RN to BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

 Program of Study

The RN to BSN degree program is progressive and promotes increased clinical and communication skills, problem-solving, confidence, and leadership within a complex healthcare environment.  The course of study utilizes a variety of individual and group learning experiences. The program is offered online, hybrid, and face-to-face. Nurses may pursue their education on a part-time or full-time basis.
In addition, General Education courses, required of all Wilmington University undergraduates, provide a well-rounded academic foundation.

Program Competencies

In addition to the University’s graduation competencies, students will be able to:

1.  Apply evidence-based practice and clinical judgment to improve quality, safety, and clinical outcomes for professional nursing practice;

2.  Analyze social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical principles for professional nursing practice;

3.  Assess health policy, fiscal, and information technology implications for professional nursing practice;

4.  Examine social determinants of health for professional nursing practice;

5.  Utilize effective leadership strategies with interprofessional teams to enhance systems-based professional nursing practice;

6.  Demonstrate effective communication, compassionate care, personal health, and professional maturity.

Program Policies 

Students are responsible for following all College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences policies and procedures, which are presented in NUR 303 and located in the program handbook.

All nursing students must complete a background check, drug screen, and submit an immunization record during NUR 303. Details are provided in the program handbook.. There is a one-time outside vendor fee required to complete the mandatory credentialing. Previous background check and drug screen results are not accepted.

Minimum Grade Policy

The College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences requires a minimum grade of "C-" for all nursing core courses.  Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any program core course must repeat the course.

Curriculum

The number of transfer credits granted to entering RN students varies depending on basic nursing preparation. In addition, the program of study will vary depending on transfer credits, part-time or full-time status, and credits earned in alternative ways. Students are encouraged to seek advisement from an academic advisor or nursing faculty member to plan their course sequence. 

Free Electives

Choose free electives to complete degree requirements of 120 credit hours. 

Upper Division Nursing Core (31 Credits)

NUR 303 Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice

Prior to the completion of NUR 303, students must complete the mandatory credentialing process.

NUR 316 Quality Improvement & Technology

NUR 333 Leadership in Nursing Practice

NUR 343 Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice

Mandatory pre-requisite: MAT 308 or approved course transfer.

NUR 363 Chronic and Palliative Care

NUR 413 Holistic Health Assessment

This course may be completed concurrently with NUR 430.

NUR 419 Health Equity & Inclusion In Nursing Practice

NUR 430 Community and Population Health: Senior Capstone

This is the RN-BSN Capstone course which includes a community learning experience. Mandatory prerequisites apply. This course is only offered as a semester course.

General Education Requirements - Upper Division (15 credits)

Required for all RN to BSN students

ENG 310 Research Writing

MAT 308 Inferential Statistics

HUM Upper Level Humanities Elective (9 credits)

Choose three (3) upper level humanities electives from the following list: 

ART, BBM 319, CUL, DRA, ETN, HUM, LIT, MUS, PHI, REL, SPA, VFP 311, VFP 312, VFP 313

Nursing Elective (3 Credits)

Choose one (1) upper level nursing elective from the following: 

HLT, HIT, ISM 430, HSC 380

Natural Sciences (12 Credits)

A minimum of 12 credits in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, and/or biology must be earned through coursework, transfer credit, or testing (available for anatomy and physiology and microbiology). 

General Education Requirements - Lower Division (24 Credits) (For Students Without an Associate Degree)

RN to BSN degree students can transfer up to 90 credits towards lower division general education requirements. 

CTA 206 Computer Applications

ECO 105 Fundamentals of Economics

ENG 121 English Composition I

ENG 122 English Composition II

ENG 131 Public Speaking

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

PSY 329 Life Span Development

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.