The RN-BSN program is customized for licensed registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The program allows a registered nurse (RN) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in two to six semesters depending upon full-time or part-time status. The degree features a primarily didactic program and experiential learning opportunities. Moreover, the program allows registered nurses to enhance their managerial and leadership skills and advance as nurse managers in various healthcare providers and payer organizations. A BSN is a prerequisite for admission to graduate nursing programs in advanced clinical practice and research. The BSN can open doors not only for those seeking academic progression but also for those seeking careers in nursing education.
The BSN program is designed to expand knowledge and skills beyond the clinical aspects of nursing that are generally acquired while preparing for the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) or diploma in nursing and the RN licensure examinations. As such, the BSN program focuses on expanding the horizons of graduates by giving them a much more extensive background in evidence-based practice, patient safety, legal issues, ethical standards, technology integration, and healthcare systems and policies. The BSN will also allow students to receive crucial training in key areas such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning. Therefore, students will gain much-needed knowledge to deal effectively with healthcare delivery’s complex and changing future. In doing so, students will be provided with opportunities to use evidence-based practice to analyze various issues in professional nursing practice that are essential for providing effective leadership in nursing care across the healthcare continuum.
The UHCL BSN program is offered on a full-time track for RN-BSN students who can take a full semester load (12-15 course credit hours). There is also a part-time track (6-9 course credit hours) for working nurses who cannot commit to the 12-15 credit hours per semester needed to be full-time students. It is expected that students pursuing the full-time track will be able to complete the RN-BSN in two to three semesters, depending upon the full-time plan of study selected. Students pursuing the part-time track can complete the RN-BSN in five to six semesters. The RN-BSN program is offered in a Hyflex option, allowing students to decide whether to attend classes in person or online (with synchronous and asynchronous modes both available), providing flexible learning options that allow a customized schedule. Hyflex courses allow students to choose their preferred method of learning: online, face-to-face, or a combination of both. Students can change the mode of attendance weekly or by topic, based on their needs. The 30 upper-level hours in Nursing must be completed in residence. Nursing classes will be offered at UHCL Pearland during weekdays in the morning, afternoon, and/or early evening time frames. Students pursuing UHCL’s co-enrollment option with Alvin Community College (ACC) will complete some courses at each institution.
Students may be admitted to the RN-BSN program in the fall or spring; applications are reviewed as they are received. For more information about the RN-BSN program, see https://www.uhcl.edu/academics/degrees/rn-nursing-bsn. ACC students interested in the co-enrollment opportunity should make direct applications to UHCL’s Office of Admissions. ACC students must apply to co-enroll at UHCL before the completion of the first or second semester of being enrolled in the ACC ADN program of study. For more information about the ACC-UHCL co-enrollment opportunity, see https://www.uhcl.edu/human-sciences-humanities/departments/clinical-health-applied-sciences/nursing/
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