Utica University - Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The Utica University School of Health Professions and Education Department of Nursing offers an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. As nursing education and medical entities change recommendations for nurses, and new laws are passed such as the recent law in New York requiring nurses to earn their BSN within 10 years of RN licensure, programs such as the Utica RN to BSN offer flexible ways to gain the necessary education. Topics covered may include human psychology, informatics, ethics in healthcare, nursing leadership, pathophysiology, population care, health policies, and end of life nursing care. Students have the opportunity to demonstrate learned skills through practical experiences such as community assessments, societal analysis, clinical education program development, and creation of health initiatives. These take place where students reside during certain nursing courses.

The online RN to BSN program begins in January, May, and August. It is offered both part-time and full-time. Students seeking to complete the degree in three semesters of full-time coursework must gain prior approval. Part-time students can complete the degree in less than three years. The RN to BSN program requires completion of 121 credits and is a degree completion program. Students may transfer up to 90 credits from a 4-year institution or up to 60 credits from a 2-year institution. In addition, the applicant must be currently licensed as a registered nurse or become licensed within six months of beginning the program. The RN to BSN program is 100% online with no residencies or campus visits required.

Courses for the RN to BSN are delivered asynchronously through the Engage Learning Management System (LMS). Course materials may include assignments, assessments, videos, and readings. Students can expect to spend 12-15 hours per course, each week.
Some classes may contain clinical components that students complete in their area of residence, and which may require a certain number of clinical hours. Peer/faculty interaction takes place through online group discussions, chat, and email. Online students have access to support services such as academic advising, 24/7 technical support, admissions counseling, library resources, and career services.

Required major courses for the online RN to BSN include Cultures, Health and Healing, Basic Statistics; Human Genetics; Professional Ethics; Introduction to Research Methods and Design; and Human Society. Nursing course requirements include Leadership and Informatics in Professional Nursing; Pathophysiology; Socialization to Professional Nursing; Care of Populations and Communities; Health Policy Management in Professional Nursing; and End of Life and Palliative Care Practice.

Utica University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).