South University RN to BSN Program

Program Details

College of Health Professions

The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program at South University’s Austin campus is tailored for registered nurses aiming to advance their knowledge, enhance their skills, and grow their careers.

This program prepares professional nurses for current and future practice needs.

Program Duration

The RN to BSN program can be completed in as little as one year, depending on the student’s course load and transfer credits.

Accreditation

The program accepts 45 nursing credit hours from accredited nursing schools toward the BSN degree, ensuring a streamlined path for registered nurses.

Program Outcomes

Graduates are equipped with advanced nursing competencies, preparing them for leadership roles, improved patient care, and further educational opportunities. Successful program completion enables graduates to meet the qualifications for roles requiring a BSN.

Acceptance Criteria

To qualify for admission, applicants must hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and possess an unencumbered RN license in the U.S. or its territories. Submission of official transcripts is required within five weeks of enrollment.

Curriculum

The curriculum builds on foundational nursing skills, focusing on areas such as evidence-based practice, leadership, community health, and healthcare technologies.

Key courses include:

NSG3007 Foundations for Professional Nursing
Introduces baccalaureate nursing practice emphasizing caring and holistic principles. Covers the evolution and philosophy of nursing, theoretical foundations, healthcare systems, finance, policy, quality outcomes, and patient safety.

NSG3012 Principles of Assessment for RNs
Enhances physical assessment skills using a systems approach. Focuses on identifying normal and abnormal findings to strengthen clinical competence.

NSG3029 Foundations of Nursing Research
Guides students in understanding research methods and applying evidence-based findings. Covers qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, with emphasis on translating research into clinical practice.

NSG3039 Information Management and Technology
Equips students with skills to use information technologies for safe and effective patient care. Discusses decision-making, project management, product testing, and change management in nursing.

NSG4028 Concepts of Teaching and Learning
Develops skills in patient education and staff training. Includes principles of learning, teaching strategies, program preparation, and considerations for diverse populations.

NSG4029 Leadership in a Diverse Society
Prepares nurses to apply leadership and management theories in professional practice. Emphasizes cultural competence, communication, healthcare systems, quality improvement, and patient safety.

NSG4068 Trends in Healthcare Policy
Explores healthcare, financial, and regulatory policies. Examines healthcare disparities, economics, legal and ethical issues, and the influence of social trends on policy-making and advocacy.

NSG4074 Health Promotion and Clinical Prevention
Focuses on health promotion and disease prevention across community settings. Emphasizes prevention at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels for diverse and vulnerable populations.

NSG4076 RN to BSN Capstone Synthesis
Integrates curriculum components through a clinical project addressing community healthcare needs. Includes direct and indirect care, with focus on research, teaching, leadership, and policy application.

Students must complete general education prerequisites before advancing to higher-level nursing courses.

More curriculum info here:

https://catalog.southuniversity.edu/nursing/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-bsn/nursing-rn-to-bsn

Tuition

Tuition for the South University RN to BSN program is $16,780.

The program requires the completion of 57 quarter credit hours at a tuition rate of $255 per credit hour, totaling $14,535.

In addition to tuition, students should anticipate the following fees:

  • Digital Textbook Fee: $15 per credit hour, amounting to $855 for 57 credit hours.
  • Technology Fee: $20 per credit hour, totaling $1,140 for 57 credit hours.
  • Graduation Fee: A one-time charge of $250.

These additional fees sum up to $2,245, bringing the overall estimated cost of the program to approximately $16,780.

More tuition information here:

https://catalog.southuniversity.edu/tuition#undergraduate-tuition-536

Prerequisites

Applicants must complete general education requirements, including sciences and humanities, prior to enrolling in upper-level nursing courses. Credits earned from accredited institutions are transferable.

Online Availability

The RN to BSN program is available online, offering flexibility for working professionals. Not all online programs are accessible to residents of every state, so prospective students should confirm eligibility with admissions.

Other Nursing Programs Offered

South University also provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for non-RN students. This program prepares students for initial licensure and successful completion of the NCLEX exam.

South University’s RN to BSN program provides a flexible, accredited, and career-focused pathway for registered nurses to enhance their credentials and expand their career opportunities.