R.N. to Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Online

This program is for licensed Registered Nurses (RN) with an earned associate degree in nursing who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science with a nursing major. Courses are offered over 3 semesters in 8-week online sessions that cater to the demanding schedules of working professionals. The option to enroll full-time or part-time lets a student progress through the program at the pace that fits their individual needs. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months, or four semesters, or can take as long as necessary to fit into one’s schedule. The average program completion rate is two to three years. The program integrates knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences with professional nursing education.

Conditional Acceptance Policy for the R.N. to B.S. program:

To qualify for a conditional acceptance due to not having graduated at the time of application period:

The admissions counselor verifies the student is in the final semester of a program or within 18 credits of graduating from an associate degree program.
Student holds a cumulative GPA above a 2.5 from college/university
Student will need to submit the online application. The application contains no disciplinary issues or criminal record that would need to be reviewed by Admissions.
Student provides transcripts showing completion of the associate degree program before enrolling at Colby-Sawyer. Students could start with a course as a non-degree student until their official transcript has been received.
- If official transcripts are not received, the admissions counselor will follow up with the incoming student 2 weeks before courses start to verify.  
Student passes NCLEX-RN exam before moving beyond 3 courses (12 credits) at Colby-Sawyer. This will be verified by the admissions counselor.

Academic Policies Specific to R.N. to B.S. Program

If the student does not meet these conditions by the end of the add/drop date for the session to which they are applying, their conditional acceptance will be rescinded and they will be withdrawn from courses. The student may be considered for future entry points if they fulfill the admission requirements. 

R.N. to B.S. students must achieve a B- in all RNRT and RNBS courses.
One RNRT or RNBS course can be repeated one time.
R.N. to B.S. students must complete all liberal education requirements and RNRT/RNBS coursework prior to taking RNRT 486 (Capstone).
A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in the major is required for graduation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of degree requirements, students are able to:

Incorporate, integrate and apply a broad body of knowledge to the delivery of care in order to practice compassionate, culturally competent, patient-centered, research-based, cost-effective, clinical care in various settings using the core competencies and knowledge that underlie state and national standards of practice.
Assume responsibility for professional development and life-long learning in an ever-changing and challenging healthcare environment.
Exercise clinical judgment and make ethical decisions using critical thinking to deliver and evaluate high-quality, safe, evidence-based care across the lifespan and the continuum of care
Communicate effectively in writing, orally and electronically with all members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, including clients, families, communities and their support systems.
Demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors that incorporate clients’ rights and professional codes and standards.
Understand the micro- and macro- systems that influence health care delivery in order to achieve quality patient outcomes that address health care disparities within economic boundaries.
Use critical inquiry and information technology to participate in quality improvement processes.