Nursing – RN-to-BSN

The application deadline for a January start is November 1, with a file completion deadline of November 15. The application deadline for an August start is June 1, with a file completion deadline of June 15. The BHCLR Schools of Nursing operate under a rolling admissions cycle and applicants are considered for admission as their files become complete. As a result, applications completed at or near the deadline are considered as space is available.

The online RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses with a current, unrestricted RN license who wish to pursue their BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree. This program seamlessly blends traditional nursing practices with the application of cutting-edge healthcare innovations such as artificial intelligence to equip graduates with the skillset needed to thrive and lead in the field of nursing in the modern era. Graduates of this program will be able to engage in holistic healthcare to respond to and provide aid for patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

Fast Facts

  • Complete in just 12 short months!
  • The RN-to-BSN program accepts two cohorts each year, a January start and a August start
  • Method of delivery: Full Distance Education
  • The admissions selection review begins upon receipt of all required items

Required College Courses for the RN-to-BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) is a postsecondary education resource service that provides comparable course information to facilitate student transfer within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Where available, ACTS course numbers are included. See Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) transfer student information for more information. Please be sure to select UA-PTC as the “transfer to” institution. All required college courses must be completed with a C or better.

*Courses with asterisks below must be completed or in-progress at the time of application.

General Education ACTS Code Requirement Credit Hours
BIOL 2404* Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab 4
BIOL 2414* Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab 4
BIOL 2004* Microbiology with Lab 4
MATH 1113* Quantitative Literacy or equivalent/higher math 3
ENGL 1013* English Composition I 3
ENGL 1023* English Composition II 3
PSYC 1103* Psychology 3
SOCI 1013 or PSYC 2103* Sociology OR Developmental Psychology 3
No ACTS code* Nutrition 3
HIST 2113 or HIST 2123 or PLSC 2003 U.S. History or American National Government 3
PHIL 1103 Philosophy 3
Varies Fine Arts/Humanities course 3
Varies Additional Fine Arts/Humanities OR Social Science course 3
TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION HOURS 42

Application Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements for the RN-to-BSN program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to turn in all required items for the program application process. Any additional requirements will be listed on your MYBHCLR Portal.

  • Completed online application.
  • Unrestricted Arkansas RN license, a compact state license, or a right to practice in Arkansas (endorsement).
  • Must be a high school graduate or have a GED and submit official high school or GED transcript.
  • Must submit official transcripts from ALL previously attended institutions.

BHCLR RN-to-BSN Course Curriculum

Requirement Credit Hours
Introduction to Nursing Theory and Concepts of Care 4
Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Innovation in Nursing Leadership 4
Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research 4
Immersive and Connected Care Technologies in Nursing Leadership 4
Nursing Leadership, Organizational Management and Professional Roles 4
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Healthcare 4
Community, Public, and Social Determinants of Health 4
Healthcare Policy and Patient Advocacy 4
Cultural and Spiritual Aspects of Nursing Care 4
Nursing Leadership Capstone 4
Spiritual Perspectives in Healthcare 1
TOTAL BHCLR HOURS 41

FAQs

The main difference between a RN and a BSN is that a BSN is an educational degree, rather than a job license or title.

BSN-prepared nurses have a clear advantage in today’s healthcare environment. Employers increasingly prefer or require a BSN for leadership, specialty, and advanced practice roles. Earning a BSN helps prepare you for roles and responsibilities such as:

  • Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager roles
  • Clinical education and staff development positions
  • Quality improvement and client safety leadership
  • Population health and community-based nursing
  • Pathways to graduate education and advanced practice

No, once you have successfully completed your BSN coursework, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Absolutely!  This program was designed with the working nurse in mind.  Course work is completed completely online and immersive experience hours are flexible and made to fit your schedule.

You can complete our RN-to-BSN program in one year.

The program consists of 10 upper-level nursing courses that are 4 credit hours each.

No, there is no exam required for entry into the RN-to-BSN program.

This allows RNs to have one multi-state license.  Currently, 43 jurisdictions participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.  To learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact, click here.

An unrestricted nursing license means your license is active, in good standing, and completely free of any disciplinary limitations, probations, or practice constraints imposed by a state board of nursing. You are legally permitted to practice without supervision or restrictions on your duties, clinical settings, or patient care responsibilities.

LaFanta Jackson
Nursing Admissions
admissions5@bhclr.edu

For All Arkansas colleges, please refer to the Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) for transferability. Please be sure to select the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College as the “transfer to” institution. If you do not find your private institution listed or if your courses are from an out of state college, please email Stacey Sides at enrollment@bhclr.edu for further assistance.