Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (SMUMN) offer an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This is an accelerated degree completion program that can be completed in just one year. Setting this program apart is the inclusion of a leadership and management focus. Topics covered may include healthcare policy and regulations, evidence-based nursing practice, information management, professional values, health promotion, and communication with patients and care teams.

The RN to BSN program comprises 36 credits and start dates land in the fall, spring, or summer. Students who transfer at least 86 credits and are not missing any general education requirements can complete the program in just 12 months. Otherwise, the program may take longer to complete. The RN to BSN coursework is 100% online with no campus visits required. Students must complete a practicum experience during the capstone course in an area of their choice which allows for focus on the student’s area of interest.

Online courses through SMUMN are delivered asynchronously through the Engage Learning Management System (LMS). Assignments and assessments have set deadlines. The Engage LMS offers a variety of online tools for student interaction including online discussion boards, podcasts, shared screens, video conferencing, shared notes and video sharing. All SMUMN students receive an iPad through the university for use during the RN to BSN program. The iPad comes preloaded with apps and programs to support students throughout their online learning experience.

Courses for the online RN to BSN include two communication courses, one healthcare management course, eight core courses, and a capstone course. Courses may include Communication Skills for Nurses; Healthcare Information Management; Nursing Ethics; Health Care Delivery Systems; Nursing Leadership and Management; Cross Cultural Competence for Service Providers; Integrative Health Care; and Intro to Healthcare Finance. Students complete at least 40 clinical hours at an approved site of their choice during the capstone course, as well as submitting a paper based on their learning throughout the experience.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).