Over 70% of nurses now have bachelor's degrees in nursing (BSN) and the degree has become the preferred qualification of most healthcare employers.
Registered nurses (RNs) can gain new career opportunities by completing their bachelor's degree.
RN to BSN programs are specifically designed to help registered nurses earn the remaining credits for a bachelor's degree.
Here are some common prerequisites for RN to BSN programs.
Nursing License
As indicated by the name, RN to BSN programs are designed for registered nurses who have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and passed the NCLEX-RN exam to gain licensure.
The nursing license requirement means RN to BSN programs can assume all students will have certain educational and clinical experiences prior to entering the program.
Because nurses must complete at least an ADN before taking the NCLEX-RN exam, some prerequisites from this period are typically included as well.
Science Prerequisites
While the exact entry requirements for each program vary, science prerequisites are among the most common due to the nature of nursing practice.
Common science courses that may be required for RN to BSN programs include:
- anatomy & physiology I & II
- chemistry
- microbiology
- biology
- nutrition
It is not uncommon for programs to require students to have completed laboratory portions of classes such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology.
The science requirements of a nursing degree underpin the understanding of the human body needed for clinical healthcare.
Math Requirements
Nurses can apply mathematical skills to many tasks in the workplace. RN to BSN programs typically only request introductory math prerequisites rather than advanced math credits.
Three credits of college math are often required. Statistics are occasionally listed among prerequisites as well.
Humanities Courses
Another common category for RN to BSN prerequisites is humanities courses. Humanities broaden the scope of any education and help students think critically.
Humanities requirements vary but typical courses include:
- English I & II
- writing Composition
- communication
- history
- ethics
Humanities classes allow nursing students to master the interpersonal and communication skills needed in the workplace.
Humanities are also relevant for considering the broad or philosophical issues in clinical healthcare.
Social Science & Psychology
While the physical aspect of clinical healthcare is often emphasized, human relationships are always at the center of the practitioner-patient interaction.
Some of the required classes in social science and psychology include:
- lifespan development
- general psychology
- sociology
- public policy
- American government
Studying social science and psychology can help nurses understand both the individual patients they work with as well as the communities they are a part of.
Nurses are also directly affected by the public policies and legislative decisions of the communities they practice in.
GPA requirements
Different RN to BSN programs have different GPA requirements for entry. Depending on the school applied to, the requirement may range from 2.0 to 3.0.
A common requirement is that students have earned a C or above in core nursing courses.
Most nurses who have passed the NCLEX-RN exam have sufficient grades to qualify for a number of RN to BSN programs.
What To Do About Missing Prerequisites
In many states, articulation agreements between community colleges and state schools typically ensure that ADN program graduates meet the entry requirements for BSN programs.
In some cases, nursing students may wish to enroll in an RN to BSN program that they lack one or more prerequisites for.
There are a number of ways to deal with missing prerequisites and gain acceptance to the program of your choice.
Credit for Experience
Many RN to BSN programs offer students the chance to gain credit for experience gained in the workplace. Nurses with significant clinical experience should be particularly aware of such programs.
Typically, nurses will provide a portfolio or some form of documentation of relevant training and experience or complete a challenge test designed to assess subject mastery.
CLEP Tests
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests are standardized tests facilitated by the College Board.
CLEP tests allow students to earn credits for a passing test score in some subject areas. Students should check with each specific program to see if they accept CLEP test credits.
Students are typically not awarded a grade point average for credits earned via CLEP tests.
CLEP tests usually cost around $95 and can be an affordable way to complete missing prerequisites.
Talk to an Admissions Counselor
RN to BSN programs are designed to help nurses gain valuable workplace skills and advance their professional careers.
Registered nurses may benefit from speaking to an admissions counselor to see if the prerequisite can be built into the program or waived.
While this may not always be possible, speaking to someone from the program can help both parties understand the details of the specific situation more clearly.
Take the Course
One straightforward way of handling missing credits is to complete the course. Local community colleges or online colleges often offer the type of introductory courses that are required.
While having to complete additional classes before beginning a program can be time-consuming, it may enhance the academic experience during the RN to BSN program and provide valuable skills.
Find an RN to BSN Program
An RN to BSN program is an exciting way for nurses to take the next step in their careers. Find the perfect fit today and gain a new world of professional opportunities in healthcare.
