Nursing, RN to BSN

Dr. Catherine Lovecchio, Director, RN-BSN Track

Overview

The registered-nurse student is recognized as an adult learner who comes with a diversity of life experiences, education, and clinical expertise, as well as motivation and ability to learn independently and collaboratively. To facilitate advanced placement, opportunity is provided for students to validate previously acquired educational and clinical competencies.

The nursing program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), is open to all registered nurses who meet admission requirements. The registered-nurse student may enroll on either a full-time or part-time basis.

To apply for admission to the RN to BSN track, students should follow the regular admissions process and submit the following with completed application forms and fees:

1. Official transcripts from high school, nursing school and other colleges attended.
2. A copy of current Pennsylvania Registered Nurse License.
3. A letter of recommendation from current employer.

Transcripts are individually reviewed and evaluated. Transfer courses, especially courses in the sciences, must be equivalent to courses in the nursing program at The University of Scranton (science courses taken at a non-degree program are accepted if they were taken at an affiliated college and received college credit); a grade of C or better must have been earned.

Student Policies: RN Track

1. Ordinarily, to continue in the nursing program, the RN student must enroll in a minimum of one course in each regular semester. 
2. The RN student is expected to complete the degree requirements within seven years from the date of admission. 57 credits in Nursing are required for the degree, 38.5 of which may be earned by verifying current employment or graduation through an original RN program less than 10 years prior to acceptance. The 38.5 validation credits are posted on the student’s official transcript.
3. Students must have completed at least 100 credits prior to enrollment in NURS 493 . Completion of all course work toward the baccalaureate degree is suggested prior to enrollment in NURS 474 .
4. Nursing students must achieve a grade of C or better in the major and cognate courses. Once the student is enrolled, all Nursing courses must be taken at The University of Scranton.
5. Before students begin clinical work, they must submit copies of their professional malpractice-liability insurance policy, evidence of current licensure and CPR certification. RN students must adhere to the same clinical requirements as all undergraduate nursing students.
6. Students will meet the service-learning requirements by completing major courses that have a service-learning component.

Students who have earned an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher and completed 90 undergraduate credit hours including NURS 241  and NURS 242  may choose an accelerated track toward the M.S.N.  Graduate course substitutions can be made for undergraduate NURS 474 , NURS 493  and electives.  Additional information is available from Dr. Hudacek, Director of the RN Track.