The RN to BSN program at HSC is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
This program offers both full-time and part-time options, requiring the completion of 30 credit hours over two, three, or four semesters, depending on the student’s schedule and preferences.
Accreditation
The program is pursuing accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). While accreditation is not yet guaranteed, this pending status reflects HSC’s commitment to maintaining high academic and professional standards.
Curriculum
The curriculum includes online didactic coursework complemented by occasional in-person clinical experiences.
Courses cover key nursing competencies such as the following:
NURS 4301 Collaborative Care & Nursing Practice
3 SCH. Explores foundational concepts and roles in baccalaureate nursing within interprofessional care models. Topics include nursing history, theories, professional identity, team communication, ethical practice, and safety promotion within organizational structures.
NURS 4302 Health Promotion Across Lifespan
3 SCH. Focuses on health promotion and well-being across the lifespan, emphasizing whole person-centered care, social determinants of health, and interventions to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities. Offered Fall and Spring. Letter Grade.
NURS 4303 Applied Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapy, & Safe Medication Management
3 SCH. Integrates pathophysiology and pharmacology with cultural, legal, and ethical considerations for safe medication management across diverse populations and care settings.
NURS 4304 Innovation, Informatics, and Technologies
3 SCH. Provides an overview of informatics, technology, and innovative solutions in healthcare. Topics include system-level care delivery, data management, and strategies to enhance care coordination and decision-making.
NURS 4305 Leadership, Quality, and Safety in Practice
3 SCH. Covers leadership strategies, safety principles, and improvement science in nursing practice. Topics include communication, conflict resolution, delegation, and the influence of external forces like policy, regulations, and payer systems.
NURS 4307 Global Community and Population-Centered Nursing
3 SCH. Addresses whole health care for vulnerable populations, emphasizing epidemiology, social determinants, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Includes 45 clinical hours in community settings. Offered Fall and Summer.
NURS 4308 Scholarship and Evidence-Based Practice
3 SCH. Focuses on nursing research, including the development, application, and dissemination of evidence-based practices. Covers the research process, ethical considerations, and skills for critiquing and integrating research into practice.
NURS 4501 Capstone: Transitions in Care and Practice
5 SCH. Provides an opportunity for learners to lead a transformational health project and develop a professional portfolio. Includes 225 clinical hours with a preceptor to apply comprehensive nursing concepts and deliver quality care.
More curriculum information here:
https://www.unthsc.edu/college-of-nursing/rn-to-bsn-admissions-information/rn-to-bsn-course-sequence/
These clinicals are conducted at the HSC Simulation Lab and through partnerships with local healthcare facilities.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and an active RN license. Additional requirements include submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Students must also meet prerequisite coursework requirements, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics, with a minimum grade of “C.”
Tuition
Tuition for the 30 credit hour HSC RN to BSN program is $9,660.
Breakdown:
- Statutory Tuition: $50 per SCH
- Board Authorized: $0 per SCH
- Board Designated: $272 per SCH
- Total (per SCH): $322 (Resident) or $742 (Non-Resident)
Total Cost:
- Resident (Texas): $322 × 30 SCH = $9,660
More tuition details here:
https://www.unthsc.edu/tuition-and-fees/
Flexible Learning Options
The program accommodates working professionals with a fully online format for didactic coursework and flexible clinical scheduling.
Students can choose from two-, three-, or four-semester completion tracks, allowing them to balance academic, professional, and personal commitments.
Program Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles, advanced clinical responsibilities, and positions in public health, education, and case management. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration.
Additional Offerings
HSC also provides elective courses that allow students to explore specialized interests, enhancing their career opportunities.
The institution’s robust student support services include academic advising, technical assistance, and access to research databases.
Online Availability
The RN to BSN program is primarily delivered online, making it accessible to students across diverse geographic locations. Clinical components are coordinated locally to provide hands-on learning experiences.
Conclusion
The RN to BSN program at HSC offers a flexible, comprehensive, and supportive pathway for nurses aiming to elevate their careers.
With its emphasis on academic excellence and professional growth, this program is an excellent choice for advancing in the nursing field.