Go from RN to BS with Penn State Behrend!
The RN to BS nursing program helps prepare you to meet the many changes in the health care field by expanding and enhancing your nursing education. The program is open to nurses who
have previously earned either an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. In addition to upgrading your skills, the program prepares you for non-traditional areas of nursing such as administration, pharmaceutical sales, managed care, and insurance.
Whatever career you choose, our RN to BS program is designed to build on what you've already accomplished. The curriculum is divided into phases that allow you to build upon previous knowledge as you progress in the program.
The registered nurse student must enroll in the following nursing courses:
- NURS 390 - Nursing Transition (3 cr)
- NURS 200W - Introduction to Nursing Research (3 cr)
- NURS 457 - Introduction to Computers and Nursing Information (3 cr)
- NURS 417 (US, IL) - Family and Community Health Concepts (4 cr)
- NURS 465 - Adult Health Concepts (3 cr)
- NURS 351 - Health Assessment (3 cr)
- NURS electives (6 cr)
- NURS 418 - Application of Family and Community Health Concepts (3 cr)
Clinical Experience
Clinical experience in NURS 417DF, NURS 465, and NURS 418 are collaboratively planned by students, nursing faculty, and agency preceptors.
Insurance
Students must carry personal liability insurance and have annual health examinations when enrolled in clinical courses.
Advanced standing credits are awarded for all students who have graduated from a State Board approved Diploma or A.D. nursing program. Students will need to have an RN license in order to enroll in NURS 417, 418, and 465. In addition, students who graduated more than three years ago must document at least 1000 hours of practice as a nurse within the last three years. Diploma graduates apply for Credit by Portfolio for 33 credits; A.D. graduates transfer and make up in electives any credits short of the 33 required. There are fees for these processes.
For the BS degree in nursing, a minimum of 120 credits is required.
The school of Nursing Undergraduate and Graduate Programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on College in Nursing Education (CCNE). The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission is a resource for information regarding the nursing program. Information may be obtained by writing or telephoning them directly at:
National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission
61 Broadway
New York, New York 10006
Telephone: (212) 363-5555