Build Your Career with an Online RN to BSN
Health care is moving ahead; shouldn’t your career? As nursing becomes more complex, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can help move your career forward. Our RN to BSN program builds and expands on the RN competencies needed to lead change and positively affect the health care industry. Earning a BSN degree can also properly prepare you to attend graduate school.
Why the RN to BSN Online Program at Penn State?
Take classes anywhere— With Penn State World Campus, all RN to BSN courses are onlineand you can fulfill your clinical requirements near your home. You can also choose to take your nursing courses at an accelerated pace for ultimate flexibility through our Accelerated RN to BSN format.If you live near a Penn State campus and wish to participate in both classroom and online learning, you can blend the two experiences while earning your degree.
Recognition— The Penn State RN to BSN program is one of the top online programs in the nation. ThePenn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is approved by thePennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at The Pennsylvania State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Further information can be found at www.ccneaccreditation.org.
Beyond a degree — You can enhance your professional credentials by earning one of our specialized certificates as you move from an RN to a BSN. Choose fromcertificatesinNursing Management, Nursing Informatics, orNursing Forensics to help you set yourself apart from others on the career ladder. Some of the credits you earn inthe certificate programs maybe applied toward the requirements for your BSN degree. In addition, some courses in the certificate programs may apply toward graduate work or may satisfy continuing professional education requirements.
Who Should Apply?
If you are a registered nurse with a valid United States RN license and you want to advance in your career, the online RN to BSN program may be the right choice for you. The BSN degree can help you move up to a supervisory role or build a solid foundation to become a clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse-midwife, or nurse practitioner.
Upcoming Events
April25,2024through–April25,2024Financial Aid Basics8:00p.m.(EDT)to–9:00p.m.(EDT)
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May30,2024through–May30,2024Virtual Open House (Evening Session)6:00p.m.(EDT)to–8:00p.m.(EDT)
Courses
The RN to BSN program is 120 credits. To earn this Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you must successfully complete:
- 42 prescribed core course credits
- 45 General Education credits
- 33 additional core credits (earned by portfolio verification for licensed RNs)
The degree's prescribed core courses focus on contemporary issues in the field of nursing. Subjects of study include anatomy, chemistry, data management, ethics, health assessment, human development and family studies, human resources management, microbiology, nursing research, nutrition, and sociology.
Some nursing courses are available in an accelerated seven-week format.
Program Requirements: 120 credits
You may transfer credits into this program from another accredited institution. However, to earn this Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you must earn 36 of the last 60 credits from Penn State.
General Education: 45 credits
(20–22 of these 45 credits are included in the requirements for the major.)
(See General Education in the curriculum.)
Requirements for the Major: 92–93 credits
(This includes 20–22 credits of General Education courses.)
Electives: 2–5 credits
Prescribed Courses (22 credits minimum)
3
credits
Introduction to principles and methods of nursing research and application of, research evidence to practice.
3
credits
Designed to extend the RN student's knowledge and skills in health assessment and physical examination across the lifespan.
3
credits
An introduction to nursing informatics focusing on technology applications to the nursing profession.
3
credits
Transition to baccalaureate education and professional nursing practice, emphasizing leadership, management, and issues influencing nursing education and practice.
4
credits
Study of the concepts of family and community based nursing care emphasizing multicultural influences on health practices.
3
credits
In-depth study and application of the theoretical principles and roles of adult clients and families with complex healthcare needs.
3
credits
A project-based capstone clinical course for the RN student with a focus on the application of nursing concepts and the RN's development of future career goals. The course is designed to provide opportunity for students to synthesize and apply the art and science of nursing to health promotion and disease prevention in culturally diverse populations in varied clinical settings of the global community.
Portfolio Assessment (33 credits)
The following courses comprise credits earned by credit by portfolio assessment for RNs.
3
credits
Designed to explore the illness component of health with emphasis on the pathophysiological and psychosocial aspects.
4
credits
Introduction to the nursing process, clinical competencies and psychosocial skills.
2
credits
Introduces the students to the profession of nursing, the science of nursing, and the use of information technology in health care.
Prerequisite
BIOL 161 and BIOL 163
4
credits
Therapeutic nursing care of the adult client in a variety of primarily medical-surgical settings.
3
credits
Introduction to pharmacological concepts and identifies the pharmacodynamics of major classifications of drugs.
Prerequisite
NURS 225 and NURS 230 or approval of the program.
Recommended Corequisites
NURS 301 and NURS 310
3
credits
Focuses on common health problems and nursing intervention for children and adolescents.
Prerequisite
NURS 225 and NURS 230 and NURS 305
3
credits
Nursing concerns and intervention in promoting the health of the older adult.
3
credits
Therapeutic nursing care of the chilbearing family and gynecological client.
4
credits
In-depth study of care of patients with acute and complex health problems, utilizing evidence-based practice.
Prerequisite
NURS 305 and NURS 350
4
credits
Emphasizes clinical application of mental health theory in nursing care of patients with acute and chronic mental health problems.
Supporting Courses and Related Courses (select 6 credits)
3
credits
Interdisciplinary discussion of violence and its perpetrators, victims, and impact on society as well as possible solutions for violence reduction.
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
This course covers the importance of environmental health on individual and community health, the effects of environmental hazards on diverse populations and the impact of climate change on disease.
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
Provides an introduction to the forensic health sciences, forensic nursing, and the nursing role in the scientific investigation of violence.
Prerequisite
NURS 225, NURS 230, NURS 250
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
Examines nurses' role of recognizing patterns of injury. Evidence collection procedures are examined from collection to courtroom presentation, includes autopsy.
Prerequisite or concurrent
NURS 245 and NURS 409
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
A seminar to discuss the current topics, trends, and research related to forensic nursing, including evidence-based research, public policy issues, media-related events, regulatory considerations, professional responsibilities, and career planning.
Prerequisite or concurrent
NURS 410
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
Introduction to organizational theory and principles of practice in the administration of nursing services and patient care.
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
Analysis of information systems to manage nursing service organizations. Includes financial management, the budgeting processes, and productivity measurement.
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
Human resource management and related factors in nursing service organizations.
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Focuses on the application of management principles in the role of the nurse manager.
Prerequisite
NURS 430
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
Focuses on the impact of and the nursing care of persons experiencing acute trauma and/or critical illness.
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
A case-based collaboratory designed for the exploration and analysis of the ethical dilemmas facing health care informatics practitioners.
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
3
credits
An exploration of clinical informatics tools to support informatics practice.
Prerequisite
NURS 357
C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
1–9
credits
Designed to provide students with in-depth study and practice in clinical specialty area of choice. Students work with a faculty member in the development of course objectives and goals and with a clinical preceptor to accomplish them.
1–9
credits
Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.
Courses Meeting General Education Requirements
4
credits
Anatomy of a mammal, with special reference to that of man.
GN
This course can be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.
3
credits
Normal structure and function of the animal body, with special emphasis on human body systems.
3
credits
Principles of communication, implemented through analysis and evaluation of messages, with some attention to formal speaking and group discussion.
GWS
This course can be used to satisfy the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.
3
credits
Basic concepts and quantitative relations.
GN
This course can be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.
1
credit
Introduction to quantitative experimentation in chemistry.
Prerequisite or Concurrent
CHEM 110 or CHEM 106
3
credits
Instruction and practice in writing expository prose that shows sensitivity to audience and purpose.
GWS
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.
3
credits
Introduces students to the types of writing that social scientists typically do in the workplace, including research proposals, proper citation practices, literature reviews, and research reports.
- or:
3
credits
Instruction in writing persuasive arguments about significant issues in the humanities.
GWS
This course can be used to satisfy the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.
- or:
3
credits
Writing for students in scientific and technical disciplines.
Prerequisite
ENGL 15, ESL 15, ENGL 30, and 4th Semester standing OR ENGL 137H, ENGL 138T, and 4th Semester standing
GWS
This course can be used to satisfy the Writing/Speaking (GWS) requirement.
- or:
3
credits
Writing reports and other common forms of business communication.
3
credits
Introduction to psychosocial and family development at all stages of the individual and family life cycle.
GS
This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
3
credits
A survey course in microbiology for non-majors, this course focuses on the roles of microbes in human health and disease, agriculture, biotechnology, and other areas of societal impact.
GN
This course can be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.
1
credit
Selected techniques used to observe, identify, and count bacteria; effects of chemical and physical agents on microorganisms. The combination of MICRB 106 GN and 107 GN must be taken to receive General Education credit in biology.
Prerequisite
MICRB 106
GN
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.
3
credits
The nutrients: food sources and physiological functions as related to human growth and well-being throughout life; current nutrition issues.
GHW
This course can be used to satisfy the Health and Wellness (GHW) requirement.
3
credits
Introduction to general psychology; principles of human behavior and their applications.
GS
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
3
credits
The nature and characteristics of human societies and social life.
GS
This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
- or:
3
credits
Current social problems such as economic, racial, and gender inequalities; social deviance and crime; population, environmental, energy, and health problems.
GS
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
4
credits
Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.
GQ
This course can be used to satisfy the Quantification (GQ) requirement.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Foundations: 15 credits
All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundationsrequirements.- Writing/Speaking: 9 credits
- Quantification: 6 credits
3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic.
- Knowledge Domains: 15 credits
Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domainrequirements.- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Integrative Studies: 6 credits
- Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits
- Exploration: 9 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits
May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.
These General Education Requirementsare for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of thegeneral education requirements.
Among the degree requirements, students should incorporate at least:
- 3 credits in U.S. cultures
- 3 credits in international (IL) cultures
- 3 credits in writing-across-the-curriculum courses
The course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $626per credit | $671per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,602per semester | $8,206per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $632per credit | $678per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678per semester | $8,288per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements, select “World Campus” as the location on thetuition site.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.
- Fall Deadline: Apply by June 30 to start August 26
- Spring Deadline: Apply by October 31 to start January 13
- Summer Deadline: Apply by March 15, 2025, to start May 19, 2025
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit theOffice of Student Aid website for more information aboutapplying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.
Admission Requirements
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduateor have completed your GED.
Licensure
All RN to BSNapplicants must have completed an RN program or have an RN license to practice in the United States. Prior to enrollment in certain courses, all RN to BSN students must have an active RN license in the state in which course work with clinical hours is completed.
Internationally educated students that already have an RN license to practice in the United States are welcome to apply.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript.First-year applicants are required to submitSelf-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable).(All college or university transcripts are required regardless ofthe length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or theaccreditation of the institutions attended.Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information,see the Transfer Students page.)
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where coursework was attempted.
Submit official documents by mail to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802
English Proficiency.The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on theUndergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit theTOEFL websitefor testing information. Penn State's institutional code is2660.
Start Your Application
Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application.Pleasevisit our Returning Students pagefor instructions.
If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:
- Review the application instructionsbefore beginning.
- Complete the online applicationand submit all official documents.
- Pay the application fee.
Checking Your Status
You cancheck the status of your applicationby using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailedfour tosix weeks after receipt of all application materials.An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
