RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Designed for licensed nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who want to earn their BSN to improve patient outcomes and excel as a leader in the field of nursing.
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About the RN to BSN Online Program
The online program provides students the flexibility to balance full-time work and personal responsibilities while furthering their nursing education. This program focuses on developing nursing leadership skills, meeting employer expectations, and enhancing the ability to work with diverse global populations in various settings. Here are some key points about the program:
- No campus requirements or set class times
- The Professional Nursing Portfolio component awards 30 credit hours tuition-free
- Offers an affordable way to enhance critical thinking and advance into nursing leadership roles
- Addresses the increasing demand for highly educated registered nurses in the complex healthcare industry
UofL’s online RN to BSN degree compliments previous ADN education with diverse and interdisciplinary coursework. The curriculum aims to enhance skills in leadership, management, and working with diverse populations. A BSN degree opens countless opportunities for various advanced nursing roles, including registered hospital nurse, school nurse, nurse manager, clinical nurse specialist, and more.
Program Pathways
Sample RN-BSN Curriculum
Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer |
NURS 387: Foundations for Evidence-based Professional Nursing (3 credit hours) | NURS 382: Nursing Research for Evidence-bsed Professional Nursing (3 credit hours) | NURS 383: Case Management for Individuals and Families (3 credit hours) | NURS 385: Nursing Leadership and Health Policy (4 credit hours) | NURS 470: Community Health Nursing (4 credit hours) |
NURS 387: Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for RNs (4 credit hours) | NURS 482: Health Promotion for Individuals, Families, and Communities (3 credit hours) | NURS 388: Global Health: Disparities and Social Determinants (3 credit hours) | NURS 488: Leadership Project | NURS 476: Community Leadership Practicum (2 credit hours)* |
| 7 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours |
*This course must be taken in the last semester of study and requires clinical compliance.
Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall |
NURS 387: Foundations for Evidence-based Professional Nursing (3 credit hours) | NURS 382: Nursing Research for Evidence-bsed Professional Nursing (3 credit hours) | NURS 383: Case Management for Individuals and Families (3 credit hours) | NURS 385: Nursing Leadership and Health Policy (4 credit hours) | NURS 470: Community Health Nursing (4 credit hours) |
NURS 387: Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for RNs (4 credit hours) | NURS 482: Health Promotion for Individuals, Families, and Communities (3 credit hours) | NURS 388: Global Health: Disparities and Social Determinants (3 credit hours) | NURS 488: Leadership Project | NURS 476: Community Leadership Practicum (2 credit hours)* |
| 7 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours |
Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring |
NURS 387: Foundations for Evidence-based Professional Nursing (3 credit hours) | NURS 382: Nursing Research for Evidence-bsed Professional Nursing (3 credit hours) | NURS 383: Case Management for Individuals and Families (3 credit hours) | NURS 385: Nursing Leadership and Health Policy (4 credit hours) | NURS 470: Community Health Nursing (4 credit hours) |
NURS 387: Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for RNs (4 credit hours) | NURS 482: Health Promotion for Individuals, Families, and Communities (3 credit hours) | NURS 388: Global Health: Disparities and Social Determinants (3 credit hours) | NURS 488: Leadership Project | NURS 476: Community Leadership Practicum (2 credit hours)* |
| 7 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours | 6 Credit Hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at the University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. UofL's School of Nursing is also accredited by SACSCOC as well as CCNE.
As an added benefit of 8-week terms, the RN-BSN program offers multiple start options each semester. Currently, students can begin the program in August, October, January and March. If you are a new ADN graduate but are not yet licensed, you may start the program. You are required to obtain your RN license by the end of the first semester in order to progress.
The portfolio course is worth 30 college credit hours at no charge. Credits count towards completion of your BSN. The portfolio is an electronic record of professional documents related to your nursing education, practice, and accomplishments. While assembling the portfolio is required for the program, it will be useful documentation for promotions, job applications and other professional activities. Your RN-BSN Program Director will assist you in developing your Portfolio.
Yes, the RN-BSN requires a Community Health Leadership Practicum (NURS 476) that includes 84 clinical hours, which can be completed in your local community unless restrictions apply. Clinical compliance is required for NURS 476. Please note that the Board of Nursing in certain states may restrict access to practicums. These restrictions may change without notice, thus it is important to notify your advisor in advance of any relocation while completing the online RN-BSN program. Currently, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Washington have practicum restrictions, but other locations may have or could implement similar restrictions.
The RN-BSN online program typically takes full-time students between 5 semesters, or 12-18 months, to complete.
An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a 2-year program, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4-year program; the BSN provides additional coursework in nursing theory, research, leadership, and community health.
Yes. The School of Nursing's technology requirement is the same as the University's.
View UofL's official minimum technology requirements here.