Nursing (RN-BSN) BSN

Looking for an online Nursing RN to BSN degree?

Program-at-a-Glance (Undergraduate)

Credit Hours:

Total Hours: 120

Major Area of Study: 30

Cost per Credit Hour:

$433.59

Calculate Your Tuition

Completion Time:

2 semesters

Accreditation:

CCNE

Special Requirements:

(1) Completed associates degree program; (2) registered to practice nursing in a compact state with an unrestricted RN license; location restrictions apply, see FAQ section for details about compact states.

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As an RN, you have the foundational knowledge to excel in the healthcare industry. With the online nursing RN to BSN degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, you can enhance your knowledge and skillset to take your career to the next level. The online RN to BSN degree is designed with you, the working RN professional, in mind. You can begin this program in the fall or spring and complete the degree in only 2 semesters! There are no required chemistry courses. All of our courses and all course prerequisites are available fully online. 

Our accredited, fully-online Nursing RN to BSN degree program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills to build upon your prior education and earn your BSN while staying in your current place of employment! This program will introduce you to a wide range of subjects like pathophysiology, health assessment and promotion, patient safety, healthcare systems, and more that will expand your knowledge and allow you to move forward with your career.

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Scholarship opportunities are available for our RN-BSN students! Scholarships are available from the School of Professional Nursing Practice. For more information you can contact them at (601) 266-5454. Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now! 

What can you do with a nursing degree?

With an RN-BSN degree, you can embark on a rewarding career in nursing. RN-BSN qualifies you for many nursing roles but also provides a solid foundation for career growth and further education.

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Fall Start Schedule

Fall Semester Schedule 

Intercession 

NSG 417: Health Care Systems, 3 credits 

Session 1: 7 Weeks 

NSG 447: Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing, 3 credits 

Session 2: 7 Weeks 

NSG 457, Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Practice Experiences, 4 credits 

15 Weeks 

NSG 418: Evidence-Based Practice, 3 credits 

15 Weeks 

NSG 488: Leadership, 3 credits 

  

Spring Semester Schedule 

Session 1: 7 Weeks 

NSG 332: Role Development as a Nurse Scientist, 3 credits 

Session 2: 7 Weeks 

NSG 330: Health Assessment & Promotion: Theory and Lab, 4 credits 

15 Weeks 

NSG 311: Pathophysiology, 3 credits

15 Weeks 

NSG 354: Population Health Nursing Theory and Praxis, 4 credits 

Spring Start Schedule

Spring Semester Schedule

Intercession: 

NSG 417: Health Care Systems, 3 credits 

Session 1: 7 Weeks 

NSG 332: Role Development as a Nurse Scientist, 3 credits 

Session 2: 7 Weeks 

NSG 457*: Patient Safety & Quality Improvement Practice Experiences, 4 credits 

15 Weeks 

NSG 311: Pathophysiology, 3 credits 

15 Weeks 

NSG 488: Leadership, 3 credits 

  

Summer Semester Schedule 

 10 Weeks 

NSG 330: Health Assessment & Promotion: Theory and Lab, 4 credits 

10 Weeks 

NSG 354*: Population Health Nursing Theory and Praxis, 4 credits 

10 Weeks 

NSG 418: Evidence- Based Practice, 3 credits 

10 Weeks 

NSG 447: Ethical and Legal Issues in Nursing, 3 credits 

Please be aware that you could be required to take prerequisites, all of which are available online, in order to start this degree. To find out which prerequisite courses you have or need, you can email an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) to spnp-advising@usm.edu or call (601) 266-5454.

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

To get started with the application process, start here.

Does this program lead to initial or an upgraded license in Mississippi or any other state?

Licensure requirements and approval are determined by each state’s licensing board. For general information about professional licensure, please review the Online Programs & Professional Licensure Page. If you have professional licensing questions regarding licensure relative to one of our online programs, please read our Professional Licensure Disclosure and then fill out the Professional Licensure Inquiry Form. If you have other questions regarding licensure, please email professional licensure.

Is this program available to people located outside the US?

This program is not ideal for students outside the United States. Applicants must be registered to practice Nursing in a compact state with an unrestricted RN license. Compact state information can be found by visiting the Nurse Compact site.

Why should I enroll in the RN-BSN program?

The RN-BSN Program provides you with opportunities to:

  • Improve your practice as a BSN nurse
  • Climb the career ladder at your health care agency
  • Pursue advanced degrees, i.e., MSN, DNP, PhD
  • Become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, a Nurse Executive, a Faculty Member
Will I receive credit for the course work I've completed through the Associate Degree?

Yes. At Southern Miss, 34 credits (called ‘validation credits’) are given to RN-BSN students as a way of respecting the previous course work already taken in your associate degree. You will register for these validation credits during your program of study.

When can I start the RN-BSN Program?
  • Spring Semester (Application Deadline: October 1st)
  • Fall Semester (Application Deadline: May 1st)

Because of the recent restructure of this program, we no longer begin classes during the Summer.

Do all prerequisites have to be completed before being admitted into the program?

Yes. All prerequisites must be completed before starting the program. However, at the time of application, only two of the three natural sciences must be completed.

Am I required to work as a nurse before being admitted into the program?

No.

Are scholarships available for the RN-BSN Program?

Scholarships and financial aid are available: A full range of financial assistance is available through the Southern Miss Office of Financial Aid. For information about the Nursing Education Loan Repayment (NELR) scholarship for RN to BSN go to Nursing Education Forgivable Loan. The deadline dates for this scholarship application are October 1- March 31. Additional scholarships are available through The University of Southern Mississippi. For more information, contact your advisor.

Can this degree be completed fully online?

Yes, all courses in the program are available totally online; however, there are two clinical experiences that are completed in your health care agency or through community health services. Students are not required to visit campus for any in-class lectures.

What if I still have questions about the university?

If you have questions about tuition, transfer credits or anything else about the university, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!

Admission Requirements

All students interested in the RN-BSN program are subject to the admission procedures and standards of the University. Students admitted to the University who wish to pursue entrance into the RN-BSN program must make a separate application, gain acceptance, complete all prerequisites, and meet all clinical requirements before starting the plan of study.

Students who have completed at least 75 percent of the prerequisite nursing courses, including two of the three natural sciences, may complete and submit their application to the RN-BSN program. Admission to the RN-BSN program is competitive and is not guaranteed, regardless of grades or other dimensions of academic performance. Students who meet all prerequisites and fulfill minimum requirements may apply. Qualified applicants admitted to the RN-BSN program are selected from an applicant pool. If admitted to nursing, students will have their major as nursing and become students in the RN-BSN program.

Application forms may be obtained online.

The deadline for the return of completed applications is as follows:

Fall term admission is May 1, Spring term admission is October 1

There are no exceptions to these deadline dates.

In addition to applying, the following requirements must be met by the student for consideration to the program, admission, and starting the RN-BSN plan of study.

  1. Admitted to the USM as an undergraduate student.
    • All official transcripts of any colleges/universities attended must be on file in the USM Office of Admissions.
  2. Graduate of an accredited associate degree nursing program.
  • Official transcript with ADN conferred must be on file in the USM Office of Admissions.
  1. Holds a current, unrestricted RN license.
  2. Earned an overall nursing grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
  3. Successful completion of all nursing prerequisite courses with a grade of “C or higher” and an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  4. Successful completion of a criminal background check, immunizations, CPR, physical health exam, and substance screening.

Admission Requirements:

Program Academic Policies and Requirements:

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DEGREE?

Talk to one of our enrollment coaches today for more information.

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