The RN to BSN program provides a unique, flexible, cohort approach to learning for non-traditional students who have graduated from accredited associate degree programs and are licensed as Registered Nurses. This innovative hybrid classroom/online nursing curriculum is offered as 7-week blocked courses whereby students can choose a part-time track of 1 course each block or a full-time track of 2 courses per block. The program provides a foundation for professional nursing practice and will equip students for further learning opportunities in graduate study and advance practice.
Upon admission to the program, all appropriate community college courses with a C or better will be accepted for transfer into Longwood University. Additional general education courses will be required in order to complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. These courses can be taken either at Longwood University or any regionally accredited institution. A valid and current license as a Registered Nurse, plus the experience that comes from full time nursing practice is recognized in the “experiential” credits awarded in the RN to BSN program. In order to receive these credits, applicants must have at least 6 months full time work experience with plans to continue in concurrent practice during the program and provide the documented evidence of work history and professional competency. Credit will be awarded upon the successful completion of the required portfolio. Credit for experiential learning is not transferable to a traditional degree program. Complete guidelines for seeking approval for experiential learning credits are found on the nursing department website (http://www.longwood.edu/nursing/student-resources/rn-to-bsn-program/)
Additional criteria for admission to the Longwood University RN to BSN Degree Completion Program are:
- A minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 is required for admission. For students who have not attended college within the past 5 years, conditional admission may be granted if GPA is <2.5. Full admission will be considered upon satisfactory completion of 6 credit hours of nursing coursework with C or better.
- Unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse.
- Graduates of foreign nursing schools, who are licensed outside of the United States, are required to pass the Qualifying Exam of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) prior to application and include the exam report with their application materials.
- Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the RN to BSN director to review transcripts and provide academic advising prior to applying.
The deadline for applications is November 1 for spring admission and June 1 for fall admission. Applications are processed on a rolling admission basis until the class fills. Applicants who apply prior to the deadline will be given first consideration.
Academic Progression
A minimum grade of C- must be earned in every pre/co-requisite to nursing courses, and all courses listed under the nursing major requirements. Students must maintain an overall G.P.A. of at least 2.0 or C to remain in good academic standing.
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