
The BSN in 10 Law requiring registered nurses to have obtained at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing within 10 years of their initial licensure to continue practicing has been established in the State of New York. The push for the BSN is a primary factor in the rise of online RN-to-BSN programs that allow registered nurses to work towards the degree without affecting their work schedules. The calls to make the BSN preparation as the minimum qualification for registered nurses have been sounding for decades, and now state and federal authorities in New York and other states are seeking to enforce laws to that effect. The ongoing shortage of registered nurses and the need for the fast preparation that the Associate of Science in Nursing provides have delayed actions in many states. It is predicted that some version of the law will be accepted in most states within the next decade.
The drive to improve the educational preparation of the nursing workforce is not irrational. The ADN program, extensive as it is, does not prepare nurses to make critical judgment calls pertaining to their patients. The need for further training in critical thinking and evidence-based practice has been met in the BSN program. BSN graduates are better prepared to fulfill their duties. Moreover, on nursing teams where there is a 10 percent increase in the proportion of nurses with a bachelor’s degree the decrease in fatalities rise to a staggering five percent. In essence, more education for nurses leads to better patient outcomes. Instead of waiting for a law to enforce the BSN, you should take the initiative and enroll in a BSN completion program and take your career to the next level.
Hunter College School of Nursing
The RN-to-BS program at Hunter College School of Nursing is open to adults with an associate’s degree in nursing and a New York State RN license. The program includes liberal arts and general education requirements (in-person or hybrid) and professional nursing education offered online. All nursing major classes are fully online. The program is offered on a part-time or full-time schedule. New students are admitted in the fall and spring semesters. Graduates will have a solid foundation for graduate study at the master’s and doctoral levels – also offered at the Hunter College School of Nursing.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – English Composition, Math/Quantitative Reasoning: Introduction to Statistics, Social Sciences: General Psychology and Human Development, General Chemistry with Lab
Core courses – Introduction to Nursing, Foundations of Genetics for Nurses, Pathopharmacology, Nursing and Societal Forces, Nursing Research and Theory, Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan, Foundations of Ethics and Palliative Care, Promotion of Wellness in the Community, Roles and Relationships in Professional Nursing, Gerontology for Nurses
Admission criteria:
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Must complete a minimum of 36 credits in liberal arts and sciences
- Must have earned an associate degree in nursing from a regionally accredited college – with the equivalent of 24 credits in nursing
- Must be licensed to practice as an RN in New York State – applicants who are recent graduates of an associate degree program must provide proof of licensure by December 1 (for fall admits) or May 1 (for spring admits) for the year of admission
- Must provide evidence of current liability insurance, health insurance, and CPR certification prior to entering the first semester of the nursing major
- All liberal arts credits must be from a regionally accredited college/university
- Must provide documentation of US citizenship or permanent residency state to participate in the nursing clinical
- Submit a transfer application with the University Application Processing Center – Hunter College
- Must attend two mandatory transfer and RN-to-BS orientations after admission to Hunter College
Program Cost:
Full-time tuition costs $6,930 per year for New York State residents and $305 per credit for degree-seeking part-time students. Nursing students will have to budget for additional expenses such as lab fees, standardized exam fees, health and liability insurance, criminal background checks, uniforms, and medical equipment.
- Website: http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/
- Address: 695 Park Ave, NY, NY 10065
- Phone: 212.772.4000
Monroe College
The Monroe College BS in Nursing RN to BS program is open to registered nurses who have completed an accredited associate degree or diploma-granting nursing program. They will complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing fully online in just 11 months. Graduates will demonstrate leadership and management skills to provide holistic, quality care and health promotion for individuals, integrate knowledge of nursing theories, science, and evidence-based research for clinical decision-making in nursing practice, demonstrate information literacy in healthcare informatics to manage nursing care for efficient healthcare delivery, and design effective health promotion interventions for populations from diverse backgrounds.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 121 credits
Duration: 11 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
Transfer courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, English I, English 2, Introduction to Psychology, Psychology Across Lifespan or other Psychology Elective, Introduction to Sociology
Core courses – Fundamentals of Communication, Introduction to Health Care Policy, Nursing Theory Influences on Today’s Practice, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Advanced Writing for Social Sciences, Statistical Applications, Global Health Issues, Race, Ethnicity, and Health, Pathophysiology and Clinical Reasoning for Nursing, CCC in Community Health and the Role of the Professional Nurse Practicum, Introduction to Health Informatics, CCC of the Older Adult, Evidence-Based Nursing Research, CCC Leadership in Professional Nursing Seminar and Practicum, Liberal Arts, Chemistry with Lab, Liberal Arts
Admission criteria:
- Must provide a copy of RN license
- Submit associate degree or diploma program transcripts, indicating an overall GPA of 2.5
- Submit an application for admission to Monroe College including the personal statement and $35 application fee
- Complete a physical exam – must indicate good physical and mental health. Current immunization is required
- Must provide proof of recent background check
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $5,100 per semester for full-time students (12-18 credits) or $425 per credit part-time. Other costs for textbooks, supplies, uniforms, insurance, background check, and physical exam are not included.
- Website: https://www.monroecollege.edu/
- Address: 2501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468
- Phone: (718) 933-6700
- Fax: (718) 364-3552
SUNY Brockport
The RN-BSN Fast Track Completion program offered at SUNY Brockport affords registered nurses the opportunity to further develop clinical skills and knowledge and earn credentials that will lead to magnet designation at their place of employment. The comprehensive training will encourage participation in innovative and essential quality improvement initiatives for the assumption of leadership roles within the profession. Students will learn how to provide evidence-based care that leads to better patient outcomes. The program is flexible and open to adults who have already earned an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. RNs will earn advanced standing based on clinical experience and challenge exam credits, which will support completion of the BS requirements in in 30-36 credits. The training is full-online and fast-track for students within and outside the region. They will have the option to complete the clinical experiences within their own communities or take advantage of the international experiences
available in Peru and Costa Rica. Students are admitted in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 30-36 credits – not including transfer credits
Duration: 12 months full-time or 18-24 months part-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, II, Microbiology, Sociology, Psychology
Core courses – Introduction to BSN Practice, Pharmacotherapeutics for the RN, Health Assessment for the RN, Health Assessment Clinical for the RN, Community Based Epidemiology, Community Based Epidemiology Clinical, Evidence Based Practice for the RN I, Evidence Based Practice for the RN II, Applied Statistics for Nurses, Research: Process and Critique, Leadership and Management for the RN
Admission criteria:
- Must be a graduate of an accredited associate degree or diploma program
- Must have an unencumbered New York State license as a registered professional nurse and current registration – eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN as a new graduate will be accepted
- Must be currently employed as a registered nurse – applicants who are not employed by the last semester of the program must complete a capstone course of 128 clinical hours
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5
- Must successfully complete nursing prerequisites with a minimum grade of C in each course
- Must submit an acceptable application to the program
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $3,535 per semester for full-time NYS residents. Other costs for fees, textbooks, supplies, uniforms, insurance, background check, and physical exam are not included.
- Website: https://www2.brockport.edu/
- Address: 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420
- Phone: (585) 395-2211
New York Institute of Technology
The RN to BS program at the New York Institute of Technology is offered completely online and designed for working registered nurses to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students currently enrolled in an accredited RN program may also enroll in the program. The accelerated program provides the opportunity for students to complete the requirements in just 12 months. The school offers six start dates throughout the year. Each course is fully online and may be completed in seven weeks with a one-week break between sessions.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 121 – 31 credit hours nursing core must be completed at New York Tech
Duration: 12 months full-time or 18-24 months part-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Core courses – Pathophysiology Concepts for Nursing Practice, Theoretical and Transcultural Concepts for Professional Nursing Practice, Integrating Information Technology, Simulation and Professional Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Community and Population Health, Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice, Dynamics of Aging Longevity and Chronicity, Leadership and Management, RN-BS Completion Capstone Course, Pathophysiology Concepts for Nursing Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must be a graduate of an accredited associate degree program
- Must have a registered nurse with a valid NYS RN license in good standing or enrolled in an accredited RN program with a GPA of 2.5 or above
- Must successfully complete nursing prerequisites with a minimum grade of C in each course
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $8,000 for New York Tech nursing partners. The cost for non-partner students is $10,000. Other costs for fees, textbooks, supplies, uniforms, insurance, background check, and physical exam are not included.
- Website: https://www.nyit.edu/
- Address: 1855 Broadway, New York, NY
- Phone: 516-686-1000
University of Rochester School of Nursing
The RN to BS program is designed to help registered nurses achieve bachelor’s degree preparation consistent with the NYS BS in 10 initiatives. The non-selective program is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements including completion of an accredited nursing program and a current NYS registered nurse license. The program utilizes the latest technology to deliver an interactive and hands-on curriculum that is completely online. Students will receive an iPad as part of their mobile and technology fees. Nursing courses are designed to encourage critical thinking. Graduates will be prepared to respond to new developments in health care delivery and to shifts in the nursing workforce.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 128 credits
Duration: 16 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Statistics for Evidence Based Practice in the Health Sciences, Ethics in Health Care, Pathogenesis of Cardiac Dysrhythmias and ECG Interpretation in Adults, Addressing Childhood Obesity for the Health Care Professional, History of HIV, History of Pandemics, Diversity and Equity in Health Care, Clinician’s Guide to Weight Management
Core courses – RN/BS Transition: Reflective Professional Practice, Biopsychosocial Health Assessment in Individual and Family, Principles and Application of Evidence for Nursing Practice for RN to BS Students, Patient and Population Care Management, Nursing Leadership and Management of Care, Contexts of Health Care: Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments, Population Health, RN/BS Capstone, Nursing Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing
- Must have RN licensure from New York State
- Must demonstrate English Language proficiency
- Must submit official transcripts from all schools attended
- Must provide a current resume or CV
- Submit one letter of recommendation from academic or professional references
- Applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $1,200 per credit hour for full-time tuition. Nurses who live and work in the 18-county Western NY region pay $600 per credit hour and may be eligible for the 50% Finger Lakes Regional Scholarship. Tuition is $540 per credit hour for associate or diploma-prepared nurses who work at a University of Rochester affiliate organization.
- Website: https://son.rochester.edu/index.html
- Address: 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642
- Phone: (585) 275 2375
Pace University
The flexible online accelerated RN-BS program offered by Pace University prepares adults to fill the growing demand for BS-prepared nurses. Students have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits at the graduate level. Instant enrollment to the program is available upon satisfaction of the admission requirements. The program is designed for working professionals, and may be completed in 12 months based on previous college coursework. Courses are offered in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 128 credits
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Other Transfer Courses
Core courses – Core Competencies for Multidimensional Care, Healthy Aging, Nursing and Health Policy, Leadership and Management, Community and Public Health, Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning, Spirit of Inquiry: Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing
- Must have current RN licensure in the state where the clinical requirements will be completed
- Must demonstrate English Language proficiency
- Must submit official transcripts from all schools attended
- Must have a minimum 2.75 CGPA
- Must complete all general education requirements
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $48,152 per year for full-time enrollment or $1,381 per credit for part-time tuition. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.pace.edu/
- Address: One Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038
- Phone: (212) 346-1200
Pacific College
Pacific College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Holistic Nursing) program is an online offering that prepares registered nurses to a BSN degree. Students will complete 42 to 60 credit hours of online coursework. The program requires completion of 12-18 didactic and clinical courses depending on previous education. There will be an emphasis on self-care, health, wellness and disease prevention; relationship-centered approach; research and evidence informed practice; ethics; diversity and inclusion; advocacy; and authentic leadership in the profession and beyond. Graduates are transformational leaders who will shift the focus of healthcare from illness and disease to health promotion, wellness, and well-being. They will empower patients, clients and families by teaching whole person health and self care, assist patients with the management of stress and the prevention of disease, guide patients between the conventional allopathic medical system and alternative systems, practice in any medical setting, and integrate reflection and self-care into personal and professional life.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 40-62 credits
Duration: 4 terms full-time or 7-9 terms part-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Research Statistics, Technology Training for Online Students, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment/Physical Exam, Psychoneuroimmunology, Pharmacology, Independent Study, Cultural Paradigms, Information Literacy, Spanish for Healthcare Providers
Core courses – Theoretical Foundations of Holistic Nursing, The Nurse as Facilitator of Healing: Role and Modalities, Community Health Nursing, Population Focused Healthcare, Leadership in the Delivery of Healthcare, Research in Nursing, Issues and Trends, Psychoneuroimmunology
Admission criteria:
- Must have an associate degree defined as at least 60 semester credits/90 quarter credits
- Must complete at least 30 units of general education courses
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade C – Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Sociology, Mathematic, English, Computers,
- Must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher in previous undergraduate level work
- Must have a registered nurse license in state where the student’s clinical experience will occur
- Provide a copy of active, unencumbered registered nurse license
- Must complete a criminal background check
Program Cost:
The program costs $12,900 to $17,700 for students who complete it in the normal time. Students must also cover the cost of uniforms, insurance, background check, and textbooks. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://pacificcollege.edu/
- Address: 110 William St 19th floor, New York, NY 10038
- Phone: 866.276.0717
Roberts Wesleyan University
The RN-BSN program at Roberts Wesleyan University prepares registered nurses to meet the BSN imitative for NYS. The program requires completion of 36 credits hours to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Courses will be completed online. Applicants must have a registered nursing license in the United States or Canada. Current licensure will be required for completion of the clinical rotation. Graduates will be prepared to assume leadership roles and used evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 36 credits
Duration: 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Introduction to Probability and Statistics, Research Statistics, Technology Training for Online Students, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment/Physical Exam, Psychoneuroimmunology, Pharmacology, Independent Study, Cultural Paradigms, Information Literacy, Spanish for Healthcare Providers
Core courses – Introduction to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing, Clinical Judgment and Decision Making, Emerging Trends in Nursing Leadership, Population Health, Capstone Experience, Humanities: A Whole Person Approach, History and Philosophy of Adult Learning, Elementary Statistics, Personal Values and Bioethics
Admission criteria:
- Must have graduated from an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program
- Must be a registered professional nurse with a license in the United States or Canada
- Must be currently employed at least 16 hours per week as a registered nurse
- Must have a minimum of 60 semester credit hours of transferable credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university attended
- Must comply with the New York State Public Health Law Immunizations requirements
- Must provide a copy of registered nurse license
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $599 per credit. Other costs for books, fees, supplies, uniforms, background check, insurance, and equipment are not included. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.roberts.edu/
- Address: 2301 Westside Dr. Rochester, NY 14624
- Phone: 800.777.4RWC