Program Overview
The RN to BS completion program is an online option for licensed registered nurses who wish to advance their knowledge and skills while enhancing career-advancing opportunities. The program builds on existing knowledge and experience, equipping nurses with the leadership skills needed to enhance the quality of care, patient safety, and health services in a continuously evolving healthcare system.
Program details:
- Instructional format: Online
- Start Terms: Every 8 weeks for nursing courses
- Flexibility of Program: Full time or part time
- Number of Credits: 30 nursing credits; up to 30 general education credits, reviewed on case by case basis
- Cost: $340 per credit
Admission Requirements
- Associates degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program
- GPA 2.5 or higher
*Applicants who have a GPA below 2.5 are required to submit a personal statement identifying their plans for academic success in the nursing program as well as two letters of recommendation - Unencumbered New York State license as a registered professional nurse
* or demonstrate eligibility to test for NCLEX-RN. Note that candidates in this category must successful pass NCLEX-RN and have a current unencumbered RN license by the end of the first course or will be ineligible to continue in the program - Statistics is a required component of this program. Individuals who have completed a 3-credit statistics course may submit course for consideration of transfer acceptance
* A minimum of 30 credits taken at Niagara University is required
Flexibility
Asynchronous offerings are designed to allow the working nurse to complete content on their own time, online and in 8-week intervals, allowing eligible candidates to finish in under one year.
Experiential Learning Opportunities
Students will complete 1:1 experiences with nurse leaders as they are exposed to management and leadership opportunities for the baccalaureate-prepared nurse.
Research Opportunities
Nursing students complete coursework in research as they learn about influential nurse scientists and explore areas of importance in the field. This may include conducting a literature review, studying various types of research, quality assurance and quality improvement and its influence on health care delivery, and research data analysis.
As an experienced RN returning to college, the RN to BS program provided a seamless transition to continuing education and the flexibility needed to achieve my degree. The advisors and professors were both knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.Julie Stefik, ‘24 RN
Discovery Awaits
What You’ll Study at Niagara University
The RN-to-BS program expands on prior learning. Thirty (30) credits of nursing-specific coursework is coupled with general education in the liberal arts for those who have not completed prior to entry into the program. Courses are designed to position nurses to transform healthcare and include the following areas of focus: Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Community Health, Professional Nursing Foundations, Nursing Research, Health Care Administration, Care of Families, Information Technology, and Leadership.
Find Your Best Self
Knowledge, Experience, and Skill Development
RN to BS curriculum includes relevant courses for the working nurse professional, covering topics such as holistic health assessment, information technology, palliative care, ethics, leadership, and resiliency.
Niagara University offers a resilience program to prepare nursing students with holistic mental health support and practical skill building, helping them toward their individual goals of academic success and post-graduate personal wellness.
Faculty use a variety of teaching methods to appeal to students’ multiple learning styles.
Prepare to Soar
Academic, Experiential, and Career Pathways
Related Programs
Opportunities
The College of Nursing offers service learning and study abroad opportunities to its students and all students in the college are eligible to participate should they desire.
Outcomes
Students in the RN-to-BS program will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in the major of Nursing upon completion.
Accreditations
Ready to Apply?
Filling out an application is easy!
NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?
Apply NowMain Contact
Alycia Cramer, MS, NEd
Director of Undergraduate Nursing Education, Faculty Fellow
Tuesday & Thursdays on campus and online hours vary by week.