Austin Community College RN to BSN Program

Program Details

Health Sciences Programs

Austin Community College (ACC) offers a comprehensive RN-to-BSN program designed for registered nurses holding an associate degree or diploma in nursing.

This program prepares students for leadership roles and advanced nursing positions, equipping them with skills in research, community health, informatics, and health policy.

Program Duration

The program can be completed in as little as 12 months for full-time students. A part-time option is also available, spanning five semesters.

Accreditation

ACC’s RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring a recognized and high-quality education.

Outcomes

Graduates achieve a 100% licensure pass rate and strong job placement rates, with many moving into leadership roles or pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the RN-to-BSN program is competitive and based on priority for ACC Associate Degree Nursing graduates, followed by other regional applicants. Applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and complete 54 prerequisite credits.

Curriculum

The program includes courses such as Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Leadership and Management, Community and Public Health, and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice.

Key courses include:

NURS 3350 – Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing
Explores the foundations of baccalaureate nursing roles, including patient care, safety, teamwork, professionalism, and legal and ethical standards. Covers nursing theory, clinical judgment, and collaboration within the interdisciplinary team.

NURS 3351 – Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
Prepares students to evaluate research methodologies and findings to support evidence-based, patient-centered care. Emphasizes quality improvement, safety outcomes, and the scientific process in healthcare.

NURS 3352 – Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
Focuses on comprehensive health assessments for individuals and populations. Includes topics such as healthcare access, genomics, and complementary health practices.

NURS 3353 – Informatics and Technology in Healthcare
Examines the role of informatics in improving care quality and continuity. Emphasizes the use of electronic data systems in interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

NURS 4355 – Community and Public Health
Covers community health nursing with a focus on healthcare systems, health disparities, program development, and resource access. Discusses the impact of health education and economic factors.

NURS 4160 – Community and Public Health Clinical
Provides hands-on learning experiences in community settings to apply public health nursing principles.

NURS 4356 – Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
Explores strategies for health promotion and risk reduction across pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. Emphasizes environmental and health patterns affecting wellness.

NURS 3354 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
Discusses legal and ethical principles in nursing practice across various specialties.

NURS 4457 – Leadership and Management
Covers leadership and management theories, resource allocation, change agency, communication, and quality improvement in healthcare settings.

NURS 4161 – Leadership and Management Clinical
Offers practical application of leadership and management concepts in real-world healthcare environments.

NURS 4358 – Public and Global Health Policy
Explores U.S. and global healthcare policies, including advocacy, quality improvement, disaster preparedness, and national health initiatives. Topics include bioterrorism, environmental health, and emerging diseases.

Clinical courses provide hands-on experience in central Texas.

More curriculum info here:

https://www6.austincc.edu/cms/site/www/catalog/catalog.php?cat=2025&type=CC&group=PCNUR&nid=29525

Tuition

Tuition for in district residents is $3,690.

Cost Breakdown

The RN-to-BSN program at Austin Community College consists of 30 credit hours. Below is a breakdown of costs for in-district residents:

Tuition Costs

  • Base tuition per credit hour: $85
  • Total tuition for 30 credit hours: $85 × 30 = $2,550

General Fees (Per Credit Hour)

  • General Fee: $15
  • Student Success Fee: $2
  • Sustainability Fee: $1
  • Course Fee: $50 per course (approximately $16.67 per credit hour)
  • Health Professions Insurance Fee: $10 per course (approximately $3.33 per credit hour)
  • Total fees per credit hour: $15 + $2 + $1 + $16.67 + $3.33 = $38
  • Total fees for 30 credit hours: $38 × 30 = $1,140

Total Cost

  • Tuition: $2,550
  • Fees: $1,140
  • Total Cost for In-District Residents: $3,690

This total reflects the full program cost, assuming all required courses are completed within the 30 credit hours.

More tuition details here:
https://admissions.austincc.edu/tuition-table/

Online Availability

The program features online lecture courses, with clinical requirements conducted in-person. A hybrid format combining online and face-to-face learning is also available.

Other Programs Offered

In addition to the RN-to-BSN program, ACC provides associate degree programs in nursing and vocational nursing certificates. These programs cater to students at various stages of their nursing careers.

Key Dates

Application deadlines are December 15 for the spring semester and June 1 for the fall semester. Start dates include the fall and spring semesters, with flexible full-time and part-time options.

Career Advancement

Graduates are well-prepared for roles in healthcare leadership, patient care coordination, and community health. The program also serves as a stepping stone for advanced nursing degrees.

ACC’s RN-to-BSN program offers a flexible, affordable, and accredited pathway for registered nurses to enhance their skills and advance their careers.