A needed profession in need of new recruits

Nurses are in high demand. America’s aging population, an increasing focus on preventative care and wellness, recent healthcare reforms and practitioners retiring from the field are among the many factors accounting for the national shortage of registered nurses. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is widely considered a requirement for RNs seeking broader professional responsibilities and career opportunities. Our RN to BSN Completion Program — now housed in the John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing — is designed for registered nurses. It caters to graduates of diploma or associate degree nursing programs, whether new graduates just taking the NCLEX-RN examination or experienced RNs.


Nursing classes are primarily delivered in a 7-week module format, allowing for completion in as little as 12 months. The course content, scheduled throughout the year in a 100% online format, is taught via innovative distance education technologies and features prompt instructor accessibility. RN to BSN students also receive personalized academic coaching and support. Tuition starts at $10,000, with deferment available.
 

Estimated Program Length1-2 years
Credit Hours123 minimum
Course Length7 weeks
Transfer Credits Accepted90
Cost per Credit$400*


*Tuition rate beginning in Spring 2024

Adult Education Programs

Getting Started

Admissions Requirements

Students are admitted to Alvernia University and are fully accepted in the RN to BSN Completion Program when the following documentation is submitted:

  • RN to BSN Completion Program application
  • Official transcript of college and/or diplomas school
  • Students may be admitted to the RN to BSN Completion Program prior to passing the NCLEX; however, before registering for NUR 403 and 405, a qualifying Registered Nurse License is required.


Additional Academic Progression Policies:

  • Both theoretical and clinical components of the professional nursing courses must be satisfactorily completed
  • A grade of "C" or better in all nursing courses is required to progress through the RN to BSN Completion Program
Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, January, March, May, and July).


Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation.


Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.


To get started, visit our Adult Education Application page for a list of instructions and documents needed.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Adult student at graduation
Longtime nurse returns to complete BSN
Alvernia graduate Cynthia Truscott '18 is proud of her accomplishments and what she has been able to provide for her family. The single mother of three adult children attended nursing school years ago and worked as a nurse for over 35 years.


Program Overview

Curriculum

Our engaging, dynamic faculty members are the heart of Alvernia University. The program's faculty is comprised of accomplished full-time and adjunct professors from diverse nursing fields. Faculty members provide personal support to RN to BSN Completion Program degree students, and a team of professionals is available to help students with the online classroom environment.


The RN to BSN courses are predominantly designed to be non-sequential. Lower-level science and liberal arts courses may be transferred to Alvernia University from your basic entry-level program. Each student will be personally advised on what applies to Alvernia University’s graduation requirements.


Credit Breakdown:

  • Diploma or ADN: up to 90 transfer credits
  • Alvernia's Requirements: 33 of the last 60 credits must be taken at Alvernia University & a minimum of 30 Alvernia credits at the 300+ level.
     

Liberal Arts Core (27 Credits):

  • Composition and Research (3 credits)
  • Communication (3 credits)
  • Art/Music (3 credits)
  • Literature (3 credits)
  • Mathematics - statistics required (3 credits)
  • History or Social Science (3 credits)
  • Philosophy (3 credits)
  • Philosophy/Theology (3 credits)
  • Medical Moral Theology (3 credits)
     

Upper Level Nursing Courses (31 credits):

  • NUR 303 Preparation for Professional Writing: 1 credit
  • NUR 307 Concepts and Theories: 3 credits
  • NUR 316 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan for Professional Nurses: 3 credits
  • NUR 318 Developing Cultural Competency and Global Awareness: 3 credits
  • NUR 320 Introduction to Healthcare Informatics: 3 credits
  • NUR 403 Health Restoration in the Aging Population: 6 credits**
  • NUR 405 Health Promotion in Families and Communities: 6 credits**
  • NUR 411 Nursing Leadership and Management: 3 credits
  • NUR 419 Research Methods for Professional Nurses: 3 credits
     

Online class format, MOD schedule

  • Six out of the nine upper-level nursing courses are delivered in an online format in a seven-week modular schedule. 100% of the course content is taught via innovative distance education technologies.


**Includes practice project

In accordance with USDE Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v): The Alvernia University Nursing Curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification for all 50 states in the United States.

Experiential Learning Opportunities
  • Community agency networking
  • International real-world learning immersion experience (Ireland)
Program Accreditation
Career Outlook

The RN to BSN Completion Program will prepare you for a variety of careers, including:

  • Emergency Room Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Nurse Care Manager
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Nurse Navigator
  • Trauma Nurse
  • Staff Nurse
  • Nurse Educator in Collegiate setting


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $77,600.


Get To Know Your Faculty (Alphabetical)