The RN to BSN program is designed for students who hold a current RN license and have earned either an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing. Curriculum requirements may be fulfilled through transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, prior learning assessment, course enrollment, and/or challenge exams. Additionally, students currently enrolled in an associate degree nursing (ADN) pathway program may be eligible to begin RN to BSN coursework before completing the ADN program or obtaining licensure, provided specific criteria are met. Students may enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.
The R.N. student must earn a minimum of 120 credits to graduate, including completion of the General and Liberal Education requirements. Nursing students who have completed an associate’s degree at another institution and transfer to Franklin Pierce University will not need to meet the requirements of the General and Liberal Education. Curriculum requirements may be met through transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, course enrollment, credit for prior learning, and/or challenge exams.
Completion is defined as all courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher. Nursing students will receive 30 credits for an active nursing license. When applicable, additional nursing course work may be transferred as additional credits.
Major Requirements
Cultural Awareness
The Cultural Awareness requirement is intended to help students develop an understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Transfer courses may satisfy this requirement when they include substantial content related to culture, diversity, equity, inclusion, race, ethnicity, religion, global perspectives, social justice, or the experiences of diverse populations. Courses are evaluated based on their content and learning outcomes rather than their title alone. Choose one of the following:
Foundation Requirements
Free Electives
To be awarded a bachelor’s degree, students must complete at least 120 total credits. As such, elective credits may be required in addition to General and Liberal Education (GLE) requirements and major requirements. Any credits necessary to reach at least 120 total credits outside of the GLE and major requirements are considered free electives. Under the GLE, there are no fixed number of electives required. A student's total number of electives will vary based on major requirements, transfer credits, as well as math placement.