Program Overview
Why Consider the RN to BSN Online Program at A-State
The RN to BSN online degree program from Arkansas State University enables working nurses to advance their healthcare education and nursing career opportunities and be fully prepared for the complex challenges of a changing healthcare system.
Our experienced faculty ready registered nurses for BSN-prepared nursing management roles by emphasizing the development of leadership, communication, critical thinking and evidence-based practice skills. This program is also an excellent foundation for graduate studies in nursing. The 100% online coursework can be completed in as few as 12 months depending on the required support courses previously earned.
$8,070*
Total Tuition
As few as 12 months**
Program Duration
30†
Credit Hours
$8,070*
Total Tuition
As few as 12 months**
Program Duration
30†
Credit Hours
As an RN to BSN online student at A-State, you will learn from faculty who offer real-world insights and serve as experienced mentors. Plus, we offer a dedicated online services team as well as a highly qualified teaching assistant to answer your questions and equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
The RN to BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd, NE, Suite #850, Atlanta, GA 30326, Telephone: 404-975-5000.
Our RN to BSN degree online can help you:
- Deepen your clinical knowledge and hone your assessment skills to become a more well-rounded nurse and better patient advocate
- Develop your nursing leadership and management skills
- Enhance your decision-making and critical-thinking abilities
- Be able to apply evidence-based data to strengthen and improve client care via comprehensive, efficient and cost-conscious measures
- Broaden your career opportunities in work settings such as health systems, magnet hospitals, clinics, home health environments, schools, industries, and more
- Be qualified to specialize in professional roles such as nurse unit manager, legal nurse consultant, school nurse, nurse midwife, acute care nurse or military nurse
The university provides nursing professionals with a distinct pathway towards advanced degrees in the healthcare industry. At A-State, we maintain local relationships and partnerships with over 500 clinical sites, so we understand the real-world needs of the nursing community.
Not sure if this is the right degree for you? Learn more about RN to BSN programs.
Advance Your Nursing Career with an RN to BSN online!
Tuition
Find Out How and When to Pay Your Tuition
Our RN to BSN online program offers the same affordable tuition to all U.S. residents. All fees are included in the total tuition.
| Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
| $229.00 | $40.00 | $269.00 | $687.00 | $120.00 | $807.00 |
RN to BSN program fees and expenses are approximate and costs may vary. Anticipated clinical costs include the following:
- Hepatitis B series and TB skin test.
- TB test is required annually.
- May be obtained through personal physician, student health center, or public health center, or from a current employee file.
- Proof of CPR certification is required annually.
- Cost is $30-$50.
- Applicant may also submit the CPR certification from a current employee file.
- Red Cross certification is good for 1 year. American Heart Association certification is good for 2 years.
- Malpractice Insurance
- Students and those already holding a license (LPN, RN) are required to carry their own malpractice insurance and provide proof of insurance coverage each semester, prior to beginning clinical courses. Coverage must be for a minimum of $1,000,000 / $3,000,000. A copy of the policy page containing the student's name, policy limits and effective dates should be filed with the School of Nursing Office.
- Traditional AASN and BSN students may purchase insurance through Nurses Service Organization. Go to http://www.nso.com/ for more information.
- Criminal Background Check
- Students will be required to submit criminal background checks through Verified Credentials before admission to the program. Costs are to be borne by the student.
Ranked #2
A-State is ranked #2 in “Best RN to BSN Program in Arkansas 2021” according to RegisteredNursing.org
Calendar
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines for Our Online RN to BSN Program
Our RN to BSN is a flexible online program featuring accelerated courses and multiple start dates per year.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
| Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2023 | 7 wk | 05/08/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 04/24/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 05/04/2023 | 05/05/2023 | 06/09/2023 |
| 7 wk | 06/26/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 06/12/2023 | 06/16/2023 | 06/22/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 07/28/2023 | |
| Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
| 7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 | |
| Spring 2024 | 7 wk | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 12/15/2023 | 12/19/2023 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 02/09/2024 |
| 7 wk | 03/04/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 02/19/2024 | 02/23/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/01/2024 | 04/05/2024 | |
| Summer 2024 | 7 wk | 05/06/2024 | 06/20/2024 | 04/22/2024 | 04/26/2024 | 05/02/2024 | 05/03/2024 | 06/07/2024 |
| 7 wk | 06/24/2024 | 08/07/2024 | 06/10/2024 | 06/14/2024 | 06/20/2024 | 06/21/2024 | 08/02/2024 |
Admissions
Read the Details of Our Admission Criteria
A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the RN to BSN online program should review and follow the requirements for admission below.
- Complete online application and submit application fee.
- Submit official transcripts.
Request all official transcripts be sent directly to A-State from all colleges or universities attended. Save time by requesting transcripts be sent electronically or send all required documents to:
Arkansas State University
Office of Academic Partnerships
P.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467 [email protected]
Fax: 870-972-3548 - Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above. If a student has a 2.40 – 2.499 the GPA may be calculated on nursing courses only. If the GPA on the nursing courses is 3.0 or above, the student is eligible for admission into the RN-to-BSN program. Students who do not have the required GPA and who lack pre-requisite courses are encouraged to take the pre-requisite courses and use those courses to bring up their GPA.
- Proof of valid, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the state of residency.
- Students enrolled in their graduating semester of an associate degree program may be conditionally accepted and are able to take courses for one semester while completing RN licensure requirements. Proof of pending graduation required.
- Graduates from an associate degree RN program may be conditionally accepted and are able to take courses for one semester following graduation while completing RN licensure requirements.
- Handbook Signature Page
Additional Information
Students entering the Nursing Programs are required to have completed a Health Care Provider Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation course (i.e., adult, infant, and child with AED). This course may be obtained at the local Red Cross, American Heart Association, or an approved facility. A card or letter demonstrating completion of the course must be presented. Annual proof of continued certification for the entire academic year is required. It is the students' responsibility to maintain current CPR certification.
- Must have completed 1000 hours of work as a RN prior to enrolling in NRSP 4793: RN to BSN Capstone. Applicants should contact Nichol Tate, RN to BSN Program Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions. Documentation of Work Experience form (.pdf)
- On admission and throughout the RN-BSN program, the registered nurse must maintain an unencumbered nursing license, CPR certification, and an acceptable immunization status.
- Proof of liability insurance (Must be individual policy bearing student's name; minimum: $1,000,000/$6,000,000 coverage) will be obtained as a course assignment and is to remain in effect through the capstone course.
- All documentation required by the School of Nursing must be kept current at all times during the course of the program and may be authenticated at any time during the program.
- A-State will accept diploma nurses.
Students who have attended any other institution of higher education must meet the following requirements.
For students who have:
- Fewer than 12 college hours: Submit official final high school transcript and official test scores.
- 13 - 23 college hours: Have a minimum of 2.0 grade point average on cumulative transcripts and official test scores.
- 24 or more college hours: Have a minimum of 2.0 grade point average on cumulative transcripts.
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
State Board of Nursing Approved
The RN to BSN online program is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.
Courses
Advance Your Knowledge in These RN to BSN Online Classes
A total of 121 credit hours is required to complete this BSN degree.
The RN to BSN online course work consists of 8 core courses (24 hours) and two upper level nursing electives (6 hours). You must also complete required support courses (11 hours). In addition, you will receive credit for your nursing license (45 hours). Credit to your transcript for these hours is given in your graduating semester, once you have filed your intent to graduate.
The remaining hours are comprised of 35 credit hours of general education courses. Fourteen (14) of the 35 credit hours include requirements of 4 hours of physical science, 4 hours of life science, 3 hours of Sociology and 3 hours of Psychology as detailed below.
General education requirements may be transferred in, based on a transcript review and individual advising. General education courses needed may be completed online and concurrently with the nursing courses.
These 24 hours of core nursing courses are required.
NRS 3723: Clinical Pathophysiology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An overview of the specific disruptions of normal physiology, mechanisms involved, disease manifestations and the therapeutic principles underlying treatment. Provides a link between the basic biological sciences and their clinical application.
NRS 4003: Issues in Healthcare Policy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the importance of healthcare policy and its influence on nursing practice while examining the nurse’s role in developing, implementing and improving health policy at all levels.
NRS 4043: Introduction to Nursing Informatics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the history of healthcare informatics, current issues, basic informatics concepts, and health information management systems. Students will apply informatics concepts to current clinical practice settings suggesting methods to use technology to improve patient safety and work effectiveness.
NRS 3713: Principles of Nursing Research
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Explores the nurse’s role in the research process and provides the skills needed to evaluate the evidence and use research findings. Introduces professional writing styles and requires the application of a selected style in the preparation of various projects.
NRS 4733: Nursing Leadership
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Managerial and leadership aspects of the nurse manager in various healthcare environments are discussed.
NRS 4743: Public Health Nursing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Concepts of professional nursing practice expanded to the care of families and groups of clients in the community setting. Focuses also on change theory, group process strategies and professional and health care issues.
NRS 4763: Professional Nursing Practice
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Concepts of professional RN-BSN socialization, accountability, advocacy, issues and trends which affect the role of the nurse are analyzed and discussed.
NRSP 4793: RN to BSN Capstone
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Application of baccalaureate level nursing knowledge and skills in problem identification, analysis, synthesis, plan implementation, and evaluation in a specific area of clinical interest as a transition to the graduate level advanced practice role.
You are required to take two 3 credit-hour upper level nursing electives (6 credit hours). You may select from these three courses:
HP 3413: Cultural Competence in Health Professions
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Self-assessment of awareness, knowledge, sensitivity and acceptance of the importance of cultural issues in a culturally diverse health care environment, definition and components of culture, cultural values, cultural competence, health and healing traditions, transcultural communication, fostering cultural competence in colleagues.
NRS 3333: Women's Health
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Health problems of women studies with both a traditional and contemporary focus. Emphasis on current information needed by health professionals to help women achieve optimum wellness.
NRS 3353: Aging and the Older Adult
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Analysis of the aging process, including theories of aging, ethical issues, biopsychosocial aging changes, impact of changing needs on support systems. Designed for Nursing, Health Care, and Health Promotions majors.
NRS 4223: Forensic Nursing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course will introduce the beginning nurse to the field of forensic nursing. Content includes the recognition and management of forensic patients, both living and dead, and includes information on detection, collection, and preservation of evidence.
You are required to take 11 credit hours of support courses, including 8 credit hours of Anatomy and Physiology and 3 credit hours of Statistics from the three courses listed here if you have not already taken a Statistics course (2000 level or higher):
BIO 2203: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the biology of atoms, molecules, organelles and cellular functions, tissues, functional anatomy of integumentary, skeletal, muscular and central nervous systems, interaction with external environment.
BIO 2201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
The behavior of matter with respect to life processes, cells, tissues, functional anatomy of integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, cat anatomy, nerve and muscle preparations and recordings. It is recommended this course be taken concurrently with BIO 2203.
BIO 2223: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Major sense organs, autonomic nervous system and internal environment, neuroendocrine control mechanisms, respiratory and cardiovascular functions, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, liver functions, digestive, renal and reproductive processes. It is recommended this course be taken concurrently with BIO 2221.
BIO 2221: Human Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Major sense organs, autonomic nervous system and internal environment, neuroendocrine control mechanisms, respiratory and cardiovascular functions, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, liver functions, digestive, renal and reproductive processes. It is recommended this course be taken concurrently with BIO 2223.
STAT 3233: Applied Statistics I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course is for students in a variety of disciplines including the sciences, allied health fields, and education. Focus is on descriptive statistics for quantitative and qualitative data, normal distributions, correlation, linear regression, sample surveys, randomized comparative experiments, sampling distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing for means and proportions.
SOC 3383: Social Statistics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Central concepts and techniques of conducting descriptive and inferential analysis employed in quantitative investigation to understand social processes and phenomena.
TECH 3773: Statistics
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Basic concepts and methods of statistics in a technical environment, including descriptive statistics, significant tests, estimation, sampling and correlation.
General Education courses (35 total credit hours) are required, and can be taken as co-requisites with the nursing courses as needed to fulfill the degree requirements.
Required General Education Co-Requisites:
You are required to take 14 credit hours from the following courses that include 4 hours of physical science (you may choose between Chemistry courses and labs), 4 hours of life science, 3 hours of Psychology and 3 hours of Sociology:
CHEM 1013: General Chemistry I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of chemical reactions and equations, periodic relationships, the gaseous state, and the fundamentals of atomic theory, quantum theory, electronic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry and thermochemistry. Special course fees may apply. Prerequisite, MATH 1023 or ACT composite score of 23 or higher. Prior completion of CHEM 1003 or high school chemistry strongly recommended.
CHEM 1011: General Chemistry I Laboratory
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 1
Introduction and development of hands-on techniques essential to the use of fundamental equipment and glassware common in all laboratory based sub-fields of chemistry. Computer-based graphical and statistical analysis of data. Prerequisite or corequisite, CHEM 1013.
CHEM 1043: Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry I
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to selected fundamental concepts including dimensional analysis, mole concept, atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, intermolecular interactions, gases, mixtures, kinetics, equilibrium and acid base chemistry. Fall, Summer.
CHEM 1041: Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry Lab
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 1
Special course fees apply. Prerequisite or co-requisite of CHEM 1043. Fall, Summer.
BIOL 2103: Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, chlamydiae, molds, yeasts, and protozoans as they relate to human health. Lecture three hours per week. Special course fees may apply. Fall, Spring, Summer.
BIOL 2101: Microbiology Lab for Nursing and Allied Health Lab
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 1
Two hours per week. It is recommended this course be taken concurrently with BIO 2103. Special course fee: $10.00. Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSY 2013: Introduction to Psychology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of the important scientific, principles of individual human behavior from biological, cognitive, social, and behavioral perspectives.
SOC 2213: Principles of Sociology
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Human society and social behavior.
Other General Education Co-Requisites (as required to complete your degree):
Communications
You are required to take 6 credit hours of Communication courses.
ENG 1003: Composition I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study and practice of fundamentals of written communication, including principles of grammar, punctuation, spelling, organization, and careful analytical reading. Prerequisite, with grade of C or better, for ENG 1013.
ENG 1013: Composition II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Continues the practice of ENG 1003 to develop further the skills learned in that course. Based on reading and discussion of various types of writing, the students’ essays will provide practice in different kinds of rhetorical development, including research and documentation.
Mathematics
You are required to have 3 credit hours of mathematics. The course listed below is offered online through A-State.
MATH 1043: Quantitative Reasoning
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Quantitative Reasoning Quantitative reasoning as the approach to understanding relationships using mathematical and algebraic methodologies. Contemporary topics will be used to identify, analyze, generalize, and communicate quantitative relationships.
Arts and Humanities
You must complete 9 credit hours from this section. At least one course must be selected from MUS 2503, THEA 2503, or ART 2503, and at least one course must be selected from ENG 2003, ENG 2013, or PHIL 1103. Please note that MUS 2503, ENG 2003, and ENG 2013 are offered online through Arkansas State University.
PHIL 1103: Introduction to Philosophy
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 3
Basic problems of philosophy based upon readings in the works of selected leading philosophers. A prerequisite for upper level philosophy. Fall, Spring.
ENG 2003: Introduction to World Literature I
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the analysis and interpretation of literary works from several historical periods ranging from early civilizations through the Renaissance.
ENG 2013: Introduction to World Literature II
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the analysis and interpretation of literary works from several historical periods ranging from the Renaissance to the present.
MUS 2503: Fine Arts – Music
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to music for the listener who has had no formal musical training or experience. A study of musical styles and composers and their cultural and historical contexts.
THEA 2503: Fine Arts – Theatre
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to aesthetic and critical appreciation of the art of theatre through lecture, live and video performance, and discussion.
ART 2503: Fine Arts Visual
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 3
Course Description: Introduction to major artists, media, styles and works of art within their cultural and historical contexts for the non-art major.
Social Sciences
You must complete 3 credit hours of Social Science, selected from HIST 2763, HIST 2773, or POSC 2103. Please note that HIST 2763 and POSC 2103 are offered online through Arkansas State University.
HIST 2763: The United States to 1876
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
United States history. Social, economic, and political developments from Columbus to the end of Reconstruction.
HIST 2773: The United States Since 1876
Duration: Varies | Credit Hours: 3
Social, economic, and political developments from Reconstruction to the present. Fall, Spring, Summer.
POSC 2103: Introduction to US Government
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The constitution, government, and politics of the United States.
Discover all the reasons A-State is a great fit for working nurses!
*Total tuition for nursing core only. If additional courses are needed for program completion, total tuition may vary.
**Taking back-to-back seven-week courses without interruption, nursing courses only.
†A total of 121 credit hours is required for this baccalaureate degree. The number of credit hours each student must earn to satisfy the requirement may vary based upon university evaluation.
Next Start Date: