School of Nursing | RN to BSN Online Program
About the RN to BSN Online Program
The RN to BSN Online Program at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) is a fully online, competency-based degree completion pathway designed for licensed Registered Nurses seeking to advance their education and expand their professional scope of practice.
This program:
- Is 100% online
- Is completed in accelerated 8-week terms
- Is designed for working registered nurses
- Aligns with the AACN 2021 Essentials
- Is part of SUNO’s CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program
The curriculum builds upon your prior nursing education and clinical experience, verified through RN licensure. Students develop advanced competencies in:
- Leadership and management
- Population and community health
- Evidence-based practice
- Trauma-informed nursing care
- Systems thinking and health policy
The program may be completed in as little as one academic year (full-time) or approximately 16 months (part-time).
Is This Program Right for You?
You may be a strong fit for the RN to BSN Program if:
- You hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- You have an active, unencumbered RN license
- You are seeking career advancement
- You plan to pursue graduate education (MSN, DNP, or PhD)
- You need a fully online format
- You want to earn your BSN from an HBCU committed to health equity
This program is designed for motivated nurses ready to elevate their impact without stepping away from the workforce.
Program Highlights
Start Term: Fall 2026
Format: 100% Online
Admission Model: Open Enrollment
Total Upper-Division Nursing Credits at SUNO: 31 credit hours
Block Transfer Credit: Up to 39 lower-division nursing credits
Program Length:
- Full-Time: 1 academic year (4 terms)
- Part-Time: Approximately 16 months (8 terms)
- Course Format: 8-week terms
- Application Method: Direct Application
No traditional clinical rotations are required. Practice experiences are embedded within coursework through leadership simulations, population health projects, and a Capstone experience.
Degree Completion Requirements
To earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, RN-to-BSN students must complete:
- Up to 39 hours of block transfer nursing credits (awarded after RN license verification and Official Transcript verification)
- All SUNO general education/core curriculum requirements
- 31 credit hours of upper-division RN-to-BSN coursework (completed in residence)
- Additional elective credits as needed to reach the 120 total credit hours required for graduation
All 31 upper-division nursing credits must be completed at SUNO.
Curriculum Structure
The RN to BSN curriculum is intentionally sequenced to promote progressive competency development across four terms (full-time track).
Term I
- Professional Nursing: Role Transition & Issues
- Pathophysiology
Focus: Professional identity formation and applied science foundations.
Term II
- Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Focus: Systems leadership and population health application.
Term III
- Critical Care Nursing
- Population Health & Policy
- Trauma-Informed Nursing Care
Focus: Advanced concepts, trauma-informed care, and health equity.
Term IV
- Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan for Nurses
- Capstone
- Professional Portfolio
Focus: Synthesis, competency demonstration, and professional advancement.
A part-time track is available for nurses who prefer a reduced course load.
Practice Experiences
Consistent with AACN guidance for post-licensure programs:
- Practice experiences are embedded within coursework
- Students complete community-based projects
- Leadership simulations are integrated
- A culminating Capstone verifies competency attainment
- No traditional on-campus clinical hours are required
Students demonstrate mastery through competency-based assessments aligned with the AACN Essentials Competency Assessment Framework (2023).
Admissions Requirements
To apply for the RN to BSN Program at SUNO, applicants must:
- Hold an Associate Degree in Nursing from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited program
- Possess an active, unencumbered RN license
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Earn a “C’ or higher in all general education courses.
There is no minimum GPA requirement as long as applicants meet licensure and degree verification requirements.
General education coursework will be evaluated for equivalency to SUNO’s core curriculum requirements.
Transfer of Nursing Credits
Up to 39 credit hours of lower-division nursing coursework are awarded as block credit upon verification of active RN licensure and graduation from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited ADN program.
Transfer of General Education Credits
General education courses are evaluated individually for equivalency to SUNO’s core curriculum. Additional coursework may be required to meet baccalaureate degree requirements.
Graduation requires a minimum of 120 total semester credit hours.
How to Apply
Applying to the RN to BSN Program is simple:
- Complete the Direct Application through the University’s website
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Verify RN licensure
- Submit any additional requested documentation
Applications open for Fall 2026.
Tuition, Fees & Financial Support
The RN to BSN Program is designed to be affordable and accessible.
Estimated Nursing Coursework Cost: Approximately $7,000 (for 31 credit hours)
Additional costs may include:
- Textbooks
- Technology fees
- Graduation fees
Financial Aid Options:
- Federal financial aid (FAFSA)
- Employer tuition reimbursement
Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office early to discuss funding options.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the RN to BSN Program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Communicate and collaborate effectively within the health care team using interpersonal, professional and information technology knowledge and skills
- Utilize the scientific method critical thinking, problem solving and evidenced based practice concepts in planning and delivering nursing care
- Demonstrate knowledge and use of professional standards ethical values, and legal standards in safe and effective nursing practice
- Plan and deliver care with consideration of client values, customs, culture, religion and beliefs
- Apply leadership and management concepts, skills and decision making into nursing practice
- Demonstrate basic understanding of the role of the nurse in health promotion disease/injury prevention and population health across the lifespan
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of system influences on patient safety and nursing practice including health care policy, regulation, resource management, technology, economics, and politics
Is the program fully online?
Yes. All coursework is delivered online.
Are there clinical hours?
No traditional clinical rotations are required. Practice experiences are embedded within coursework.
How long does the program take?
Full-time students may complete the program in one academic year. Part-time students typically complete in approximately 16 months.
Is there a GPA requirement?
No minimum GPA is required, provided applicants hold an ADN and active RN license.
How many credits must be completed at SUNO?
All 31 upper-division nursing credits must be completed at SUNO.
Can I work full-time while enrolled?
Yes. The program is designed for working registered nurses.
Contact Information
School of Nursing
Southern University at New Orleans
6400 Press Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126Phone: (504) 286-5024
Email: nursing@suno.edu
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.