UTHealth Houston RN to BSN Program

Program Details

Cizik School of Nursing

The RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses holding an associate degree in nursing (ADN) who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The program consists of a 30-credit curriculum and is delivered entirely online, making it ideal for working nurses. Depending on the entry term, students can complete the program in three or four semesters.

Admissions and Acceptance Criteria

Admission is competitive and requires applicants to have an unencumbered RN license or obtain one by the end of their first term.

Candidates must graduate from an accredited ADN program and meet the prerequisite GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Additional factors like professional references, leadership experience, and community service are also considered.

Acceptance is available for both spring and summer entry terms.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes advanced nursing courses such as Health Promotion Across the Lifespan, Leadership and Management, and Community Health.

NURS 3511W Health Assessment
This course introduces RN to BSN students to the concepts and skills necessary for evaluating client health and documenting findings. Students integrate physical and social science principles to perform holistic assessments, using physical examination and interview data to develop nursing diagnoses. The course combines lectures, online interactions, and lab experiences to promote critical thinking in nursing practice.

NURS 3701W Professional Nursing Practice
This course explores the historical and theoretical foundations of professional nursing, focusing on the competencies and standards required for evidence-based, patient-centered care. Students examine what defines nursing as a profession, the dynamics of group collaboration, and implement a project that applies theoretical knowledge to practice.

NURS 3702W Issues in Professional Practice
Students delve into issues impacting professional nursing, including ethical theories, legal responsibilities, cultural sensitivity, and professional standards of care. The course emphasizes the Nurse Practice Act, the Code of Ethics for Nurses, and biomedical ethics, preparing students to navigate workplace policies and accountability in clinical settings.

NURS 3564W Introduction to Applied Health Informatics
This course introduces health informatics by integrating health science, information management, and technology. Students learn to use clinical information systems to improve patient safety and outcomes. Topics include health information applications, privacy issues, and emerging technologies, with a focus on clinical, educational, and research applications.

NURS 4512W Research Critique & Utilization (2 Credits)
This course prepares students to become informed consumers of nursing research. It introduces scientific inquiry methods, the research process, and the evaluation of research findings. Students develop critical appraisal skills and learn to apply research results to nursing practice across clinical settings.

NURS 3601W Community Health for RNs
Focusing on population-based care, this course emphasizes the application of public health and nursing principles to identify and address community health problems. Students learn to assess determinants of health, prioritize issues, prevent health problems, and advocate for health equity and access.

NURS 3602B Community Health Project for RNs
This course provides hands-on experience in community health, where students collaborate with faculty and community partners to promote health and prevent disease. Activities include assessing populations, analyzing community health issues, planning interventions, and developing evaluation strategies.

NURS 3703W Synthesis: Management and Leadership
Students explore the leadership and management roles of nurses within interprofessional teams. Topics include fiscal responsibility, quality improvement, advocacy, and organizational management theories. The course examines leadership opportunities in nursing and organizational standards in healthcare facilities.

NURS 3704W Synthesis: Application for Change into Practice for RNs
This course focuses on the application of leadership, management, and professional nursing concepts to implement changes in practice. Students synthesize theoretical knowledge to address real-world challenges in professional nursing.

NURS 4526W Role Transition for RNs
This course examines the transition into advanced nursing roles, emphasizing professional goal setting and lifelong learning. Students explore advanced practice opportunities, professional responsibilities, and participation in organizations and activities to support career development.

Students also complete practicum experiences in their communities. Courses are structured to develop leadership, critical thinking, and clinical skills necessary for advanced nursing roles.

More curriculum info here:
https://catalog.uth.edu/nursing/programs/undergraduate-programs/nursing-rn-bsn/

Prerequisites and Transfer Requirements

Applicants must complete 59 semester credit hours of prerequisite coursework in subjects such as anatomy, microbiology, and psychology before admission. A minimum of 12 credit hours in nursing science courses is required.

Transfer credits from other RN-to-BSN programs are not accepted, and a certain number of upper-division credit hours must be completed at Texas A&M University.

Tuition

The estimated tuition for the RN to BSN program at UTHealth Houston, based on 31 credit hours, is approximately $9,021. ​

Cost Breakdown

  1. First 18 credit hours:
    • Tuition for 18 credit hours = $5,238.00
  2. Additional 13 credit hours:
    • Tuition beyond 18 hours is calculated by repeating the pattern above for credits up to 31.
    • The tuition for the remaining 13 credit hours (based on costs in the table) sums up to an additional $3,783.00.
  3. Total Tuition:
    • Tuition for 18 credit hours = $5,238.00
    • Tuition for remaining 13 credit hours = $3,783.00
    • Grand Total Tuition = $5,238.00 + $3,783.00 = $9,021.00

Find more tuition details here:

Other Programs Offered

The program also includes the ASCEND track, an accelerated pathway exclusively for Blinn College ADN students, allowing them to earn a BSN within one or two semesters after completing their ADN.

Accreditations and Approval

The program is accredited by national organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).

Additionally, the program is approved for delivery via asynchronous online technology, ensuring high-quality education aligned with industry standards.

Online Learning and Flexibility

The program is delivered asynchronously, enabling students to balance work and family commitments. Remote learning is complemented by hands-on practicum experiences tailored to each student’s local community, offering a blend of theoretical and practical education.

Career Outcomes and Value

Graduates gain advanced clinical and leadership skills, opening doors to roles in management, community health, and specialized nursing fields. The program prepares students for the challenges of modern nursing, providing a flexible and affordable path to career advancement.