Nursing, B.S. (R.N. to B.S.N.)

As a registered nurse, you can complete your RN to B.S.N. entirely online through Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies. Choose from a full-time or part-time option—and earn up to 38 credits by passing the NCLEX exam or through your prior experience. Through a collaboration between the Saint Louis University School for Professional Studies and the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, students are supported through their entire learning process. Benefit from individualized curriculum plans, faculty mentorship, and online access to SLU's library and writing center. 

As part of SLU's School for Professional Studies, this program offers caring adults like you a flexible option to meet your personal and career goals. With six accelerated, eight-week terms each year provided by SLU online, you can begin working toward your degree at any time. Once credits for the pre-nursing courses have either been completed through online coursework or transferred to SLU, you will transfer to the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing and complete your B.S.N. courses in as little as two semesters.

Curriculum Overview

Choose from either a full-time or part-time option. No testing is required to validate previous nursing education.

You will complete a total of 120 credits in this program. Thirty of the final 36 credits must be completed at Saint Louis University.

RN to B.S.N. students are required to complete 55 credits (depending on transfer credits) of the pre-nursing curriculum, including classes in communication, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics and life sciences through the School for Professional Studies.

Once credit for the pre-nursing courses has been satisfied, students transfer to the School of Nursing and can complete their B.S.N. courses in as little as two semesters.

Thirty-eight credits of nursing coursework can be awarded by passing the NCLEX exam or through prior experience. The remaining nursing coursework must be completed through the School of Nursing.

Careers

A bachelor's degree in nursing makes graduates strong candidates for promotion, particularly for administrative and managerial jobs. Graduates are also qualified to teach students at technical and community colleges enrolled in licensed practical nursing programs and certified nursing assistant programs.

Graduates may also pursue advanced practice roles, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader and nurse anesthetist, with additional graduate-level coursework.

Special Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed an associate degree or hospital diploma program at a regionally accredited institution and have an unencumbered RN license.  

Saint Louis University School of Nursing accepts applications to its RN to B.S.N. program by registered nurses who are residing in one of the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. 

Note: Enrolled students must live in one of the listed states throughout all coursework at Saint Louis University.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
RN to BSN Option $510

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are two principal ways to help finance a Saint Louis University education:

  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, service, leadership and financial need. The School for Professional Studies offers numerous scholarships and awards specifically for new students.
  • Financial Aid: Financial aid is provided in the form of grants and loans, some of which require repayment.

To determine eligibility for financial assistance, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early for maximum consideration. FAFSA is available online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

For information on other scholarships and financial aid, visit the student financial services office online at https://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

Active Military and Veterans and First Responders

Honorably discharged veterans, active-duty military members, reserve members and first responders qualify for a reduced tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for any undergraduate program offered through the School for Professional Studies.

  1. Graduates will be able to relate to people as unique individuals possessing worth, dignity, and potential for self-actualization.
  2. Graduates will be able to synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from the humanities and natural, social, behavioral, and nursing sciences to provide safe, effective nursing care.
  3. Graduates will be able to establish relationships based on an understanding of self and others, and of interpersonal and group dynamics.
  4. Graduates will be able to practice in a variety of settings with clients of all ages and diverse sociocultural backgrounds.
  5. Graduates will be able to utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, in the application of the nursing process, to achieve optimal client adaptation.
  6. Graduates will be able to assist clients, at any point on the health-illness continuum, to mobilize and use adaptive resources for promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.
  7. Graduates will be able to collaborate with interprofessional colleagues, community representatives and consumers to enhance health care.
  8. Graduates will be able to apply evidence-based knowledge as the basis for safe, effective nursing practice.
  9. Graduates will be able to apply the professional code of ethics and professional standards to clinical practice.
  10. Graduates will be able to demonstrate personal and professional responsibility, accountability and self-direction.
  11. Graduates will be able to demonstrate leadership principles in professional and interprofessional practice.
  12. Graduates will be able to demonstrate understanding of health care policy issues, trends and strategies as they influence accessibility, accountability and affordability in health care delivery.
  13. Graduates will be able to utilize appropriate information and health care technologies to enhance the delivery of client care.

Admission Requirements

  • Completed application
  • High school diploma or composite GED score of at least 2250
  • Minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5 (unless qualified for conditional admittance)
  • Official transcript from the most recent institution attended
Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first-term coursework.
 
The School for Professional Studies welcomes adult learners who are seeking an undergraduate education after life circumstances interrupted their educational journey. Adult life circumstances, for the purposes of admission, would include individuals with at least one of the following characteristics:
 
  • Delayed enrollment in post-secondary education
  • Attends part-time for at least part of the academic year
  • Works full-time (35 hours or more/week) while enrolled
  • Is financially independent
  • Has dependents other than a spouse
  • Is a single parent
  • Has other demands that make traditional education less feasible
 

Program Requirements 

Pre-Nursing Courses
Communication
Select any literature, speech or communication course, or an English course 1900 or above6
Managing Information
Select any informatics, computer technology, computer or computer information systems course3
Values
Select any diversity, ethics, bio-or medical ethics course3
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Select any psychology, social science, history, public policy, government, anthropology, education, organizational studies, economics, social work, or growth and development course6
Humanities and Fine/Performing Arts
THEO 1000 or any Theology course above 1000; plus any theology, religion, fine or performing arts, philosophy, foreign language, or women's and gender studies course6
Mathematics
Select any college algebra, mathematics, or data analysis/statistics course, level 1000 or above3
Life and Physical Sciences
Select any anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, microbiology, or other life/ physical science course, 1000 level or above6
Other Arts and Sciences
Select courses from any category22
Total Credits55

Major Requirements

Required Courses
NURS 3107Healthcare Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments for RNs3
NURS 3207Health Assessment for RNs3
NURS 3377Essentials of Therapeutic Nutrition for RNs Credit by Exam3
NURS 3447Public Health Nursing for RNs4
NURS 3457Community Project for RNs3
NURS 3807Conceptual Framework for Practice3
NURS 4107Leadership and Management for RNs3
NURS 4147Research and Evidence Based Practice3
Any Nursing elective 4800 or higher3
Total Credits28

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a minimum 2.00 grade point average (GPA).

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

One-Year Full-Time Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
NURS 3807 Conceptual Framework for Practice (Fall 1, 8 weeks. This course is only offered during the Fall 1 term.) 3
NURS 4147 Research and Evidence Based Practice (Fall 2, 8 weeks. This course is only offered during the Fall 2 term.) 3
NURS 3107 Healthcare Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments for RNs (Fall 1, 8 weeks. Note: This course is sometimes also offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
NURS 4107 Leadership and Management for RNs (Fall 2, 8 weeks. Note: This course is sometimes also offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
 Credits12
Spring
NURS 3447 Public Health Nursing for RNs (Spring, 16 weeks. This course is only offered during the Spring term.) 4
NURS 3457 Community Project for RNs (Spring, 16 weeks. This course is only offered during the Spring term.) 3
NURS 3207 Health Assessment for RNs (Spring 2, 8 weeks. Note: This course is sometimes also offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
One Nursing Elective(Spring, 16 weeks. Note: One 8-week nursing elective is sometimes offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled. 3
 Credits13
 Total Credits25

One-And-a-Half-Year Part-Time Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
NURS 3807 Conceptual Framework for Practice (Fall 1, 8 weeks. This course is only offered during the Fall 1 term.) 3
NURS 4147 Research and Evidence Based Practice (Fall 2, 8 weeks. This course is only offered during the Fall 2 term.) 3
 Credits6
Spring
NURS 3447 Public Health Nursing for RNs (Spring, 16 weeks. This course is only offered during the Spring term.) 4
NURS 3457 Community Project for RNs (Spring, 16 weeks. This course is only offered during the Spring term.) 3
 Credits7
Summer
NURS 3107 Healthcare Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments for RNs (Summer, 8 weeks. Note: This course is also offered during the Fall 1 term, for the full-time plan. Students can take this core nursing course during the fall or summer. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
NURS 3207 Health Assessment for RNs (Summer, 8 weeks. Note: This course is also offered during the spring 2 term, for the full-time plan. Student can take this core nursing course during the fall or summer. However, this course can only be offered if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
 Credits6
Year Two
Fall
NURS 4107 Leadership and Management for RNs (Fall 2, 8 weeks. Note: This course is also offered during the Fall 2 term, for the full-time plan. Students can take this core nursing course during the fall or summer. However, this course can only be offered if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
One Nursing Elective(Fall, 16 weeks. Note: Students can choose to take 1 of the offered 16-week nursing electives during either the fall or spring terms. One 8-week nursing elective is sometimes offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits25

Two-Year Part-Time Option

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
NURS 3807 Conceptual Framework for Practice (Fall 1, 8 weeks. This course is only offered during the Fall 1 term.) 3
NURS 4147 Research and Evidence Based Practice (Fall 2, 8 weeks. This course is only offered during the Fall 2 term.) 3
 Credits6
Spring
NURS 3447 Public Health Nursing for RNs (Spring, 16 weeks. This course is only offered during the Spring term.) 4
NURS 3457 Community Project for RNs (Spring, 16 weeks. This course is only offered during the Spring term.) 3
 Credits7
Year Two
Fall
NURS 3107 Healthcare Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments for RNs (Fall 1, 8 weeks. Note: This course is sometimes also offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
NURS 4107 Leadership and Management for RNs (Fall 2, 8 weeks. Note: This course is sometimes also offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
 Credits6
Spring
NURS 3207 Health Assessment for RNs (Spring 2, 8 weeks. Note: This course is sometimes also offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
One Nursing Elective(Spring, 16 weeks. Note: Students can choose to take 1 of the offered 16-week nursing electives during either the fall or spring terms. One 8-week nursing elective is sometimes offered during the summer term. However, this course can only be offered, if 10 or more students are enrolled.) 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits25

Program Notes

  1. No transfer course is accepted for articulation if the student received a letter grade below “C.”
  2. Transfer courses do not count toward the last 30 credits at SLU.
  3. No SPS course is accepted towards degree completion if the student receives a letter grade below “C-.”
  4. No nursing course is accepted towards degree completion if the student receives a letter grade below “C.”
  5. No grade of "P" (passing) is accepted on transfer courses.
  6. CLEP courses may be accepted for course credit per SLU policy.
  7. Total credits must equal 120 or higher.
  8. Thirty of the final 36 credits must be completed at SLU.
  9. Be aware: once you transfer from SPS to SON there is a price change.
  10. Students may not transfer to the School of Nursing with a cumulative grade point average (all transcripts) of less than 2.50.
    1. RNs who do not meet the GPA requirement at the time of SPS admission must take a minimum of six credits at SPS and earn a grade of "C" or better in all SPS courses in order to be eligible for transfer/admission to the School of Nursing.
    2. RNs who meet the GPA requirement at the time of SPS admission and have completed all required arts and science courses (including elective credits) may transfer to the School of Nursing and take nursing electives as needed to fulfill requirement number seven.
  11. Students are subject to dismissal from the School of Nursing for academic or professional reasons including being placed on academic or clinical probation for a second time or failing two or more courses during the course of study.
  12. Upon transfer to the School of Nursing, students will need to undergo a criminal background check and complete HIPAA and bloodborne pathogen training. Students must submit a copy of current CPR certification, influenza vaccination, TB testing and other information prior to starting the community project course with a community preceptor.
1

See the BSN Student Handbook on the School of Nursing website for policy details.