Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- General Information
- Distance Education Track
- Applications & Costs
- Sample Completion Plan
- Course Schedule
- FAQs
New Student Information
Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing: Frequently Asked Questions
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?
- Is the RN to BSN program accredited?
- Do I have to take all my nursing classes and general classes from BYU-Idaho?
- Are all the nursing and general 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 any RN degree from an accredited school?
- What does "CE" mean on my personal account information and why do I get charged for it?
- What is the difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing vs. Applied Science in Nursing 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 Applications. 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 classes are taken on campus at BYU-Idaho.
Distance education Track: Nursing classes are on line. General education classes can 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) should be taken before or concurrent with Nursing 338 (Research).
5. Who can I talk to if I have questions?
You are welcome to call the Agriculture and Life Science Advising Center at (208) 496-2438.
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 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 (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. Currently Statistics and Book of Mormon 121 and 122 are not offered on-line through BYU-Idaho but can be taken at another University and the credits can be transferred in.
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 syllabi 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.
b. 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 not 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 costs link on the main page.
11. 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. Consult University Catalog for information regarding accrediting agencies.
12. Do I have to take all my nursing classes and general 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 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.
13. Are all the nursing and general classes for the BSN program offered online?
All the nursing classes are offered on-line. Most of the general education 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.The classes not currently offered on-line include Statistics and Book of Mormon 121 and 122.
For general education 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.
14. If I am doing the distance education program can I do my clinical at the hospital of my choice?
Learners are required to have a Master Internship 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: Nursing 327, 330, 449 or450 Note: Some hospitals may already have a contract with BYU-Idaho. Please check with the hospital or the Department of Nursing for information regarding this.
15. Are the course and graduation requirements the same for the traditional BSN track (on campus) and distance education track (on-line)?
Yes.
16. 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.
17. 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. See (Catalog) for further information.
18. 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 contact to the Department of Nursing and get an application to apply for the Escrow credits. The Escrow credits cost $15 for .5 to 3 credits and $5 each for additional credits after that.
19. What are the nursing classes and general education classes I need to take to obtain my BSN degree?
See the BSN requirements in the catalog and the sample degree completion plan.
20. Does BYU-Idaho accept any RN degree from an accredited school?
Yes.
21. What does "CE" mean on my personal account information and why do I get charged for it?
"CE" stands for Continuing Education. You are charged $195 per credit for the distance education Nursing classes taken through continuing education. You will notice on your personal account page under tuition you are charged $120 per credit and under Nursing CE you are charged $75 per credit extra for taking the course through continuing education. The cost per credit can change from semester to semester.
22. What is the difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing vs. an Applied Science in Nursing Degree?
The graduate of either a diploma, associate degree. or applied science degree program must meet the general education requirements of BYU-Idaho for a Bachelor of Science degree. For example, economics 111 fulfills the University's requirement for American Institutions. If the economics course was not taken in the ASN degree, this requirement must be fulfilled. All students must submit transcripts to the Registrar for evaluation and validation of completion of BYU-Idaho requirements.
Applied Science Degree Graduates usually had less required classes therefore a student that comes into the RN to BSN Program with an Applied Science Degree in Nursing must contact the registrars office and submit transcripts for evaluation and validation of completion of BYU-Idaho requirements.
Required classes from the University is a University issue and the Department of Nursing cannot change the requirements but they can work with the registrars office and the student to help facilitate required and accepted classes.
