RN-BSN Program (Online)
- WVU Parkersburg
Overview
RN-BSN (Online)
Our Nursing and Health Sciences Division’s goal is to provide registered nurses with an educational experience that will build on current nursing knowledge and facilitate professional growth. The RN-to-BSN program prepares students for advancement in professional nursing practice and provides a knowledge base for career mobility and graduate study. The program is designed to be an online degree-completion program for licensed registered nurses (RNs). Only RNs with an unencumbered license to practice nursing will be admitted to the program. The program will enable RNs with diplomas and/or associate degrees to continue their education to the bachelor degree without having to interrupt their education and/or employment. Nursing courses will be taught online to give nurses the flexibility to fit their academic work into their professional and personal calendars. The program will offer a broad-based general education experience. Emphasis will be placed on self-directed learning, professional and personal growth, expanded knowledge of care of the individual, families, and communities.
The baccalaureate nursing program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg at the main campus located in Parkersburg, WV is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program.
Click here to view our Program Outcomes.
Application To Program
Nursing and Health Sciences Division programs have limited enrollment and a selective review process. Applicants requesting admission to the RN-BSN program must first meet the requirements for general admission to the college and be admitted to the college. In addition to meeting all general admission criteria for the college, applicants must complete a separate Nursing and Health Sciences application as well as provide an official copy of any prior college transcripts demonstrating completion of an associate degree nursing program or diploma from an accredited school/college.
Applications will be accepted year round. Application forms are available in the Nursing and Health Sciences Division office or click here.
For an application to be complete, each applicant must:
- Submit a completed application to the college (new and returning students)
- Submit a completed Nursing and Health Sciences application
- Submit transcripts of any college work from another college
It is important to note that completion of the application process does not imply that the applicant will be admitted to the nursing program. Acceptance and placement in the program are dependent upon the individual’s academic record and upon the number of spaces available.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must submit a completed application and:
- Have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school.
- Possess an active unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the United States. Admission with conditions may be granted to an applicant to enroll in NURS 311 and NURS 320 in the semester immediately following graduation from a diploma or associate degree program. Full admission is contingent upon obtaining an active license prior to the completion of NURS 311 and NURS 320.
- Have a valid RN license in the state in which you will be completing assignments.
- NOT been dismissed from another baccalaureate nursing program for any reason, including (but not limited to) academic dishonesty, disruptive behavior, or course failure (If the student attended another nursing program they must submit a letter from the school’s Director or Dean of Nursing indicating their eligibility to return).
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 based on a 4.0 scale on all college/university courses completed prior to admission.
- Meet requirements for general admission to college and be admitted to college.
- Submit completed Nursing and Health Sciences application and submit transcripts of all prior college work.
- No history of felony convictions.
Students who are currently enrolled in the second year of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program and who plan to continue their education through the RN-BSN track are eligible to enroll in NURS 320, Health Assessment and Promotion across the Lifespan, with the consent of the Program Director. ADN students are still held responsible to meet all of the requirements to graduate with the Associate of Applied Science Degree Nursing at the end of their second year of nursing. To continue in the Bachelor of Science Nursing program, students must successfully complete the NCLEX and have an unencumbered license to practice nursing. Upon graduation from the ADN program, students who wish to pursue the RN¬BSN must submit an application to the program and see their academic advisor for current information regarding program requirements. Admission with conditions may be granted to an applicant the semester immediately following graduation to permit time for successful completion of the NCLEX.
Admission Limitations
Applications will be accepted year-round. The selection of applicants is a continuous process, so early application is highly recommended. The RNBSN program has limited enrollment. Qualified applicants will be admitted as applications are received. Qualified applicants who are not admitted, due to space, will be offered admission in the next cohort. Because of the competition for space, it is possible qualified applicants may not be selected for admission.
All general education courses must be completed prior to or concurrently with NURS 452.
With the program being 100% online, computer access, with internet, is required.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete a minimum of 120 credit hour equivalents with 60 credit hours as outlined in the Program of Study.
- Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at WVU Parkersburg.
- Maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Complete all courses in the program of study with a minimum grade of “C”.
- Complete all course work within five years after enrollment in the first nursing course of the RN-BSN program.
- Complete and file the graduation application, in OLSIS, within the stated deadlines.
Additional Information
Dr. Stephanie Smith-Stout
Associate Professor (Nursing & Health Sciences Division)
Background Checks
Criminal background checks are required for all students entering Nursing and Health Sciences Division programs. The cost associated with the state and federal criminal history checks will be the responsibility of the student. A clinical facility has the right to refuse student access to clinical experiences based on the results of the criminal background check, which may prevent progression in the program. The Nursing and Health Sciences Division reserves the right to nullify a student’s admission based on the results of his or her background check.
Providing false information and/or failure to disclose background information on the application to the program is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Once you have been admitted into the nursing program, you will be notified by the Nursing and Health Sciences and given the appropriate directions.
Clinical Practice Requirements
Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy
Technical Standards for Admission, Progression & Graduation
RN-BSN Program Handbook