RN to BS Online
RN to BS OnlineGeneral Information
The RN to BS option is an online program of study offered by the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing through the University Without Walls. It is an intensive curriculum for registered nurses who are returning to college to complete their baccalaureate degree. The RN to BS option combines online instruction and student-tailored practice to meet the needs of registered nurses with other life responsibilities. It calls for substantial student autonomy in meeting established objectives.
Clinical practice is arranged under faculty direction with the cooperation of community agencies and health care facilities including senior citizen centers, colleges, ambulatory care centers, community hospitals, and medical centers. The faculty assists the student in exploring new areas and laying the foundation for a problem-solving approach to nursing practice and research.
To receive a University of Massachusetts Amherst Bachelor of Science degree, a total of 120 credits must be successfully completed; of which 45 must be UMass credits:
- 60 non-Nursing credits submitted as transfer credits.
- 30 credits earned in the University of Massachusetts Amherst Nursing program.
- 30 additional Nursing credits will be awarded for RN licensure.
Admission Requirements
- A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from courses taken for the Associates Nursing degree and all the nursing prerequisites.
- Current R.N. licensure (new graduates must obtain prior to starting 2nd semester in program)
- One professional letter of recommendation
- Completion of 52 non-nursing credits (60 transfer credits must be completed by the second semester of study), including a grade of C or better in all nursing prerequisites.
- Grades must be consistent with graduation requirements for students of Associate Degree programs or Diploma programs.
Sixty (60) credits of non-nursing coursework are distributed over the following areas:
- The University's General Education requirements, completed by all students earning a bachelor's degree from the University. This includes diversity courses as required by the University.
- Six nursing prerequisites (all to be completed prior to beginning the nursing course sequence): 1. Nutrition; 2. Human Anatomy (Anatomy & Physiology I with lab); 3. Human Physiology (Anatomy & Physiology II with lab); 4. Medical or General microbiology with lab; 5. Life Span Growth and Development; and 6. Statistics. Some of these prerequisites may be fulfilled through NLN Challenge Exams when such exams are available.
- Electives (7 to 9 credits)
An additional 30 credits may be earned via submission of RN licensure, of which 15 credits will be considered University of Massachusetts Amherst residence credit.
A grade of C or higher is required in all coursework.
Students must provide evidence of high school degree conferral as documented by official transcript, including translations and evaluations of non-English transcripts and compliance with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Application deadlines:
March 15 for June admission and November 1 for January admission.
To apply, visit the University Without Walls admissions office: https://www.umass.edu/uww/resources/apply-to-rn-to-bs
RN-BS: One-Year Plan of Study
Spring
N418: Nursing Care of Families, 3 cr
N420: Introduction to Nursing Research, 3 cr
N438: Professional Role in Nursing, 3 cr
Summer
N212: Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness, 4 cr
N317: Writing in Nursing Ethics, 3 cr
N439: Community Health Nursing, 3 cr
Fall
N315: Health & Physical Assessment, 3cr
N440: Health Equity for Community Nursing, 3 cr
N498S: Health Equity for Community Nursing: Practicum, 2 cr
Winter
N235: Introduction to Health Informatics, 3 cr
TOTAL CREDITS: 30
RN-BS: Two-Year Plan of Study
Spring 1
N418: Nursing Care of Families, 3 cr
Summer 1
N317: Writing in Nursing Ethics, 3 cr
N439: Community Health Nursing, 3 cr
Fall 1
N315: Health & Physical Assessment, 3cr
Winter 1 or 2
N235: Introduction to Health Informatics, 3 cr
Spring 2
N420: Introduction to Nursing Research, 3 cr
N438: Professional Role in Nursing, 3 cr
Summer 2
N212: Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness, 4 cr
Fall 2
N440: Health Equity for Community Nursing, 3 cr
N498S: Health Equity for Community Nursing: Practicum, 2 cr
Winter 1 or 2
N235: Introduction to Health Informatics, 3 cr
TOTAL CREDITS: 30
+30 credits awarded for RN licensure
+60 incoming credits on admission
= 120 credits total to graduate
For additional information, contact: Liz Theroux, RN-BS Program Assistant: etheroux [at] acad [dot] umass [dot] edu (subject: Information%20Request%20RN-BS) (etheroux[at]acad[dot]umass[dot]edu,) 413-545-5096.
Technology Requirements for the Online RN to BS Track
The following are required to take full advantage of the University of Massachusetts Amherst's online programs. The Learning Management System used is Blackboard Learn or Canvas (the university is transitioning from BBL to Canvas).
Software Requirements:
- Modern Browser: Firefox (latest version), Chrome (latest version)
- Microsoft Office 2016 Professional (or 2016 for Mac)
- Zoom Web Conferencing
- Adobe Reader
- McAfee VirusScan Enterprise
- Examplify (electronic testing)
- Additional software may be required.
Recommended and Minimum Configurations
UMass Amherst’s Information Technology department provides guidelines about configurations for Windows and Mac at this link: http://www.umass.edu/it/support-center
Technical Support
For technical assistance, visit https://pearson.frontlinesvc.com/app/home/p/2101 or call 1-855-757-7055 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). A live chat option is available on the tech support site.
University of Massachusetts Amherst e-mail Account
Email options are explained at the UMass Amherst Office of Information Technology (IT) website: https://www.umass.edu/it/email
RN – BS: Estimated Cost
As of September 2023 (costs subject to change)
The University of Massachusetts Amherst believes that the primary responsibility for financing your college education rests with you and your family. Financial aid is available to assist in your efforts. University tuition and fees are established each spring for the following academic year. The total of these expenses is your Cost of Education and is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.
Tuition 2023-2024: $525/credit plus $75/term registration fee.
Cost per credit is the same for in state and out-of-state students.
Other estimated supplies and miscellaneous costs for the RN-BS track as of September 2023 are posted on the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing website (costs are subject to change without notice). As an added incentive and to recognize our partnerships in the community, we also offer a 25% discount for the RN/BS program for RNs employed in our active community placement agencies and for Associate Degree in Nursing graduates of Massachusetts Community colleges.
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