RN-BSN Program

This program is for individuals who already hold a registered nurse license.

Admissions process

Once you have reviewed the information below, please call Academic Advisor Laura Hudson at 563/333-6082 to schedule an appointment for advising. You will be assigned a nursing advisor from the faculty after your admission to the Department of Nursing. After seeing our academic advisor, you should contact Laurie Harrison with the ACCEL program at 563/441-9500 to help you with general education requirements and registration.

Registered nurse student (licensed)

RNs who desire to earn the BSN degree at St. Ambrose University need to fulfill additional general education and nursing courses. It is advisable to complete the majority of the remaining general education courses prior to completing the required 26 credits of nursing courses. The additional general education credits may be completed through a number of options. RNs are encouraged to meet with the academic advisor in the Department of Nursing to select the best approach to meet their learning needs. RN students typically attend class at the ACCEL program (Adult College Curriculum for Education and Leadership) site. ACCEL is designed for adult students who have at least three years of full-time work experience and have completed a minimum of 24 transferable credits with a grade point average of 2.0 or better.

• ACCEL offers an accelerated course format with most three-credit courses meeting once a week in five- or eight-week sessions.
• RN nursing class sequences start in the fall of each year, or, every other year, as determined by RN demand. RNs can progress full time or part-time.

RN learners need to submit the following documents for admission:

• Submit an application to the Department of Nursing as well as to the ACCEL program
• Copy of current RN license
• Official university transcripts indicating a 3.0 overall cumulative grade point average
• Submit report of medical history
• Complete online verification of health insurance through the office of Health Services
• Current CPR certification from healthcare provider
• High school transcript to validate 3 years of foreign language
• Criminal background check completed upon enrolling in N460
• Two letters of recommendation
• RNs must maintain a 3.0 GPA at SAU. Prospective students with cumulative GPAs below 3.0 can petition the faculty for permission to enroll.