Nursing Department
Programs
Resources and Forms
- APA Style Reference
- Academic Learning
- Registration for online sections of BSN courses
- Student Support Services
- Graduation Report
- RN to BSN Preceptorship Agreement
- RN to BSN Application - BYU-I ASN Alumni
- RN to BSN Application - Non-Alumni
- BYU-Idaho Online Degree Application
- Escrow (Vertical) Credit Application
RN to BSN Program
- General Information
- Qualifications for Acceptance
- Application Process
- Selection of Students
- Cost of Program
- Required courses
- Clinical Requirements
- Clinical Arrangements
- On-campus ClassRegistration
- Online Class Registration
- BSN Orientation
- Request Course Sequence Change (Petition)
- Graduation
- BSN FAQs
- Escrow (Vertical) Credits
Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing: Frequently Asked Questions (and the BSN Orientation page)
Questions
- What are the requirements to get accepted into the RN to BSN program?
- What are my options for the RN to BSN program?
- Is the distance education track an easier way to obtain my BSN degree?
- Are there any prerequisite I need to take for the program?
- Who can I talk to if I have questions?
- Can I apply for a nursing scholarship or receive financial help?
- When can the general education classes be taken and do I have to have them done before the nursing classes?
- I am doing the distance education program how do I obtain my syllabi and how do I complete my assignments?
- What religion classes are required for the program and can I take religion from another college or institute?
- How much does the program cost?
- What does "Adv CE T Fee" mean on my personal account information and why do I get charged for it?
- Is the RN to BSN program accredited?
- Do I have to take all my nursing classes and general education classes from BYU-Idaho?
- Are all the nursing and general education classes for the RN to BSN program offered online?
- If I am doing the distance education program can I do my clinical at the hospital of my choice?
- Are the course and graduation requirements the same for the traditional BSN track (on campus) and distance education track (on-line)?
- I have a degree already, but I've decided I'd like to be a nurse. What's my next step?
- The application form indicates 30 upper division classes (300 or 400 level) are required to graduate. What does this mean?
- What are the ESCROW credits?
- What are the nursing classes and general education classes I need to take to obtain my BSN degree?
- Does BYU-Idaho accept degrees from other colleges and universities?
- What if my degree is not regionally accredited?
- What is the difference between an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) vs. an Associate Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) Degree?
- Can I still apply to the RN-BSN Program with an AASN and/or a non-accredited degree?
1. What are the requirements to get accepted into the RN to BSN program?
You must first be accepted to BYU-Idaho then be accepted to the RN to BSN program. See Application Process. If you are doing the BSN program on campus you must be accepted as a traditional or non-traditional student. If you are a non-traditional student you can only take 2 classes or up to 6 credits during the day. If you are signed up for the distance education track you can take as many credits as you want per semester. You have the option to take classes on campus, distance education, or both. You must have a current registered nurses license (RN). See the application requirements for RN to BSN. ( RN to BSN Application).
2. What are my options for the RN to BSN program?
There are two options available to obtain a BSN degree from BYU-Idaho, traditional track or distance education track.
Traditional Track: All your nursing and General Education / Foundations classes can be taken on campus at BYU-Idaho.
Distance education Track: Nursing classes are on line. General Education classes / Foundatonscan be taken on-line or at another university.The Distance Education Track is another vehicle to support the learner in achieving the goal of baccalaureate education. It provides flexibility for the working adult student. Due to the rapid growth of the RN to BSN Distance Education Track students admitted to the program will be admitted in the order of Ricks College/BYU-Idaho ASN graduates followed by ASN graduates from other Colleges or Universities. Admittance for non Ricks/BYU-Idaho alumni will be contingent upon seat availability.
3. Is the distance education track an easier way to obtain my BSN degree?
The distance education track is not an easier way to gain an education unless you consider travel time one of the important factors in your life. All learners will have to schedule daily/weekly private time to complete course work. All nursing course objectives are the same for both traditional and distance education students. Sacrifice will be a way of life until completion.
4. Are there any prerequisite I need to take for the program?
It is the belief of the BSN faculty that Nursing 316 and 327 should be taken first, although they are not pre-requisite courses. Nursing 316 teaches and emphasizes The American Psychological Association (APA) framework for paper writing. If the learner understands the APA format, he/she can make the decision to take Nursing 316 at a later time. Nursing 327 is Advanced Physical Assessment and as such is a fundamental course for all other nursing courses. Math 221 (Statistics) or FDMAT108 (Math for the Real World) should be taken before or concurrent with Nursing 338 (Research).
5. Who can I talk to if I have questions?
In order to help you contact the right person to answer your question, please be familiar with the list below:
RN to BSN Program Office Assistant - General questions regarding the program, assistance with registration, major code changes, reporting of RN licensure and immunization records.
RN to BSN Nursing Outreach Manager - Questions regarding the RN to BSN Online Program, online students clinical placement requests, concerns or comments about the RN to BSN Program.
Department of Nursing Chair - Questions regarding the on-campus RN to BSN Program.
Religion Department - Questions regarding religion credits and taking religion classes from another university / institute.
Student Records and Registration - Evaluation of transcripts and transferring of credits from another school, graduation application, change of name, address and/or phone number(s).
Academic Advisor for Health Professionals- Questions about general education/foundation requirements, transfer credits, waiver/substitution requests.
6. Can I apply for a nursing scholarship or receive financial help?
Please check with the BYU-Idaho Scholarship office for needed financial aid at (208) 496-1087, or Financial Aid, (208) 496-1013. For financial aid specific to the distance education student please contact the financial aid office at (208) 496-1094.
7. When can the general education / Foundations classes be taken and do I have to have them done before the nursing classes?
General Education classes can be taken at anytime throughout the track. The learner must complete a Degree Completion Plan (DCP) which demonstrates that he/she has an outlined for completion of course work. Some learners will complete all General Education / Foundations(which includes the required religion courses) first then complete the six Nursing courses. Other learners will mix General Education and Nursing courses together throughout the semesters. All 6 nursing classes are offered on-line at this time.
8. I am doing the distance education program how do I obtain my syllabi and how do I complete my assignments?
All nursing syllabi are available on blackboard. In addition, a course instructor may choose to send a hard copy of the syllabus by mail with a letter of introduction. Supplemental reading materials may be sent by mail. Assignments are sent to the nursing faculty either through blackboard or at the individual faculty's e-mail address. The course syllabus will instruct the learner on the method preferred by the course teacher. Blackboard Software program, can be accessed through the BYU-I web page. Look for the Blue Bar and click on Students, then click on Web, Internet & Email, then to Blackboard. The university will give you a name to Log-on with (it will also be your email address), and the pass word assigned to you is your birth month and year. For example, if you were born in the month of January and the year, 1960, your pass word will be 0160. Blackboard will contain the syllabi, assignments, exams and other information for most nursing courses. Blackboard also possesses the inherent ability for a tutor program for students.
Computer requirements include: a. Ready access to a computer, the internet, and e-mail. The computer must have window based programs. Power point program or program point viewers is required to access power point lectures posted on blackboard.
9. What religion classes are required for the program and can I take religion from another college or institute?
Book of Mormon 121 and 122 OR 221 which is the special 4-credit entire Book of Mormon class , along with 3 other religion credits, are required for your BSN program completion. If you completed the Associate Degree Program at Ricks/BYU-I, you will need a total of 14 credits of religion. For distance education students please see the current BYU-Idaho catalog. Students transferring in a certain amount of credits may be required to take a total of 7 more credits of religion to complete their religion requirements. If you have further questions regarding the transferring of religion credits or questions on religion classes please contact the Department of Religion at (208) 496-1430, Extension 1.
10. How much does the program cost?
The BSN Distance Education Track is administered through BYU-Idaho Department of Continuing Education. This means it is administered as a business which provides an educational opportunity for the learner. The Continuing Education Program does not use Church tithing money to defer the costs. For questions on the approximate cost of the program see the Program Costs page.
11. What does "Adv CE T Fee" mean on my personal account information and why do I get charged for it?
"Adv CE T Fee" stands for Advanced Continuing Education Tuition Fee. You are charged the current per credit tuition rate plus the additional $68 for the distance education Nursing classes taken through Continuing Education. The cost per credit can change from semester to semester.
12. Is the RN to BSN program accredited?
Yes. The ASN and BSN programs are currently accredited by the Northwest Regional Association of Schools and Colleges and by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. and is approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing. Consult University Catalog for information regarding accrediting agencies.
13. Do I have to take all my nursing classes and General Education / Foundation classes from BYU-Idaho?
All nursing courses must be taken from BYU-Idaho to fulfill residency requirements. You do have the option to take General Education / Foundation courses from other universities but it is recommended you take them from BYU-Idaho to facilitate transferring of credits. On campus students are required to take the last 15 credits through BYU-Idaho. If you are planning to take a General Education course from another school, consult the Registrar to assure proper credit will be received for that particular class. For questions on transferring credits please call Registrar at (208) 496-1002.
14. Are all the nursing and General Education / Foundation classes for the BSN program offered online?
All the nursing classes are offered on-line. Most of the General Education / Foundations classes are offered on-line through BYU-Idaho but are not always offered each semester so it is very important to look ahead to plan your semesters effectively.
For General Education / Foundation courses not offered on-line through BYU-Idaho you can complete those classes through another university either on-line, on campus, or through independent study.
15. If I am doing the distance education program can I do my clinical at the hospital of my choice?
If an Affiliation Agreement is not in place, learners are required to have a Preceptorship Agreement Form signed by the clinical agency in which they are completing their clinical. This is an internship agreement between BYU-Idaho, the learner and the clinical provider which enables you to complete clinical practice at that particular health care facility. It is the learner's responsibility to have this agreement signed prior to beginning any of the following courses where an Affiliation Agreement is not in place: Nursing 327, 330, 449 or450 Note: Some hospitals may already have a contract with BYU-Idaho. Please refer to the Clinical Arrangments and Clinical Requirements webpages for information regarding this.
16. Are the course and graduation requirements the same for the traditional BSN track (on campus) and distance education track (on-line)?
Yes.
17. If I am taking the distance education BSN program do I get the same benefits and have access to the same resources as a traditional student?
Yes. The learner will have access to all services, health insurance, financial aid, library (accessible on-line), advising, tutoring, etc. Consult Department of Nursing Student Handbook for more information.
18. The application form indicates 30 upper division classes (300 or 400 level) are required to graduate. What does this mean?
You must complete 30 credits of classes that are on a 300-400 level from BYU-Idaho to obtain your BSN degree. You will receive 24 upper division credits by completing the nursing courses. In addition, you must apply for 6 ESCROW credits after successful completion of Nursing 327 and 330. Please send the completed form with a copy of your transcript to the Nursing Department at Clarke 102, Rexburg, ID 83460-0620. See (Catalog) for further information.
19. What are the ESCROW credits?
ESCROW credit is a method of academic adjustment that allows a block of credit to be granted for previous learning. The ESCROW credits are granted upon completion of Nursing 327 and Nursing 330. The 6 escrow credits are upper division, and will count towards your 30 upper division credits needed for graduation.
You must print the Escrow Credit Application, complete it, attach a copy of your transcript and send or take it to the Department of Nursing, Clarke 102, Rexburg, ID 83460-0620. The Escrow credits cost $15 for .5 to 3 credits and $5 each for additional credits after that.
Your Escrow credits will appear on your transcript as NURS 331.
20. What are the nursing classes and General Education / Foundation classes I need to take to obtain my BSN degree?
See the BSN requirements in the catalog and the Required Courses page.
21. Does BYU-Idaho accept any RN degree from an accredited school?
BYU-Idaho accepts college level transfer credits from colleges and universities that are regionally accredited by one of the following associations:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Colleges and Schools
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Association of colleges and Schools
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Western Association of Colleges and Schools
22. What if my degree is not regionally accredited?
Courses from institutions that are not regionally accredited are generally not transferable to BYU-Idaho.
23. What is the difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) vs. an Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) Degree?
The ASN requires students to not only complete nursing courses, but also requires the completion of specific amount of General Education (GE) courses as well. Whereas, the AASN does not require the completion of GE courses. Consequently, the ASN is more transferable than the AASN.
24. Can I still apply to the RN-BSN Program with an AASN and/or a non-accredited degree?
Yes, you are welcome to apply. Due to the differences between those degrees and the regionally accredited ASN, the university will likely require you to complete more General Education (GE) courses than the ASN student.
