Applying to a nursing program: RN to BSN - Penn State World Campus (2024)

Applying to a nursing program: RN to BSN - Penn State World Campus (1)

How to get into nursing school to continue your education online.

April 5, 2021

By Mike Dawson

The U.S. health care system is expected to face a shortage of nursesas the demands for care from the country’s increasing and aging population grow over the next decade.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health care industry could see more than 175,000 openings for nursing positions each year through 2029, through newly added positions to provide care and positions to replace nurses who retire or leave the work force.

Registered nurses who have a bachelor’s degree can help meet the demand, and these nurses may be able to leverage the credential to help advance their careers, such as intoa supervisory role, or to build a solid foundation to become a clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse-midwife, or nurse practitioner.

The online RN to BSNprogramoffered through Penn State World Campus gives registered nurses the flexibility to work while getting their degree. The program, which is currently accepting applications for admission in the fall 2021 semester, is taught by faculty fromthe Penn State College of Nursing.

Here are some tips and answers to frequently asked questions about the program as you prepare to apply.

What are the nursing school requirements and prerequisites for applicants?

There are several requirements that applicants must meet to apply:

  • Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Applicants must have graduated from a State Board of Nursing–approved RN program and have an active registered nurse license.

During the application process, applicants will submit transcripts from high school/GED, official college or university transcripts if they attended another institution, and military transcripts, if applicable.

There is another requirement for students, once they are admitted: Prior to enrolling in certain courses, they must have an active RN license in the state in which the course work with clinical hours will be completed.

What does the RN to BSN program consist of?

The program consists of 120 credits. Applicants may transfer credits into this program from another accredited institution. However, to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students must earn 36 of the last 60 credits from Penn State.

Students must also complete a clinical experience of 45 hours in the final capstone course, NURS 475, to complement their course work.

Can I receive credits toward the BSN from my RN?

Students may receive up to 33 credits toward their BSN through our credit-by-portfolio process. Students will need to demonstrate they received college-level learning outside of the classroom. They can work with their adviser to explore this further.

What are the benefits of continuing your education in an RN to BSN program?

The American Association of Colleges in Nursing asserts that bachelor's-level nurses are better prepared to meet challenges posed by the continuously evolving demands of today's health care environment. Nurses must possess high-level skills in making critical decisions, providing direct care, supervision/coordination of other health care workers, guiding patients through the health care system, and providing education.

In addition to providing potential career advancement, a BSN can also be a pathway to graduate school.

How do online courses work?

The courses for the online RN to BSN program are based on the same nursing curriculum offered at the other Penn State campuses.

The online courses are delivered asynchronously, which means that students can complete their readings, assignments, and other work at their own pace each week. Penn State uses the Canvas learning management system.

The only part of this program that is not offered online is the 45 hours of a clinical experience.

How long does it take to complete an online BSN program?

The program can be completed in as little as a year if students have all other non-nursing courses completed.

What factors should be considered when evaluating different RN to BSN programs?

Students will have their own priorities and preferences for the program that is their best fit.Penn State World Campus has a number of factors that applicants can take into account when they make their decision.

  • Accreditation: The online RN to BSNprogram is part of the baccalaureate nursing program through the Penn State College of Nursing, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
  • Academic quality: Faculty from the Penn State College Nursing teach in the online RN to BSN program. The faculty are respected researchers and scholars in the field.
  • Flexibility and convenience: The courses are offered in an online format, which typically allows students to complete their assignments on a week-by-week basis. This flexibility gives students the chance to work and complete their course assignments when it is convenient for them.
  • Student resources and services: Penn State World Campus students can take advantage of a variety of resources and support services available for online learners, such as academic advising,tutoring services in writing and math-related fields,career counseling,and technical support.
  • Continuing your nursing education: The online nursing program portfolio at Penn State also has a master’s degree in nursing and a doctor of nursing practice program, giving students additional pathways to realize their educational goals.
  • Penn State community: Students will be part of a powerful community with networking opportunities among faculty, fellow students, mentors, and alumni. The Penn State Alumni Association is also the largest dues-paying alumni association in the country.

What clinical requirements are part of the RN to BSN program?

We have significantly reduced our clinical hour requirement from 180 hours to 45 hours.

The clinical experience takes place during the capstone course, NURS 475, and is meant to be an experience for BSN students to grow professionally as they look to take the next step in their careers.

Students will design their clinical experience, whichwill give them the opportunity to analyze and evaluate aspects of health that are aligned with their goals.

Are these clinical requirements the same as those in a pre-licensure program?

The clinical experiences are designed to differ from those in a pre-licensure program. This will be a “health-related activity” that includes a project or time spent in another health care setting. Even for experienced nurses, this can provide valuable opportunities to train in new departments or areas of responsibility.

When is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting applications through June 30 for admission in the fall semester. The fall semester starts August23.

Interested inlearning more?

Visit the Penn State World Campus website for more information about the online RN to BSNprogram.

Applying to a nursing program: RN to BSN - Penn State World Campus (2024)

FAQs

Does Penn State have a RN to BSN program? ›

The RN to BSN program is offered at 4 residential campuses and online through Penn State World Campus.

How hard is it to get into Penn State's nursing program? ›

How competitive is the Nursing Program? Admission is competitive. In a typical year, The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing receives upwards of 4,000 applications, with the intent to yield 160 students at University Park and an additional 300 students across the other campuses where the BSN program is offered.

What is the easiest school for RN to BSN? ›

Top Picks for Easiest Online RN to BSN Programs
  1. Western Governors University. ...
  2. University of Phoenix. ...
  3. American Public University System. ...
  4. Aspen University. ...
  5. Rasmussen College. ...
  6. Capella University. ...
  7. Grand Canyon University. ...
  8. Purdue Global.

How competitive is the Penn State nursing program? ›

First-year Students

Admission is competitive and requires a strong high-school GPA. The B.S.N. degree program is offered at Penn State Altoona, Behrend (Erie), Fayette, Mont Alto, Schuylkill, and Scranton, as well as University Park. Students must begin and remain at the campus to which they are admitted.

What GPA do you need for Penn State Nursing? ›

The General Nursing option admits applicants as first year students only and is not available for transfer admission. Penn State Commonwealth Campus Locations: Available for transfer admission. Nursing requires a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher in addition to 4 credits in anatomy and 3 credits physiology.

What is Penn nursing acceptance rate? ›

School of Nursing 25% acceptance rate.

What programs are the hardest to get into at Penn State? ›

Smeal is by far the hardest to get into. Most students would be better off applying DUS then, if they get the required stats (specific grades in some classes, overall GPA) can get into Smeal for their major.

What is the hardest nursing school to get into? ›

University of Massachusetts Amherst. The nursing program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is an incredibly competitive one, with a 10% acceptance rate. On average, only 64 students are admitted into the program each year, which keeps class sizes small and allows for more personalized instruction.

Is Penn State a direct admit nursing program? ›

There are two ways to enter the General Nursing Option:

1) Apply as a first-year student for direct admission to one of our seven Penn State campuses for summer or fall entry.

What is the hardest class in nursing school? ›

Hardest Nursing School Classes
  • Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
  • Pharmacology. ...
  • Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
  • Evidence-Based Practice.

What is the hardest part of the RN program? ›

Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Anatomy & Physiology each have a well-earned reputation for being difficult to pass. Some students may find Cardiology, Chemistry, or even Mental Health especially trying.

What is the fastest RN to BSN online program? ›

8-Month Online RN to BSN Programs
FASTEST TIMESCHOOL OFFERING THE ONLINE RN TO BSNOUT-OF-STATE PRICE
2 SemestersLewis-Clark State College (ID)$8,646
2 SemestersMarshall University (WV)$8,822
2 SemestersCSU Fullerton (CA)No Out-of-State RNs
2 SemestersUniversity of Central Missouri (MO)$9,075
30 more rows

How long is Penn State RN to BSN? ›

The total program is 120 credits, however you will be credited with up to 33 nursing credits related to your previous nursing education and nursing license. To earn a Penn State degree, you must take 36 of your last 60 credits with us. Most students will bring in at least 24 credits of nursing prerequisite course work.

How much is Penn State tuition for nursing? ›

Rates Effective 2020 Spring Semester
Per Academic YearFull-Time* Per Semester
Nursing22,98811,494
All Other Programs19,3329,666
Graduate:
MBA27,44213,721
14 more rows

Is Penn State or Pitt better for nursing? ›

Both places are great places to go to colllege, and both have excellent reputations for their nursing programs.

Does Penn State have an accelerated BSN program? ›

The Second Degree Option is for you if you hope to begin a career in nursing and have already earned a bachelor's degree in another field. This intensive pre-licensure program is offered in a cohort format (all cohorts start in the fall semester) and requires sixteen months to complete.

Does University of Pennsylvania have a BSN program? ›

High School Students and First time Bachelor's Applicants

High school students interested in the Penn Nursing's BSN program, may apply through Penn's central undergraduate admissions office.

How much is Penn State Nursing tuition? ›

Rates Effective 2020 Spring Semester
Per Academic YearFull-Time* Per Semester
Nursing22,98811,494
All Other Programs19,3329,666
Graduate:
MBA27,44213,721
14 more rows

Does Penn State have an online nursing program? ›

Find the time to take care of yourself by advancing your career through one of Penn State's online nursing programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Administrator Certificate Nurse Educator Certificate Geriatric Nursing Education Certificate RN to B.S.

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