R.N.-B.S.N. Program

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The Bronson School of Nursing at Western Michigan University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing R.N.-B.S.N. program, specifically designed to accommodate the needs and schedules of working nurses.  You can complete this program in two years or fewer.  This program is available to registered nurses who have graduated from an associate or diploma program.

If you have any questions about the R.N.-B.S.N. program, contact Tracy Corstange, Advisor and Manager of Recruitment and Outreach, for the Bronson School of Nursing.

If you are not a registered nurse and want to learn more about our B.S.N. program, click here.

One-on-one interaction

WMU is a “small” big research university. At the Bronson School of Nursing, you’ll have access to all the resources and technology a large research university can offer. But our classes are small, which means you’ll also have plenty of one-on-one interaction with your instructors and advisors. We provide a supportive environment and all the resources you need to be the best nurse you can be.

Info Sessions

Virtual information sessions

The Bronson School of Nursing is holding virtual information sessions for the RN-BSN program. Sessions are held on different days and times so that you can find one to fit your schedule.

Maximum flexibility

nursing student and child

We know life can be busy. Our online RN-BSN program is designed with working nurses in mind. This allows flexibility to better accommodate your needs.

The program officially starts each fall, but there are options that allow you to start taking courses in any semester. And if life happens and you need to take a semester off, you can pick up where you left off without being penalized.

Practice experiences

The WMU Bronson School of Nursing has long-standing working relationships with the two large hospitals in Kalamazoo, as well as many federal, state and privately operated facilities in the region. That means you have many excellent options when it is time for your clinical experiences.

And if you are not located in Kalamazoo, you'll still have many opportunities. WMU Bronson School of Nursing has relationships with facilities all over Michigan as well as in several other states. No matter where you are in the country, we will work with you to find a clinical site.

Nursing student Aubey

Facts and figures

  • 30 Credits If you’ve passed your NCLEX exam, you can get 30 credits toward your RN-BSN degree at WMU.

Accreditation

Our program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).  

Curriculum

  • Part-time (two year)

    Fall, first year

    • NUR 3400: Transition to Professional Nursing, 3 credits
    • HOL 3000:  Exploring Practices in Integrative Health Care, 3 credits

    Spring, first year

    • NUR 3330: Health Informatics, 3 credits
    • NUR 3420: Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan for RNs, 3 credits

    Fall, second year

    • NUR 3220: Health Care Ethics (Area II General Education), 3 credits
    • NUR 3430: Nursing Research - RN, 3 credits

    Spring, second year

    • NUR 4340: Nursing Leadership and Management - RN, 3 credits
    • NUR 4330: Population Based Nursing - RN, 3 credits

    Summer I and II, second year

    • NUR 4350: Leadership and Population Based Nursing Practicum - RN, 3 credits
  • Full-time (one year)

    Fall, first year

    • HOL 3000:  Exploring Practices in Integrative Health Care, 3 credits
    • NUR 3220: Health Care Ethics (Area II General Education), 3 credits
    • NUR 3400: Transition to Professional Nursing, 3 credits
    • NUR 3430: Nursing Research - RN, 3 credits

    Spring, first year

    • NUR 3330: Health Informatics, 3 credits
    • NUR 3420: Health Assessment Throughout the Lifespan for RNs, 3 credits
    • NUR 4340: Nursing Leadership and Management - RN, 3 credits
    • NUR 4330: Population Based Nursing - RN, 3 credits

    Summer I and II, first year

    • NUR 4350: Leadership and Population Based Nursing Practicum - RN, 3 credits
  • Other required courses

    CO-REQUISITE

    • STAT 3660:  Data Analysis Biosciences, 4 credits

    WESTERN ESSENTIAL STUDY COURSES (WES)

    • RN to BSN students may need to complete select WES courses.  Please contact your advisor to develop a personalized plan for your degree.

Applying to the program

  1. Request an appointment with an R.N.-B.S.N. academic advisor:  Tracy Corstange at tracy.corstange@wmich.edu to determine eligibility. 
  2. Apply to Western Michigan University and declare "Pre-Nursing" as intended major.
  3. Send official transcripts to the WMU Office of Admissions.
  4. Submit completed R.N.-B.S.N. application to the Bronson School of Nursing.
  5. Send a copy of current registered nurse license to the WMU Bronson School of Nursing.
  6. Request an appointment with an R.N.-B.S.N. academic advisor by calling (269) 387-8150.
  7. Academic credit from associate degree or diploma programs will be awarded credit on a course-by-course basis in accordance with WMU policies for prior general education, science and electives. 
  8. Complete prerequisite courses as necessary.

WMU Application   

Once accepted, contact Tracy Corstange at tracy.corstange@wmich.edu or (269) 387-8150 to map out your program. Please review the program curriculum above to see the recommended course sequence.

To remain in good standing, you must achieve a grade of C or better in all nursing courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above.

Admission criteria and prerequisites

Admission criteria

If you are an R.N. interested in applying for admission to the program, you must:

  • Have achieved a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a four-point scale) in the nursing associate degree or nursing diploma program from which you graduated. You may be conditionally admitted if your overall GPA is under a 3.0.
  • Graduate from a nationally accredited ADN program.
  • Have a current registered nurse license.

Prerequisite courses

  • FCS 2250 or CIS 1020: Computer Literacy, 3 credits
    (Note: may be waived. Speak with an advisor for more information.)
  • College-level writing course (English), 3 or 4 credits
  • Mathematics/elective (algebra), 3 credits