RN-to-BSN Curriculum

The Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares the graduate to:

1. Synthesize theory and concepts from the arts and humanities, natural and social sciences, and nursing as a professional holistic practice and scientific discipline.
2. Engage in professional, culturally sensitive, compassionate, and ethically congruent care that reflects the dignity and uniqueness of individuals and groups in diverse populations and settings that seek to understand their lived experiences and connections to others.
3. Utilize information processes and technology to improve communication, address health literacy, manage knowledge, reduce errors, and support decision-making that assists in delivering optimal care for diverse individuals, families, and communities.
4. Translate research findings to support evidence-based, competent, safe, and effective nursing care to individuals, families, and communities in diverse settings across the lifespan.
5. Demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and professional identity that embodies the values and characteristics of nursing while incorporating the concepts of self-reflection, well-being, and continuous learning.
6. Examine the interconnection amongst the healthcare delivery continuum, including collaborative activities among stakeholders that impact equitable health outcomes through systems thinking, health promotion, and ethical response initiatives.
7. Develop personal, professional, and leadership skills with a commitment to personal growth, expansion of professional knowledge and expertise, and emboldens leadership practice in the healthcare industry.
8. Analyze how social, cultural, and environmental determinants of health and social structure interact to affect access, provision of care, and health outcomes at local, regional, national, and global levels to improve population health while instilling a sense of global citizenship and ethical responsibility.

The practicum experience is an opportunity for nursing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. It provides students with a chance to participate in a local or domestic immersion experience, guided and designed by nursing faculty in the RN-to-BSN program. Students are required to complete at least 45 practicum hours to gain practical experience and enhance their skills.

To access individual course descriptions, please refer to Iowa State University's course catalog. 

You may access the course catalog here: https://catalog.iastate.edu/azcourses/nursing/

• Up to 65 credits of transferrable coursework may be applied to Iowa State University degrees.
• Additionally, 32 credits are awarded based on evidence of RN licensure and an official transcript from an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) degree-granting institution.
• Students must meet general education requirements – equivalent transfer coursework may apply to these requirements.
• Electives, in addition to meeting general education requirements, are selected by students to meet identified career interests. The total elective credits needed will vary based on individual transfer credits. 
• The last 32 credits must be earned in residence at Iowa State University, and the final 32 credits must be taken through Iowa State prior to graduation.
• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is awarded upon completing at least 120 credits with all degree requirements of Iowa State University and the College/Department/Program met.