A needed profession in need of new recruits

Nurses are in high demand. America’s aging population, an increasing focus on preventative care and wellness, recent healthcare reforms and practitioners retiring from the field are among the many factors accounting for the national shortage of registered nurses. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is widely considered a requirement for RNs seeking broader professional responsibilities and career opportunities. Our RN to BSN Completion Program is designed for registered nurses. It caters to graduates of diploma or associate degree nursing programs, whether new graduates just taking the NCLEX-RN examination or experienced RNs.


Nursing classes are primarily delivered in a 7-week module format, allowing for completion in as little as 12 months. The course content, scheduled throughout the year in a 100% online format, is taught via innovative distance education technologies and features prompt instructor accessibility. RN to BSN students also receive personalized academic coaching and support. Tuition starts at $10,000, with deferment available.


RNCareers.org, a leading nursing education resource, in its 2024 rankings. Nationally, Alvernia ranked No. 391 out of more than 1,700 nursing programs. Factors include program accreditation, tuition costs, academic excellence, faculty qualifications, student satisfaction, program offerings, career outcomes and school reputation.
 

Estimated Program LengthStudents can complete the program in one year, or proceed at their own pace.
Credit Hours123 minimum
Course Length7 weeks
Transfer Credits Accepted90
Cost per Credit$400
In This Section
Online Programs

Getting Started

Admissions Requirements

Students are admitted to Â鶹ÊÓƵ and are fully accepted in the RN to BSN Completion Program when the following documentation is submitted:

  • RN to BSN Completion Program application
  • Official transcript of college and/or diplomas school
  • Students may be admitted to the RN to BSN Completion Program prior to passing the NCLEX; however, before registering for NUR 403 and 405, a qualifying Registered Nurse License is required.


Additional Academic Progression Policies:

  • Both theoretical and clinical components of the professional nursing courses must be satisfactorily completed
  • A grade of "C" or better in all nursing courses is required to progress through the RN to BSN Completion Program
Application Instructions

To apply:

  • Speak to an enrollment counselor
  • Complete an application
  • Provide evidence of high school completion/graduation. Documentation may include high school transcript, diploma, GED scores, or equivalent.*
  • Submit official transcripts of all previous college work (if applicable)
Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Online Learners
Online Learning Benefits
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers a growing number of online programs to advance your career or prepare you for a new one.
• Online learning with Alvernia offers a high-quality education at an affordable price, with the flexibility to study at your own pace.
• Alvernia's rolling admissions policy allows you to apply at any time. The university continually accepts and reviews applications to fit your schedule, with many programs offering starts throughout the year.
• As an Alvernia online student, you’ll have access to an array of resources including our online bookstore, online library and our Office of Career Development.


Program Overview

Curriculum

The online RN to BSN program includes a total of 123 credits. The Liberal Arts Core consists of 27 credits, and upper-level nursing courses make up 31 credits. General elective courses make up the remaining credits necessary for program completion. Typically, nursing students transfer in 90 credits toward the 123 credits.


Credit Breakdown

  • Diploma or ADN: up to 90 transfer credits
  • Alvernia's Requirements: 33 of the last 60 credits must be taken at Â鶹ÊÓƵ & a minimum of 30 Alvernia credits at the 300+ level.
     

Liberal Arts Core (27 Credits)

  • Composition and Research (3 credits)
  • Communication (3 credits)
  • Art/Music (3 credits)
  • Literature (3 credits)
  • Mathematics - statistics required (3 credits)
  • History or Social Science (3 credits)
  • Philosophy (3 credits)
  • Philosophy/Theology (3 credits)
  • Medical Moral Theology (3 credits)
     

Upper Level Nursing Courses (31 credits)

  • NUR 303 Preparation for Professional Writing: 1 credit
  • NUR 307 Concepts and Theories: 3 credits
  • NUR 316 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan for Professional Nurses: 3 credits
  • NUR 318 Developing Cultural Competency and Global Awareness: 3 credits
  • NUR 320 Introduction to Healthcare Informatics: 3 credits
  • NUR 403 Health Restoration in the Aging Population: 6 credits**
  • NUR 405 Health Promotion in Families and Communities: 6 credits**
  • NUR 411 Nursing Leadership and Management: 3 credits
  • NUR 419 Research Methods for Professional Nurses: 3 credits
     

Online class format, MOD schedule

  • Six out of the nine upper-level nursing courses are delivered in an online format in a seven-week modular schedule. 100% of the course content is taught via innovative distance education technologies.


**Includes practice project

In accordance with USDE Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v): The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Nursing Curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification for all 50 states in the United States.

Experiential Learning Opportunities
  • Community agency networking
  • International real-world learning immersion experience (Ireland)
Program Accreditation
  • The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Â鶹ÊÓƵ is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ().
  • Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Career Outlook

The RN to BSN Completion Program will prepare you for a variety of careers, including:

  • Emergency Room Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • Nurse Care Manager
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Nurse Navigator
  • Trauma Nurse
  • Staff Nurse
  • Nurse Educator in Collegiate setting


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $77,600.

Jennifer Haraschak
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