RN to B.S. in nursing Program

The RN to B.S. in Nursing program, completed in four semesters over two years, is an innovative way for registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree.

The RN to B.S. in Nursing Program at St. Bonaventure University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.

Baccalaureate prepared and in demand

Our program features a hybrid approach to achieving this goal, offering students face-to-face and online/distance-education instruction.

It's an opportunity for registered nurses to become baccalaureate prepared, which is not only a recommendation of the National Academy of Medicine, but a requirement for new nurses in New York state.

New York state law now requires future nurses graduating from associate degree or diploma nursing programs to obtain a baccalaureate in nursing within 10 years after they were initially licensed.

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Enhance your skills as a provider, a leader

The RN to B.S. in Nursing program aims to build upon your present foundation as a skilled registered nurse with coursework in collaborative and quality care.

You will be introduced to technologically advanced concepts to help you keep pace with the rapidly changing healthcare industry.

The program is designed to enhance your leadership skills, your professionalism, and to encourage you to learn more about yourself so that you may become a more emotionally intelligent provider.

The Department of Nursing at St. Bonaventure University is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which establishes quality standards for nursing education and promotes support for nursing education, research and practice.

Goals for the RN to B.S. in Nursing Program at St. Bonaventure University include:

The completion rate of RN to B.S. in Nursing students will be 70% or higher over the three most recent calendar years.
The employment or academic progression rate of RN to B.S. in Nursing graduates will be 70% or higher.
Employer and student satisfaction will be collected and evaluated by the director of nursing and used for program improvement purposes annually.

Upon successful completion of the RN to B.S. in Nursing program at St. Bonaventure University, graduates will be equipped to:

apply technology and evidence-based practice to provide safe, quality client care to diverse populations;
demonstrate self-awareness, self-management, integrity, and a sense of ethical responsibility to the future of nursing;
engage in therapeutic and respectful communication while collaborating on healthcare teams to enhance patient satisfaction and health promotion;
contribute to the profession of nursing by engaging in leadership activities while assessing healthcare policy and financial influences.

Opportunities await

Ready for that next step in your nursing career? The RN to B.S. in Nursing Program is a bridge to your future. It's time to open the door to what's possible, time to be BSN-preferred.

Why a B.S in Nursing?

Program cost & admission requirements

Tuition for full-time or part-time RN to B.S. in Nursing students for the 2022-2023 academic year is $700 per credit hour, which includes a comprehensive fee (access to the Center for Student Wellness and other university services and programs), and institutional aid discount.

Program requirements:

an unencumbered RN license and current registration in the state to which you want your clinical completion hours to apply;
an associate degree or diploma degree in nursing from a registered and accredited nursing program in New York state, or from an institution nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN-CNEA);
that you practiced nursing within the past five years, or that you graduated from an associate degree or diploma nursing program within the past five years.
proof of having received the full series of vaccinations against COVID-19.

The cost of college for nurses who want to advance their education is a common concern. You want to estimate the actual costs and gather as much information about available funding before you enroll.

You also want to be sure to seek financial advice from reputable sources such as St. Bonaventure's Office of Financial Aid, as well as your credit union or bank.

Helpful resources:

Money Matters: How to fund your nursing education

How to apply

To apply to the RN to B.S. in Nursing program, students should submit the following to the Office of Admissions at St. Bonaventure:

an official transcript of all undergraduate coursework
a copy of your RN license
an up-to-date resume with work experience (if applicable)

Applicants for this program will apply as transfer students. For more information, visit our Transfer Admissions website.

$200,000 state grant aids program applicants

St. Bonaventure University was awarded a $200,000 New York State Department of Labor grant that will allow 10 associate prepared registered nurses residing in the Western New York region to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the university.

Ten RN to B.S. in Nursing students will receive full tuition, fees, and supplies from this project opportunity with special focus given to veterans, single parents, and older individuals (55+).

The university will provide $120,900 in discounted tuition and fees to support the students.

Details are available in our news release. Click here.

For questions or additional information, email Dr. Connie Perkins, founding director of nursing, or call her at (716) 375-2253.

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Feb 24, 2023 | Connie Perkins, Ph.D., RN, CNE, and Tom Buttafarro, director of government and community relations at St. Bonaventure, accompanied Master's Entry to Practice nursing students to the Olean offices of two state representatives on Feb. 17 to lobby for legislation affecting nurses.

Connie Perkins, Ph.D., RN, CNE

Founding Director of Nursing

(716) 375-2253

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Francis Hall 241

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