Curriculum: RN to BSN Online

Next Term Application Deadline

07.01.2025

Total Credits

27 Core nursing credits

Next Term Starts

08.25.2025

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Program of Interest*
Program requires the completion of an associate degree program. Have you earned an associate degree?*
- Yes (*includes in-progress degree)
- No
Program requires the completion of a BSN degree program. Have you earned a BSN degree?*
- Yes (*includes in-progress degree)
- No
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*This program is now enrolling for Summer 2025.

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Curriculum at a Glance

UC College of Nursing’s RN to BSN Online Program Flexible Course Schedule and Support

Students can choose to complete the RN to BSN online program full time or part time. Full time students can complete the required nine nursing courses in 8 months (two semesters). Part time students can complete the program in either 12 months (three semesters) by taking three courses a semester or 20 months (five semesters) by taking two courses a semester.

For more details, view the Completion Options page.

All courses in UC’s RN to BSN online program last seven weeks (except for the 14-week capstone). The seven-week structure allows you to move through courses at your own pace. Each course is offered six times a year, which means, if you need to drop a course, you can pick it back up again in several weeks and continue your BSN without much delay.

In addition, UC’s RN to BSN online program faculty understand life happens. They offer support throughout your courses to ensure you get the help you need and stay on track in the program.

Option to Minor in Public Health

UC College of Nursing’s RN to BSN online program also offers the option to obtain your minor in Public Health by adding three required courses and three elective courses (18 credit hours) focusing on emerging issues in public health, the social and behavioral aspects of preventing disease, environmental health concepts, the changing U.S health care system and monitoring diseases in the community. One of the required courses and two of the elective courses are fulfilled through completion or RN to BSN Online program courses.

Learning Objectives

Apply relevant theories from nursing and related natural and behavioral sciences as a foundation for planning holistic care to enhance modify or support population focused health care in various environmental contexts.
Demonstrate clinical judgment while providing holistic care as a member of the interprofessional team in various environmental contexts.
Employ effective communication and collaboration for professional nursing practice utilizing information management and patient care technology.
Demonstrate leadership to effectively implement evidence-based interventions that promote patient safety and quality improvement initiatives within the context of the interprofessional team.
Apply nursing process to address the health of populations in the provision of evidence-based, comprehensive nursing care.
Educate populations in health promotion, disease prevention, maintenance, and health restoration.
Use scholarly inquiry to guide professional practice.
Demonstrate leadership in health policy, advocacy, and management of holistic care.
Apply professional standards of practice incorporating legal, ethical, and resource management.

RN to BSN Online Program Courses

Successful completion of general education courses is required to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Many courses are offered online by UC; the College of Nursing also accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions.

To look up how courses from other institutions transfer to UC, visit the Transfer Equivalency Database.

CURRICULUM AT A GLANCE

General Education Requirements Core Education Requirements

Students complete most of the required general education courses as part of an associate degree program. If you have not already completed some or all of the courses, you are still eligible for admission.

Course	Title / Description	Credit
BIOL2001C	Anatomy and Physiology I Course: BIOL2001C Credit: 4 This is the first course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide in-depth examination of the structure and functions of the human body. This course will cover the basic biochemistry and cell physiology upon which the study of human physiology will be based. It also covers the structure and functions of human tissues, and the Integumentary, Skeletal, Muscular, and Nervous Systems. Includes a required laboratory. Does not count toward biology major.	4
BIOL2002C	Anatomy and Physiology II Course: BIOL2002C Credit: 4 Second course in a two-semester sequence designed to provide in-depth examination of the structure and functions of the human body. This course will apply the basic biochemistry and cell physiology covered in BIOL 2001. Covers structure and functions of Special Sensory, Endocrine, Cardiovascular, Immune/lymphatic, Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems and Fluid/electrolyte and acid/base balance. Includes a required laboratory. Does not count toward biology major.	4
BIOL2031C	Microbiology for Health Professionals Course: BIOL2031C Credit: 3 A lecture and laboratory course designed for students entering health care related fields. This course explores the fundamental aspects of microbiology with an emphasis on those microorganisms that cause human disease. Topics include the structure and growth requirements of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa, the methods used to control microorganisms, microbial genetics, methods microorganisms use to cause human disease, the human immune response, and microbial diseases of the body. No credit towards a major in biology. Prereq: Successful completion of a semester of freshman biology or anatomy and physiology lecture and lab with a C or better.	3
ENGL1001	English Composition Course: ENGL1001 Credit: 3 English Composition 1001 is a writing-centered course that emphasizes the careful reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive strategies inherent in researching and writing within an academic community. Students learn that rhetorical knowledge is the basis of composing while learning to write with purpose, audience, context, and conventions in mind. Students develop rigorous academic research practices: how to locate and evaluate primary and secondary sources relevant to their line of inquiry and position their own ideas in conversation with public writing. Students also engage in regular self-reflection: articulating what they know, what they can do, and how to apply their knowledge and skills in various contexts.	3
ENGL2089	Intermediate Composition Course: ENGL2089 Credit: 3 Intermediate Composition is a writing-centered course that builds on what students learn in first-year composition and focuses students’ attention on theoretical underpinning of how meaning is made, understood, and communicated within and across various discourse communities and genres. The course emphasizes critical reading and writing, advanced research and analysis skills, and rhetorical sensitivity to differences in academic, professional, and public composing. This course challenges students to engage in substantive projects drawing on primary research and source analysis methods and asks students to document, communicate, and reflect on their research.	3
	Statistics Course: Credit: 3 This must be completed before taking NBSN 4062.	3
	Psychology or Sociology Elective Course: Credit: 6	6
	History Elective Course: Credit: 3	3
	Fine Arts or Humanities & Literature Elective Course: Credit: 3	3
	Free Elective Course: Credit: 3 Students must complete a minimum of 121 credits to graduate. Transferred credits must equate to a minimum of 59, including some free electives.	3

Course	Title / Description	Credit
NBSN 3087	Health Issues of Vulnerable and Marginalized Populations Course: NBSN 3087 Credit: 3 This course provides students with the opportunity to examine the interplay between vulnerability, health status, and healthcare access and quality through an overarching framework of the social determinants of health. Physical, psychological, demographic, environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural issues influencing the health status of and health care delivery to vulnerable populations are examined. Students will develop essential skills needed for self-care, resilience, and working effectively as members of interprofessional teams promoting the health of diverse populations. and Students will identify approaches to improve the quality of healthcare delivery and health outcomes for vulnerable and marginalized groups through cultural humility, cultural competence, and empathy.	3
NBSN 4060	Informatics for Professional Nurses Course: NBSN 4060 Credit: 3 This course focuses on the nurse’s role with patients, families, communities, and populations in technology-rich environments. It addresses the use of information science and technology to support patient care and provide leadership within healthcare systems. It focuses primarily on the use of information systems to evaluate plans of care, outcomes of care, and healthcare systems to inform patient safety and quality improvement. Ethical, legal, and financial issues surrounding information systems are also discussed.	3
NBSN 4061	Transition to Baccalaureate Education in Nursing Course: NBSN 4061 Credit: 3 This course explores the evolution of nursing as a profession and emphasizes the foundational knowledge and concepts requisite to transition to baccalaureate education in nursing. Students focus on nursing theory, ethics, legal practice, and professional nursing roles as they examine current issues impacting patient care in contemporary healthcare systems. The role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and their influence on healthcare delivery and clinical decision-making will be discussed. Students will engage in self-reflection and goal-setting as they demonstrate a commitment to foster personal health, resilience, well-being, and professional growth and development.	3
	Course: Credit:
NBSN 4062	Scientific Basis for Evidence-Based Practice Course: NBSN 4062 Credit: 3 This course introduces the student to the evidence-based practice process and establishes a foundation for understanding the scientific basis for nursing practice. With an emphasis on practical application, students will engage with credible sources to address pertinent practice questions, critically analyze research findings, and navigate the integration of evidence into practice using evidence-based practice models. Topics such as theory, ethics, and cultural sensitivity when providing evidence-based care for diverse populations will be discussed.	3
NBSN 4065	Nurse as Professional Leader and Manager Course: NBSN 4065 Credit: 3 This course will focus on introducing new concepts, developing new competencies, building upon and reinforcing previously learned knowledge, skills, and attitudes applicable to the leadership role in a constantly changing healthcare environment. Assessment of the student’s current leadership style, including the contribution of emotional competence to leadership effectiveness, is examined and areas for improvement identified. Emphasis is placed on learning strategies that facilitate the application of nursing knowledge in cultivating the concepts of clinical judgment, interprofessional communication, conflict management, evidence-based practice, and ethical and systems-based decision making.	3
NBSN 4067	Gerontological Nursing Practice Course: NBSN 4067 Credit: 3 This course focuses on the role of the nurse in person centered health care for the aging client and family using the nursing process framework. Emphasis is on understanding the unique needs of the aging population. Competencies will focus on strategies for health promotion and wellness in the older adult to promote self-care, while identifying variable responses of the older adult clients. Content will also focus on identifying changes of aging and potential comorbid, acute, and/or chronic conditions while promoting a level of function that facilitates quality of life within the context of diverse environments.	3
NBSN 4068	Capstone Experiences Course: NBSN 4068 Credit: 3 This course is designed as a culminating educational activity in which students synthesize knowledge gained in the RN-to-BSN program through reflection and integration of concepts from all course work. Students’ unique experiences form the context for the development of their capstone project and culminating professional portfolio. Emphasis is on the application of AACN competencies, ANA Standards, the Code of Ethics, person-centeredness, quality outcomes, population health, and evidence-based projects that are meaningful to the student’s learning within today’s complex healthcare systems. Students will utilize the nursing process and defined competencies to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and attitudes reflective of the baccalaureate prepared nurse in the delivery of patient-centered, evidence-based care that improves health care outcomes and promotes health equity.	3
NBSN 4078	Learning with Technology Course: NBSN 4078 Credit: 3 In this course students will learn to cultivate a professional online identity, explore and analyze current technological trends, and utilize specific technologies. Through collaborative discussions and digital projects students will demonstrate personal and professional development by appropriately using and leveraging technology to effectively communicate in a technology-rich environment.	3
NBSN 4081	Focus on Community Course: NBSN 4081 Credit: 3 This course establishes the foundation for understanding and applying the concepts of population-focused, public health, and community health nursing practice across the lifespan through classroom and clinical learning experiences. Critical attributes and characteristics of communities are examined through the lens of the social determinants of health. Selected models and theories are used to identify health patterns of culturally diverse client systems and in the design of evidence-based interventions to promote community health. Health policy, finance, and research are emphasized as the context for community health advocacy, the pursuit of health equity, and the roles of the professional public health nurse.	3

FAQs

What courses do students take as part of the RN to BSN Online?

The program consists of nine core Bachelor of Science in Nursing courses. View a list of these courses, along with descriptions.
How long does it take to complete the RN to BSN Online program?

Our RN to BSN Online program is flexible with schemas that allow students to complete the program in two semesters (eight months), three semesters (12 months), or five semesters (20 months). Students can switch from full-time to part-time status, as needed.
Can I apply and start the RN to BSN Online program before I complete all prerequisites?

The RN to BSN Online program does not have prerequisite courses required for admission. Rather, the program includes general education courses that can be taken along with core coursework. Individuals can begin the program without first completing the general education courses; however, it could prolong the time it takes to earn your bachelor’s degree. Note: students must complete statistics before they can take Scientific Basis for Professional Nursing Practice.