Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > RN to BSN/MSN

Bachelor/Master of Science (BS/MS) in
Nursing (RN to BSN/MSN Nurse Executive)

Online

Program Overview

The RN to BSN/MSN program of study is an accelerated option for the experienced, highly qualified registered nurse who holds an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The MSN degree has a concentration in Nurse Executive.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
50-56
Tuition Per Hour
Bachelor's, $385; Master's, $440

Some Offer Classes, We Offer Futures

Registered nurses who meet MSN program admission criteria can apply for early admission to the Graduate School while completing the BSN requirements. The RN to BSN/MSN track decreases the time required to complete both the BSN and MSN degree programs. The BSN degree is awarded after completion of all BSN requirements in the fourth semester. The Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Executive concentration is awarded after completion of all MSN requirements.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at The University of Alabama are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Application DeadlineMay 1 for summer admission
Required For EntranceRN licensure
PracticumYes
Are test scores required?ACT and SAT scores are not required through the Fall 2024 entry term

Curriculum

Courses for the program, including core courses with the exception of the sciences, are offered online. No campus attendance is required. Credit for 40 hours of nursing courses is awarded upon admission to the University as an RN to BSN/MSN student. As a rule, students are required to complete the entire core curriculum before beginning Nursing coursework. We can, however, allow students to begin the nursing courses with 1-2 outstanding or pending prerequisites with departmental approval.

Please note that courses are subject to change.

UA Core Requirements

English Composition I & II
Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I & II
Biology with Lab (or Chemistry with Lab)
Microbiology with Lab
Intro to Sociology or Approved Social Behavioral Science Elective
General Psychology
History/Literature (9 credit hours)¹
Fine Arts
Statistics
Human Growth and Development
Humanities (Ethics preferred)
Mathematics
Computer Science

¹History/Literature Note: All students are required to complete either a 6-credit-hour history or literature sequence. Students opting to enroll in the literature sequence must also complete an approved 3-credit-hour history course. Students opting to enroll in the history sequence must also complete an approved 3-credit-hour literature course.

If students take two history courses and one literature course, one ADDITIONAL literature, humanities, or fine arts course is required to satisfy the 12-hour humanities core requirement.

These programs require a field placement component. It is the student’s responsibility to secure a site for the field placement.

Required Nursing Courses – RN to BSN/MSN Nurse Executive

NUR 319 Nursing Informatics for Registered Nurses
NUR 348 Role Transition in Baccalaureate Nursing
NUR 449 Community Health for Registered Nurses
NUR 737 Interdisciplinary Leadership & Role Development for Practice Excellence
NUR 727 Foundations of IS and EBP
NUR 740 Health Policy & Politics
NUR 465 Complex Client for RN
NUR 735 Population Health
NUR 733 Informatics for Advanced Practice Nursing
NUR 549 Roles & Leadership in Nursing Administration
NUR 550 Roles & Leadership in Nursing Administration Practicum (180 clinical hours)
NUR 551 U.S. Health Care Systems and Quality & Safety
NUR 552 U.S. Health Care Systems and Quality & Safety Practicum (180 clinical hours)
NUR 553 Advanced Financing & Strategic Planning in Health Care
NUR 554 Advanced Financing & Strategic Planning in Health Care Practicum (180 clinical hours)
NUR 599 Optional Thesis

Total credit hours in upper division and MSN program = 50-56

View more information about this program through the University’s catalog.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the RN to BSN/MSN track, students must meet the following requirements:

Unencumbered RN license in the United States
Graduate from an ACEN or CNEA accredited associate’s degree program or from a diploma nursing program
Completion of the lower-division requirements (core curriculum) with a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in lower-division courses
An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 grading scale) for the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate work

Students must apply for admission to the Graduate School by May 1.

Before applying, contact Sanitria Armistad at SanitriaA.bama@ua.edu. Or you may call (205) 348-2616 or (800) 313-3591.

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.