Heather McRae, MSN
Norwich Graduate

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RN to BS in Nursing

Stand Out in the Nursing Field

With the increasingly changing healthcare industry, the need for distinguished and skilled nurses has never been more prevalent. Designed for nurses holding an unencumbered RN license issued in the U.S. or in a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of States Boards of Nursing, Norwich University’s RN to BS in Nursing degree program addresses the specific learning needs to deepen nursing knowledge, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice to better serve patients, the community, and your career.

Whether you want to enhance your skills, prepare for a master’s degree, or expand into a different healthcare field, Norwich’s online RN to BS in Nursing program can provide the necessary means to help improve skills in diagnosing and evaluating nursing interventions, and positively impact patient outcomes.

Degree
  • Bachelor of Science
Concentrations
  • Students take core courses

Why Norwich?


Coursework is rigorous, relevant, and immediately applicable to your nursing career.

Designed to enhance your current unencumbered RN license.

Several start dates per year offer you the ability to enroll when it fits your schedule.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Norwich University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Fast track to Norwich’s Master of Science in Nursing program upon completing the BS in Nursing program.

Quick Info

100% Online

All classes taken online

11 Courses

Core curriculum of the RN to BS in Nursing program

18-24 Months

To complete the program

26 June

Next Start Date

7 June

Application Deadline

Accreditation & Recognition

logo, new england commission of higher education

Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

 

logo, commission on collegiate nursing education

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Norwich University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

 

RN to BS in Nursing Curriculum

The RN to BS in Nursing program coursework will delve into professional research, care models, leadership, management, and participation in the policy process. Whether you want to sharpen your skills, advance in your current career, or prepare to continue into a master’s program, Norwich’s flexible virtual classroom allows you to access program content and contribute to class discussions on your own schedule each week, anywhere, anytime.

During Norwich's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you will complete the outlined core and capstone courses. The Norwich RN to BS in Nursing program consists of 120 total credits (including transfer credits).

The program consist of the following curriculum areas:

  • Core courses are designed to build skills in professional research, leadership, and the policy process.
  • In the Capstone project students will explore issues of individual interest in nursing at a deeper level.
  • Elective courses are available to students that need to complete the 120 total credit (including transfer credit) BS in Nursing program.

Foundational Courses

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I
    BI215 4 credit hours

    The first half of a two-semester course exploring human anatomy and physiology. Cellular metabolism, tissues, and the skeletal, muscle, integumentary, and nervous body systems are discussed.

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II
    BI216 4 credit hours

    The second half of a two-semester course exploring human anatomy and physiology. The endocrine, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic (including the immune response), urinary, and reproductive body systems are discussed.

  • Introduction to Microbiology
    BI 220 4 credit hours

    A survey of microbiology with emphasis on microorganisms of medical significance. Fundamentals of microbial structure, physiology and control are considered along with the role of pathogenic organisms in the infectious and disease processes. Laboratory exercises are designed to provide facility in visualizing, staining, culturing, enumerating, isolating, maintaining, and identifying microorganisms.

  • Introduction to General Chemistry
    CH101 4 credit hours

    The first of a two-semester course series covering topics in General, Organic and Biochemistry (GOB). This fundamental course introduces the principles of chemical structure and reactivity. Topics include accuracy and precision in measurement, atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding and reactions, and chemical equilibrium. The laboratory complements the lecture material with emphasis placed on collaborative problem solving.

  • Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry
    CH102 4 credit hours

    The second part of a two-semester course series covering topics in General, Organic and Biochemistry (GOB). This course introduces the nomenclature, structure and reactivity of organic compounds and the structure and function of the major classes of biological compounds and their role in metabolic pathways. Laboratory exercises complement the lecture material. 

  • Development Psychology
    PY220 3 credit hours

    A lifespan study of normal development with emphasis on physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth.

  • Elementary Statistics
    MA232 3 credit hours

    This course covers the study of frequency distributions, averages and standard deviations, normal curve, probability, decision-making, sampling techniques, testing hypotheses, chi-square, students-t and F-distributions, correlation, and linear regression. Prerequisite: A college level mathematics course or equivalent as determined by departmental placement testing.

Core Curriculum and Capstone

  • Business & Professional Writing
    COMM301 3 credit hours

    A writing-intensive course that focuses on critical business and management documents including organizational and personnel performance reports; business proposals; communications with stakeholders; and marketing instruments. Emphasis is on proper use of the business register; audience analysis; and technology-mediated professional communication. Prerequisite: ENGL101 or its equivalent.

  • Nutrition and Health Promotion
    NR105 3 credit hours

    This course focuses on the use of basic concepts from nursing, nutrition, integrative therapies and biophysical sciences, as well as Healthy People 2020 to explore the determinates of health, wellness, and illness of individuals. Environmental, and sociocultural economic and lifestyle factors that influence health will be discussed. This course provides the beginning foundation for an understanding of the relationship of nutrition to physiological and pathophysiological functions. Evaluation of health information as relevant and reliable will be incorporated as a foundation for health promotion.

     
  • Technology and Informatics in Healthcare
    NR232 3 credit hours

    This course stresses the ethical and legal issues, including privacy and security, related to electronic systems in healthcare. It is designed to provide students with an introduction to and an initial experience of accessing information from a variety of sources, including information systems and technologies as the foundation for evidence-based practice, clinical-decision support tools, the electronic health record (EHR) and quality improvement systems. While Nursing Informatics is a highly specialized field, this course provides foundational informatics competencies that all practicing nurses and graduating nursing students should possess to meet the standards of providing safe, quality, and competent care. Pre-requisite: NR 105 (C+).

  • Research For Evidence-Based Practice
    NR225 3 credit hours

    Introduces clinical based nursing information technology. Nurses are expected to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care in an increasingly technical and digital environment. A major theme in healthcare environment is the increase of information systems and technologies to improve the quality and safety of patient care. This course provides foundational informatics competencies that all nurses should possess to meet the standards of providing safe, quality, and competent care. Prerequisites: NR 232 (C+). 

  • Ethics in the Modern World
    PHLS210 3 credit hours

    This course is a study of ethics and its application to problems in everyday life, society, and the broader world. The course examines the principal moral theories and ethical systems that have shaped our personal values and behavior, including consequentialist and non-consequentialist theories, virtue ethics, and feminist ethics. Students explore the connections between ethics and religion and examine the challenges to morals posed by relativism, subjectivism and emotivism, egoism. Students also evaluate positions, theories, and arguments as they apply them to concrete matters of personal, socio-political, and global concern.

  • Pathopharmacology for Nurses
    NR365 4 credit hours

    This course builds upon the student’s prerequisite biological/chemical science courses. Students begin a comprehensive study of human pathophysiology and the application of pharmacotherapies commonly encountered with each of these disease processes. Epidemiology, disease state presentation with common clinical evaluations, mortality and morbidity will be addressed. At the conclusion, students demonstrate cumulative knowledge of the pathophysiologic and pharmacologic processes utilized in the care of and promotion of health and wellness across the lifespan. Evidence based practice for use, cost, ease of administration, compliance and efficacy will be discussed. Pre-requisite: NR 225 (C+).

  • Nursing Leadership
    NR321 3 credit hours

    In this course students focus on theoretical foundations and conceptual principles of nursing leadership and the skills necessary to practice leadership competently in healthcare environments. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness and to encourage students to fashion personal perspectives on how to lead professionally. Analyzing trends and issues in the current healthcare system has implications for exercising leadership and will help students determine the way they can make a difference. Prerequisites: NR 365 (C+) or permission of the instructor.

  • Promoting Health in Communities
    NR431 3 credit hours

    In this course students learn current theory and research about contemporary practices in community/public health nursing. In population-focused nursing, the group, aggregate, community, or population is the unit of care. Epidemiologic studies have shown that lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors are major determinants of population health. Students will work collaboratively with community agencies to address population-focused health issues. Co-requisite: NR 431L. 

  • Promoting Health in Communities: Clinical Practicum
    NR431L 2 credit hours

    In this course, students will apply concepts of community/public health in planning population-focused care to groups, aggregates, and communities. Clinical experiences are a combination of virtual simulated scenarios and individual community projects to engage students with their own communities and community resources in addressing community/public health issues. Students are encouraged to clarify their own beliefs and values in order to provide nonjudgmental nursing care. Co-requisite: NR 431.

  • Nursing Capstone
    NR441 4 credit hours

    In this course the student begins to transition to the role of graduate nurse and explores issues relevant to contemporary nursing practice including the ethics and regulation of practice. Local, state, national and international policies and initiatives and their influence on health of populations are examined. Students create and implement an approved capstone leadership project which is undertaken with guidance of faculty and clinical partners and reflects integration of all elements of the BSN curriculum.

  • Care at End of Life
    NR420 2 credit hours

    In this course students will study current theory and research about contemporary practices caring for clients and their families at the end of life. It teaches students effective interaction skills with clients, families and health care providers. Throughout the course, students develop their use of self as a therapeutic tool and focus on a holistic approach to assessment and care of persons with a variety of life-limiting illnesses/diseases. Interventions will be discussed regarding the physical care as well as psychological, social, cultural and spiritual care of clients and their families as they face life’s final journey. Prerequisites: NR 321 (C+) and NR 365 (C+).

Admissions

At a Glance

  • Hold an unencumbered RN license 
  • An associate degree in nursing 
  • GPA of at least 2.75
  • Multiple start dates per year

Admissions Requirements »

Next Start Date

Monday, June 26, 2023

Application Deadline

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT
Extended hours available by appointment

 

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

  • transfer
    Transfer Credits
    We can evaluate your prior learning to help you maximize the number of transfer credits you bring into the BSN program.
  • student studying online
    Apply Now
    Ready to begin the RN-BSN program at Norwich? Start your application now for the next term.
  • experience community
    What to Expect at Norwich
    From student support to classroom resources to exceptional faculty, Norwich has your online learning experience covered.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Tuition & Fees

Overview

Norwich provides a top-notch educational experience; we also work hard to help make your nursing degree affordable. There are many options for financial aid and several strategies to help you finance your education.

Tuition at a Glance

  • Credit Hours: 33-120
  • Credits Per Term: 3-12
  • Rate Per Credit Hour: $375 or $250 (active military)

2022-23 Tuition and Fee Schedule - Bachelor's Programs

Rate Per Credit Tuition Additional Expenses Total
$375 or $250 (active military) $750-$4,500

Technology - $150/term
Library - $100/term
Graduation - $150/one-time

$9,150 - $24,150

Careers & Outcomes

Norwich University’s online RN to BS in Nursing program is specifically crafted to help launch the next phase of your career as quickly and effectively as possible. With a growing need for qualified nurses around the country, online programs like this prepare you to rise to the challenge, meet the needs of your patients, and elevate your career to the next level.

Nursing Leaders are in Demand

It’s no doubt that the nursing field is rapidly growing and in need of well qualified nurses. According to the U.S. Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings for registered nurses will increase by 15% -- faster than the average job increase. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can position you to be a highly coveted nurse leader.

Career Outcomes

The RN to BS in Nursing program can open new opportunities for growth in your career. Nursing professionals who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are eligible for 88% of nursing positions, compared to 55% for those who hold an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing or diploma. BSN graduates also can expand their healthcare options to positions in nursing education, research, health systems, community, and more.

Examples of Career Paths:

  • Case Management Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse Specialists
  • Clinical Research Nurse
  • Hospice Nurse
  • ICU Nurse
  • Legal Nurse Consultant
  • Nursing Director
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Manager
  • Obstetric and Gynecological Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse
  • Quality Assurance Coordinator
  • Registered Nurse at a hospital
  • Surgical Nurse

Faculty & Staff

Our BSN faculty are subject matter experts in their fields and all hold master's degrees or higher. Each are here to help you reach your academic, professional, and personal goals through in-depth instruction, guidance, and nursing industry insights. In addition, our staff members are available to answer your questions.

Academic Director

Wood potrait
Jessica  Wood

Jessica Wood, DNP, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner and licensed registered nurse, and has been teaching at the Norwich University School of Nursing since 2008.  Although she has experience as a critical care nurse, a kidney transplant nurse, and emergency room nurse, the majority of her career has been dedicated to labor, delivery, postpartum, newborn care, and women's health.  As a passionate leader for nursing, Dr. Wood has expanded her expertise to include many leadership and nursing education roles in her 20+ years in nursing.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New Hampshire, a Master of Science in Health Systems Leadership from Norwich University, a post-Master's certificate as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner from Duke University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duke University.

Jessica's most recent work was for a well-known non-profit organization providing care to women throughout northern New England.  Additionally, she has led nursing students to impoverished areas of Nicaragua and continues to practice as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in New England.  She is a native Vermonter and loves biking, skiing, hiking, and paddleboarding.  

Meet Jessica »

Program Staff

rija head shot
Rija Ramahatra, MBA
Associate Program Director
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Martha  Rainville
Student Support Advisor

Featured Faculty

Alumni

Meet graduates from our online bachelor's programs.

portrait of kelley

I have always dreamed about graduating from Norwich University. Going to college was always on my bucket list and this was my motivation.


Kelley Lawrence
Class of 2016
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
portrait of steve

From the very beginning of submitting my application to graduation day, the one-on-one interaction with the faculty and staff made me feel a part of the Norwich family.


Steve Gonzalez
Class of 2016
Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis
portrait of julie

One of the key things to me for having a Norwich education is the name that comes with it; there’s pride and tradition that comes with having a Norwich University diploma. It’s finishing what I started here many years ago and I wanted something I can be proud to hang in my office.


Julie Scribner
Class of 2015
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Online Learning

How do you fit an online program into your busy life?

Norwich has developed online programs that provide a gateway, not a barrier, to maximize your career potential. Get to know a few graduates -- with busy schedules -- and how they made their education fit.

Michael Mallery

During the program, I got married, moved for a job and we adopted a puppy. Life has been moving fast, but it has been wonderful!


My background
I work in construction management as a contracts manager. I work with a lot of state agencies that require a general level of diplomacy, which is about getting people with different motives working towards a shared goal.
Why I chose Norwich
I decided to get my master’s degree so that I could keep my career options open. I chose diplomacy because I thought that the transferable skills of conflict negotiation, clear communication, and leadership can be used in any career path.

Residency at Norwich

 

 

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