Program Details
School of Nursing
- City: Huntsville, TX
- Length: 12 months
- Tuition: $13,080
- Website: https://www.shsu.edu/academics/health-sciences/nursing/programs/rn-to-bsn.html
The RN to BSN program at SHSU is designed for licensed registered nurses who have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or diploma in nursing.
The program is fully online, offering working professionals the flexibility to complete their coursework at their own pace. With part-time and full-time tracks, students can finish the program in as little as one year.
Accreditation and Outcomes
The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduates are equipped with leadership, research, and clinical skills, opening pathways to advanced positions in healthcare and eligibility for graduate nursing programs. The program boasts high graduation and job placement rates.
Curriculum
Students complete 30 credit hours at SHSU, combined with 32 articulation credits from prior nursing coursework. Core courses include:
NURS 3340. Older Adult Health Management
This course focuses on nursing strategies to promote, maintain, and restore health in older adults. Students explore the normal aging process, factors affecting health deviations, and evidence-based resources that support older adults’ well-being. Emphasis is placed on collaborative care with individuals, families, and communities to meet the healthcare needs of the elderly.
NURS 3360. Introduction to Research
Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of nursing research and its role in evidence-based practice. Key topics include the research process, formulation of clinical research questions, and critique of nursing research studies to enhance clinical decision-making.
NURS 3370. RN-to-BSN Role Transition
This course is tailored for RNs with associate degrees or diplomas transitioning to a BSN. Students examine the role of the professional nurse, emphasizing holistic care, advocacy, evidence-based practice, quality and safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Additional topics include nursing theory, informatics, genetics, and nursing diagnoses.
NURS 4030. Community Nursing
Students apply public health concepts to promote and maintain community health. Topics include the history and philosophy of public health, epidemiology, cultural competence, disaster preparedness, and health literacy. The course addresses social determinants of health and care for vulnerable populations, with optional interprofessional or study abroad components available.
NURS 4060. Leadership and Management
This course focuses on leadership theories and nursing management principles in healthcare delivery. Students explore organizational dynamics, critical thinking in decision-making, and innovative roles in nursing leadership. Emphasis is placed on managing teams and leading within complex healthcare systems.
NURS 4372. RN-to-BSN Capstone
Students synthesize knowledge from the RN-to-BSN program to analyze current health issues. The capstone emphasizes the professional nurse’s role in implementing change through evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
NURS 4381. Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing
This course examines legal and ethical issues in nursing practice. Students learn tools and frameworks for resolving ethical dilemmas and explore the legal responsibilities and boundaries of professional nursing.
NURS 4382. Informatics
Students explore the integration of nursing science with technology to manage healthcare information. Focus areas include clinical applications, administrative decision-making, and research tools to improve nursing processes and outcomes.
NURS 4383. Rural Health Nursing
This course addresses the unique healthcare needs and challenges of rural populations. Students analyze evidence-based solutions to healthcare issues in rural settings and apply rural nursing theories to professional practice.
NURS 4384. Nursing Genetics and Genomics
Students examine the role of genomics in health promotion and disease prevention. The course covers genomic determinants of health, ethical considerations, and genetic counseling to enhance nursing best practices. Prerequisite: Admission to the Nursing program.
More curriculum info here:
https://catalog.shsu.edu/undergraduate/colleges-academic-departments/health-sciences/nursing/rn-bsn/
Admission Requirements
Admission options include Unconditional, Conditional, and Joint Admission for students currently enrolled in ADN programs. Applicants must:
- Hold an unencumbered RN license in Texas.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Complete prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Tuition
The tuition for the RN to BSN program for residents completing the program in two semesters is $13,080.
Cost Breakdown
Per Semester Costs
- Tuition (13-15 Credit Hours)
- Covers instructional costs: $3,660.00
- Institutional Services Fee
- Supports campus services and infrastructure: $1,200.00
- Intercollegiate Athletic Fee
- $20 per semester credit hour, capped at 15 credits: $300.00
- Student Service Fee
- $17.60 per semester credit hour, capped at $250 per semester: $250.00
- Student Center Fee
- Funds activities and operations at the Student Center: $100.00
- Medical Fee
- Provides access to the Student Health Center: $75.00
- Recreational Sports Fee
- Funds recreational sports facilities and programs: $100.00
- Nursing Program Fee
- Covers nursing-specific supplies, services, and software: $855.00
Total per Semester: $6,540.00
Total for Two Semesters
The total cost is calculated by doubling the per-semester amount:
- $6,540.00 per semester × 2 semesters = $13,080.00
More tuition information here: https://www.shsu.edu/dept/cashiers/tuition-fees
Flexibility and Online Learning
The program is 100% online, utilizing a flexible schedule with options for 7.5-week courses during fall and spring or 10-week courses in the summer. This setup accommodates full-time professionals.
Other Programs Offered
SHSU also offers a Joint Admission Option for students enrolled in ADN programs at partner institutions like Alvin Community College and Lone Star College. This pathway enables students to begin BSN coursework while completing their ADN.
Program Benefits
Graduates gain marketable skills in leadership, healthcare management, and patient advocacy. The program emphasizes ethical practices, technology integration, and quality care for diverse populations.