Frequently Asked Questions - RN to BSN Program

Course and Program Questions -

Can I attend the program part-time?
Yes. The RN to BSN program is the only undergraduate program in which students can enroll part-time. Once you have accepted an offer, you will work with your advisor to develop your part-time plan of study.

How many courses are taught on-line?
Most of the RN to BSN courses are taught partially on-line with about 2/3 of class sessions being held in UVa classrooms. Class sessions are always scheduled on one day (currently Tuesdays). Two of the eight classes are offered online. For a sample of the RN to BSN course schedule, please go to this web address: http://www.nursing.virginia.edu/media/RNScheduleF09.pdf . 

How many students attend full-time?
Approximately half our students attend full-time.

Are there clinicals in this program? How are they set up?
Yes, there are 2 precepted practicum in the RN to BSN program. Students work with the course professor to set up the practicum experiences and are required to complete 60 clinical hours for each of the practicum – one in acute care and one in community health nursing. Clinical experiences can be completed either at the UVA Medical Center or agencies outside of that setting when approved by the course professor.

Where will I park?
To park on campus, you will need to obtain a parking permit from U.Va. Parking and Transportation Services.

Application Process -

Where do I get an application?
Applications are available from the Undergraduate Admissions website.

Are applications taken on a rolling admissions basis?
No. We admit students for the Fall semester only, and the applications are reviewed after the March 1 deadline. Decisions are posted by May 1.

What kind of financial aid do you offer?
All financial aid for undergraduate students at U.Va. is administered through the U.Va. financial aid office. To apply, you need to complete the federal FAFSA form, a U.Va. financial aid form, and a SON financial aid form. All aid is need-based but all need is filled.

How many credits do I need to complete before applying? Do I have to have all 55 general education requirements completed before I apply?
RN students who intend to enter the program part-time need to have at least 40 of the 55 general education requirements completed by the time they enroll at U.Va. The remaining requirements can be completed while the student works part-time in the RN to BSN program. If you plan to enroll full-time, you need to have all 55 general education requirements and electives completed by the time classes begin.

What classes should I be taking now at my present school to prepare me for U.Va.?
The best approach is to work on the general education requirements that U.Va. requires for a bachelor’s degree. A complete listing of the general education requirements can be found at this web address: http://www.nursing.virginia.edu/programs/rnbsn/#GE.  RN students need to have at least 40 of the 55 general education requirements completed by the time they enroll at U.Va. The remaining requirements can be completed while the student works part-time in the RN to BSN program.

How can I find out if the courses I have taken will transfer to U.Va.?
If you contact the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services, she can answer questions about transfer credit. For information on transfer credit, please visit the following website: http://www.web.virginia.edu/analyzer/.

Why doesn’t my developmental psychology course count toward the required credits in social science/history?
You get credit for developmental psychology through the 38 credits we give you for your previous nursing courses.

What type of classes transfer in as elective credit?
Almost anything. It is best to consult with the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services, or refer to the Transfer Credit Analyzer.

Do you look at my high school record?
Yes, we do.

What standardized test scores are required?
Either an SAT or an ACT score. If you do not have a copy of your test result or took the test many years ago, you may request a waiver from the U.Va. Office of Admissions.  The School of Nursing does not process SAT / ACT waivers.

How many applications do you usually have each year?
We usually have approximately 60 applications each year.  We typically have space for 20-25 new students.

When are we notified about admission?
Decisions are posted by May 1.

Do I need to meet with someone at the nursing school? Does the nursing school interview applicants?
It is helpful to set up a meeting with the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Admissions to do a transcript review prior to applying. You can set this up by calling the Office of Admissions and Student Services at (434) 924-0141.

Do I have to have my RN license before I can begin taking classes?
Yes. You will not be allowed to enroll in any RN to BSN classes without a copy of your license on file in the School of Nursing’s Office of Admissions and Student Services.

What kind of program do you offer LPNs?
We do not offer a transition program for LPNs. We are happy to work with you though to create a plan to complete your RN elsewhere and then apply to complete your BSN with us.

For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at nur-osa@virginia.edu or by telephone at (434) 924-0141 / 1-888-283-8703.