2024-2025 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog

Nursing BSN, (RN to BSN tracks)


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This program is no longer accepting applicants. 

The ARCH RN to BSN Program is designed for highly motivated registered nurses who want to earn their degree in a timely manner. Credits are earned through transfer, advanced placement, and matriculation. Advanced placement credits (32 credits) for course work completed in a state-approved, nationally accredited associate’s degree or diploma nursing program are awarded after registration for first course. After a transcript evaluation has been completed, the RN student completes the necessary individually determined core and cognate credits along with 22 credits of course work in the professional nursing major. This course work includes one clinical practice course in community health, which uses a flexible adult learning model for scheduling. As adult learners, RN students also have the opportunity to earn credit by CLEP subject exams and Prior Learning Assessment. RN students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field are exempt from core requirements.

In addition to meeting the admission requirements for RN students, articulation status and the awarding of advanced placement credits is determined by the following:

  1. Graduates from accredited associate’s degree or diploma nursing programs within three years of the application date are eligible for direct articulation and will be awarded 32 advanced-placement credits for their prior nursing course work.
  2. Graduates from accredited associate’s degree or diploma nursing programs within four to ten years of the application date must provide official written documentation of completion of a minimum of 1,000 hours or more clinical practice during the three years prior to the application date to be eligible for direct articulation and the awarding of 32 advanced-placement credits for their prior nursing course work.
  3. Applicants who have graduated more than ten years prior to the application date must provide a resume detailing clinical experience, along with official written documentation of completion of a minimum of 1,000 hours or more clinical practice during the three years prior to the application date. These candidates may be required to complete a full portfolio or validation testing prior to being eligible for articulation and the awarding of 32 advanced-placement credits prior to nursing course work.
  4. Applicants who have not graduated from an accredited nursing program must successfully complete validation testing before prior learning credits are awarded.

For more information, prospective students should contact the Expressway Office at (570) 674-6791.

Program Plan


Core Requirements


(see Core Curriculum )

Required Cognates Courses


3 Credits


22 Credits


32 Credits


Free Elective Credits


If needed (minimum of nine credits)

Minimum Required Credits 126


(The above are general guidelines. Each student’s transcripts are thoroughly evaluated by the registrar and an individual program plan is established. All RN to BSN students must have obtained a Registered Nurse license, which mandated that they have graduated from an accredited program. These students fall under the University Transfer Program guidelines, causing a variation in their individualized program plan.)

Specialization in Nursing Leadership


The specialization in nursing leadership is designed for registered nurse’s with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. In addition to the requirements above, students take NSG 413 Cooperative Education in Nursing Leadership  for 1-8 credits, depending upon the nature and duration of the cooperative project.

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