Online RN-BSN

Through our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, students who already have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (or an Associate of Science in Nursing) can quickly progress through the program of study while continuing to work as professional nurses. 

Building on associate degree coursework and specific requirements for general education courses, our part-time, four-semester RN-BSN program is offered in an online distance-learning asynchronous format that supports finding a balance between life, family, work and school. Students have access to library resources and student services, as well as a student community from across the country.

Earning a BSN at GW Nursing provides advanced knowledge and skills beyond the clinical aspects of nursing, giving you a foundation in evidence-based practice, patient safety and health care quality, nursing leadership and policy. Students will become more marketable and exceptional caregivers, and improve their career opportunities and job security, all while helping their hospital achieve “magnet” status.

Who Should Apply

Our RN-BSN program option is designed for registered nurses or associate degree holders eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) looking to further their education while continuing to provide care in their community. We also have agreements with several nearby community colleges in the area that guarantees admission provided you have fulfilled the requirements laid out in the guaranteed admissions agreement. If you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (or an Associate of Science in Nursing) from one of these partner institutions, you may be eligible for guaranteed admission to one of our programs:

  • Carroll Community College
  • Cecil College
  • Chesapeake Community College
  • College of Southern Maryland
  • Harford Community College
  • Howard Community College
  • Montgomery College
  • NOVA - Springfield w/ SMHS
  • OADN
  • Prince George's Community College
  • Randolph-Macon College
  • Virginia Community College System

If you are unsure of whether you meet the requirements of these agreements, feel free to contact us with any questions at [email protected].

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025

Application Open: 05/01/24

Priority: 8/01/24
Final: 01/01/24

Fall 2025

Application Open: 09/01/24

Priority: 12/01/24
Final: 08/01/25

Requirements

Overview

The Online RN-BSN program consists of 21 credit hours of course work and the completion of a professional portfolio providing an additional 15 credits for advanced standing and competency. Questions about program requirements should be directed to the program director, Adriana Glenn.

Programs of Study

New Student Orientation

Orientation is conducted online to introduce you to our expectations, academic resources, program requirements, course registration and online technology.

Technology Requirements

Each student admitted to the BSN program is expected to own and have ready access to a laptop or tablet with basic productivity software for classroom use. View policy.

Complete applications that are submitted by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. Applications do not have to be verified by the priority deadline, only completed and submitted. Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

A completed application includes the following components:

  • 84 credits from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Associate's Degree in Nursing (or an Associate of Science in Nursing) from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Preferred scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Official transcripts (from all post-secondary schools)*
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Current resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Active and unencumbered nursing license

The RN-BSN option accepts students for the fall and spring semesters each year. Only completed applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee.

*Military and veteran candidates, outside of the Air Force, will submit Joint Service transcripts; while Air Force candidates will provide Community College of the Air Force transcripts. More information is available on the Veterans BSN page.

Current GW undergraduate students must be granted a waiver to enroll in GW online prerequisite course offerings. Please see your academic advisor or school official.

You must complete prerequisite coursework with grades of C or better and a minimum 3.0 GPA prior to starting the program:

  • Ethics (3 semester hours)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (6-8 semester hours, labs required)
  • Microbiology (3-4 semester hours, labs required)
  • Nutrition (3 semester hours)
  • Statistics (3 semester hours)

You must also have completed certain courses in your previous coursework:

  • English Composition (6 semester hours)
  • Humanities/Social Sciences (9 semester hours)
    • Social Sciences (6 semester hours)
    • Humanities (3 semester hours)
  • Math (3 semester hours)
  • Natural Sciences - usually fulfilled by Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology (12 semester hours)

At the conclusion of this BSN program, you will be able to:

  1. Utilize the nursing process to support and promote health in diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.
  2. Synthesize knowledge derived from natural sciences, behavioral sciences, and the humanities with nursing theory as a basis for professional nursing practice.
  3. Apply theories to analyze clients’ responses to health and illness and intervene appropriately.
  4. Demonstrate nursing practice that is based on ethical, legal and professional values and standards of practice.
  5. Participate in identifying societal health needs and critiquing and improving the delivery and quality of health care and nursing practice.
  6. Demonstrate accountability for decisions, actions, and outcomes related to nursing practice.
  7. Collaborate with clients and health care team to provide, facilitate, and coordinate optimal health care.
  8. Utilize leadership and management skills to identify and meet health care needs of individual, families, groups and communities.
  9. Utilize communication theories and techniques in developing effective relationships with clients and health care team members.
  10. Evaluate research findings to determine their relevance and apply findings to professional nursing practice.
  11. Demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of health care information management and application of patient care technology.
  12. Demonstrate continued commitment to lifelong learning to promote personal and professional growth.

 

3 Great Reasons To Choose GW Nursing
 

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Advance Your Career

Advance your career in nursing sooner with our accelerated program taking only four consecutive semesters.

Online Learning

The program is delivered in an online distance-learning asynchronous format.

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Exceptional Faculty

Our faculty members are nationally recognized leaders in nursing who actively engage and inspire students to improve health care for all.