University of Southern Maine

 

What is the RN-to-BS Blended Program?

The RN-to-BS option, created in the early 1980's, broadens the context in which nursing is studied and practiced and builds on the student's foundation of professional experience and knowledge. Recognizing the breadth and richness of a liberal education as central to professional practice and learning, students enroll in the RN-to-BS option to complete courses in physical and behavioral sciences, humanities, and fine arts, as well as nursing. RN-to-BS graduates possess the foundation needed to assume beginning leadership and management positions and to begin graduate studies.

Realizing that RNs returning to school face many complexities, every effort is made to remain attentive and flexible in adjusting the plan of study and accommodating individual needs.

Who should consider the RN-to-BS Blended Degree Completion Program?

Students who have earned an RN License and want to earn a Bachelors Degree.

Advice about prerequisites, course planning, and course sequencing for RNs may be obtained by contacting Brenda Webster at 207-780-4802 or at bwebster@usm.maine.edu.

 

The baccalaureate degree in nursing is conferred on students who successfully complete: 51-55 credit hours in the liberal arts, physical sciences, social sciences, and the university core curriculum; 54 credit hours in nursing; and a minimum of 12 credit hours in electives. A total of 120 credits are required for graduation.

All RNs must fulfill the University’s 30 credit residency requirement (6 credits earned at another UMS campus may be applied toward residency).

The CONHP recognizes a maximum of 30 nursing credits (RN credit options) transferred from an associate degree (ADN) program as basic nursing credits required in the baccalaureate program. These credits are applied toward fulfillment of the baccalaureate requirements for RN students who have successfully completed CON 308, Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing and the Health Sciences. Nursing credits earned in the ADN program beyond the basic 30 credits above may be used as elective credit.

RNs graduating from a diploma program will be awarded the basic nursing credits (30) for a fee, upon successful completion of CON 308 Professional Communication and Technology Utilization in Nursing and the Health Sciences. Additional information may be obtained through the Office of Prior Learning Assessment.

The following courses must be completed, or are available for credit by examination, prior to entry into the upper division nursing courses.

English Composition*
Anatomy and Physiology I & II**
General Psychology Growth and Development
General Sociology*
Pathophysiology
Skills of Analysis*
Microbiology
Statistics (prior to research)

*These courses may be substituted for their equivalents within the new general education.
**Anatomy and physiology requirements are waived with the successful completion (grade of C) of pathophysiology.

University requirements in general education or the Core curriculum must meet the progression standards of those curricula, e.g., students taking the LAC general education must complete all 100 level courses before 200 level, and 200 level courses prior to 300 level.

Students must take all required CON and NUR courses at USM. Upper division nursing courses, in required sequence for RNs, include:

A. NUR 309/ 310: Health Assessment and Health Assessment Lab (4 credits)
CON 308: Professional Communication and Technology (3 Credits)

B. NUR 314: RN Credit Options (30 Credits)
CON 321: Health-Related Research (3 Credits)
CON 356: Concepts in Community Health (3 Credits)
NUR 370: Theory of Clinical Practice (3 Credits)

C. NUR 419: Community Nursing Partnerships (2 Credits)
NUR 474: Leadership and Management for RNs (3 Credits)
NUR 476: Theory and Concepts of Nursing Practice (3 Credits)

RN students must matriculate in the University prior to enrollment in the upper division nursing course sequence except for Health Assessment and Professional Technology Utilization in Nursing and Health Sciences.

Clinical courses may not be taken unless RN credit options have been completed and posted. USM and the University of Maine (UM) have a collaborative RN/BS option that is available through the University Network Education System (UNET). Students may take required and equivalent courses from the other campus for residency credit.

Admission to the RN to BS option is open to graduates of both diploma and associate degree nursing programs. Students may begin their program of studies in either fall or spring semester.  The face-to-face portion of this program is offered on both the Portland and Lewiston-Auburn campuses.

Admission Requirements

The RN applicant must:

• meet the general admission requirements of the University;

• hold a minimum 2.5 GPA in their previous academic work;

• provide evidence (photocopy) of current licensure as a registered nurse in Maine.

 

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If you would like more information about the RN to BS Blended degree, visit the College of Nursing and Health Professions Website.

If you would like information about applying for this program, or general information about taking online and blended courses at USM, please contact one of our online student services staff members at online@usm.maine.edu or at 207-780-5921.