The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) completion program at the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and Health Sciences is for students who are registered nurses (RN) with an associate degree or diploma. Graduates of this program earn the BSN degree and are prepared to obtain or maintain a leadership position; and pursue education beyond the baccalaureate level, if so desired.
This program is online with some clinical experiences in a healthcare or community setting where the student is geographically located. Students may choose to attend full-time or part-time. The full-time program of study can be completed in two semesters and the part-time program of study in four semesters. Students who are not registered nurses but are seeking to earn the BSN should choose the Bachelor of Science in Nursing pre-licensure program.
100
Online
Top Ranked Program
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Employment Rate for 2023
Why Choose the RN to BSN Online at DSU?
The nursing faculty members have expertise in various nursing specialties and are committed to providing a high-quality education in the classroom, online, and in the clinical environment. In addition to participating in clinical practice at many of the surrounding healthcare agencies, faculty members integrate simulation into the teaching/learning process to explain nursing concepts and care for diverse individuals and populations.
- Applications accepted year round
- Students are admitted in the program during the fall term
- Full time students complete nursing courses in 2 semesters
- Flexible and part-time course scheduling available
- Online program and course orientation
- Clinical experiences in student’s geographical location
- Test free validation credit/transfer credit
- Non-degree seeking option
- Student advisement available online or by phone
- CCNE accredited
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Delta State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
”I always knew that I wanted to further my nursing career. While working, I needed a program that was completely online. After much research, Delta State has such a renowned nursing program and has the most promising goals in the RN-BSN program! Delta State has given me the best opportunity to advance my career.
Taryn Wood, RN to BSN majorClass of 2022
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?
Nursing is a profession that offers more career choices than ever before in locations throughout the country. There is a nursing career option in almost every type of work environment: hospital, clinic, academic, industrial, administrative, laboratory, government, military, aviation, computer, sports, etc. Here are just a few of those choices:
- Critical Care Nurse
- Emergency Room Nurse
- Flight Nurse
- Home Care Nurse
- Industry Nurse
- Infection Control Nurse
- Medical-Surgical Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- OR/Recovery Nurse
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse
- Obstetric Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
- School Nurse
Nursing Scholarships
Delta State’s RN to BSN program is more affordable than many of its contemporaries offering similar opportunities. At DSU, we’re going to automatically consider you for scholarships. Some scholarships you may be considered for include opportunities for nursing majors, students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, residents of Mississippi, students who plan to work in the state of Mississippi post-graduation, minorities, and more. Students may also be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities.
Program Goals
The Robert E. Smith School of Nursing’s goal is for Bachelor of Science in Nursing students to leave with their degree feeling skilled, confident, and equipped to deal with real-world situations. Our team of faculty and staff members work to ensure that our students are prepared to meet employment needs of healthcare agencies.
- Prepare associate degree nurses by expanding knowledge and skills in nursing assessment, community health and management-utilizing evidence-based practice, health policy and informatics to deliver safe, competent care.
- Prepare associate degree nurses to provide nursing care in collaboration with other health care providers, patients, families, and communities to promote health and disease prevention.
- Prepare graduate to pursue education beyond the baccalaureate level.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students can expect to achieve specific outcomes from the program. These outcomes combine to ensure that the student is qualified to meet professional standards of nursing care.
- Apply nursing, natural, and behavioral science concepts to the practice of nursing.
- Utilize the nursing process and standards of care to deliver safe, comprehensive nursing care to diverse clients in a collaborative environment.
- Practice as self-directed nursing leader who is accountable to self, society, and the evolving nursing profession.
- Utilize research in the delivery of health care.
- Advocate for improvement in healthcare through participation in professional and political processes.
- Provide individualized nursing care that focuses on health promotion and disease and injury prevention.
- Apply information and patient care technology to improve healthcare delivery from an interdisciplinary approach.
Admission Requirements
- Apply to Delta State University and meet admission requirements as outlined in the Delta State University Undergraduate Bulletin.
- Submit the following information to the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing by February 15 prior to the semester of enrollment.
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- Robert E. Smith School of Nursing RN/BSN Completion Program application.
- Demonstrate an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher in the nursing major.
- Demonstrate a C or better in all pre-requisites for the nursing major.
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended. A student entering Robert E. Smith School of Nursing who wants to receive credit for prior nursing course(s) from another program must submit a request and credit be negotiated before admission to the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing and not after the student is enrolled.
- Progress report of academic standing for any required course(s) in progress at date of application. A report form is included in the application packet.
- A copy of a current unencumbered registered nurse license to practice in the state in which the student will perform clinical.
- Students must be graduates of an accredited program.
- All students must comply with Mississippi legislative statues and regulations regarding criminal background checks by having fingerprints taken and a criminal background check completed. Any cost of this requirement will be the student’s responsibility.
- After being accepted for admission, each student will be required to submit a completed health and immunization form provided by the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, evidence of personal health insurance and Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers.
Test-free Validation Credit/Transfer Credit
- Credit is awarded to Registered Nurses admitted to the program for comparable prerequisite courses from accredited colleges and universities. Students may transfer approved online course credits.
- Validation credit of 39 hours for other nursing courses (taken in an associate or diploma program) equitable to DSU nursing courses will be awarded after the student successfully completes NUR 311, NUR 331, NUR 312 and NUR 358.
Non-degree Seeking Options
Prior to admission, students may enroll as non-degree seeking (ND) students in NUR 311, NUR 331, NUR 312 and NUR 320. Upon successful completion of these courses and admission to the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing, students may apply course credit toward the RN-BSN program.
Curriculum
Non-Nursing (pre-requisite) Support Courses
All non-nursing (pre-requisite) support courses must be passed with a “C” or better.
| Courses | Credits Hours |
| BIO 230: Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 231: Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| BIO 217: Microbiology | 4 |
| CIS 205: Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| COM 101: Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENG 101: English Composition | 3 |
| ENG 102: English Composition | 3 |
| FCS 345: Nutrition | 3 |
| Fine Arts Elective (ART 101, 212, 401, 402; MUS 114, 115, 116, 117) | 3 |
| History Elective (101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202) | 3 |
| Human Development/Behavioral Science Elective (PSY 307, PSY 313, PSY 403, FCS 326, CEL 300) | 3 |
| Literature (ENG 201, 203, 205, 206, other approved literature) | 3 |
| MAT 103: Quantitative Reasoning or MAT 104 College Algebra (MAT 104 required for DSU) | 3 |
| PSY 101: General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 101: Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| Humanities Elective (Additional Fine Arts; Additional History; Additional Literature; or Introduction to Philosophy) | 3 |
| Statistics (MAT 115, MAT 300, PSY 331) | 3 |
RN-to-BSN, Plan of Study – Full-time
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| NUR 311 | Comprehensive Health Assessment | 2.5 |
| NUR 331 | Comprehensive Health Assessment Practicum | .5 |
| NUR 312 | Basic Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 358 | Transition to Professional Nursing | 4 |
| NUR 403 | Community/Public Health Nursing | 2.5 |
| NUR 443 | Community/Public Health Nursing Practicum | 1.5 |
| TOTAL | 14 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| NUR 309 | Nursing Research/Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| NUR 314 | Health Policy and Ethical Decision Making | 2 |
| NUR 320 | Nursing Informatics | 2 |
| NUR 402 | Nursing Leadership and Management | 3 |
| NUR 442 | Nursing Leadership and Management Practicum | 3 |
| TOTAL | 13 | |
RN-to-BSN, Plan of Study – Part-time
Fall Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| NUR 311 | Comprehensive Health Assessment | 2.5 |
| NUR 331 | Comprehensive Health Assessment Practicum | .5 |
| NUR 312 | Basic Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NUR 358 | Transition to Professional Nursing | 4 |
| NUR 403 | Community/Public Health Nursing | 2.5 |
| NUR 443 | Community/Public Health Nursing Practicum | 1.5 |
| TOTAL | 14 | |
Spring Semester
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| NUR 309 | Nursing Research/Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| NUR 314 | Health Policy and Ethical Decision Making | 2 |
| NUR 320 | Nursing Informatics | 2 |
| NUR 402 | Nursing Leadership and Management | 3 |
| NUR 442 | Nursing Leadership and Management Practicum | 3 |
| TOTAL | 13 | |
Degree Requirements
Maintain an overall quality point average of 2.0 each semester in the School of Nursing.
Maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all nursing courses.*
*For students in any nursing program, the university grade forgiveness policy will not apply to courses with an NUR prefix.
| General Education | 41 |
| Special Degree Requirements | 13 |
| Major | 66 |
| TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | 120 |
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.
Fees
Tuition at DSU covers the cost of classes.
RN-BSN Course/Lab Fees (2024-2025)
Course/Lab fees for the RN to BSN program are $364.00. See below the specific courses/lab fee breakdown by semester.
Fall Semester
| Courses | Cost |
| NUR 311 | $0 |
| NUR 331 | $0 |
| NUR 312 | $0 |
| NUR 358 | $90 |
| NUR 403 | $0 |
| NUR 443 | $100 |
| TOTAL | $190 |
Spring Semester
| Courses | Cost |
| NUR 309 | $0 |
| NUR 314 | $0 |
| NUR 402 | $0 |
| NUR 442 | $104 |
| NUR 320 | $70 |
| TOTAL | $174 |
