available, and can also help you pursue the nursing profession*.

*Nurses must pass the NCLEX exam in order to work. Each student is responsible for reviewing all national requirements as well as any state requirements where the student is located for the most accurate information to work as nurses. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. South University does not promise or guarantee employment.

 

Admission Requirements

Procedure for Admission to the RN to BSN Program

For students enrolled on September 19, 2023 and prior.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The criteria used to determine admission to the RN to BSN degree program include:

  • Completion of the application for admission.
  • An associate's degree in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution, or a diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.
  • Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks* after the initial start date.
  • A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). Note: An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
  • All general education prerequisites must be completed before the student takes any professional nursing courses beyond the 3000 level.

*Effective August 14, 2023 – Students beginning classes at Online Programs will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Procedure for Admission to the RN to BSN Program

Effective for all terms starting on or after October 24, 2023.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The criteria used to determine admission to the RN to BSN degree program include:

  • Completion of the application for admission.
  • Satisfy one of the following:
    • Earned an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution,
    • have an equivalent accredited associated degree in nursing from a foreign institution, or
    • hold a nursing diploma AND a bachelors degree from an accredited institution
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.
  • Submission of official transcripts from every college or university attended within 5 weeks* after the initial start date.
  • A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in all US states or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program. (Note that military, federal, and foreign educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure). Note: An unencumbered license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.

*Effective August 14, 2023 – Students beginning classes at Online Programs will have five weeks to submit acceptable documentation.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here.

Career Outlook

Graduates of South University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are prepared to seek employment in

  • Hospitals
  • Private physician and counseling practices
  • Nursing facilities
  • Community clinics and agencies
  • Research organizations

Course Requirements

RN to BSN: 180 Credits

For students starting prior to October 2023.

A transcript evaluation is completed for each student to transfer in up to 90 general education credits. For students to receive block transfer credit for General Education courses, they must meet the standard outlined in the General Education Transfer Credit policy.

Area I: General Education: 76 Credits.
Professional Development
Basic Communications
ENG1100 Composition I 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1200 Composition II 4.0 Credit Hours
ENG1300 Composition III 4.0 Credit Hours

Choose one additional course from the list below:

Mathematics and Statistics
MAT1001 College Algebra I 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT1500 College Mathematics 4.0 Credit Hours
MAT2058 Statistics 4.0 Credit Hours
Natural Sciences

(must be taken concurrently)

(must be taken concurrently)

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Area II Foundation Requirements: 14 Credits

(BIO2070 and BIO2071 must be taken concurrently)

CHM1010 4.0 Credits
NTR2050 4.0 Credits
CHM1010 General Chemistry 4.0 Credit Hours
NTR2050 Nutrition 4.0 Credit Hours
RN to BSN: 180 Credits

For students starting on October 24, 2023 and after.

A block transfer will apply per the General Education Course Transfer Credit RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN and RN to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) policy.

General Education Requirements: 78 general education credits transferred from transfer of credit policy

Area I: General Education: 86 Credits
Natural Sciences/Mathematics and Statistics

Included in Transfer of Credit from Associate of Nursing Degree or Bachelor’s Degree

Arts and Humanities
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Elective Pool: (12 credits) Choose 3 courses below:

Outcomes

Offered at Austin, Columbia, High Point, Montgomery, Online Programs, Orlando, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach and West Palm Beach.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

The RN to BSN degree program at South University is designed to enhance the professional knowledge and employment scope for the licensed registered nurse. Concepts of nursing research and community health are key components of the curriculum. These educational experiences are designed to prepare professional nurses for practice today and well into the future. Graduates of the RN to BSN degree completion program meet the same program student learning outcomes whether in the campus-based BSN degree program or the online RN to BSN degree program.

Potential students must be comfortable with technology, self-motivated, able to solve problems independently, have good organizational skills, good writing skills, and are prepared to invest time to their studies in both the campus-based and online nursing programs. Forty-five credit hours of nursing credit will be accepted toward the BSN degree based upon graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program will have demonstrated their acquisition of competencies and proficiencies related to the following:

  1. Synthesize current scientific research, theories, and concepts from nursing and other disciplines in the practice of professional nursing practice.
  2. Collaborates directly with other healthcare professionals using various resources and technologies in various aspects of the advanced nursing leadership role.
  3. Apply critical thinking skills in establishing priorities, delegating responsibility, formaulating decisions, and maintaining accountability in the practice of professional nursing through the applicatin of nursing standards.
  4. Demonstrate proficiency using the nursing process and systematic inquiry to deliver evidenced based, comprehensive, and holistic nursing care which promotes health and quality of life for diverse populations.
  5. Demonstrate professionalism using ethical and legal standards of practice in the decision-making process to assist with the development of quality improvement in the healthcare setting(s).

Comments and Concerns

All Fields Are Required

The purpose of this form is to provide a process for the general public to submit comments, concerns, or complaints regarding their interaction with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Post Graduate Certificate, or Doctor of Nursing Practice program. A record of all complaints will be maintained and secured by campus administration. If you are a South University student, please submit your comments, concerns, or complaints according to the process outlined in the University Catalog or programmatic handbook. Please contact your Program Director or Academic Counselor if you need additional guidance.

To file an anonymous complaint, please submit the comment, concern, or complaint in a written letter or via email directly to the campus.

Authorization for South University to contact you to collect additional factual information regarding your comment, concern, or complaint

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Campuses offer flexible learning formats* including: on-campus, virtual instructions, and online courses.

*Clinical, practicum, and externship requirements exist in certain programs and require field experiences. Learning formats may not be flexible.

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success stories

Outstanding Education for Remarkable Careers

We're committed to helping our graduates make impact in their professional and personal lives. We applaud our nursing alumni and the difference they make. Check out what some of our nursing graduates have to say.

Charrita Ernewein
Charrita Ernewein Grad Alumni
Class of ‘12 and ‘15
Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice-South University, Tampa

“Being a military wife, I had the opportunity to work all over as a nurse in many specialties. Now that my children are older, I am focused on helping others, training the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners, fighting human trafficking and influencing the policies that affect my profession. Read more

Michela Mazard
Michela Lambert Mazard Grad Alumni
Class of ‘11 and ‘16
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“I wanted an education that would prepare me to build relationships and treat patients and families throughout their lifespan with interaction among their physical, emotional, and mental systems. I chose South University because I was confident that I would receive a well-rounded education that ensures I am armed with the skill set I need to provide the best care possible. Read more

Shirrelle M Everett 2015
Shirrelle Everett Grad Alumni
Class of '15
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Richmond

“It took me almost ten years to realize that without an education I would be stuck working for minimum wage at dead-end jobs, I was a single mother of two children living on welfare. South University allowed me to gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance my career at my own pace. My education has enabled me to take care of my family.”

Sergio Ocampo 2010
Sergio Ocampo Grad Alumni
Class of '10
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Online Programs

“[I] considered myself a competent nurse, but after I received my BSN from South University, my confidence [went] through the roof, making me a valuable asset to my hospital [and] earning high respect from my colleagues and hospital administration.”

Lisa Godwin 2009
Lisa Godwin Grad Alumni
Class of '09
Bachelor of Science in Nursing-South University, Tampa

“When I graduated, I passed the NCLEX and quickly got a great job as an RN. I felt very prepared for my new role and within less than five months, I was a charge nurse for a 36-bed med-surg unit. I'm very glad I chose South University for the start of my nursing career. My education gave me a great foundation and has made me a better nurse and practitioner.”

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).