Nursing, B.S.N., R.N. to B.S.N. Option

The R.N. to B.S.N. Option is designed for R.N.s who hold an associate degree in nursing to complete a baccalaureate degree. The R.N. to B.S.N. program incorporates service and leadership into the curriculum to provide a strong, ethically sound education that equips graduates to reach the next level of nursing excellence in community and corporate settings and to prepare students for graduate education.

The program is presented in a primarily asynchronous educational format that is student-centered and facilitated by media, online discussion boards, blogs, and postings. Not only is the online environment more conducive to individual learning styles, the format also allows for a high degree of flexibility and gives participants the ability to combine education with work, family and other responsibilities. Students are required to come to campus at the beginning of each semester for an initial meeting for each class. Occasionally, students will be expected to have face-to-face time with faculty throughout the program. This may be done in-person, through videoconferencing, webcasts, interactive learning models, and telephone conferences.

Admission Requirements

The following requirements must be met for admission to this program:

Hold an active, unencumbered United States RN license;
Hold an associate degree in nursing; and
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Degree Requirements

Students will complete a minimum of 35 hours of TU credits to earn the B.S.N. degree.

TU will accept up to 72 hours of transfer credit from the associate’s degree. Specific general education courses will comprise 48 hours of transfer credit; 24 credits will be given for core nursing courses.

Students may earn up to 18 additional hours of upper-division (3000 and 4000 level) credit by course transfer from another institution or by professional portfolio for review. This portfolio may contain documentation of advanced nursing certifications, continuing education units, work experience, professional presentations, etc.

Students who do not have the 90 hours of transfer credit will be required to take additional coursework at The University of Tulsa to satisfy degree requirements.

For information about specific general education courses and requirements for the professional portfolio, see the School of Nursing website.

This is a cohort program; students will take courses in the sequences outlined below.

Suggested Course Sequences

Three-Semester Full-Time Option (35 hours)

Semester One (11 hours)

Semester Two (12 hours)

Semester Three (12 hours)

Four-Semester Part-Time Option (35 hours)

The four-semester part-time option includes only required NSG courses.

Semester One (9 hours)

Semester Two (11 hours)

Semester Three (9 hours)

Semester Four (6 hours)

Four-Semester Full-Time Option

A four-semester full-time option is available for students who need to take additional upper division courses along with required R.N. to B.S.N. courses. Nursing advisors work with students to complete individualized completion plans for this option.

Other Requirements

Application Process: Online application to the University of Tulsa and a separate online application to the R.N. to B.S.N. program must be completed. Access applications at http://utulsa.edu/nursing.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Testing: For practicum course participation, R.N. to B.S.N. nursing students must complete a criminal background check and drug screening prior to beginning the program. Additional testing may be required by certain agencies.

Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is required for any student enrolled in nursing clinical/practicum courses. Liability insurance fees are listed in the Tuition and Fees section of this Bulletin and are automatically billed to the student’s account through the Bursar’s Office.

Safety requirements: At the beginning of the program, R.N. to B.S.N. students must complete training in blood-borne pathogens, HIPAA, OSHA communication standards, fire safety, and TB prevention.

Immunization requirements: Students must present proof of the following immunizations and screenings to the School of Nursing: TB testing using CDC guidelines for two-step method or chest x-ray; measles, mumps rubella (MMR); tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (TdaP); hepatitis B; varicella; and seasonal flu vaccination. These may be done at Alexander Health Center on campus or at a private physician’s office. Fees may apply. Students who do not complete the hepatitis B or rubella immunizations must sign a waiver.

Transportation and Uniforms: Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to clinical/practicum sites and for providing their own uniforms in accordance with the program dress code. See the Nursing Student Handbook for dress code.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Upon admission to the program, R.N. to B.S.N. students must provide documentation of American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification. Certification must remain current throughout program.

Nursing Licensure: R.N. to B.S.N. students must provide proof of current and unencumbered RN licensure in one or more of the United States throughout participation in the program.

Common Questions

Colleges