Online RN to Bachelor of Science Degree FAQs

Both are registered nurses who have passed the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), and both are qualified to practice nursing in the United States. However, at many hospitals and other healthcare settings, management and supervisory roles are only available to nurses with BSN degrees. BSN-prepared nurses may earn up to $30,000 more per year than RNs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

In order to begin the BenU RN to BSN sequence of NRHL courses, you must have passed the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) after earning either an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing or an Associate of Science in Nursing degree. Students who are pursuing an associate degree in nursing are invited to apply for admission to the program after completing the first year of nursing courses at their community college.

The RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as 12 months.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Request Information or contact a program manager at (866) 295-3104 for enrollment information.

• A minimum of 2.500/4.00 cumulative GPA from all colleges and universities attended.
• Completion of the first year A.D. nursing courses from a regionally accredited institution.

• Conferral of A.A.S. Degree with a major in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution.
• Proof of current, unencumbered RN license in the state of RN employment.
• 86 semester credit hours in designated, required coursework documented by official college transcripts. Of the 86 credits, students may have up to 12 general education course credits to complete at the time of enrollment in the RN to BSN NRHL Course Sequence. Such students should have an approved academic plan finalized with the academic advisory within one month of notification of program admission. WRIT 1101, WRIT 1102, and Statistics must be completed prior to NRHL course sequence.

120 total credit hours.

Of these, 86 credits represent a combination of the nursing and prerequisite coursework you have completed, and 34 credits represent BenU RN to BSN program coursework.

Yes. In fact, this program is built with you in mind. Course timelines are designed to help you complete the program while maintaining your work schedule.

External scholarships and grants are available; more than $40,000 in scholarships are typically awarded to our nursing students each year.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.

There is no requirement to be present on the Benedictine campus at any time during the program. The online RN to BSN program allows you to learn anywhere you have access to the internet. Online courses are delivered through a user-friendly web-based learning platform. This powerful educational technology enables you to get course assignments, direct questions to faculty and other students, and participate in critical analytical discussion with colleagues around the world.

There is however a minimum residency credit requirement that states a minimum of 34 credits must be earned at Benedictine University.

Yes. The RN to BSN program uses a cohort model, which means you will take all of your classes at the same time with the same group of students. You will have many opportunities to get to know your classmates, advance together, and provide support to each other as you complete the program. Graduates often remain friends long after graduation.

You will complete a total of 70 hours of clinical practice experience in the community and at a healthcare setting in your community during two courses, NRHL 4366 and NRHL 4394.

In many cases, depending on your place of employment, you may be able to arrange to complete one of your clinical courses where you work. Program faculty and staff will guide you in site selection.

Yes, you will need a computer with high-speed internet access to successfully complete the requirements for the degree.

For successful completion of an online course, you must have access to reliable technology. It is your responsibility to secure access to a working computer with the required software and to a high-speed internet connection. The following are recommended:

• Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.5 (minimum)
• Reliable high-speed Internet access and Wi-Fi capabilities
• Access to the latest version of multiple internet browsers:
  • Microsoft® Internet Explorer
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Google Chrome
  • Apple Safari
• Adobe® Reader (latest version)
• Adobe® Flash plug-in (latest version)
• Microphone and webcam for optional audio/videoconferencing
• Zoom capabilities
• Updated anti-virus and spyware protection

Student Resources: You’ll have free access to Office 365 which includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other programs.

Please note: “Smart phones” like iPhones or Androids don’t have adequate word processing software and are not capable of accessing all online coursework. Smartphones are not recommended as your only source of technology.

The courses are designed to be user-friendly for those who have limited computer skills. All students complete an online orientation that ensures they have the basic skills required to successfully navigate the courses.

Yes. Technical support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Technical Support, which is easily reached through a toll-free number.

Yes. You can set up a telephone appointment to speak with an advisor whenever you need help.