RN-BSN Program
Program at a glance
- Who can apply: This program is designed for graduates of an associate degree program in nursing who want to complete a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Students enrolled in the final two semesters of an associate degree program are also eligible to apply to this program. See the concurrent enrollment option below.
- Application deadlines: Applications are accepted year-round, and students can begin the RN to BSN program in spring, summer, or fall. See University application deadlines below.
- How long does the program take? Three to five semesters.
Admission Requirements
The RN to BSN offers two admission paths:
Post-licensure admission
Post-licensure admission is available to students who are currently licensed as a registered nurse. Post-licensure applicants must meet the following requirements to apply to the post-licensure RN to BSN program.
- Graduation from a nationally and regionally accredited program of nursing with a minimum of 24 transferrable college credits
- A current and unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States.
- A 2.0 GPA in all previously completed coursework
- Completion of the anatomy & physiology and microbiology requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each course
Concurrent ADN/AAS enrollment
The RN to BSN concurrent enrollment program allows students to work toward the baccalaureate degree while actively enrolled in an associate degree in nursing program. Concurrent enrollment requires:
- Completion of at least 24 transferrable college credits
- Enrollment in the 3rd or 4th semester of nursing coursework at a nationally and regionally accredited associate degree in nursing program.
- Advisor approval confirming good academic standing in an ADN/AAS program with no grade less than a “B” in any nursing course.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previously completed coursework.
- A concurrently enrolled student may enroll no more than half-time while enrolled in a prelicensure nursing program.
- A concurrently enrolled student may not enroll in the clinical practicum course (NURS 488) before receiving an active and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Course requirements
Candidates for the baccalaureate degree must meet all University Silver Core Requirements in addition to the nursing coursework. Most of these requirements are satisfied through previously completed coursework. Applicants with a previous bachelor’s degree are exempt from Silver Core Requirements 1 – 7. Applications with an AA, AS, BA, or BS degree from an NSHE institution are exempt from Silver Core Requirements 1 – 8. RN to BSN students receive 30-semester credits for completion of their prelicensure nursing requirements through a credit by exam portfolio review. These portfolio credits count toward the UNR upper-division and residency credit requirements.
How to apply
The Orvis School of Nursing actively supports the University of Nevada, Reno's policies that ensure equal opportunity/ affirmative action.
Step 1: Apply to the University
To apply to the RN to BSN program, you must first be admitted to the University of Nevada, Reno, for the semester in which you plan to begin the RN to BSN program. Your transcripts must be submitted and evaluated by the University admissions office, including in-progress coursework.
While the RN to BSN program accepts applications year-round, the University requires applications to UNR by the following deadlines:
- Fall Admission: July 1
- Spring Admission: December 15
- Summer: April 1
Step 2: Apply to the RN to BSN program
Submit your online application to the Orvis School of Nursing