frequently asked questions
Subject to change. Last modified 7.13.2011
1. Is the RN to BSN degree program only offered on-line?
Yes
2. Are there any classes held in a traditional classroom or lab setting?
No
3. How long does it take to complete?
The program takes 3 semesters to complete attending full-time and year-round. It can be completed in 5 semesters attending part-time and year-round.
4. What are the requirements for admission?
Please view the admissions information. Also, view the admissions video about the RN to BSN degree.
5. How can I be sure I have completed the correct general education requirements?
Contact the Registrar’s office of the college(s) you attended. Ask them to mail a copy of your transcript to you or give you access to it via their website. Compare the courses you have taken with the general education course details that is listed under RN to BSN admission criteria. If those courses were taken at an accredited college or university and they match the information on our site, they will likely qualify. Final determination of that will not be made until your application is completed and official transcripts are received by our Registrar.
6. What if I am currently enrolled in my final general education courses?
As long as the course(s) is/are completed before the semester actually begins, your acceptance can be made contingent upon your successful completion of those courses. If you are accepted to the program, a final official transcript will be required.
7. How can I apply?
Click here to apply. Applications will be accepted twice yearly: for the Fall semester and the Spring semester
8. After applying what is my next step?
You will then request official transcripts from all colleges you attended where you earned the required general education course credits. We do not need high school transcripts. We do not need your nursing college transcript unless you earned some of the required general education courses there.
For students who graduated from our School/College of Nursing, you do not need to request transcripts for courses taken as part of your diploma program because we have them on file. But we will ask you to order transcripts from colleges attended before or after you attended Bon Secours, if you earned any of the required general education courses there.
You will be requesting official transcripts and these must be mailed directly from your institution to ours.
9. I have some additional general education courses to complete before I apply. Before I register for them, how can I be sure a course will satisfy the general education requirement?
You may send your email inquiry to the Director of Admissions along with the course name, course number, name of college or university, and a description of the course for tentative approval. Final approval will only be made after applying by our Registrar.
10. How will I be attending classes?
Classes are offered through the Blackboard learning management system (on-line.) The courses are asynchronous, which means you attend your on-line class when it is convenient for you. All courses have modules which list the learning objectives, individual assignments, required readings, and discussion questions with due dates.
11. How much time will I spend on the coursework?
General speaking, students spend 2-3 times the number of hours in studying and completing assignments as the credit hours per week of your course. (Ex: Plan to devote 6-9 hours weekly on every 3 credit course.)
12. I am currently enrolled in an RN to BSN program at another college/university. Can I transfer to your program?
No. All RN to BSN program courses must be completed at Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing.
13. I'm not ready to apply now. When will I have another chance?
Please visit our website for admission deadlines.
14. How will I communicate with faculty?
This is a distance education program. You will communicate with faculty via email from your BSMCON student email account, Ask the Faculty discussion board thread, Skype, or by telephone. Faculty members have virtual office hours online.
15. I am not a good writer. Are there many writing assignments?
Because of the distance education environment, the only way you present yourself is in writing. Each course varies in the number of required individual papers. You are expected to develop papers in APA format. There are opportunities to develop your writing and APA formatting skills in NUR 3204, “ Orientation to Distance Learning.” There are also resources available in Blackboard to help you with your writing skills.
16. What is APA format?
The American Psychological Association (APA) has developed a format for the presentation of formal papers. Many colleges and universities require all college papers to be developed in APA format. You will be required to purchase the current edition of the APA manual which provides detailed examples of how to format your paper and cite references. NUR 3204, “Orientation to Distance Learning” provides you with an opportunity to develop a paper in APA format and obtain feedback from faculty. There is an APA tutorial as well as links to outside resources to assist you in developing your APA papers. You may also wish to purchase an APA formatting computer program, such as PERRLA, to assist you.
17. My computer skills are not the best. What type of computer skills do I need for this program?
You will need to be proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. Many health care organizations and public libraries offer computer courses. Please contact your Human Resources department or nearest public library for the dates and times of these course offerings. We suggest you take a basic Microsoft Word and PowerPoint course or review the program tutorials prior to starting the program if you are not experienced with these programs.
18. What are the computer requirements?
Please review the computer requirements linked here.
19. What are the courses required prior to entering the program?
Please review the link to the prerequisite courses listed on the RN to BSN homepage.
20. Will I be able to use the Bon Secours Tuition Reimbursement Benefit?
If you are a Bon Secours employee, this program does qualify for tuition reimbursement. . Please apply for Tuition Reimbursement through BSR Human Resources after acceptance to our program but prior to beginning your coursework. For non-Bon Secours employees, check with your benefits or human resources department.
21. As a Bon Secours employee, do I receive a discount?
Yes, you would be eligible for a discount on the RN to BSN on-line courses.
22. What does the program cost?
For 2011-2012, the cost per credit is $450 plus a $60 per credit technology support fee.
23. Will I be able to apply for Federal Financial Aid?
Yes. The Financial Aid office at the College can assist you. Please call (804) 627-5301 for more information or view the Financial Aid information online.
24. What equipment will I need?
A laptop with high speed internet; complete details are listed here.
25. What if I only have Biology 1 and Chemistry 1, do I need to take the second part of either Biology or Chemistry?
Yes, the general education requirement is to have parts 1 and 2 of either Biology or Chemistry;
26. I have some questions now. Who can help me?
Please contact Allison Peterson at the College of Nursing at Allison_Peterson@bshsi.org or (804) 627-5381
