Online RN-BSN Completion Program (last matriculating class accepted Fall 2007)

• Online RN-BSN with a Master's Degree Option
• RN with a Non-Nursing Bachelor's Degree Graduate Entry Option

Admission Guidelines

The online RN-BSN program is available for the diploma or associate degree prepared registered nurse who wishes to earn a baccalaureate degree. A carefully created program of study provides the RN-BSN student with the right mix of courses and teaching strategies for a stimulating and opportune learning environment. The curriculum combines undergraduate and graduate internet courses with clinical practica done at sites conveniently located for the student. Because graduate coursework is incorporated into the curriculum, students who wish to continue on for a Master's degree will have some core graduate courses already completed.

The online RN-BSN program with a Master's degree option provides qualified Rush RN-BSN students with a streamlined entry into a nurse practitioner or clinical specialist graduate program. Students may apply for expedited admission to a graduate program while completing their baccalaureate degree. No additional application fee is required. The GRE is waived for those students who graduate from Rush with a GPA greater than 3.25. Additional graduate coureswork may also be taken in the RN-BSN portion of the program.

RN associate degree students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree may directly enter graduate study. Students do not have to earn a bachelor's degree or complete any undergraduate coursework in nursing prior to beginning their graduate program.

To obtain specific information on graduate programs please contact the office of College Admission Services at 312-942-7100.

Required Prerequisite Courses
The following courses must be completed, with a grade of “C” or better, prior to enrolling at Rush University.

English Composition
Two courses or documented proficiency at composition II level. Although not required, applicants are encouraged to take additional courses focusing on written communication as writing skills are essential for the successful completion of Rush’s nursing program.

Natural & Biological Sciences: 16 semester or 24 quarter hours. Science coursework must include:

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Microbiology

Science courses should be taken with a laboratory component whenever possible. Some community college introductory science classes may not be comprehensive enough to satisfy the prerequisite requirements. If you have any questions about courses please contact College Admission Services at 312-942-7100 to speak with a counselor.

Social Sciences: 14 semester or 20 quarter hours. Coursework must include:

Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Human Growth & Development, Developmental Psychology or Child Psychology
Other social science courses may include psychology, sociology, economics, history, and anthropology.

Humanities: 8 semester or 12 quarter hours.

Humanities courses include religion, philosophy, foreign languages, literature, or the history of art, music, theater, film, or dance. Studio art, instrumental music, and speech classes are not acceptable.

Statistics
An introductory course in statistics.

Mathematics
One college level mathematics course in addition to statistics

*Students may attempt to test out of these courses by taking departmental challenge exams. However, since there is a 36 quarter hour residency requirement, students may only test out of a maximum of 6 quarter hours. Contact the Associate Dean of Students in the College of Nursing at 321-942-7117 to make arrangements to take these exams. Fees for departmental exams are one-fourth of the hourly tuition cost. All fees must be paid with a check or money order prior to taking the test(s).

**Graduate courses in statistics and research may be substituted for NSG 382 for those students who are continuing into a graduate nursing program.

+These courses are offered in other quarters.