Nursing (RN-BSN)

Requirements

• All students are required to have completed an associate degree or diploma program in nursing. All previous college-level coursework will be evaluated for potential transfer credit. 
• Students must have a current Pennsylvania license.
• In order to meet graduation requirements, students must have a total of 120 credits which includes required nursing courses, and general education courses, and/or electives, if needed. Students must also meet the residency requirement of earning 30 of the last 60 credits at Commonwealth University.

 Degree Requirements

  Degree Progress: Enrolled students can review program requirements and track progress toward degree completion using the university’s degree audit and advising tool, Degree Works.

Commonwealth University is not authorized to accept students residing outside of Pennsylvania into the RN-BSN online program at this time. We are currently working on becoming authorized in other states. Please keep checking back for updates.

• Integrate, translate, and apply established and evolving theoretical and empirical professional nursing knowledge and ways of knowing, including a foundation in the arts, sciences, and humanities.
• Demonstrate and apply person- and family-centered, evidence-based, and respectful nursing care by employing clinical judgment and problem-solving skills that meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities using a compassionate, holistic approach across the lifespan.
• Integrate traditional and nontraditional community resources, including industry, academia, and local government entities to provide equitable and inclusive care across the healthcare delivery continuum to prevent disease and injury, account for social influences on health, improve health outcomes and promote wellness among individuals, families, groups, and communities to improve population health outcomes. 
• Critically appraise, translate, apply and disseminate nursing knowledge to improve health care outcomes for diverse patient populations.
• Incorporate established and emerging quality improvement and safety science that minimizes risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance.
• Apply core professional nursing values to intentionally collaborate and effectively communicate with patients, families, communities, other stakeholders, and the health care team to optimize care, enhance the healthcare experience, and strengthen outcomes.
• Coordinate resources effectively in complex health care systems (micro, meso, and macro) to provide safe, quality, and equitable care to diverse populations.
• Use information and communication technologies and informatics processes to manage and improve the delivery of safe, high-quality nursing care, gathering data and information related to health care services and evidence-based practice in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards.
• Demonstrate accountability, perspective, collaborative disposition, and comportment in the development of a sustainable professional nursing identity that reflects the values and characteristics of nursing practice.
• Participates in activities and self-reflection that fosters professionalism, personal health, resilience, and well-being, contributes to lifelong learning, and supports the acquisition of nursing expertise and the assertion of leadership.

• Who is eligible to apply to the RN-BSN program?
  Our accredited RN-BSN program is designed for registered nurses who have earned — or are currently completing through Commonwealth U — an associate degree or diploma in nursing and are ready to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.*ASN students with a 3.0 GPA and academic advisor approval may take non-clinical BSN courses concurrently.
• How do I apply?
  Applying is simple! Complete the online application, submit all official college transcripts, provide proof of current RN licensure, and work with an admissions counselor to complete the process.
• How will my transfer credits be evaluated?
  Once you apply and submit transcripts, Commonwealth University will complete a preliminary transfer credit evaluation to show how your previous coursework applies toward your BSN degree.
• How many credits can transfer into the program?
  Many students transfer significant credits from prior coursework, helping reduce time to completion. Your transfer evaluation will provide a personalized academic pathway.
• How long does it take to complete the RN-BSN program?
  Many students complete the program in as little as two semesters, depending on transfer credits and enrollment pace.
• Can I continue working while completing the program?
  Yes. The RN-BSN program is designed for working nurses and offers the flexibility to balance school, career, and personal commitments.
• What if I work nights, rotating shifts, or weekends?
  The online format is designed with working professionals in mind and offers flexibility for nurses balancing nontraditional work schedules.
• Will I have to complete clinicals?
  Yes. Our Population Health (NURS 447) course includes external clinical hours. Students will identify a preceptor and complete the hours on a schedule that works for both parties.
• When can I start?
  This program accepts applications for both the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Can I speak with someone before applying?
  Admissions counselors are available to answer questions, review transfer credits, and help you understand your next steps.
• Can I use employer tuition reimbursement or deferred billing?
  Yes. Commonwealth University offers an Employer Tuition Assistance Deferment option for eligible students whose employers provide tuition reimbursement. This option allows qualified students to defer 75% of tuition and fees, pay 25% upfront plus a payment plan enrollment fee, and delay the remaining balance until 45 days after the semester ends — allowing time to receive employer reimbursement.
• How many courses should I take each semester?
  Course load can be flexible depending on your goals, work schedule, and personal commitments.
• How much time should I expect to spend on coursework each week?
  Time commitments vary by course, but students should plan for regular weekly engagement, assignments, and deadlines. Many working nurses find success by building coursework into a consistent routine.
• What if I’ve been out of school for a while?
  You are not alone. Many RN-BSN students are returning to college after several years in the workforce. Commonwealth U provides support to help students transition back into academic life.
• Will I have support as an online student?
  Yes. Online students have access to advising, faculty support, academic resources, financial aid assistance, and student services throughout their experience.
• Can I apply if I have credits from multiple colleges?
  Yes. Commonwealth U can evaluate transcripts from multiple institutions as part of the transfer credit review process.
• Are there opportunities to continue into graduate nursing programs after completing my BSN?
  Yes! The Breiner School of Nursing offers nursing degrees from the ASN through DNP. View the full listing of nursing options on our graduate school webpage.
• Can students from outside Pennsylvania enroll?
  Yes! Commonwealth University participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.