Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program for Registered Nurses

(RN to BSN / RN—BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program strives to offer a creative curriculum for meeting the current and future health needs of society. The curriculum prepares a generalist in professional nursing and serves as a basis for graduate study. A nurse is a licensed professional who protects, promotes, and optimizes individuals’ health and abilities, prevents of illness and injury, alleviates suffering through diagnosis and treatment of human disease.  Nurses are advocates for individuals, families, and their communities.  

The IU South Bend School of Nursing degree program for Registered Nurses (RN) continuing their education through a BSN degree strives to involve the RN’s talents, experiences, and expertise in the curriculum. As such, the curriculum prepares a generalist in professional nursing and serves as the basis for graduate studies. The purpose of the bachelor’s degree program is to offer a creative curriculum for the education of professional nurses competent in meeting the current and future health needs of society.

For the RN, the curriculum builds on the nurse’s basic preparation and is designed to maximize their completed formal education and experiences in nursing. A bachelor’s degree education begins with an ample foundation in the sciences and humanities to assist the graduate expand their appreciation for, and participation in, the broader community and culture. These general-education courses are typically offered in the traditional semester format in the evenings or during the day. The upper-division nursing courses prepare nurses for career enhancement and transitions in the changing health care system and world. In the classroom program, efforts are made to alternate these courses so that several courses are offered either on a single day or in the evenings.  The curriculum is also available in an all online format through the statewide RN-BSN consortium. Please see the following website for additional information http://iu-rnbsn.iu.edu/home.php.

Academic Advising

Advising holds are placed on all Dwyer College of Health Sciences new beginner and transfer students prior to advance registration and are released following advising appointments.  Students with a declared major are advised in their academic units.  To determine who your advisor is and how to contact them, see One.IU.

Degree Requirements

Students receiving the Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses must complete 120 total credit hours including:

• School of Nursing Campuswide General-Education Curriculum (33-39 cr.)
• The Dwyer College of Health Sciences additional requirements (14-23 cr.)
• Major concentration and elective requirements

• A minimum of 30 credit hours at the 300- or 400-level

Admission Requirements

• Full admission to IU South Bend
• Verification of an active, unencumbered R.N. license
• Graduation from a National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) accredited nursing program or a program with an established R.N. to B.S.N. articulation agreement with IU South Bend (articulation agreements are for in classroom program only)
• Minimum overall 2.5 GPA or greater on a 4.0 scale

Course Requirements >>