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Frequently Asked Questions - RN to BSN Program

Frequently Asked Questions - RN to BSN Program

Course and Program Questions

Can I attend the program full-time?
No, the RN to BSN program is a part-time program only.  Most students enroll in two courses per semester (with classes meeting one day a week) and complete the program in less than two years. 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 online? 
None, all of the classes in the program meet face-to-face in Charlottesville one day a week.

Are there clinicals in this program? How are they set up?
Yes, there is one class with a clinical practicum in the RN to BSN program. Students work with the course professor to arrange the practicum experience. Practicum experiences can be completed either at the UVA Medical Center or agencies outside of that setting when approved by the course professor.

What differentiates the UVA program from other RN to BSN programs?

• As a part of the curriculum, students take three graduate courses (10 credits in total).
  These credits can be applied to a MSN program at the University of Virginia School of Nursing. You may be able to apply these credits to another university should you pursue graduate study elsewhere.
• Classes are scheduled one day a week to accommodate the RN to BSN student who needs to work.
• All classes are taught in the classroom by regular, full-time UVA faculty.  The effectiveness of this classroom teaching format (rather than an online format) has consistently been strongly recommended by former RN to BSN students.

I noted that some of the MSN courses are offered online.  Can I take the online option instead of the classroom option?
No. Due to faculty resources all RN to BSN students take the MSN classes in the classroom format. Our former students have recommended the classroom format as a better way to learn for RN to BSN students.

Will I be successful in a graduate-level course?
The first year of the RN to BSN program is designed to provide you the critical thinking and writing skills you will need to be successful in master’s level courses. You will earn your BSN degree if you receive a grade of C or better in these courses. However, it is a policy of the graduate program that you need a B or better for the class to be applied to a graduate degree.

Are there any required courses?
Yes. Pharmacology, Health Assessment, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Lifespan Development or Developmental Psychology, and statistics are required for admission to the program.

What statistics class should I take and when?
All students are required to have completed a course in statistics. Courses in Virginia that meet the admissions requirement can be found by clicking here. This course must be completed prior to enrollment.

What if my nursing program did not offer pharmacology?
Many Virginia community colleges offer pharmacology (equivalent of NUR 230 or HLT 250).  This course, or UVA’s NUIP 3020 Principles of Pharmacology, will meet the requirement. This course must be completed prior to enrollment.

What if my nursing program did not offer health assessment?
Many Virginia community colleges offer health assessment (equivalent of NUR 226 - Health Assessment). This course, or UVA’s NUCO 2330:Client Assessment, will meet the requirement. NUCO 2330 may only be taken in the summer at UVA on a space-available basis. This course must be completed prior to enrollment.

What if my nursing program did not require lifespan development?
Many community colleges offer lifespan courses (such as PSY 230 in the Virginia Community College System). This course, or NUIP 2240 at UVA, will satisfy this admissions requirement. This course must be completed prior to enrollment.

What elective should I take in the fall of my second year?
Thirty credits must be earned at the University of Virginia to earn your BSN degree. This elective requirement has to be a nursing class and needs to be taken in residence.   You can discuss the elective options with your faculty advisor during your first year in the RN to BSN program.

Application Process

Where do I get an application?
Applications are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Are applications accepted on a rolling admissions basis?
No. Students are admitted 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 UVA is administered through the UVA Financial Aid Office. To apply, you need to complete the federal FAFSA form, the CSS/Profile form, and a School of Nursing financial aid form. All aid is need-based; the University meets 100 percent of demonstrated need. You are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid as our strong nursing alumni base is very supportive with scholarships and other sources of funding.

How many credits do I need to complete before applying?
RN to BSN applicants need to have all 49 general education requirements completed by the time they enroll in classes at UVA.

What classes should I be taking now at my present school to prepare me for UVA?
The best approach is to work on the general education requirements that UVA 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. In addition, you should speak with the School of Nursing Admissions Counselor to develop a plan to take statistics, health assessment, pharmacology, and lifespan development where needed. All applicants are encouraged to meet with the Admissions Counselor, Lynn Coyner, for a review of transfer credit.

How can I find out if the courses I have taken will transfer to UVA?
If you contact the Admissions Counselor, Lynn Coyner, she can answer questions about transfer credit. For information on transfer credit, please visit the following website:  Transfer Credit 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 41 credits awarded for your previous nursing courses.

Do I get any credit for the pharmacology and assessment courses?
120 hours are required for graduation. 30 hours are taken as part of the 2 year program of study and 49 general education credits transfer into the University. The remaining 41 credits are awarded as advanced standing to students for prior nursing courses and experience, including the required lifespan (above), pharmacology, and assessment credits. These 41 credit hours will be awarded after the completion of all required courses and successful evaluation of a portfolio of validating assignments developed during the program of study.

What type of classes transfer in as elective credit?
Almost anything; however there is a limit to the number of performance credits that can be transferred (e.g., physical education, studio art, music, etc.). It is best to consult with the Admissions Counselor, or refer to the Transfer Credit Analyzer.

Where should I mail my transcripts? 
Official transcripts should be sent to the University of Virginia, Office of Undergraduate Admission, P.O. Box 400160, Charlottesville, VA 22904.

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 UVA Office of Undergraduate Admission. 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 25-30 new students.

When will I be 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 Admissions Counselor to do a transcript review prior to applying. You can arrange this by contacting Lynn Coyner at (434) 924-0067 or lc6be@virginia.edu.

Do I have to have my RN license before I apply to the program?
No. However, you will need to have your RN license by the time that you begin classes. 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 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 (434) 924-0141 / 1-888-283-8703.