Credits required
120
Max transfer credits*
90
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
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What you’ll study
Demonstrate interprofessional communication in the role of professional nurse to promote inter- and intra-disciplinary care to optimize healthcare outcomes across diverse populations.
Utilize empirical evidence and evidence-based frameworks/models/theories to promote critical thinking and clinical reasoning in professional nursing practice.
Apply modern principles of professional practice and human interaction to enhance nursing and healthcare outcomes.
Implement evidence-based practice to support nursing practice when managing or leading across the healthcare continuum.
Integrate knowledge, skills and abilities with professional, legal, and ethical standards to promote caring and social justice in nursing practice.
Incorporate information and technology to communicate, mitigate error, and utilize knowledge to create a culture of quality and safety.
Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:
Ambulatory Health Care Services
Hospitals
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
Social Assistance
Hospitality
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
RN-BSN Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education Courses | 36 |
| Nursing Elective Courses | 15 |
| Required Core Courses | 36 |
| General Elective Courses | 33 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE BSN | 120 |
Courses + Credits
Below, you’ll find the required and elective courses for the RN-BSN degree program at CalSouthern. Be advised that the required core courses must be taken in the order that they are listed. Learners in the RN-BSN program must take 15 semester credits of elective courses related to nursing.
- NUR 3300Professional Nursing Role Transition — 3-credits
- NUR 3302Theoretical Foundations and Professional Values in Nursing — 3-credits
- NUR 3304Collaborative Strategies for Nursing — 3-credits
- NUR 3306Informatics for Nursing and Healthcare — 3-credits
- NUR 3308Lifespan Health Promotion in Nursing — 3-credits
- NUR 3310Pathopharmacology — 3-credits
- NUR 3400Introduction to Nursing Leadership and Finance — 3-credits
- NUR 3402Policy, Law and Ethics in Healthcare — 3-credits
- NUR 3404Physical Assessment — 3-credits
- NUR 3406Community and Population Health Nursing (practicum) — 3-credits
- NUR 3408Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice — 3-credits
- CAP 3402BSN Capstone — 3-credits
- NUR 3312Cultural Care in Nursing Practice — 3-credits
- NUR 3314Teaching and Learning in Nursing — 3-credits
- NUR 3410Quality Management in Nursing and Healthcare — 3-credits
- NUR 3412Gerontology Nursing — 3-credits
- NUR 3414Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Healthcare — 3-credits
View the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our Nursing Program
The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) program builds upon the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) education with a focus on topics required in a generic BSN program that are either not developed or under-developed at the ADN level. The RN-BSN program expands on theories and concepts needed to practice within complex healthcare systems and to help further develop knowledge, skills, and abilities of professional nursing practice.
CalSouthern’s Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree program may open the door to pursue additional opportunities. For example, graduates can receive knowledge and academic credentials to pursue a management or leadership career path in many practice settings.
Yes! The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is an academic degree that builds upon the knowledge and skills gained from becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). While both RN and BSN-prepared nurses provide essential patient care, a BSN degree requires further education and may provide the opportunity to expand potential career paths.
The steps to becoming a nurse typically involve completing an accredited nursing degree program. You'll also need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain licensure from the state's board of nursing. Gaining experience in a specific area of nursing and pursuing advanced certifications could help further enhance your career path. CalSouthern offers a RN-BSN degree program designed to help registered nurses advance their education.
There are a wide variety of potential nursing positions that exist, each with their own unique responsibilities and focus. Some common types of nursing positions may include registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Each of these positions requires different levels of education and training.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree from CalSouthern can be applied to a variety of career paths. These potential paths* may include roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and community health organizations.
*CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement
Learning Experience
Yes, you can earn a nursing degree online. CalSouthern offers online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs for nurses looking to advance their education. Our online degree programs are designed to accommodate working nurses, while helping provide a flexible and convenient way to earn a degree in nursing. Learn how to apply online at CalSouthern.
The RN-BSN program is designed to help further develop skills that can improve interdisciplinary care and communication of clients/patients, aggregates, and populations. Students explore theoretical and evidence based models and frameworks that guide professional nursing care across the healthcare continuum. Ethical and legal principles necessary for advocacy, collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion as a professional nurse are explored.
CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree program requires a total of 120 semester credits, including credits earned in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. You may be eligible to transfer up to 90 semester credits from an accredited college/university and CLEP exams are accepted for some General Education coursework.* At least 30 credits of upper-level nursing courses must be completed at CalSouthern. An admissions advisor can provide more information.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
The speed at which you can progress from RN to BSN at CalSouthern depends on the degree program structure and your individual pace. Factors such as the course load and your ability to dedicate time to studies can influence the completion timeline. Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree program is designed to be flexible to fit your needs.
While some institutions may offer pathways to a BSN degree for individuals without prior RN licensure, CalSouthern’s RN to BSN degree program is tailored specifically for licensed Registered Nurses (RNs). Our degree program is designed to help provide a convenient and accessible way for RNs to advance their education and work to enhance their nursing skills.
Admissions
The requirements for nursing vary depending on the specific degree program and state regulations. Generally, becoming a registered nurse involves completing an accredited nursing degree program, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and meeting any additional requirements set by the state's board of nursing. CalSouthern’s nursing degree programs are for students who already hold an unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse. Our nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and demonstrate a commitment to a quality educational experience.
You can begin your education at CalSouthern now. Classes at CalSouthern begin monthly and are delivered asynchronously online with practicum requirements completed in your local community. Completion of the applications and admissions process will depend on how quickly you begin. Speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-477- 2254, ext. 47822) or request information online. Once you have completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
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As a practicing nurse, I find CalSouthern’s flexible online BSN program to be a perfect match with my busy work schedule. The ability to work at my own pace has made improving my career in nursing a reality.
Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
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