RN to BS Online

CURRENTLY ON HOLD

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
  • 6. Statistics.
• 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

*This program is on hold and not currently accepting applications.

March 15 for June admission and November 1 for January admission; to apply, visit https://www.umass.edu/uww/resources/apply-to-rn-to-bs

RN to BS Program of Study

One Year Plan of Study

Two Year Plan of Study

Total course 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 (etheroux[at]acad[dot]umass[dot]edu,) 413-545-5096. For the most up to date information, visit www.umass.edu/nursing.

RN – BS: Estimated Cost

As of September 2024 (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 2024-2025: $550/credit plus $85/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.