Healthcare employers prefer nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). BSN nurses have been proven to improve patient outcomes and satisfactory. They are better prepared to meet challenges within the complex health care delivery system and fill positions in leadership. By enrolling in an RN to BSN program, you can complete the requirements for the BSN in just one year and qualify for opportunities in leadership, and earn a higher salary. BSN nurses earn an average of 27% more than registered nurses who are educated at the associate degree or diploma in nursing. BSN nurses also qualify for positions that are not accessible to ADN-RNs. Some of these positions include nursing director, nurse educator, and nurse manager. A BSN is a must for graduate study and for work in a specialized area of healthcare.
UMass Boston
UMass Boston’s RN-BS program prepares registered nurses to earn a bachelor of science in nursing for advanced career opportunities. The program is open to RNs who have completed an associate’s degree in nursing or a diploma from a hospital school program and want to advance to the bachelor’s degree. Fully online delivery with optional synchronized classes offers convenience and interactivity with faculty and classmates. Those who live in and around Boston have the option to take on campus courses at Cape Cod Community College. There is no clinical requirement. However, students must apply the theoretical concepts through the completion of a service-learning project in their community. The program is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Program Outline
Credits: 30 credits
Duration: One year
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Statistical Methods, Growth and Development through the Lifespan, Introduction to Nutrition, Intro to Psychology
Core courses – Professional Issues in Nursing for RNs, Nursing Research and Evidenced Based Practice, Health Assessment and Promotion, Community Health for Registered Nurses, Legal, Ethical and Health Policy and Capstone for RNs,
Admission criteria:
- Must apply for undergraduate admissions to UMass
- Must pay the application fee of $60
- Must submit official, sealed transcripts from all colleges and schools attended after the completion of high school/GED
- Must have completed an accredited associate degree in nursing program or a hospital school diploma program
- Must have a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of residence
- Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Must be a current citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Program Cost:
The estimated tuition cost for the program is $11,100 (with the maximum of 90 credits transferred) for in-state residents. Other fees may apply.
Website: https://cdn-1.umb.edu/
Address: 100 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125-3393
Phone: 617.287.5000
Labouré College of Healthcare
The RN-BSN program at Laboure College of Healthcare providers registered nurses with a unique educational experience. The curriculum builds on the RN’s previous education to support individual and professional growth that will enable the graduate to manage healthcare challenges within the complex industry. Candidates must have completed an associate degree in nursing and hold an RN license in the state of residence. The content is delivered completely online. Students may transfer up to 90 credit hours of previous college coursework. Graduates will be awarded the BSN after completing a minimum of 30 credit hours at the College and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. There are up to six different program start dates.
Program Outline
Credits: 30 credits
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Essentials of Statistics, Growth and Development through the Lifespan, Introduction to Nutrition, Intro to Psychology
Core courses – Professional Nursing Perspectives, Pathopharmacology, Health Assessment, Communications and Informatics in Healthcare, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice, Leadership and Management in Healthcare, Population Focused Healthcare, NUR Professional Course Elective, Application of Evidence-Based Practice, Senior Capstone
Admission criteria:
- Must submit a completed application for admission with non-refundable application fee
- Must submit official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Must have completed an accredited associate degree in nursing program or a hospital school diploma program
- Must have a current RN license in good standing – verifiable through the state licensing agency
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Must be a current citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $375 per credit for RN-BSN courses. Additional costs for fees, books, and supplies may apply.
Website: https://www.laboure.edu/
Address: 303 Adams Street, Milton, MA 02186
Phone: (617) 315-1654
Framingham State University
The Framingham State University RN-to-BS program is designed licensed Registered Nurses with an Associate’s degree or Diploma in Nursing to advance their careers by obtaining the bachelor’s degree. The program is delivered online and builds on the nurse’s previous educational experience. Students will develop skills in community health promotion, nursing research, leadership, nursing informatics, communication, and critical thinking to address the complex issues that affect the delivery of health care in various settings. Graduates will be capable of functioning as a generalist in a variety of health care settings. They will also have a foundation for graduate work in education, clinical specialization, administration, or research. Part-time and full-time schedule options are available.
Program Outline
Credits: 30 credits
Duration: 3 semesters
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Essentials of Statistics, Growth and Development through the Lifespan, Introduction to Nutrition, Intro to Psychology
Core courses – Professional Nursing Perspectives, Nursing Informatics, Primary Prevention in the Community, Nursing Theory, Secondary Prevention, Introduction to Nursing Research, Nursing Leadership, Tertiary Prevention
Admission criteria:
- Must have a current unrestricted license as a RN in the state of Massachusetts – applicants must apply during the final semester of the prelicensure program but must pass the NCLEX before the course begins
- Must apply for admission to the University
- Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the prelicensure nursing courses
- Must submit official college transcripts from the prelicensure nursing program and all colleges attended
- Must be a current citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $162 per course plus a university fee of $1,746 per course.
Website: https://www.framingham.edu/
Address: 100 State Street Map, PO Box 9101, Framingham, MA 01701-9101
Phone: 508-620-1220
Elms College
The RN-BSN degree completion program at Elms College offers the flexibility of online study for the working RN to advance his or her career. The content is delivered fully online as synchronous and asynchronous options. Committed faculty will support students all along the way to ensure their success. There will be an emphasis on the development of communication skills, critical thinking, and leadership to enable students to initiate change in healthcare and contribute to patient safety and quality care. Candidates may transfer up to 90 credits towards the BSN degree.
Program Outline
Credits: 30 credits
Duration: 12 to 15 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, English, Life Span Human Development, Literature, Intro to Psychology, History, Fine/Performing Arts
Core courses – Professional Communication in Nursing, Technology for the Online Student, Adult Physical Health Assessment, Statistics, Religious Studies Course, Genomics in Nursing, Family Theory, History Course, Evidence-Based Nursing, Population Health Nursing, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Healthcare Ethics, English, Leadership and Management, Healthcare Policy and Advocacy, Fine/Performing Arts Course
Admission criteria:
- Must have a current unrestricted license as an RN
- Must have graduated from an accredited school of nursing
- Must meet all the requirements for admission to Elms College
- Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the prelicensure nursing courses
- Must have completed the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
- Must submit official college transcripts from the prelicensure nursing program and all colleges attended
- Must be a current citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
- Must submit a professional resume
- Must submit a one-page goal statement discussing professional goals and reasons for applying to the nursing program
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $415 per credit. In addition to fees, students must purchase books, supplies, and have health insurance.
Website: https://www.elms.edu/
Address: 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013-2839
Phone: 413-594-2761
Emmanuel College
The RN to BSN program is designed specifically for current registered nurses looking to further their education and advance their careers. The program is delivered fully online giving working RNs the flexibility to balance studies with their work schedules. An accelerated format with seven-week courses is available. Candidates may transfer up to 96 credits, including up to 40 credits from an associate degree in nursing. Experienced faculty will cover nursing informatics, research, community health, and leadership. There will be an emphasis on evidence-based practice and team-based learning so students may become caring advocates for all individuals and communities. Students will be required to complete 30 hours of community service as well as a community or teaching/learning project. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Program Outline
Credits: 30 credits
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Introduction to Sociology: Analysis of Society in Global Perspective, General Psychology, Child Psychology, Moral Reasoning, Aesthetic Inquiry and Historical Consciousness, Theology and Religious Thought, Statistics for Nursing Professionals, Writing for Nursing Professionals
Core courses – Concepts of Professional Practice, Health Assessment, Research in Nursing Practice, Nursing Informatics and Computer Application, Leadership and Professional Issues in Nursing, Diversity in Health Care and Contemporary Healing, Community Health and Health Promotion in Nursing Practice, Health Promotion Capstone Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must have a current unrestricted license as an RN
- Must have graduated from an accredited school of nursing
- Must apply for admission to Emmanuel College
- Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in the prelicensure nursing courses
- Must have completed the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
- Must submit official college transcripts from the prelicensure nursing program and all colleges attended
- Must be a current citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $1,900 per 4-credit course. In addition to fees, students must purchase books and supplies.
Website: https://www.emmanuel.edu/
Address: 400 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 735-9715
Fisher College
The RN to BSN program at Fisher College is designed for the Registered Nurse learner who wants to acquire advanced knowledge and skills for practice. The curriculum builds on the RNs existing knowledge and skills and delivers new knowledge in healthcare economics, research, leadership, informatics, and population-based practice. Graduates will be prepared to meet rapid changes in healthcare and functions as leaders in the profession. They will be ready to initiate improved clinical practice outcomes, new care-delivery methodologies, pursue graduate study. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Outline
Credits: 30 credits
Duration: 5 semesters
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Introduction to Sociology: Analysis of Society in Global Perspective, General Psychology, Child Psychology, Moral Reasoning, Aesthetic Inquiry and Historical Consciousness, Theology and Religious Thought, Statistics for Nursing Professionals, Writing for Nursing Professionals
Core courses – Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice, Nursing Informatics, Physical Assessments and Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Pathophysiology and Applied Pharmacology, Nursing Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Seminar in Nursing Leadership, Population Health in the Community, RN to BSN Capstone, Social Justice, Race and Gender Issues in American Society, Introduction to Gerontology, Science Elective, Global Awareness Elective, Quantitative Reasoning/Statistics Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must submit a completed application form
- Must submit copy of current unencumbered RN license in the state of practice
- Must have graduated from an accredited school of nursing
- Must have a GPA of 2.5 on college courses
- Must have completed the prerequisite courses with a grade C or higher
- Must submit official college transcripts from all colleges attended
- Must have current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification
- Must submit a proof of health insurance
- Must complete health and immunization records
- Must complete the consent form for CORI and SORI
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $1,900 per 4-credit course. In addition to fees, students must purchase books and supplies.
Website: https://www.fisher.edu
Address: 118 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 236-8800