Northern Illinois University (NIU) Online RN to BSN Nursing Program

Northern Illinois University offers an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree completion program through the College of Health and Human Sciences’ School of Nursing. This program prepares RNs to fill in-demand roles for BSN-prepared nurses. Graduating as a nurse generalist allows RNs to serve in direct and indirect patient care roles with individuals, families, groups, and communities. The RN to BSN program prepares graduates for success as providers and coordinators of nursing care by combining nursing theory, research, and skills with hands-on practice and a flexible online learning environment.

The RN to BSN curriculum trains RNs in the physical and social sciences, which are tightly linked to becoming successful nurses and leaders. Nursing completion courses focus on health assessment, biological systems, professional nursing concepts, population-focused nursing, genetics and human genomics, leadership, evidence-based practice, nursing research, ethics, and law. Through these core topics, RNs learn about cultural diversity, age-related differences in patients, the professional nursing role, critical thinking skills, communication, how to use research for evidence-based nursing practice, the impact of genetics and human genomics on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and how to enhance the health of families, communities, and populations through appropriate strategies.

RN to BSN graduates may pursue careers in private practice, healthcare facilities, research facilities, long-term care facilities, hospitals, school settings, insurance organizations, and government facilities. Nursing roles may include bedside care, recovery care, patient supervision, preparation for patient procedures, prescription administration in hospital, long-term care, and home health care settings, treatment plan explanation, answering patient questions, patient evaluation, research coordination and management, data collection, lifestyle coaching, and health education.

The RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses who have earned an associate degree or diploma in nursing with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Coursework for the RN to BSN program is fully online, with two local practicums required to complete the program. Program start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer. No entrance exam is required; however, nursing work experience is expected.

Accepted students may transfer 33 nursing credits, 66 credits of theory coursework, and four credits of physical education coursework into the RN to BSN program. Only 28 credits of coursework must be taken through Northern Illinois University to earn the BSN and meet the 120 credits required. To transfer credits, accepted students must complete 12 semester hours of nursing courses at NIU with a grade of C or higher. Note that students with fewer credits to transfer will need to complete the required courses through a community college before beginning the RN to BSN program.

NIU delivers courses asynchronously through the Blackboard online Learning Management System (LMS). Students and faculty have the resources to use web conferencing and participate in discussion groups, chat, and email correspondence. The LMS allows students to view syllabi and assignments, submit coursework, take assessments, and interact with faculty and peers. Online student services include the University Writing Center, where students can receive help with writing assignments. As well, academic advising, disability resources, library services, career development support, technical support, and faculty office hours are available.

Courses for the online completion program include Concepts of Professional Nursing; Health Assessment for Nursing Practice; Alterations and Biological Systems; Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice; Population-Focused Nursing; Processes for Nursing Leadership; Nursing Ethics and Law; and Practicum I-II.

Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in DeKalb, Illinois. The online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).