RN to BSN Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Complete university admission requirements to include submission of official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Submit an official transcript showing successful completion of an NLNAC accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program to the UA Fort Smith Records Office. Students graduating from a nursing program that is not NLNAC accredited will be evaluated on an individual basis.
• Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all college course work (including transfer work and excluding developmental courses)
• Complete required prerequisite courses for the program with a minimum grade of "C" or higher in each course prior to fall or spring entry; prerequisite courses are the pre-program requirements as listed on the degree plan for a total of 55 hours
• Have a current, unencumbered license as a registered nurse (A valid, unencumbered license must be maintained throughout the completion of the RN-BSN Program)
• Have evidence of work experience or satisfactory completion of an RN Refresher course according to the following guidelines:

  • 0-12 months after graduation - no work experience required.

  • >12 months after graduation - at least 1000 hours of nursing employment during the last 12-24 months or successful completion of an RN refresher course approved by the Executive Program Director of Nursing Programs

NOTE: RNs who have met these guidelines are eligible to receive credit for core nursing courses (30 credits) by validation (without testing).