Nursing (RN-BSN), BSN

The RN-BSN curriculum is designed to provide registered nurses with an opportunity to broaden their career pathways. Students enrolled in the program will sharpen their critical thinking skills, develop their supervisory and communication abilities, strengthen their leadership potential—and ultimately increase their eligibility for supervisory and management positions in the nursing field. The program also prepares students for graduate-level study. Designed for the non-traditional working RN, the RN-BSN program is 100% online.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates will integrate nursing leadership theories in professional practice.

2. Graduates will utilize principles of communication effectively in professional nursing practice.

3. Graduates will apply and share research findings after critical analysis to promote evidence based nursing practice. 

4. Graduates will integrate professional standards in nursing practice to ensure the delivery of safe, quality, patient centered care. 

5. Graduates will demonstrate professional nursing practice through collaboration and advocacy.

6. Graduates will utilize concepts of information systems to support nursing practice.

Approval and Accreditation

The RN-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, telephone 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org.

The most recent decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioner for the RN-BSN program is Continuing Accreditation.

The RN-BSN approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN), 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, telephone 225-755-7500, www.lsbn.state.la.us.

Admission Requirements

1. Hold an Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.

2. Provide verification of an unencumbered RN license in the United States. 

3. Be unconditionally admitted to the university and have declared RN to BSN as a major (see catalog for admission procedures). 

4. Have at least a grade of “C” in each of the general education courses required by the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

5. Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. 

6. Submit all official transcripts from other universities attended.

Transfer students requesting permission to receive credit for 3000 and 4000-level nursing courses must have successfully completed equivalent nursing courses from other universities within the previous five years.

Degree Requirements

1. Students must complete all of the requirements pertaining to baccalaureate degrees as prescribed in Degree Requirements .

2. Students must take at least 39 hours at the 3000-level or above and at least 17 hours at the 4000-level.

3. Students are required to make a grade of “C” or higher in all non-nursing and nursing courses applied to the BSN curriculum.

4. Students must complete the degree within 5 years of taking the first BSN nursing course.

Degree Audit

A fillable degree audit for students and their academic advisors is available here.

Course Sequencing

Course sequencing for the RN-BSN student is dependent on entry date. There are six starting dates throughout the year. Courses are offered in a 7-week online format. Students who enroll in two courses per 7-week term can complete the program in a little over a year. Course sequencing will vary with entry point. An individualized curriculum plan will be developed for each student by an assigned nursing advisor upon admission to the program.