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 clinics, 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.

To become an RN, you must pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) after earning a diploma or degree in nursing. For the online RN to BSN program, you must be an RN with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, have an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, or be pursuing an associate degree and have completed the first year of coursework.

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.

You must be an RN with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, have an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, or be pursuing an associate degree and have completed the first year of coursework. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for all college work attempted is required.

• A minimum 2.5/4.0 cumulative GPA from all colleges and universities attended.
• A current, unencumbered Illinois RN license.
• 83 designated semester credit hours documented by official college transcripts.
• A letter of recommendation from a supervisor. New graduates may obtain letter from a clinical nursing instructor.
• Basic skills in word processing, internet use, and email communication.
• Completion of all prerequisite coursework prior to enrolling in Benedictine nurse cohort courses and/or an approved academic plan finalized with the academic advisor within one month of notification of program admission.

120 total credit hours.

Of these, 83 credits represent a combination of the nursing and prerequisite coursework you have completed, and 37 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.

Yes, Benedictine University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Benedictine’s RN to BSN program is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

No, there is not a residency requirement.

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.

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, grow 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 at a health care facility in your community during two courses, NRHL 3366 and NRHL 4394.

In some cases. Depending on your place of employment and your course requirements, it may be eligible for credit as one of your clinical experiences. 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
• 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 the Personal Support Center, 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.