RN to BSN Degree
Linfield College offers an RN - BSN degree for the registered nurse. This degree program employs a variety of delivery formats to overcome barriers you encounter in accessing higher education – work schedules, proximity to a college, responsibilities to family. You can complete all of the courses in the RN to BSN degree through online classes. This allows you to achieve your educational goals via the technological innovations available to us wherever you are in the United States.
Twyla McKinney, RN, BSN, earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Linfield College. Like many individuals, Twyla was looking to education to help her open doors so she could make an impact in this world. And Twyla certainly was able to make an impact.
It was a trip to Kenya for Twyla’s senior nursing project, where she conducted health outreach and studied barriers to HIV and AIDS education, where she was able to put her knowledge as a registered nurse to work, while working to complete her RN to BSN degree.
Miguel Martinez-Sierra earned his RN to BSN degree through the Linfield Adult Degree Program, and shared his thoughts and experience in his commencement speech on May 29, 2011 to the graduating class.
- RN to BSN Program Overview
- RN to BSN Curriculum Plans
- Courses in the Nursing Major
- Course Selection Guide
- Transfer Equivalences for Prerequisites
- Program Costs, Financial Aid, Veterans Benefits & Cost Comparison
RN to BSN Program Overview
What is the Online RN to BSN Program?
The Online RN to BSN Program of study is Linfield College’s BSN degree completion program for registered nurses. It is provided by the Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing in partnership with the Linfield Adult Degree Program. The curriculum is based on the high quality on-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree established in 1982. We offer a visionary, innovative and holistic program that focuses on diverse populations, provided wherever health care occurs in the community.
Why choose Linfield College?
Established in 1858, Linfield is one of the first colleges in the Pacific Northwest, providing an anchor for higher education in the region. Linfield has consistently earned high rankings by such organizations as U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges,” Barron’s Guide and The Princeton Review. Linfield pioneered online education in the Pacific Northwest and now serves a virtual learning community of adult students plugged in from around the globe.
The advantages of Linfield’s Adult Degree Program are:
- Desirable faculty to student ratio
- Convenient methods of class delivery
- Affordable tuition comparable to public universities and below that of many private schools
- Academic advising support and financial aid assistance
- Online academic tutoring services
- Superior research and library assistance
- Career planning assistance
Why is completing the BSN Degree important?
BSN-prepared nurses advance the profession of nursing, improve the quality of patient care, and contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. Your reasons for earning the BSN will vary. You may be ready to take on more responsibility, pursue positions that require the BSN, increase your compensation, or prepare for graduate school. The RN to BSN program of study can help prepare you for all of these, and you won’t have to wait until graduation to put your new perspective to work. Linfield’s innovative community-based nursing curriculum provides opportunities to practice leadership and management skills in your community and to explore evidence-based nursing practice within a global framework. You and your employer will notice a difference.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible for admission to the program if:
- You are a registered nurse with an unencumbered RN license
- You have a 2.75 grade point average in prerequisite and Linfield Curriculum courses
- Your most recent supervisor or nursing faculty will provide a letter of reference that addresses critical thinking and communication skills, professional behavior, and motivation to learn.
Is the program accredited?
The Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing is approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Linfield College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
What is the online learning format like?
Online courses are perfect for RNs with schedules that demand flexibility. Courses offered over the web will require you to post assignments by a certain time each week. You can do most of the work on your own schedule. You will have separate links for submitting homework, group discussion, and personal communication with your instructor. With internet access you can work from anywhere. Expect to spend the same amount of time in an online class as you would in a face-to-face class, and adhere to similar assignment deadlines.
Can I take my entire program online?
All nursing courses and general education courses are taught online. Each RN-BSN student will carry out a clinical experience in NURS 475 Integrated Experiential Learning IV, tailored to your learning and professional growth that may be arranged wherever you hold an unencumbered RN license. The clinical experience may also be carried out internationally through an approved agency, and requires a minimum of six months notice for advanced planning.
Can I count my prior college work?
You can transfer in a maximum of 72 semester credits (108 quarter credits) from community colleges, and in addition, most credits from four-year institutions with a grade of C or higher. Courses with grades of C- and below will not transfer. All institutions must be regionally accredited. Nursing credits completed in your associate degree or hospital-based diploma program are considered separately from transfer credits.
How do I earn credit for my prior nursing education?
With the successful completion of NURS 309, you will be awarded 32 semester credits of Linfield nursing coursework. Linfield has an fee of $40.00 per credit for the Credit for Prior Learning Award, totaling $1,280. You receive a billing statement when the credits have been added to your transcript and will have the entire next semester to pay the fee.
When and How Do I Apply?
- First contact the Adult Degree Program Enrollment Specialist or a Linfield Academic Advisor to get answers to your questions and information regarding prerequisites. To look up course equivalencies for schools in the region, see Transfer Guide for RN to BSN Prerequisites at http://www.linfield.edu/dce/assets/files/rn-to-bsn/rntobsn_equivalencies.pdf. The Enrollment Specialist, Gloria Flower, can be reached by email at gflower@linfield.edu or by phone at 503-287-3191.
- Apply online at https://www.linfield.edu/secure/dceapp.php. Send official transcripts and one letter of reference to Linfield College Adult Degree Program, 900 SE Baker St., McMinnville, OR 97128. The letter of reference may also be scanned and emailed to John Gallagher, Associate Registrar, jgallag@linfield.edu
- Preference will be given to applications for the spring cohort that are received by December 1 and by July 1 for the fall cohort. If you are enrolled in a prerequisite course at a college other than Linfield during the term that you apply, you must provide an additional official transcript at term’s end.
- When admitted to the Nursing major and before registering for NURS 309, you are required to complete the criminal background check and to submit the Health Passport documents found at http://www.linfield.edu/dce/rn-bsn-passport.html to Alex Asbury, Administrative Assistant, Portland Campus Operations, Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing, 2255 NW Northrup St., Portland, OR 97210. You may also scan the Health Passport documents and email them to aasbury@linfield.edu, for send by FAX to 503-413-7280.
- The Getting Started Checklist will take you step by step from applying for admission to logging in to your first online course. Use it to keep track of your progress.
What is a Cohort?
A cohort is a group of students who take the nursing courses together after completing the prerequisites. A new cohort begins each fall and spring semester. Joining a cohort will depend on your completion of the nursing prerequisites.
How Long Does it Take to Complete the BSN?
The nursing program of study is designed with a progression plan of three consecutive semesters, that you may begin in fall or spring. Non-nursing courses in the general education known as the Linfield Curriculum may be completed prior to the nursing courses, concurrently while completing the nursing courses, or after completing the nursing courses. Part-time and full-time enrollment plans are both available. Graduation occurs when you have completed the nursing courses and the general education courses. Students with a full-time class schedule may graduate in 12 months. Those following a part-time class schedule may graduate in 15 to 18 months. Class schedules at a slower pace are available.
Can I Continue to Work Full-time?
The majority of students in the program are fully employed RNs. They report that integrating an academic program into their clinical practice is demanding at times but doable. The online nature of the program allows you the flexibility to work varying schedules.
What are the Prerequisites and the Graduation Requirements?
The prerequisites, cover nine areas of knowledge and are required before enrolling in the Linfield nursing courses. The Linfield Adult Degree Program provides all of the BSN prerequisites online except for Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology. See Transfer Guide for RN to BSN Prerequisites at http://www.linfield.edu/dce/assets/files/rn-to-bsn/rntobsn_equivalencies.pdf. In addition to the prerequisites and the nursing courses, each student will complete non-nursing courses in six general education areas. Linfield provides a choice of online courses in the six general education areas. You also can meet requirements with courses from regionally accredited community colleges or other four year colleges and universities. Overall, 125 semester credits are required for a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 30 of these credits must be earned at Linfield for a first bachelor’s degree. For a second bachelor’s degree, the general education requirements are waived and a total of 35 Linfield credits are required.
As the saying goes, “a picture is worth 1,000 words,” and the Course Selection Guide for RN to BSN Students gives you a picture of the whole degree.
You can be admitted to Linfield College prior to completing all of the prerequisite courses, but you must complete them prior to NURS 309. Look over the Transfer Credit Course Equivalences for Prerequisites for more information.
Accreditation Means Excellence
Accreditation recognizes colleges and universities for performance, integrity, and quality in meeting the confidence of the public.
Addresses of Accrediting Bodies:
|
Oregon State Board of Nursing |
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
|
|
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Getting Started Checklist
This checklist will take you step-by-step through the process of getting started at Linfield College Adult Degree Program, from applying for admission, to logging in to your first online course. Use it to keep track of your progress.
RN to BSN Curriculum Plans
Students who are admitted to the Linfield College RN to BSN Program and have completed the nursing prerequisites may begin the nursing courses in September for fall semester or in February for spring semester.
You can view the RN to BSN curriculum plans either as a PDF or on the RN - BSN curriculum page.
Courses in the Nursing Major
NURS 309 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
A transition to baccalaureate nursing practice for the Registered Nurse student. Builds on previous knowledge and skills applicable to the practice of professional nursing. 6 credits
Prerequisites: Admission to the RN to BSN Program Co-requisites: NURS 315
NURS 315: Professional Communication in Diverse Communities
Preparation for professional practice including communicating with clients and collaborating with other professionals in interdisciplinary settings. 2 credits.
Prerequisites: Admission to the RN to BSN Program. Co-requisites: NURS 309
NURS 320: Scholarship of Nursing (QR)
Concepts necessary to engage in evidence-based nursing practice including the research process and scholarly communication. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: NURS 309, 315. Co-requisites: NURS 460, 470
NURS 460: Population-based Nursing in a Multicultural and Global Society
Healthcare issues and interventions from multicultural, domestic and global perspectives. 2 Credits
Prerequisites: NURS 309, 315. Co-requisites: NURS 320, 470
NURS 470: Leading and Managing in Nursing (MWI)
Principles of organizational healthcare management, healthcare policy, and the role of the nurse leader in healthcare organizations. 3 credits.
Prerequisites: NURS 309, 315. Co-requisites: NURS 460
NURS 475: Integrated Experiential Learning IV
Immersion experience in nursing. Experiential learning that incorporates simulation and practice in leadership, management and population-based nursing care. 8 Credits
Prerequisites: NURS 320, 460, 470
32 Prior Learning Credits
Upon successful completion of NURS 309 RN students receive credit for the following Nursing courses:
NURS 335 Integrated Experiential Learning I (6 credits)
NURS 355 Nursing Care of Children, Adults, and Older Adults with Chronic Conditions (3 credits)
NURS 365 Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice I (2 credits)
NURS 375 Integrated Experiential Learning II (6 credits)
NURS 395 Mental Health and Illness Across the Lifespan (2 credits)
NURS 425 Transitions and Decisions: Pregnancy, Birth and End of Life Care (2 credits)
NURS 435 Integrated Experiential Learning III (6 credits)
NURS 445 Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice II (2 credits)
Program Costs
| Tuition Cost per semester credit. 2011 - 2012. No out of state tuition. (Effective Fall 2011 through Summer 2012) |
$375 |
| Fees Online fee per credit $45 for maximum $135 per course |
$135 |
| Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) $40 per credit hour x 32 semester credits. CPL is awarded upon successful completion of NURS 309 |
$1,280 |
| Application for Admission | $100 |
| Liability Insurance Premium Nursing Liability Insurance if purchased through Linfield |
$60 |
| Textbooks Average cost per course, will vary depending upon new or used |
$150 |
Tuition Comparison with Other RN to BSN Programs
2011 - 2012 Tuition Costs per Credit*
| Linfield College | RN to BSN | $375 (semester credit) |
| Oregon Health & Sciences University | RN to BSN | $411 (quarter credit) |
| University of Phoenix | RN-to-BSN | $500 (semester credit) |
| University of Washington | RN-to-BSN | $325 WA Resident (quarter credit) |
| Washington State University | RN to BSN | $494 WA Resident (semester credit) |
* Tuition costs typically increase each Fall.
When comparing total cost for the RN to BSN degree, we recommend that you ask for the number of credits required to be completed at each school and the total number needed for graduation, which varies by institution. For comparison between quarter and semester credits; 1 quarter credit =.67 semester credit. 6 quarter credits = 4 semester credits. Every effort has been made to present this information accurately.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available to all eligible admitted students. Tuition assistance may be available through your employer. To receive educational loans you must be registered for at least 6 credits during each semester in which you receive financial aid. Financial Aid is generally sufficient to cover tuition, fees, and books at Linfield. To apply for financial aid, submit an online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA - Linfield code 003198) and the Linfield Application for Financial Aid (LAFA) from the website at www.linfield.edu/dce/financial-aid.html. Linfield financial aid counselors are available to assist you with planning.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 1-888-471-2225 or 503-883-2225 or finaid@linfield.edu. In addition, you will need to complete an Academic Plan of courses with your Academic Advisor to be provided to the Office of Financial Aid.
Veterans Benefits
The Linfield program has been approved by the VA for veterans pursuing a degree. Contact Joyce Savage, certifying official to determine your tuition and educational benefits, jsavage@linfield.edu, or 503-883-2212.
I'd like to find out more. What is the next step?
Please contact us and one of our knowledgeable admissions and enrollment specialists will be in touch with you shortly.
Congratulations on taking the first step to completing your bachelor's degree in Nursing!