RN to BSN
Bachelor of Applied Science
Overview
COTC’s RN to BSN program is for currently licensed registered nurses (RNs) who have earned their associate degree in nursing and are looking to advance their nursing career by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The coursework is offered 100% online and the required on-site practicum can be completed at your current employer (or healthcare site of your choice) to seamlessly integrate into the busy schedules of working nurses.
By completing this degree, you:
- Expand your potential job opportunities and job security in the healthcare industry
- Gain valuable experience in a variety of patient care settings
- Develop leadership skills to further your career and take part in decision-making in clinical settings
Flexible Schedule
COTC’s online RN to BSN program consists of 20 eight-week courses strategically designed to elevate your nursing career. There are no strict deadlines for assignments, allowing you to work at your own pace within the confines of the scheduled eight-week term. COTC’s experienced faculty will be there to guide you as you work your way through the courses that were created with the role of the registered nurse in mind.
Affordable Tuition
The RN to BSN program is geared toward flexibility for the working RN to complete their BSN at an affordable tuition cost. COTC’s tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and you receive the same low per credit hour rate as all of COTC’s associate degree and certificate programs. View COTC’s tuition and fee information.
If you are currently employed as an RN, you are encouraged to check with your employer for tuition reimbursement.
Future Start Dates
Admission to the RN to BSN program is offered at the start of each term, providing six entry points throughout the year:
- Autumn semester, first term (August)
- Autumn semester, second term (October)
- Spring semester, first term (January)
- Spring semester, second term (March)
- Summer semester, first term (May)
- Summer semester, second term (June)
The deadline to apply is two weeks before the start of a term. View the academic calendar for term start dates.
Admission Requirements
This is an open enrollment program. To be admitted, you must meet the RN to BSN program requirements, submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll.
RN to BSN Admission Requirements
RN to BSN Admission Requirements
Registered nurse license
You must have an active and unrestricted RN license which will be verified with the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Admission to the college
Submit a free application for admission to COTC.
Official transcripts
Submit your official nursing school transcript with your graduation date.* Transcripts must demonstrate that you:
- completed a minimum of 60 credits for an associate degree
- graduated from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university
- have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
*Graduates of COTC’s nursing program do not need to send transcripts.
Pre-requisite courses
Provide proof of completion with grade of “C” or higher of the following courses:
- MATH-130 Intro to Statistics OR MATH-140 College Algebra or college transfer equivalent
- ENGL-113 Composition II or college transfer equivalent
- PSY-100 Intro to Psychology or college transfer equivalent
- BIO-200 Microbiology or college transfer equivalent
Plan of Study
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing
RN to BSN
All pre-admission courses require a “C” (2.00) grade or better.
All courses listed on the plan of study (excluding pre-admission courses) require a “B” (3.00) grade or better to progress and graduate from this program.
The plan of study is a guideline. You may choose to take more classes to accelerate the time to completion, or take fewer classes to fit your schedule.
Total hours required for this plan of study: 60
Total hours required for this degree: 120
| Pre-admission course requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| BIO-200 | Microbiology | 4 |
| ENGL-101 | Composition II | 3 |
|
MATH-130 or |
Introduction to Statistics College Algebra |
3 |
| Semester 1 | ||
|
Term 1 |
||
| BSN 300 |
Foundations for the Baccalaureate Nurse |
3 |
|
Writing for the Professional Nurse |
4 |
|
|
Term 2 |
||
|
Nursing Theory |
3 |
|
| ENGL 200 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
|
Total |
13 |
|
| Semester 2 | ||
| Term 1 | ||
|
Advanced Assessment |
3 |
|
|
Health Care Ethics |
3 |
|
| Term 2 | ||
| BSN 405 | Ethics/Legal Issues in Nursing | 3 |
| BIO 310 | Health Equity Research | 3 |
|
Total |
12 |
|
| Semester 3 | ||
| Term 1 | ||
|
Evidence-Based Practice* |
3 |
|
|
Cultural Reverence* |
3 |
|
| Term 2 | ||
| BSN 320 | Interprofessional Partnerships* | 3 |
| BSN 415 | Nursing Informatics* | 3 |
|
Total |
12 |
|
| Semester 4 | ||
| Term 1 | ||
|
Population/Community Health* |
3 |
|
|
Climate Change* |
3 |
|
|
Nutrition in Healthcare* |
2 |
|
| Term 2 | ||
| BSN 325 | Quality and Safety* | 3 |
| SOC 305 | Gerontology* | 3 |
|
Total |
14 |
|
| Semester 5 | ||
| Term 1 | ||
|
Leadership/Management* |
3 |
|
| PSY 210 |
Developmental Psychology* |
3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| BSN 420 |
Capstone for the Baccalaureate Nurse* |
3 |
|
Total |
9 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Program Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Collaborates with interprofessional team to provide safe, competent, holistic care to meet the needs of individuals in a variety of healthcare, wellness, and community settings.
- Employ informatics and research to critically appraise evidence to develop clinical judgement and disseminate Evidence-based practice.
- Exhibit leadership and participate in quality improvement for the advancement of healthcare policy, safety, and outcomes.
- Integrate theories and concepts from liberal education embracing diversity and culture into nursing practice.
- Incorporates professional behavior and integrity within an ethical and legal framework.
Program Accreditation
The RN to BSN program is currently in the candidacy phase of the initial accreditation process with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404.975.5000
Fax: 404.975.5020
info@acenursing.org
acenursing.org
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I complete the bachelor’s degree in nursing?
Following the plan of study, you will complete the bachelor’s degree in nursing in two years. However, you are able to adjust your schedule to complete in less or more time as needed.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
The RN to BSN program coursework is 100% online. No face-to-face classes are available.
A capstone course requiring 40 practicum hours may be completed at your current employer if you are working as an RN or at a healthcare site of your choice.
What financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.
Current Students
RN to BSN Policies and Procedures (Student Handbook)
*Source: Ohio Labor Market Information (2024)