Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.

Jan. 13, 2025

Next Start Date

Courses Required

$567

Cost Per Credit Hour
Military Pricing Applies

28-30

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Format

Advance Your Nursing Career

The online RN to BSN degree program, offered by the School of Nursing, offers licensed registered nurses the opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). Research shows that nurses with a BSN degree have better patient outcomes. In addition, earning your BSN is one of the best things you can do for your nursing career, as there is more opportunity for advancement with this degree. You could enter a graduate nursing program, move into administration or teaching, or eventually become a nurse specialist. With our degree, earning your BSN is now easier than ever and all students pay in-state tuition rates. You can complete your degree in three semesters, once you meet general education requirements.

Nursing student standing in a hallway.

The WVU School of Nursing RN to BSN program offers licensed registered nurses who are graduates of diploma and associate degree nursing programs the opportunity to complete requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). The online RN-BSN program is designed for completion in three semesters of study once all general education requirements are completed. All nursing courses are offered online, and a total of 28 credits of nursing coursework are required to complete the RN-BSN program.

Students are admitted during the Fall, Spring or Summer terms. Registered nurses are admitted directly into the School of Nursing with 50 credit hours of undifferentiated nursing credit. The RN-BSN program requires 28-30 credit hours of nursing coursework which can be completed in three semesters (full-time) and six semesters (part-time). To complete the 120 credit hours required for the degree, students will have to meet all of WVU’s general education requirements. The specific number required will be determined after an evaluation of the applicant’s transcript, as additional courses may be required.

Read About No. 1 RN-BSN Program in WV

All students must meet the WVU residency requirement, which states that students must complete the last 30 credits earned toward the Bachelor’s degree at WVU in order to qualify for the degree. Thus, students not needing additional general education foundation (GEF) courses would take 28 credits of nursing courses and an additional 2-credit elective from WVU to meet the residency requirement for graduation.

In compliance with the Washington State Nursing Commission regulations, WVU cannot accept students who are residents of Washington into our online Nursing programs at this time.

All students pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency.

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Jessica is here to help.

Jessica Carr, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

"As a graduate of WVU, I look forward to helping future students begin their own journeys to becoming a Mountaineer. At WVU Online, we are eager to guide you through the enrollment process with ease and want to provide you with the information and resources you need to be successful. Online degrees give everyone an opportunity to further their education and I can’t wait to help you do just that."

Learn More About Jessica Request Information

Contact

Email: Jessica.Carr1@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: (304) 293-6841
Virtual Session: Schedule a virtual session with me

Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N. Admission Requirements

Diploma or associate's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program
Minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.5 on all college-level work ever attempted.

Applicants with a GPA of below 2.5 may be considered for provisional admission on a case-by-case basis. Consideration for provisional admission may include the number of seats available in the program and the number of hours completed in previous degree programs.
Once admitted, students must maintain a nursing GPA of at least 2.5. Students who do not maintain a nursing GPA of at least 2.5 will be placed on academic notice for two semesters. Students who do not raise their nursing GPA to at least 2.5 after two semesters on academic notice will be dismissed from the School of Nursing.

Unrestricted license to practice nursing

All registered nurses will transfer 50 hours of undifferentiated nursing credit based on RN licensure. All RN to BSN students will be required to meet WVU's General Education Foundations (GEF) requirements (the University waives the GEF requirements for those with a previous bachelor's degree, Associate of Arts degree, or Associate of Science degree, but the student is still required to complete nursing general education requirements). Advisors will work with students to identify courses already appearing on the transcript that meet GEF requirements and develop a plan to fulfill any remaining requirements. RN to BSN general education requirements, regarding of University GEF credit requirements, include ENGL 101, ENGL 102, and STAT 211.

For example:

120 credits (minimum required to graduate)
-50 undifferentiated nursing credits for RN license
70 credits remaining
-30 credits RN-BSN nursing courses (See program of study)
40 general education credits remaining*

*General education credits may be fulfilled by course work from associate degrees or other college work completed at regionally accredited colleges or universities. For more information about General Education Foundations; see link GEF Requirements. For more information about course equivalence please see the following website: Transfer Course Equivalency System.

PLEASE NOTE: The last consecutive 30 enrolled credits must be taken at WVU in order to meet residency requirements for graduation.

Direct and indirect clinical experiences are included in WVU School of Nursing RN-to-BSN courses. Clinical assignments are designed to enrich course work and differ from pre-licensure clinical assignments. The purpose of these clinical experiences is to advance professional growth and assist students in demonstrating proficiencies essential to BSN-prepared nursing practice. Clinical experiences include assessing and providing interventions for individuals, families, and communities; communicating and collaborating in an interprofessional manner; and designing and disseminating an evidenced-based nursing practice plan to address a health issue or problem in a community or acute care setting.

Apply To WVU

Once you have reviewed the qualifications you can begin the application process. Below is a button that will take you to the WVU Online application page. To get started you'll first need to create an account on that page. Once you have done so, click "Start Application" and review your admission type prior to completing enrollment information. For type of student, please choose Health Sciences Transfer. The application and all supporting materials must be received by the following dates:

The application period for the Spring (January) term will open on May 1 and close on November 1. All transcripts must be received no later than November 15.
The application period for the Summer term will open on September 1 and close on March 1. All transcripts must be received no later than March 15.
The application period for the Fall term will open on December 1 and close on July 1. All transcripts must be received no later than July 15.

Application Requirements

Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU), or high school transcripts if fewer than 24 college credits be sent to:

WVU Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 6009
Morgantown, WV 26506-6009
or
Email: WVUadmissions@mail.wvu.edu

Note: Students who have been dismissed from any nursing program (WVU or otherwise) are ineligible for admission to any of the WVU BSN programs; however, students who have received degrees or additional credentialing post-academic dismissal from a nursing program are eligible for admission to the BS/BA to RN, RN to BSN, or graduate programs provided that they meet all other admission requirements and based on space available.

Apply Now

Melanie Whelan profile image.

Melanie Whelan

Master of Science In Nursing

"I strive to learn and implement active teaching methods that engage students and help them to be successful in a rigorous academic program."

Melanie Whelan always wanted to be a teacher, but when she was trying to decide what her college major would be, teaching positions were difficult to obtain in West Virginia.

"I knew I wanted to stay in West Virginia, and after talking with individuals who were nurses, I found that teaching is an important part of being a nurse," she says.

"One of the most important interventions nurses can complete is educating our patients."

Melanie currently teaches in the WVU School of Nursing and is based at the Charleston Division in West Virginia.

"In the RN to BSN program, our students are non-traditional and have various work/life schedules," she says. "A typical Monday thru Friday, 8 am to 4 pm schedule does not provide the flexibility non-traditional students need. I try to be available to meet with students during evening hours and check my email most weekends."

She describes herself as a student-centered instructor.

"I strive to learn and implement active teaching methods that engage students and help them to be successful in a rigorous academic program."

"I also provide students with my office and cell phone numbers so they can contact me whenever they need assistance. I continually remind them to communicate with me if they have questions or concerns."

"If I find a student has missed an assignment, I will reach out to them to see if everything is okay or if assistance is needed with the assignment. It is important to let students know you want them to succeed in your class."

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.

The tuition rate per credit hour listed above is for the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition and fees increase beginning in the fall term of each academic year.

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

The future for graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing

The future for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree majors is very promising. As the healthcare industry continues to grow and evolve, there will be an increasing demand for nurses with advanced education and training.

Career outlook for BSN graduates

Overall, the future for BSN degree majors is very promising. With increasing demand, specialization opportunities, leadership roles, continuing education options, and technological advancements, there are many opportunities for nurses to advance their careers and make a difference in the healthcare industry.

What are some key trends for BSN degree majors in the future?

Increased Demand: The demand for nurses is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, as the aging population requires more healthcare services. Additionally, advances in medical technology and an increase in chronic diseases are creating a greater need for skilled nurses.

Specialization: With the growing complexity of healthcare, many nurses are choosing to specialize in areas such as oncology, pediatrics, or critical care. BSN graduates will have the opportunity to pursue advanced practice nursing roles and specialize in areas that interest them.

Leadership Opportunities: BSN graduates will be well-positioned for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. They will have the skills and knowledge needed to manage teams, implement new healthcare policies, and drive innovation.

Continuing Education: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and nurses must stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices. BSN graduates can continue their education through advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Technological Advancements: The use of technology in healthcare is increasing rapidly, and BSN graduates will need to be comfortable using electronic health records (EHRs) and other digital tools. Additionally, they will need to be knowledgeable about telehealth and other forms of remote care.

General Education Foundations

Course	Title	Credit Hours
F1 ENGL 101 & ENGL 102 or ENGL 103	Composition & Rhetoric Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric, and Research, Accelerated Academic Writing	3-6
F2A/F2B	Science & Technology	4-6
F3	Math & Quantitative Reasoning	3-4
F4	Society & Connections	3
F5	Human Inquiry & the Past	3
F6	The Arts & Creativity	3
F7	Global Studies & Diversity	3
F8	Focus (may be satisfied by completion of a minor, double major, or dual degree)	9

Total hours: 31-37

Please note that not all of the GEF courses are offered at all campuses. Students should consult with their advisor or academic department regarding the GEF course offerings available at their campus.

RN to BSN Curriculum

All Registered Nurses will transfer 50 hours of undifferentiated nursing credit. All RN to BSN students will be required to meet WVU's General Education Foundations Curriculum (GEF). If a student already holds a bachelors degree in another discipline, you will be required to complete ENGL 101, ENGL 102, and STAT 211 (if not already completed at a regionally accredited college or university) to fulfill nursing requirements. Advisors will work with students to identify courses already appearing on the transcript that meet GEF requirements, and then develop a plan to fulfill any remaining requirements.

Student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on college work attempted and carry an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout through completion of degree. Note that the last 30 credit hours taken for the degree MUST come from WVU in order to meet residency requirements.

Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher is required through completion of degree. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on college work attempted is required.

Transfer Credits	Credit Hours
Undifferentiated nursing transfer credit	50
GEF 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8	25
Additional elective transfer credit *	6

Required Courses (Must be completed with a grade of C- or better)

Course	Title	Credit Hours
ENGL 101	Introduction to Composition and Rhetoric (GEF 1)	3
ENGL 102	Composition, Rhetoric, and Research (GEF 1) **	3
STAT 211	Elementary Statistical Inference (GEF 3) **	3
NSG 333	Ethics in Nursing	3
NSG 361	Health Assessment	4
NSG 362	Clinical Health Promotion	4
NSG 373	Leadership in Organizations	3
NSG 461	Health Policy for Professional Nursing Practice	3
NSG 465	Foundations of Research and Evidence Based Practice	3
NSG 471	Community Health Nursing:Theory and Interventions	5
NSG 475	Applied Research and Evidence Based Practice	5

Total hours: 120

* Used to meet minimum total credits of 120 for the degree.
** Transfer credit equivalent to the specific course is allowed.
*** 120 credit hours are required by WVU for awarding of an undergraduate. degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some career paths I can expect with a BSN degree?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Nursing R.N. to B.S.N. degree may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

Nurse Practitioner Projected Growth: 8% or higher *Bright Outlook
Acute Care Nurse Projected Growth: 11% higher *Bright Outlook
Clinical Nurse Specialist Projected Growth: 5-7% *Bright Outlook
Medical and Health Services Manager Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

How long will it take to complete this degree?

Registered nurses can complete the BSN requirements online through a completely web-based RN to BSN program. Advising for the program can occur at WVU in Morgantown or Charleston. Nursing courses for RN to BSN students are offered every semester to provide opportunity for individualized progression plans and completion of degree requirements in two to three semesters of full-time study if non-nursing courses are already completed. Part-time options are also available. The School offers in-state tuition for all students enrolled in the RN to BSN program, regardless of residency.