Academic Catalog 2026-2027

Slippery Rock University

Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (RN-BSN)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a fully CCNE accredited Online Degree Completion Program for nurses, who already hold RN licensure. In the program, students develop critical thinking skills for clinical decision-making, prepare to collaborate in multidisciplinary work, shift focus from care of individuals within a community to the health of a community, refine professional communication, and develop leadership skills.The curriculum provides a strong foundation for professional development in a nursing career and the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed for advancement in clinical ladder programs. Students also develop the team skills and technological ability to provide leadership in managed care environments.

This program meets the requirements for certification in Pennsylvania. As regulations vary by state, please check the licensing board in your state.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • completion of a pre-licensure nursing program (RN diploma or associate degree) 
  • active unrestricted Registered Nurse license 
  • a 2.0 GPA in previous academic work  

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. Clinical Proficiency - Provide safe, high-quality, culturally appropriate and equitable care to individuals, families, and communities in a variety of settings, reflecting the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. (UO 2, 6, 9)
  2. Professionalism - Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in the delivery of nursing care. (UO 5, 8)
  3. Leadership - Demonstrate effective leadership capabilities that facilitate achievement of   improved patient outcomes and shared system-based goals. (UO 7, 10)  
  4. Data and Technology - Utilizes data and advanced technology to optimize nursing outcomes and improve the quality and safety of healthcare systems. (UO 10)
  5. Communication and Collaboration - Exhibit strong communication skills, effectively collaborating with individuals, families, communities, and the interdisciplinary healthcare teams to promote optimal patient outcomes. (UO 1) 
  6. Clinical Judgment - Apply critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. (UO 3, 4)  

RELATED LINKS

Nursing, BSN, RN-BSN Program Page

 

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

CURRICULUM GUIDE

GPA REQUIREMENT

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

SUMMARY*

Rock Studies 2 Requirements42
Major Requirements30
Electives48

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

ROCK STUDIES 2 REQUIREMENTS

BSN Students must complete a sum total of 42 SRU Rock Studies 2-based credits. There are no specific requirements.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Required Supportive Coursework
PHIL 325Medical/Health Care Ethics3
or HCAM 375 Ethics & Legal Fundamentals for the Health Professions
INDP 317Statistics for the Social Sciences3
or STAT 152 Elementary Statistics
Subtotal6
Required Nursing Courses 1
NURS 311Introduction to Health Care Informatics3
NURS 312Nursing in Transition3
NURS 327Group Process for Nursing3
NURS 331Evidence-Based Health Assessment & Promotion3
NURS 422Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice3
NURS 426Community and Public Health Nursing3
NURS 434Leadership and Management in Nursing with Practice Experience3
Subtotal21
Nursing Electives 1
Select 3 credits from the following:3
The Teaching-Learning Process in Nursing
Workshop
Politics and Policy Nursing
Delivery of Nursing Care in a Managed Care Environment/Clinical
Financial Management for Nursing Case Managers
Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Systems
Innovative Technology for Healthy Communities
Nursing Case Management in Today's Healthcare Environment
Selected Topics
Developing Transcultural Awareness Among Health Professionals
Cardiovascular Function: Nursing Assessment & Treatment
Advanced Healthcare Informatics
Bioterrorism and Disaster Management: The Nurse's Role
Nursing for Palliative and End-of-Life Issues
Social Media and Healthcare
Workshop
Total Hours30
1

Must earn a “C” or better

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

CO-CURRICULAR AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

  1. International study programs (short-term, semester, and year-long)
  2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
  3. Student-faculty research
  4. Job Shadowing
  5. Career Education Services

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

RN to BSN PROGRAM - BS (6 58)
This program is effective as of Fall 2020.
Revised 04.30.2026
UCC 02.24.2026