RN to BSN FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Application Questions
How do I apply?
You submit the Common Application through the UVA Office of Undergraduate Admission. Before beginning this application, we recommend that you speak with Kim Dieber, Coordinator for Recruitment & Community Engagement. She can guide you through questions on the Common Application that may seemingly not apply to your unique situation in returning to school.
Where do I get an application?
Applications are available from the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
How do I notify you of my choice of campus location?
We will contact you after your offer of admission to ask you to designate the location you wish to attend.
Am I able to switch between the Charlottesville and Richmond location?
No, once students select their location, they will attend in-person classes in either Richmond or Charlottesville for their entire program. Students cannot alternate locations from month to month or semester to semester.
Are applications accepted on a rolling admissions basis?
Students are only admitted for the fall semester, and the applications are reviewed after the March deadline. Decisions are posted by May 1.
How many credits do I need to complete before applying?
RN to BSN applicants need to complete the general education requirements by the time they enroll in classes at UVA. Most students prefer to complete these courses at their community college before starting the program.
How can I find out if the courses I have taken will transfer to UVA?
Kim Dieber can answer questions about transfer credit. For information on transfer credit, please visit the Transfer Credit Analyzer.
Do I need to meet with someone at the nursing school? Does the nursing school interview applicants?
Setting up a meeting with Kim Dieber to complete a transcript review before applying is helpful.
Where should I mail my transcripts?
Official transcripts should be sent to the University of Virginia, Office of Undergraduate Admission, PO Box 400160, Charlottesville, VA 22904.
How many applications do you usually have each year?
We usually have approximately 40-60 applications each year. We typically have space for 30 new students.
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 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 financial aid do you offer?
All financial aid for undergraduate students at UVA is administered through UVA Student Financial Services (SFS). To apply, you must complete the federal FAFSA form and the CSS/Profile form. All aid is need-based; the University meets 100% of demonstrated need. You are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid as our strong nursing alumni base is very supportive of scholarships and other sources of funding.
What kind of program do you offer LPNs?
We do not offer a transition program for LPNs. We are happy to work with you to create a plan to complete your RN elsewhere and then apply to complete your BSN with us.
Course and Program Questions
Can I attend the program full-time?
The RN to BSN program is a part-time program. The School of Nursing advocates this approach, respectful of the importance of work-life-school balance and the need to take care of oneself to take care of others.
Can I take courses before being admitted?
You may take up to three RN to BSN classes at the Charlottesville location before being admitted into the program (pathophysiology, health policy, leadership, statistics, research, or the University elective).
How many courses are taught online?
The RN to BSN program is now being offered in a hybrid model that blends online and traditional in-person learning. Students meet in person for classes once a month, and all other learning occurs online.
Are there clinicals in this program? How are they set up?
There are direct and indirect care experiences in the RN to BSN program. Students work with the course professor to fulfill the CCNE practice experience requirements for the RN to BSN program.
Are there any required courses?
Yes. Human anatomy & physiology, lifespan development or developmental psychology, and microbiology. If you graduate from the VCCS’s new concept-based curriculum, you will meet all criteria. If you are from another program, please submit syllabi from your program, and we will gladly review them to determine equivalency for these courses.
Do I need to take statistics?
You will take statistics as part of the RN-to-BSN program. It is an introductory statistics course that uses almost all healthcare research examples. The focus is on univariate statistics (independent t tests through simple regression). The course is designed to let you work with an actual database to better understand the different statistical tests.
What if my nursing program did not require lifespan development?
This course must be completed before enrollment. Many community colleges offer lifespan courses (such as PSY 230 in the Virginia Community College System).
Why doesn’t my developmental psychology course count toward the required social science/history credits?
You do get credit for developmental psychology, but it is transferred in with the 42 credits for your previous nursing courses.
What if my nursing program did not require microbiology?
This course must be completed before enrollment. Many community colleges offer microbiology courses (such as BIO 150 or BIO 205 in the Virginia Community College System).
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 Kim Dieber or refer to the Transfer Credit Analyzer.