RN to BSN

Overview

Go further as a working nurse.

Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN at Notre Dame College Online.

Designed for working nurses, the online CCNE-Accredited RN to BSN degree program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization.

Topics of Study

An advanced curriculum allows you to hone your expertise as a medical professional. You will study key topics like:

• Health promotion and education
• Nurse informatics
• Evidence-based practice
• Gerontological nursing
• Health care policy
• Community and population nursing
• Leadership and management

You will also participate in a capstone course, allowing the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice and gain practical training in the field.

Notre Dame College Online offers you an exceptional experience in the digital classroom. Small class sizes, personalized attention and instruction from faculty with years of training in the field mean an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

When you graduate, you will be well equipped to take on greater roles of responsibility and influence in the workforce. The online RN to BSN prepares you for management and leadership roles, policy development and advanced academic study.

Because online RN to BSN is offered in a fully digital format, you will be able to earn your degree on a schedule that fits your life. The program features a generous transfer credit policy and can be completed in as little as 18 months.

The RN to BSN is Designed For:

• Current nurses who hold an active RN license
• Individuals with some college experience who wish to finish a four-year degree
• Working adults who want to earn their degree while maintaining employment

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Notre Dame College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Why Notre Dame College

Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a small yet vibrant liberal arts Catholic college. We are committed to offering world-class learning both on campus and online with student success as our top priority. Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our variety of degree programs, expert instructors and continuous support of our students. Whether you learn on campus in Ohio or in one of our flexible online degree programs, you’ll experience the exceptional education Notre Dame College is known for.

Courses & Requirements

Your course of study at Notre Dame College Online will help you earn the credential you need to take the next step in your career. Our online RN-BSN program requires completion of a minimum of 35 credits in fulfillment of degree requirements, 29 of these credits in upper division nursing courses.

A registered nurse seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will meet degree requirements in two ways: through course transfer credits and by completing courses to satisfy remaining credit hour requirements. All previous course work will be evaluated and applied toward degree requirements where applicable. Nursing program requirements build upon general education and core course requirements to meet the credit hour requirement of the bachelor’s degree. Students are awarded block credit for completion of prior nursing courses of 30–34 credit hours depending on credits completed in the pre-licensure associate degree or diploma program.

Upper Division Nursing Program Requirements (29 hours)

The following courses must be taken at NDC Online:

Course	Description	Credits
NR 300	Professional Transitions Didactic with three class hours/week. Introduction to the philosophy and curriculum framework for BSN completion program. Theoretical foundations of nursing practice are presented. Systems theory and complexity theory are introduced. Process of values clarification is introduced. Current nursing issues are discussed. Examines scope and standards for the nursing profession and ethical issues related to the practice of nursing. Law regulating the practice of nursing is reviewed. Current, valid license as a registered nurse and evidence of satisfactory completion of an accredited diploma or associate of science in nursing program are required. Prerequisites: Admission to the RN-BSN Program.	3
NR 305	Health Promotion & Education This course assists the student in developing skills necessary to influence health behaviors in self and others. Determinants of health, wellness, illness and disability across the lifespan will be examined. Students will explore environmental, sociocultural, economic and political factors contributing to effective health behaviors. Theoretical models of health behavior and principles of teaching/learning will be utilized to address health education needs across the lifespan.	3
NR 310	Evidence-Based Practice Didactic with three class hours/week. Sources, levels and strength of evidence for best practice are reviewed. Process for critiquing evidence is discussed. Methods and tools for implementation of evidence-based practice to achieve optimal patient outcomes are examined. Relationship of health care policy to evidence-based practice is discussed. Service learning required in this course. Prerequisites: NR 300 (or concurrent) for students enrolled in the Post-Licensure RN-BSN track.	3
NR 391	Special Topics: Nursing Informatics This course is designed to examine computer technology and health information systems by successfully managing data, information, knowledge and technology to provide safe and effective patient care. The utilization of tools, databases, Internet and the World Wide Web is explored to further enhance the quality of patient care and inform practice decisions. A focus on data management, telecommunication, legal and ethical issues and educational applications are discussed within the course and how they impact nursing administration, evidence based research as well as the future of nursing. Actual problem-solving, computer competencies and web-based projects will be emphasized and how they can be used to improve the efficiency of the nursing care delivery system. Prerequisites: NR 300 for RN-BSN program students; Junior or Senior standing for pre-licensure BSN students.	3
NR 410	Health Care Policy in Complex Adaptive Systems Didactic with three class hours/week. Analyses of economic, legal and social factors impacting health care policies. Discussion of relationship between emerging social issues/trends and health care disparities. Discussion of social justice and equity in access and delivery of health care services. Opportunities are provided to participate in political processes impacting nursing and health care policy. Service learning required in this course. Prerequisites: NR 300 (or concurrent) for students enrolled in the Post-Licensure RN-BSN track.	3
NR 425	Community & Population Nursing Practice Introduces concepts and strategies to promote culturally sensitive care for communities and populations. Diversity and culture are examined in relation to social systems and patterns of interconnected relationships. Epidemiological concepts are integrated throughout. Examines the role of the nurse in caring for communities and populations. Emergency preparedness and bioterrorism are introduced. Collaboration and coordination with community members and agencies is emphasized. Prerequisites: NR 300 or concurrent.	3
NR 455	Gerontological Nursing Didactic course with three class hours per week. Study of theories of aging and systems impacting older adults. Literature, art and/or film are used as mediums to examine issues related to aging. Discussion of end-of-life concepts and theories. Examines responses of the older adult in health and illness from an interdisciplinary perspective. Prerequisites: NR 300 (or concurrent) for students enrolled in the Post-Licensure RN-BSN track.	3
NR 460	Health Care Leadership & Management Didactic course with three class hours/week. Exploration of leadership and management theories/ concepts applied to the role of the nurse as a leader, manager and coordinator of care. Examines concepts and theories related to negotiation, conflict management and delegation. Legal implications of documentation and delegation are emphasized. Strategies to improve cost, safety and quality of care, based on evidence-based practice, are applied within complex adaptive health care systems. Prerequisites: NR 300 (or concurrent).	3
NR 464	RN-BSN Capstone Practicum Didactic with one class hour/week, two class seminar hours/week and 90 clinical practice experience hours. This course provides an integrated experience with opportunities to apply baccalaureate level nursing competencies. Role development of the baccalaureate nurse is stressed. Students develop an individualized program of study to integrate concepts/theories of the nursing program into their professional practice. The capstone includes a clinical practice experience consisting of the development, implementation and evaluation of a clinically focused project. Prerequisites: Open to students in the RN-BSN track only. Completion of all required courses; consideration may be given if student has no more than three credit hours remaining towards the degree.	5

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the RN to BSN online program must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing
2. Hold an active RN license in their state of residence
3. Must have completed prerequisite and support courses with a grade of C or higher

How to Apply

Students applying for admission to the online RN to BSN must submit the following materials:

1. A complete online application
2. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
3. Verification of an active RN license in the state of residence

Costs & Financial Aid

Notre Dame College Online features a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.

Outcomes & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be a successful online student?

Online students are exceptionally self-motivated. They demonstrate determination, discipline and a willingness to fulfill their commitments. Be prepared to devote a significant amount of time each week to your classes. Engage in discussion, meet your deadlines and communicate with your advisor if you have questions or concerns. These habits will help you move successfully through our programs.

Can I afford Notre Dame College Online?

Yes! Notre Dame College Online recognizes the importance of an affordable education, and we strive to ensure your financial situation is not a boundary when it comes to your career success. Refer to our Financial Aid page to learn more about how to pay for your degree.

What is FAFSA and how can it help me fund my education?

The Free Application for Free Student Aid determines your eligibility for financial aid programs, such as loans and grants. It helps identify the types of aid you may receive, such as federal and state grants, work study programs and low interest loans. We strongly recommend you fill out your FAFSA form each year to help identify which financial aid opportunities may be available to you.