RN to BSN Online
Transition into an advanced nursing career.
Ready to Get Started?
Fill out the form below to get in touch with an enrollment counselor.
RN to BSN Overview
Build on your knowledge of nursing and open the doors to more opportunities with the CCNE-accredited RN to BSN online program from the University of West Florida. With our completely online format, you can fit your studies into your busy schedule as you acquire the skills needed to provide top-notch quality care to patients.
As you learn from educators who are highly experienced in a variety of areas in the field, you’ll gain their insight into nursing practices and the healthcare system.
Some of the key topics you’ll study include:
- Assessing patient health needs
- Critical reading and drafting scholarly arguments using the APA style format
- Evidence-based nursing practice and quality care initiatives
- Health promotion and disease prevention in public health and community-based nursing practice
- Nursing strategies for older adults
- Developing evidence-based teaching plans for a health educator role
- Fundamental nurse leadership skills and knowledge
- Pharmacology principles
- Disease processes, healthcare and nursing mediations
- Legal concepts and regulations that affect nursing practice
- Ethical considerations related to nursing and healthcare
Through our program, you’ll demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession as you advance your knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice, high-quality care, communication and leadership.
Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree in nursing at UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Working nurses who hold a current RN license and wish to earn their degree and advance their careers while maintaining employment
Learning Outcomes
- Meet the growing demands of healthcare
- Exercise evidence-based nursing practice, leadership, communication and quality care
- Demonstrate strong, developed professional knowledge and a broader outlook of nursing practice
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online RN to BSN program includes a total of 124 credit hours. Through the major’s 32 credit hours*, you will explore key nursing topics related to nursing practice, management, law and writing. There are 21 credit hours of mandatory common prerequisite courses that need to be completed prior to being admitted into the program. You must also choose 16 credits of upper division electives.
Starting in May 2023**, RN-BSN students will engage in direct care experiences in this program. These experiences are designed to take place in the student’s geographic location in a community and/or healthcare workplace setting. Approximately 45 direct care hours will be completed across 3 different RN-BSN courses (15 hours in each course) beginning March 2023. Currently (2022), the direct care hours take place in the capstone course NUR 4895 in the RN-BSN curriculum. Direct care experiences are an accreditation requirement and required for all RN-BSN students. What is direct care? Direct care refers to nursing care activities at the point of care to patients or working with other healthcare providers that are intended to achieve specific health or goals or selected health outcomes. This includes a variety of settings including community settings.
*This amount is based on the maximum credit transfer and that applicable prerequisites are completed.
**Exception: Students taking NUR 4895 Health Education in the Community in Spring 2023 will have to complete 15 hours of field experience in their local community as part of the course requirements.
State mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.
NOTE: Nursing common prerequisites must be completed prior to admission into the RN to BSN Nursing major coursework. Students must also meet admission requirements prior to admission as well as university requirements prior to graduation. Please review the catalog for specific admission and graduation requirements. Please contact your advisor or the School of Nursing at cohnursing@uwf.edu if you have questions regarding these requirements.
- BSC 1085+L - Anatomy and Physiology I (+Lab)
4 Credit Hours
Anatomy and Physiology I (+Lab)
General introduction to form and function of the human body. Review of basic anatomical/physiological attributes of integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and sensory organ systems. Designed for students with little or no previous anatomy or physiology experience. Meets general education requirement in natural sciences. Lab focuses on anatomical dissection and experimental physiology exercises that enhance understanding of human form and function. Exercises parallel topics presented in the lecture series. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- BSC 1086+L - Anatomy and Physiology II (+Lab)
4 Credit Hours
Anatomy and Physiology II (+Lab)
Continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. Reviews basic anatomical/physiological attributes of endocrine, cardiopulmonary, digestive, reproductive and immune systems. Meets general education requirement in natural sciences. Lab focuses on anatomical dissections and experimental physiology exercises that enhance understanding of human form and function. Exercises parallel topics presented in the lecture series. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- DEP 2004 - Human Development Across the Lifespan
3 Credit Hours
Human Development Across the Lifespan
Survey of major themes and recent findings in the area of human development across the life span. Emphasis will be on the major transitions from fetal development through death in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. The impact of ethnic, gender and cultural factors on development will be examined. Meets general education requirement in social sciences.
- HUN 2201 - Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
3 Credit Hours
Fundamentals of Human Nutrition
This course explores the fundamentals of nutrition with emphasizes on the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of digestion, absorption, metabolic pathways, energy requirements and nutritional status. It provides students with an understanding of nutrients and their roles in the body while examining current issues in food science. In addition, emphasizes are placed on a promotion of growth and health by examining weight control, disease prevention, food safety and planning a healthy diet.
- MCB 1000+L - Fundamentals of Microbiology (+Lab)
4 Credit Hours
Fundamentals of Microbiology (+Lab)
An introductory microbiology course for non-science majors specifically designed to meet the microbiology pre-requisite requirement for the four-year BSN degree. Will cover the principles of microbiology, including cellular organization, growth and metabolism of major microbial groups (bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa); cultivation and control of microbes; and the interaction between microorganisms and humans as it relates to disease transmission, pathogenesis, control measures and treatment. Meets general education requirement in natural wciences. The lab will focus on basic microbiological techniques relating to isolating, growing and identifying medically significant microorganisms. Laboratory exercises include microscopy and staining techniques; asepsis and culturing of microorganisms; appropriate handling techniques, including sterilization and disinfection; and methods of enumeration and identification of bacteria. Emphasis will be placed on those concepts and methods that are significant in the medical setting. Material and supply fee will be assessed.
- STA 2023 - Elements of Statistics
3 Credit Hours
Elements of Statistics
This course covers descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory and basic statistical procedures, estimation and inference. In addition to provide basic concepts in the mentioned areas it prepares the student for other more advanced statistical courses that are necessary for research. Meets general education requirement in mathematics. Meets Gordon Rule applied mathematics requirement. Prerequisite: MAC 1105 OR MAC 1105C OR MAT 1033 OR MGF 1106 OR MGF 1107 OR 22 ACT Math OR 520 SAT Math OR 123.
One science course from the following prefixes: CHM, BSC, BCH, PCB, PHY
One social science course from the following prefixes: PSY, SOP, SYG
- BSC 1085+L - Anatomy and Physiology I (+Lab)
- NUR 3067 - Health Assessment and Promotion
3 Credit Hours
Health Assessment and Promotion
For the RN-BSN student, this course focuses on enhancing knowledge and skills in health history interviews, health screening and selected physical examination techniques. Identification of primary health needs and the ability to locate reliable internet resources is explored.
- NUR 3081 - Professional Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Professional Nursing Practice
This introductory course for the RN-BSN student provides educational based guidance in progressing into the role of the baccalaureate nurse through exploration of nursing theories, healthcare policy and the core healthcare professional competencies. Co-requisite: NSP 3845.
- NUR 3145 - Pharmacology
3 Credit Hours
Pharmacology
For the RN-BSN student, this course focuses on the principles and concepts of pharmacology, current population specific treatment and related nursing practices.
- NUR 4165 - Essentials of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Essentials of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
This course introduces the baccalaureate nursing student to evidence-based nursing practice. Students will explore quality care initiatives through the integration of theory, evidence, clinical judgment and patient preferences. Meets Gordon Rule writing requirement. Prerequisite: STA 2023. Co-requisite: NSP 4846.
- NUR 4286 - Gerontological Nursing
3 Credit Hours
Gerontological Nursing
For the RN-BSN student, this course explores holistic nursing strategies for health promotion and risk reduction in the older adult.
- NUR 4636 - Population-Based Public Health Nursing
3 Credit Hours
Population-Based Public Health Nursing
This RN-BSN course emphasizes practice of public health and community-based nursing. The course emphasizes systems-level health promotion and disease prevention, using the public health sciences of epidemiology, environmental health, health policy and community assessment. Meets multicultural requirement.
- NUR 4828 - Systems-Based Nursing Leadership
3 Credit Hours
Systems-Based Nursing Leadership
This RN-BSN course provides an overview of essential nurse leader/manager skills, knowledge and expertise required for complex healthcare environments. An emphasis on quality and safety initiatives will be examined to ensure the provision of highly reliable care.
- NUR 4895 - Health Education in the Community
3 Credit Hours
Health Education in the Community
This capstone course focuses on the role of nurse as health educator. The student will design and implement an evidence based teaching plan for a vulnerable population in the community setting.
- NUR 4125 - Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hours
Pathophysiology
For the RN-BSN student, this course is designed to integrate disease processes, healthcare and nursing interventions. This course examines the pathophysiological processes that occur in the human body.
- NUR 4826 - Law & Ethics in Nursing
3 Credit Hours
Law & Ethics in Nursing
For the RN-BSN student to explore legal concepts and regulations that guide professional nursing practice. Examines ethical decision-making related to nursing practice and healthcare.
- NSP 3845 - Academic Writing in Nursing I
1 Credit Hours
Academic Writing in Nursing I
Provides an introduction to the academic reading and writing characteristics of higher education for the RN-BSN student. Within the context of the nursing profession the student will demonstrate the ability to read critically, write effective arguments and practice the writing process using APA style format. Co-requisite NUR 3081.
- NSP 4846 - Academic Writing in Nursing II
1 Credit Hours
Academic Writing in Nursing II
Continues the foundation for the academic reading and writing characteristics of higher education for the RN-BSN student. Within the context of evidence-based nursing practice the student will conduct a scholarly literature review, write extended arguments and further develop writing expertise using APA style format. Co-requisite NUR 4165.
- NUR 3067 - Health Assessment and Promotion
Student must complete sufficient 3000/4000 level electives to meet UWF’s requirement of 48 credit hours in the upper division or complete all departmental requirements at the 3000/4000 level, whichever is greater.
For students with an associate degree from an accredited program, up to 16 hours of Associate of Science in Nursing courses will be validated for upper-level credit based on RN licensure and successful completion of major courses in the program.
Some UWF academic programs prepare students to sit for licensure in Florida. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations for professional licensure, UWF is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Florida. UWF cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Florida. Please contact applicable licensure board(s) in any state you may want to pursue licensure prior to beginning the academic program in order to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm program eligibility for licensure in any state outside Florida.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into UWF’s online RN to BSN program, you must:
- Have a overall 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all previously attempted college work
- Have an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from a community college
- Successfully complete STA 2023: Elements of Statistics with a grade of C or better
- Have no more than 12 hours of non-major coursework outstanding
- Have a current unencumbered U.S. RN license in the state you will reside in while completing any nursing coursework (military spouses holding a valid U.S. RN license and stationed at an overseas U.S. base may be considered for admission)
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for undergraduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF approved accrediting agencies
- Satisfactorily complete a level 2 criminal background check, VECHS fingerprint and drug screen, if requested
- Submit a copy of your RN license
Have questions about this program or the admission process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $218.98 per credit hour | $7,007.36 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes three to five semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our RN to BSN online program, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary information from PayScale.
Public Health Nurses
Public health nurses provide education related to preventative care to individuals and groups. Usually, public health nurses work for government agencies or large healthcare providers. They also determine those who potentially have risk factors related to their mental and physical health. The average wage for public health nurses is $57,321 per year.
Staff Nurses
Staff nurses supervise an organization’s nursing attendants, in addition to working with patients, physicians and other medical faculty. Typically employed at a hospital or long-term care facility, they evaluate patients, provide care, administer medications and maintain the notes related to a patient’s care. Staff nurses earn an average salary of $66,972 per year.
Clinical Nurse Managers
Responsible for scheduling the nurses they supervise, clinical nurse managers also resolve any issues with the nurses working underneath them. They also collaborate with other clinical nurse managers to develop and implement policies that positively affect patient care. The average salary for clinical nurse managers is $81,042 per year.
Burn Unit Nurses
Burn unit nurses are specialists who treat patients that have experienced various degrees of burn trauma. Working with a team of practitioners, they help individuals who have suffered burn injuries due to contact with fire, chemicals, oil or electricity. The median salary for burn unit nurses is $70,000.