Program Overview
The RN to BSN program is designed to enhance students’ nursing practice while building upon their current skills and abilities. Students learn to implement globally focused and culturally appropriate strategies for health promotion and disease prevention across the life span as well as develop the ability to use decision-making and leadership skills. The RN-BSN program prepares students for expanding professional roles in the health care system.
Students enrolling full-time in the classroom option can complete the nursing courses in two semesters.
Curriculum
Undergraduate credit is given for courses listed in the FOSC (Coordinating Board Field of Study Curriculum) guidelines and up to 29 hours credit may be applicable for transfer from ADN or Nursing Diploma programs. The nursing coursework consists of 32 credits (9 classes). Junior students meet each Wednesday in the fall semester from 8:00 am -5:00 pm. Senior students meet each Wednesday in the spring semester from 8:00 am -5:00 pm. Full-time and part-time options are available.
In addition, students are required to complete 54 credit hours of general education coursework and 6 credit hours of upper-division electives, one of which must be a nursing course. Nursing electives are typically offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Admission Requirements
Basic admission requirements must be met before a student can be accepted. Prospective students must apply to the university through the Office of Admissions, pay the application fee, and submit official transcripts to the UT Arlington’s Admission’s Office. The Admission’s Office is also responsible for calculating the admission GPA. All steps necessary to complete an application (i.e. submitting transcripts, paying fees) must be completed prior to progressing in the application process.
After admission to the University, a College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) Undergraduate Academic Advisor will review the application file for nursing specific requirements. Students should review the CONHI undergraduate program specific requirements. Specific program requirements can be found in the University Catalog - Nursing, Undergraduate Programs.
Applicants must have proof of an active and Unencumbered RN License verifiable via Nursys or State Boards of Nursing (BON)
If the license is unable to be verified, the student must send in verification. Acceptance will be on hold until the license is verified. Please submit your license by clicking or tapping here.
Admission Brochure
Prerequisites
Applicants with transfer coursework from non-regionally accredited institutions are encouraged to submit their courses early to prevent delays in registration. Course materials can be submitted through the Non-Regionally Accredited Transfer Credit Request portal.
See Course List here.
Orientation
New students are required to attend a mandatory orientation session before beginning the program. The orientation session is typically held in the month of August on the Arlington campus. In this session, students will meet program faculty and their advisors.
Resources
Policies
BSN Student Handbook
RN-BSN Policies
Course Load
Undergraduate education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and completing clinicals and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of the nursing program and adjust accordingly. Commitments which compete with undergraduate study may result in suboptimal academic performance and place the student in academic jeopardy.
Study Time Recommendations
In general, for every-one semester credit hour of enrollment a student should allocate 3 hours of study time outside of class. For example, a 3 semester credit hours course, may reasonably require 9 hours of study time, outside of class, plus anytime needed to complete clinicals.
Employment Recommendations
Students are encouraged to evaluate their energy level, familial and personal obligations, and school commitments before starting their degree program.
Scholarship/Aid
Students seeking financial aid assistance, should contact the Financial Aid, Scholarships and MAV ScholarShop resources.
Academic Calendar
Students should review the academic calendar prior to enrolling and prepare accordingly.
Tutoring
E-tutoring is available for all undergraduate students experiencing academic difficulty. Please visit Online Tutoring - Division of Student Success - The University of Texas at Arlington (uta.edu) for more information.
Students Success
Success Tips:
Top Five Tips from Students to be Successful in Nursing
- You must manage your time well, stay organized, and use a calendar.
- Limit the number of hours you work to 16 per week. This will allow you to complete the assignments and really learn the information.
- Study EVERY day. Plan to study a minimum of 20-30 minutes EACH day for EACH course. Daily studying will help you retain the information.
- Use the resources available to you. This includes clinical faculty, lead teacher, peer mentors, student success, family, and friends. They can support and encourage you.
- And, to be successful in nursing school and in nursing, stay positive, take care of yourself, and believe in yourself!
Test Taking Skills
To be the most successful on nursing school tests, you must know the material and understand how to apply the information on a test. Good test taking strategies DO NOT replace knowledge, but they can enhance your ability to do well on tests when you are well informed. Review some test taking tips you can use.