RN to BSN Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers below to some of the questions we’re asked most frequently.
ECU RN to BSN option was designed by and for busy working nurses. With our part-time online curriculum, experienced faculty, dedicated staff and consistent online community, you can earn your BSN degree in as little as four-semesters/16 months. With high completion rates and positive student feedback you can rest assured that you will achieve your goals at East Carolina University College of Nursing.
How long does it take to complete the RN to BSN option?
The RN to BSN option is conducted in an online format and consists of four semesters/16 months (this includes one summer session). This format has been tailored to the needs of our students, who are working nurses, allowing them to continue their professional career while excelling in our program. Some of the courses in the curriculum are accelerated, with blocked courses running for 7 weeks in the fall/spring semesters and 5 ½ weeks in the summer. Some of the courses require activities to be conducted away from the worksite and/or a community health setting but these activities can be conducted in your area. You can view our RN to BSN curriculum plan below.
Curriculum Plan
| Semester | Course(s) | Weeks | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| I (either Fall or Spring) | NURS 4901 - Nursing Research, Clinical Scholarship, and Evidence Based Practice | Semester | 5 |
| NURS 4902 - Professional Communication in Nursing | 7 Weeks | 3 | |
| NURS 4903 - Critical Thinking to Facilitate Role Transition: RN to BSN | 7 Weeks | 3 | |
| II (either Spring or Summer) | NURS 4904 - Professionalism in Baccalaureate Nursing Practice (WI) | 5 ½ or 7 Weeks | 3 |
| NURS 4905 - Nursing in a Global Society (WI) | 5 ½ or 7 Weeks | 4 | |
| III (either Summer or Fall) | NURS 4906 - Community Health Nursing (WI) | Semester | 6 |
| NURS 4907 - Nursing Leadership and Finance | 5 ½ or 7 Weeks | 3 | |
| IV (either Fall or Spring) | NURS 4908 - RN to BSN Practice Experience Capstone | Semester | 6 |
| Total Hours | 33 |
What is the cost?
Because of our quality education and low tuition rates, ECU is consistently recognized nationally as a best value online RN to BSN program. Many employers offer employee reimbursement programs that may cover all or most of the tuition costs for our RN to BSN program. Please consult your employer’s human resource department for additional information. ECU also offers financial aid, grants and nursing scholarships for our RN to BSN students.
What are the admission requirements?
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited educational institution.
- Current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina or in a NCSBON-Compact State. International applicants must validate their credentials with the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools before applying for RN licensure.
- Students must reside in and, if employed, practice in a North Carolina or an NCSBON-compact state while enrolled in the program.
- Minimum requirements as specified in the current undergraduate catalog
- Minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Grade of “C” or higher in all mathematics and science courses
- Satisfactory completion of prerequisite general education and cognate courses
How do I know if I have completed the prerequisites?
Our faculty and staff offer prospective students pre-advising services free of charge. During this process, we review your unofficial transcript to help you determine whether you have completed the needed prerequisites to enter the program. Although the Office of Undergraduate Admissions has final determination regarding transfer credits, many of our students have found this to be a helpful step in the process. Contact our program for a personalized unofficial review of your transcripts and receive specific feedback about what courses you need to compete for RN/BSN admissions. Please note that all prerequisites must be completed before you can begin the program; however, you can apply while you are completing or have completed the prerequisite courses.
How do I apply to the RN to BSN option?
The application process is a two-step process which includes submitting an application to ECU Office of Undergraduate Admissions and an application to the College of Nursing RN to BSN program as you are completing or have completed the prerequisite courses. Fall admission deadline is April 1st and Spring admission deadline is Nov 1st.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Email us or call us at 252-744-6470.