Nursing, Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN) < Albany State University (2024)

RN-to-BSN Program Overview

Albany State University offers an opportunity for motivated healthcare professionals: A high-quality Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science (RN-to-BSN) completion program that's both affordable and convenient. The RN-to-BSN completion program is designed for students and working professionals who have already attained an associate degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN) and have subsequently earned their licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) but who ultimately desire to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). We typically refer to this program as an extension of our "working professional" track, as this program both allows students to enter/reenter the nursing workforce very quickly (as few as two additional semesters) and offers more accessibility for individuals already working full-time positions due to its online program structure.

Students are admitted into this program for the Spring,Fall, and SummerSemesters. As noted previously, nursing courses within this program are taken wholly online (that is, utilizing Albany State University’s GeorgiaView via the Online/Distance Learning Divisionand eMajor via the University System of Georgia’s GoView site). Please be aware, however, that should a student enter the program with outstanding Core curriculum requirements, these course may need to be taken on-campus or online, as determined by the departments in which these courses originate.

The RN-to-BSN Completion programpathway can be completed in 2 to 3 consecutive semesters, depending on the admission semester and the amount of outstanding Core curriculum, and the part-time pathway can be completed in 4 consecutive semesters.

This program expands on the associate degree curriculum, preparing the BSN graduate for roles across the life continuum to include leadership, health promotion, disease prevention, community health, and research. Albany State University’s Department of Nursing follows the collaborative Georgia RN-to-BSN Articulation Model for Registered Nursing Students. The registered nurse articulating to the baccalaureate level will be awarded up to 33 semester hours accrued from their previous associate or diploma degree. These credits will be held in escrow until the baccalaureate candidate successfully completes at least 8 semester hours of nursing credit. Credits held in escrow will then be added to the student’s transcript. This program culminates with the student earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which prepares students with the knowledge and clinical skills to function as a beginning nurse, nurse manager, or leader within various healthcare settings. Additionally, our BSN graduates are prepared to enter graduate nursing programs in order to advance their careers, several of which are offered at this institution.

Admission Criteria: RN-to-BSN Program

Applicants must:

1. FIRST, submit an application for admission/readmission to Albany State University andbe admittedin good standing.
2. AFTERbeing accepted/readmittedas a studentat Albany State University, submit the completed application and the $20.00 application fee money order by the application deadline.
3. Be a graduate of anaccreditedassociate nursing degree program.
4. Have a current, unrestricted U.S. Registered Nurse license. The new pre-licensed graduate associate degree nurse may register for the first semester of the RN-to-BSN program. These are the only nursing courses the pre-licensed associate degree graduate nurse may take in the nursing major prior to licensure.Please attach a copy of your professional license WITH the admission application.
   • After successful completion of 8 semester hours of the RN-to-BSN program, 33 semester hours of equivalent credit for previous nursing courses will be awarded.
5. Completion of MATH2411 (Introduction to Statistics) and two sequential courses in an Area D science, satisfied only by completion of one of the following course sequences:
   • BIOL1111K and BIOL1112K​ (Introduction to Biological Sciences sequence)
   • BIOL2107K and BIOL2108K(Principles of Biology sequence)
   • CHEM1151K and CHEM1152K (Survey of Chemistry sequence)
   • CHEM1211K and CHEM1212K (Principles of Chemistry sequence)
6. Have a minimum 2.8 (based on a 4.0 scale) overall GPA on all coursework attempted at all institutions attended.
7. Applicants must not have been excluded/dismissed from any other nursing program for any reason, including (but not limited to) academic misconduct, disruptive/unprofessional behavior, or program failure.
   • A student who has failed (D, F, or WF) two (2) nursing courses, whether at a 2-year or 4-year institution (including ASU) will not be eligible for admission or continuation in the nursing program at ASU. Students with no more than two (2) nursing failures may be considered for entry (or reentry) into the nursing program on a case-by-case basis only after a 3-year period has passed from the most recently-earned failure. Only one (1) nursing failure may be forgiven.
8. Following acceptance into the nursing program, students must submit the following documentation prior to the last date to add courses for the semester (“Schedule Adjustment Days”). Students who do not meet this requirement will be dropped from the clinical nursing course.
   • Certificate of immunization: Must be on file in Student Health Services indicating that all immunizations are current based on his/her age. Immunizations include Hepatitis B (or waiver), MMR, tetanus, varicella, flu, tuberculosis, and any other immunization(s) deemed necessary by the University and/or the clinical site.
   • BLS card: A current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) basic life support (BLS) card. All students must be certified by the American Heart Association (AHA) in child and adult BLS for health care providers. This certification must be maintained throughout the program (renewed every 2 years). An outdated CPR certification will prohibit the student from attending clinical practice experiences.
9. Following admission to the nursing program, students must submit the following documentation prior to the course’s established pre-clinical deadline: malpractice insurance, proof of active health insurance (or enrollment into the student health insurance plan), a complete criminal background check, and a drug test at the expense of the student. The criminal background check will be completed utilizing PreCheck.com.
   • Students are subjected to compulsory background checks per clinical agency requirements and may also be required to submit to random tests for illegal use of controlled substance as a provided by the law or regulations of the contracting agency. If the site refuses to allow a student to attend clinical experiences, the nursing program is not obligated to find another clinical site. The student may not be able to complete the nursing program at ASU. Therefore, it is important to conduct personal record checks prior to admission to the nursing program.

NOTE:While students may indicate their preference on the application, assignment to the full- or part-time RN-to-BSN program pathway is typically contingent upon the amount of baccalaureate Core still outstanding at the time of program admission. Moreover, depending on the semester of intended entry, completion of the RN-to-BSN program within 2 consecutive semesters (the “full-time” pathway) may additionally require the student to submit a “Request for Overload,” especially if the program of study would require Summer semester attendance (which generally reduces the maximum number of credit hours that can be taken in one semester). Students are recommended to contact a program representative to discuss these matters prior to application.

Program of Study: RN-to-BSN

Degree Requirement– all courses in the program of study must be completed with a grade of C or better.

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Course hours validated. After successful completion of 8 semester hours of the RN to BSN program, 35 equivalent credit hours for previous nursing courses will be awarded.

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The health & wellness requirement may be fulfilled by taking one - two (2) credit hour health or wellness course OR two one (1) credit hour health or wellness activity courses.

Curriculum Pattern: RN-to-BSN

Plan of Study– 2 Semesters(Full-Time,Spring Admission)

Plan of Study– 3 Semesters(Full-Time,Spring Admission)

Plan of Study – 2 Semesters (Full-Time, Summer Admission)

Full-Time Plan of Study – 3 Semesters (Summer Admission)

Plan of Study – 2 Semesters (Full-Time, Fall Admission)