The RN to BSN program is 120 credits. To earn this bachelor of science in nursing, you must successfully complete:
- 42 prescribed core course credits
- 45 General Education credits
- 33 additional core credits (earned by portfolio verification for licensed RNs)
The degree's prescribed core courses focus on contemporary issues in the field of nursing. Subjects of study include anatomy, chemistry, data management, ethics, health assessment, human development and family studies, human resources management, microbiology, nursing research, nutrition, and sociology.
Some nursing courses are available in an accelerated seven-and-a-half-week format. View the Course Schedule to see which nursing courses are currently being offered in the condensed time frame.
Course List - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Program Requirements: 120 credits
You may transfer credits into this program from another accredited institution.
However, to earn this bachelor of science in nursing, you must earn 36 of the last 60 credits from Penn State.
General Education: 45 credits
(20–22 of these 45 credits are included in the requirements for the major.)
(See General Education in the curriculum.)
Requirements for the Major: 92–93 credits
(This includes 20–22 credits of General Education courses.)
Electives: 2–5 credits
Be sure to check the Course Schedule to see which nursing courses are currently being offered in the accelerated seven-and-a-half-week format. These course sections are designated with a "Section #" that begins with a "7".
| Title | Abbreviation | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mammalian Anatomy | BIOL 129 (GN) | 4 credits |
| Introductory Physiology | BIOL 141 | 3 credits |
| Physiology Laboratory | BIOL 142 | 1 credit |
| Effective Speech | CAS 100 (GWS) | 3 credits |
| Introductory Chemistry or Chemical Principles I | CHEM 101 or CHEM 110 (GN) |
3 credits |
| Experimental Chemistry I | CHEM 111 (GN) | 1 credit |
| Rhetoric and Composition | ENGL 015 (GWS) | 3 credits |
| Effective Writing | ENGL 202 (GWS) | 3 credits |
| Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies | HD FS 129 (GS) | 3 credits |
| Elementary Microbiology | MICRB 106 (GN) | 3 credits |
| Elementary Microbiology Laboratory | MICRB 107 (GN) | 1 credit |
| Introductory Principles of Nutrition | NUTR 251 (GHA) | 3 credits |
| Psychology | PSYCH 100 (GS) | 3 credits |
| Introductory Sociology or Social Problems | SOC 001 (GS) or SOC 005 (GS) | 3 credits |
| Elementary Statistics | STAT 200 (GQ) | 4 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Pharmacological Concepts | NURS 205 | 3 credits |
| Health: Introduction to Wellness | NURS 215 | 3 credits |
| Health: Introduction to Illness | NURS 225 | 3 credits |
| Health: Nursing Process | NURS 230 | 4 credits |
| Nursing Care of Client through the Adult Life Span Requiring Medical Intervention | NURS 301 | 4 credits |
| Nursing Care of the Elderly | NURS 310 | 4 credits |
| Nursing Care of Young Adults | NURS 320 | 4 credits |
| Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents | NURS 406 | 4 credits |
| Mental Health Nursing | NURS 420 | 4 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Nursing Research | NURS 200W | 3 credits |
| Advanced Health Assessment for the Registered Nurse | NURS 352 | 3 credits |
| Introduction to Nursing Informatics | NURS 357 | 3 credits |
| Transition and the Professional Nursing Role | NURS 390 | 3 credits |
| Family and Community Health Concepts | NURS 417 | 4 credits |
| Health Concepts for Adults with Complex Health Care Needs | NURS 465 | 3 credits |
| Integrated Concepts in Nursing Practice | NURS 475 | 3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Violence and the Impact on Society (Course development in progress) | NURS 245 | 3 credits |
| Introduction to Forensic Nursing | NURS 409 | 3 credits |
| Forensic Evidence Collection and Preservation | NURS 410 | 3 credits |
| Seminar in Forensic Nursing | NURS 411 | 3 credits |
| Organization and Administration for the Nurse Manager | NURS 430 | 3 credits |
| Data Management for Nurse Managers | NURS 431 | 3 credits |
| Nursing Management of Human Resources | NURS 432 | 3 credits |
| Seminar for Nurse Managers | NURS 433 | 3 credits |
| Trauma/Critical Care Nursing | NURS 440 | 3 credits |
| Ethical Challenges in Health Care Informatics | NURS 458 | 3 credits |
| Advanced Concepts in Clinical Nursing Informatics | NURS 460 | 3 credits |
| Nursing Study in Specialized Setting | NURS 495 | 1–9 credits |
| Independent Studies | NURS 496 | 1–9 credits |
Please note: Among the above degree requirements, students should incorporate at least 3 credits in US cultures, 3 credits in international (IL) cultures, and 3 credits in writing across the curriculum courses. The above course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.