Offered at the following campuses:

• Online

Accelerate your healthcare career with our RN to BSN program.

Demand for nurses with bachelor's degrees is on the rise. In many healthcare settings, having a bachelor's degree is now a requirement. If you're already an RN, Sullivan University offers an accelerated path for you if you want increase your workplace marketability.

As a degree completion program, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum includes general studies, all or most of which may have been completed at the associate level, "block" credit for completion of an Associate in Nursing degree, as well as theoretical courses in upper division nursing. No clinical experiences are required.

Degrees Offered:

• Bachelor of Science Degree

Get to know the program.

Marilyn Musacchio is the dean of the program, and Gail Sprigler is the academic coordinator.

What type of person would this program appeal to?

If you're a licensed registered nurse graduate of an associate degree or hospital-based diploma nursing program and you are interested in pursuing a BSN to meet increasing requirements of leadership roles in nursing, the RN to BSN program is designed for you. Increasingly health care agencies, particularly acute care hospitals, now require a BSN for all newly hired registered nurses, or they require it to be completed within 5 years. Applicants are required to have an unencumbered RN license in the United States and must have at least one year of RN work experience prior to starting nursing core courses, in addition to other prerequisite requirements.

What specific skills or knowledge are taught in the program?

The curriculum and student learning outcomes are based on national standards for professional nursing practice, including the following:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice
• Quality and Safety Education for Nurses Institute Competencies
• National League for Nursing Competencies for Graduates of Baccalaureate Programs
• American Nurses Association Standard and Scope of Practice

The program will prepare you to engage in the practice of nursing in complex and dynamic healthcare settings to provide competent, compassionate care to diverse individuals, families, communities and populations. Once you graduate, you'll be prepared to provide leadership for the delivery of evidence-based nursing care, committed to safety, quality and effectiveness.

Furthermore, you'll gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for commitment to life-long learning and professional development. Nursing core courses provide content beyond that of basic pre-licensure education programs and focus on the expanded role of the baccalaureate prepared nurse. Examples include expanded content in community health and family nursing, and leadership and management in nursing. Additionally, coursework is designed to provide you with essential skills to pursue graduate studies in Nursing.

What are potential jobs or employment settings for graduates?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses will continue to grow faster than most other occupations through 2020. Baccalaureate (BSN) prepared registered nurses are prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings including acute care hospitals, multiple community-based settings, long term care, and rehabilitation hospitals. Furthermore, you'll be prepared to assume a variety of roles within the healthcare system including direct patient care, care and case management, nursing management, staff and patient education, research support and others.

What is the most important or unique aspect about this program?

Sullivan University's RN to BSN programs provides an opportunity for registered nurses with an associate degree or hospital-based diploma in nursing to easily transition into a baccalaureate degree and acquire the additional knowledge and skills necessary to excel and advance in today's healthcare industry. The unique online approach allows you to focus on one nursing course at a time and to complete the baccalaureate degree in a reasonable period of time, without duplication of course work. The accelerated format for course sequencing is student-centered and based on the knowledge that learners today are self-directed and active participants in the learning process. You are encouraged and supported in a creative approach to learning that develops independent, critical thinking and leadership characteristics.

Earning the BSN degree expands your opportunities for professional and career advancement, including continued education at the graduate level and specialty certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center; greater opportunities for leadership and supervisory positions; and opportunities for employment in a wider variety of clinical settings.

What are good resources for finding out more on this career field?

• Johnson & Johnson's Discover Nursing: http://www.discovernursing.com/
• The American Nursing Association: http://www.nursingworld.org
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing: http://www.aacn.nche.edu
• National League for Nursing: http://www.nln.org

Program Success

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NURSING DEGREE

Time length for program completion will vary depending upon the number of courses taken per term, developmental courses when required, transfer credit accepted, lack of continuous enrollment, etc.

Those who lack one or more required general studies courses must complete them as prerequisites to upper-level nursing courses.

*Courses subject to change.

For more information about program successes in graduation rates, placement rates and occupations.