RN to BSN Outreach Program

GENERAL INFORMATION

The RN to BSN Outreach Program is offered in collaboration with the Northwest Area Health Education Center (NWAHEC). It is a part-time program designed for the working RN wishing to earn the BSN degree. Classes are held at the Northwest AHEC building adjacent to Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, NC on Wednesdays. Classes meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are taught by UNCG faculty.

The program is five semesters in length (two fall and spring semesters and one summer session). Students are admitted only at the start of each program offering: the next program is planned to begin in August 2006.

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM

Admission to the program is on a first-come first-served basis according to the date of submission of a RN to BSN Prospective Student Record form along with copies of unofficial transcripts. Students must also be admitted to UNCG prior to starting the program. Specially marked applications are sent to prospective students during the spring semester prior to starting the program. To maintain program quality and meet student needs, class size is limited to 40. Should the need arise; a waiting list will be created. Once admitted, all details are handled by correspondence or at the Hickory site.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BSN DEGREE

Hours for the Degree: A minimum of 122 semester hours (s.h.) is required to earn the degree. This total is made up of the following: transferable s.h. earned toward the degree prior to entering the program, 30 s.h. earned by successful completion of the NLN Acceleration Challenge Exam (ACE) II, 25 s.h. taken in the RN to BSN Outreach Program, s.h. earned by taking courses to meet GEC requirements and elective hours. Because students in the program come from a variety of educational backgrounds, GEC requirements and elective hours will vary. Second-degree students earn the BSN through successful completion of the NLN exams and the 25 s.h. of coursework in the nursing major. An individualized academic plan is developed for each student prior to, or at the start of each program offering.

NLN Examination: RNs take the NLN ACE II prior to starting in the program. They are offered several times at the Hickory site before the start of each new class. Accepted students will be notified of the times and preparation information for the examinations.

Transfer Credit and General Education Core (GEC) Requirements: Students earning their first baccalaureate degree at UNCG must complete requirements in a distribution of liberal arts courses. A tentative/unofficial evaluation of transfer credit will be done once transcripts are received. Preadmission advising about transfer courses is provided. Students can check transferability of courses to UNCG on the Registrar's Office website: http://www.uncg.edu/reg/transfer.

Credit for courses already completed at an accredited community college or senior college is considered on an individual basis at the time of admission to the University. Statistics is a prerequisite for NUR 473 and must be taken prior to being admitted to UNCG. Except for STA 108, the student need not have completed the non-nursing course requirements prior to beginning the program. The equivalent of 64 s.h. is the maximum that can be transferred from two-year institutions.

Students may also earn credit toward their degree requirements by writing the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams (subject exams only) in conformity with UNCG and School of Nursing requirements.

Graduates of 2+ programs: UNCG has signed agreements with many community colleges that permit RNs, depending upon when they completed the AAS degree, to have junior level standing at UNCG once the ACE II exams are successfully completed.

Required Nursing Courses:

*Students must successfully complete the ACE II, pass NUR 370 and 371, and hold an unrestricted NC RN license for admission to the required 400-level courses.

Residency Requirements: Residency requirements are met by completion of the Outreach Program.

Additional Requirements: Students must provide evidence of CPR certification and current immunizations prior to taking NUR 474.

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition & Fees: Tuition: NC Resident: $68.51* per credit; Non-NC Resident: $439.05* per credit

Books: cost varies.

Additional costs: NLN ACE II, $165*; posting of University credit for ACE II, $40*; liability insurance purchased through the School of Nursing Group Policy prior to NUR 474 and end of program diagnostic or assessment tests, $28* total.

*These costs, current as of 8/04, are subject to change.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid for part-time students is limited. Information is available from the Financial Aid Office at UNCG, 336-334-5702.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information contact:

Dr. Margaret Dick, Director
Telephone: 336-334-5264
Email: Margaret_Dick@uncg.edu

or

Mrs. Linda Anderson, Program Assistant
Telephone: 336-334-5265
Email: Linda_Anderson@uncg.edu
FAX: 336-334-3628.

Last updated March 1, 2006