Nursing student in scrubs in simulation lab

Nursing (RN-BSN)

duration

As quickly as three semesters of full-time study
format

Online
location

Online

Program Overview

The RN to BSN program at UC offers registered nurses (RNs) a convenient and flexible pathway to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Designed for working professionals, the program is delivered online, allowing students to balance their studies with their current nursing responsibilities. By completing the program, nurses can expand their career options and increase their marketability in the field.

The curriculum of the RN to BSN program at UC is designed to align with current standards and evidence-based practices in nursing. This ensures that students develop skills and knowledge that are not only relevant but also highly sought after in the healthcare industry. The program offers a combination of core, foundational, and nursing-specific courses, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of nursing theory, leadership, research, community health, and more.

With courses structured in seven-week intervals, students can progress through the program efficiently while maintaining a manageable workload. The online format provides the flexibility needed for working nurses to continue their education without disrupting their current employment.

Request More Information Connect with an Admissions Representative

Nursing student in scrubs listening to mock patient

Applicant must have a cumulative college/university grade point average of a 2.0 or higher with a grade of C or higher in all Foundational, Health Sciences, and Nursing courses through a regionally accredited institution
Proof of conferred nursing degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Current, unencumbered license or valid temporary license as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) in the U.S. or a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Admission Application Documents

To be considered for admission, admission documents have to be submitted in their entirety. Applications will not be reviewed until all of the following have been completed:

Proof of admission to the University of Charleston: Admission letter.*
Submit all official college or university transcripts demonstrating a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or higher to the University of Charleston Admissions Office.*
Proof of current, unencumbered license or valid temporary license as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) in the U.S. or a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Complete and submit an RN – BSN Program application and required documents to:

University of Charleston
Health Sciences Department, Suite 400
2300 MacCorkle Avenue, SE
Charleston, West Virginia 25304

Download the Nursing RN-BSN Application

Download the Nursing Student Handbook

*Must complete UC general admission requirements with UC Admissions Office prior to submission of the program application.

If you have additional questions, you may contact Mackenzie Lanham, MSN, BS, RN, CLC, Instructor of Nursing, RN-BSN Coordinator at 304-352-0070 or mackenzielanham@ucwv.edu.

Program Highlights

Fully online program with no residency requirement.
50 credit hours awarded for current, unencumbered RN license.
Our revised nursing curriculum focuses on current standards and evidence-based practices.
Ranked in the 2019 Best Online Colleges for nursing programs by SR Education Group.

More than 50 years’ experience educating over 3,000 nurses.
Our program ranks #2 out of 26 registered nursing programs in West Virginia by RegisteredNursing.org.
Start faster. Current Associate Degree Nursing students may enroll in Health Sciences courses prior to graduation.

Program Outcomes

Senior-Level Nursing Skills

A BSN degree provides current nurses with more in-depth knowledge about the challenges within the healthcare field and increases their career A BSN degree provides current nurses with more in-depth knowledge about the challenges within the healthcare field and increases their career opportunities. Topics covered include patient education, community health, management and leadership, clinical decision-making and more.
Advance in your Career

Our well-rounded educational foundation will offer you career mobility and the opportunity to further your academic study.
Program Completion Rates

2024- 100%
2023- 100%
2022- 100%

Additional Information

The Nursing (RN-BSN) program at the University of Charleston is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
230 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60604

1-800-621-7440

https://www.hlcommission.org/

The RN-BSN nursing program at the University of Charleston at the Charleston Campus located in Charleston, West Virginia is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RN-BSN nursing program is Continuing Accreditation with Conditions.

The West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professionals Nurses
90 MacCorkle Avenue Ave., SW
Suite 203
South Charleston, WV 25303
304-744-0900
1-877-743-NURS (6877)
FAX: 304-744-0600
rnboard@wv.gov
http://www.wvrnboard.wv.gov

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm.

Nurse Licensure Guidance tool, provides information for either domestically-educated or internationally-educated nurses who want to be licensed in your states/jurisdictions.

What Is the Goal of the RN to BSN Program?

The goal of the RN to BSN program at UC is to provide registered nurses with a convenient and flexible pathway to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, enhancing their career opportunities, knowledge, and skills in order to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare field.

What Advantages does a BSN Provide Over an ADN?

A BSN degree equips nurses with a broader scope of practice compared to RNs with an associate degree. BSN graduates possess additional knowledge in areas like leadership, research, community health, and evidence-based practice. They are prepared for advanced practice roles, management positions, and specialized areas of nursing, enabling them to take on a wider range of responsibilities and pursue diverse career opportunities within the healthcare field.

What Are Some Common Classes I Can Expect While Completing the Online RN to BSN Program?

Nursing Research: Explore research methodologies, evidence-based practice, and critical appraisal of nursing research studies.
Nursing Leadership and Management: Develop leadership skills, explore healthcare systems, quality improvement, and management principles in nursing.
Community Health Nursing: Learn about population health, health promotion, disease prevention, and community assessment to provide holistic care in diverse settings.
Health Assessment: Develop skills in comprehensive health assessment, including physical examination techniques and documentation.
Pharmacology: Gain knowledge of pharmacological principles, medication administration, and safe medication practices.
Gerontological Nursing: Focus on the care of older adults, including age-related health issues, promoting healthy aging, and addressing the unique needs of the elderly population.

These are just examples of the common classes offered in UC’s online RN to BSN program. The specific course offerings may vary based on the curriculum and requirements of the program at the time of enrollment.