The RN to BSN degree completion program offers an alternative to the traditional method of pursuing a college nursing degree. The program is designed for adult learners who have an RN license or are enrolled in an accredited associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program and desire to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program is a field-based modular design, delivered to cohort groups. Each student has an advisor who provides system guidance, directs special projects, and serves as mentor to individual learners.

Prospective students include registered nurses (RNs) working in hospitals and other areas of health care, as well as students enrolled in accredited ADN programs at community colleges.

The Bridge to BSN option is designed for ADN students enrolled at a community college who wish to get an early start on coursework for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. BSN coursework is offered during summer sessions. After completion of their ADN program, students will complete remaining coursework to obtain their BSN from Azusa Pacific University. Admission requirements for the RN to BSN program must be met and the RN license obtained prior to taking upper-division clinical courses.

The RN to BSN Integrative Enrollment Pathway option is a BSN completion program offered only with select contracted community college ADN programs. Students who are formally admitted into ADN programs may apply for this BSN completion program in which they will start coursework as an APU student in semester one of their ADN program, taking courses concurrently with APU and the community college ADN program. This accelerated program allows students to complete the ADN from their community college and complete the BSN degree within two semesters of graduation from the ADN program.

The accelerated RN to BSN program is based on the same philosophy, purposes, graduate characteristics, and conceptual framework as the traditional undergraduate program. However, in recognition of the special needs and skills of the working adult, the curriculum is packaged to accommodate the adult student. The nursing courses are presented in sequence in a modular arrangement of content. Courses are designed to affirm personal and professional strengths. The teaching/learning process is collaborative—the experiences and insights that student contribute are a vital part of class activities.

Students join cohorts and progress through the courses together. Courses are taught sequentially, and the rich diversity of experiences that students contribute results in lively discussions involving shared experiences. Because students often stay with the same group throughout the program, they develop a strong rapport with other group members who act as a support system through the completion of the degree.

Classes are offered in an asynchronous online program. 

Students may complete a BSN degree in approximately 15 months. In this accelerated format, a 40-semester-unit curriculum is concentrated into 60 weeks.

Admission Requirements for RN to BSN Students

A minimum of 120 semester units of credit are required for the BSN. To be admitted to the 60-week accelerated RN to BSN program, a student must:

1. Provide a copy of RN license in good standing before starting clinical courses.
2. Graduate from an accredited associate degree program or diploma nursing program.
3. Have a minimum of 70 transferable semester units from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (2.7 GPA and above considered for provisional admission; 60-69 transferable semester units considered for provisional admission).
4. Submit official transcripts from all schools attended.
5. Provide two letters of recommendation.

Admission Requirements for Bridge to BSN Students

A minimum of 120 semester units of credit are required for the BSN. To be admitted to the sequential enrollment, a student must:

1. Be currently enrolled in an accredited ADN program.
2. Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 (2.7 GPA and above considered for provisional admission).
3. Submit official transcripts from all schools attended.
4. Provide two letters of recommendation.

The program is not recommended for students who lack proficiency in basic academic skills, especially collegiate-level English communication skills.

International applicants with an F or J visa are not qualified for this program. International applicants with any other type of visa should consult with International Student Compliance first at +1-626-812-3055 or issimmigrationsvcs@apu.edu.

Admission Requirements for RN to BSN Integrative Enrollment Pathway Students

Students who apply through the integrative enrollment pathway option must be formally accepted into a contracted community college ADN program. For the application, students need to supply unofficial transcripts, verification of acceptance into their ADN program, a personal statement, and student-information-sharing agreement. Once accepted, a progression schedule is reviewed by the student and the advisors, and courses must be taken in the assigned sequence. Students already enrolled in an ADN program do not qualify for integrative enrollment and should apply for the Bridge to BSN program. Students are required to complete 120 semester units of credit for the BSN, and official transcripts are required from all schools attended.

• RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
• Bridge to BSN
• RN to BSN Integrative Enrollment Pathway