Admission Requirements
Admission to the RN-BSN Program is determined on an individual basis. The total number of students admitted to the program is based upon available facilities and faculty.
• Submit a completed Alvernia University Graduate & Continuing Studies Application Form
• Submit official transcript of high school grades or GED scores.
• Submit official transcript(s) of University and/or diploma school.
• Provide a photocopy of a current Pennsylvania Registered Nurse License.
• Provide a photocopy of a current malpractice insurance policy.
Please note that for the RN-BSN Completion Program, SAT scores and NLN competency exams are NOT required. Those applicants who begin RN-BSN courses while awaiting NCLEX-RN results may take non-clinical courses only.
Program of Study (123 credits)
The RN-BSN courses are predominantly designed to be non-sequential. Lower level science and liberal arts courses may be transferred to Alvernia from your basic entry-level program. Each RN student will be personally advised on what applies to Alvernia University's graduation requirements.
The RN is awarded 67-70 credits for a diploma or associate degree. RNs must earn an additional 53-56 credits to receive a Baccalaureate degree. Most RNs can complete the BSN within 2 years.
Lower Level Requirements (67-70 credits)
(ADN or Diploma)
Composition & Research
Physical and Biological Sciences
Social Sciences
Nursing Courses
Upper Level Core Requirements (25 credits)
Communication 3 credits
Literature 3 credits
Art/Music 3 credits
History or Social Science (possibly met in lower level) 3 credits
Mathematics (statistics required) 4 credits
Philosophy 3 credits
Philosophy/Theology 3 credits
Medical Moral Theology 3 credits
Upper Level Nursing Courses (31 credits)
NUR 300 Professional Nursing Concepts and Theories 3 credits
NUR 301 Professional Nursing I: Health Maintenance 4 credits
NUR 302 Professional Nursing II: Health Promotion 6 credits
NUR 311 Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3 credits
NUR 312 Transcultural Nursing (or three 1 credit Seminars 3 credits
NUR 403 Professional Nursing III: Health Restoration 6 credits
NUR 404 Professional Nursing IV: Leadership and Management 3 credits
NUR 408 Introduction to Research Methods 3 credits
NUR 420 End of Life Nursing Care 1 credit
NUR 421 Communication and Conflict Resolution 1 credit
NUR 422 Diabetes and Asthma Update 1 credit
Nursing Seminar Course (topics to be announced) 1 credit
Required School Nurse Certification Courses (8 credits)
NUR 410 Professional Nursing V: School Nursing
- Must be taken in the last 8 credits of the RN-BSN courses of study
- Interview and Program Coordinator approval
MED 505 Introduction to Special Needs Students
Additional Academic Progression Policies
• 45 of the last 60 credits must be taken at Alvernia University
• Minimum of 30 credits at the 300/400 level
• Community service, human diversity, and computer proficiency requirements met in major
• Both theoretical and clinical components of the professional nursing courses must be satisfactorily completed
• A grade of "C+" or better in all nursing courses in required to progress through the RN-BSN Program
• Nursing and liberal arts courses may be challenged by the University Level Examination Program (CLEP), Excelsior University Exams, and/or life experience.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Policies found in the Alvernia University Catalog, Student Handbok, and Nursing Department RN-BSN Program Student Handbook must be adhered to.
• A criminal record check and child abuse history clearance must be completed prior to entering a clinical course
• A Self Report Health Form must be completed prior to entering a clinical course
Credentials
The Alvernia University RN-BSN Completion Program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The Alvernia University Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation is an indication of public approbation, attesting to the quality of the educational program and the continued commitment of the sponsoring institution to support the program. For further information about the accreditation of the BSN Program, please contact the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education at the following address:
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530
Washington, DC 20036-1120
Graduates of the RN-BSN Program are expected to perform according to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards of Practice, The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, The ANA Code of Ethics, and the Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act.