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School of Health Sciences

Nursing

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

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About This Program

Prepare for tomorrow’s healthcare challenges today through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at American Public University (APU).

APU’s CCNE-accredited RN to BSN online program is designed for registered nurses who have earned a diploma or associate degree in nursing and have a current, active, and unencumbered license.

Our RN to BSN online program builds on your nursing competencies while putting you on the path to advanced education and opportunity in the rapidly changing healthcare industry. Our BSN degree coursework covers evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and community health.

The mission of the American Public University System's Nursing Program is to provide quality, affordable, and accessible higher education for professional registered nurses to foster lifelong learning through a spirit of inquiry in order to prepare students for service and leadership roles in a diverse and global society.

This baccalaureate program at American Public University System is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements. This program is currently not open for admission to residents of Washington, D.C., or Washington state.

What You Will Do in APU's Bachelor's in Nursing

  1. Improve performance in the professional nursing role by developing leadership, management, sound clinical judgment and communication skills to improve the health of individuals, families, and communities
  2. Use interprofessional communication and collaborative skills with patients, families, and members of healthcare teams to achieve effective and efficient coordination of care
  3. Utilize evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and leadership principles to promote a culture of safety and achieve outcomes that are grounded in institutional values and professional ethics
  4. Apply informatics and healthcare technologies to access critical information, to collaborate with other professionals, and to facilitate optimal patient-centered care
  5. Apply scientific principles and the nursing process to evaluate responses to therapies and changes in patient health status
  6. Integrate knowledge of human and organizational behavior to lead teams and promote cultures of safety
  7. Analyze the impact of financial, regulatory, and political decisions on local, national and global health outcomes
  8. Synthesize knowledge of ethical, socioeconomic, and cultural factors to decrease health disparities, to advocate for vulnerable populations, and to provide culturally relevant healthcare to individuals, groups, and communities
  9. Employ a spirit of inquiry to embrace the value of lifelong learning and participate in professional activities that promote and shape the future of nursing

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Accredited
CCNE Accredited
Number of Credits
120
Transfer up to 90 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$350 | $250*
$315**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Select 2 course(s) from the following:

Course ID: 2895

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This course develops interpersonal, group, and presentational communication skills that are applicable in personal and professional cross-cultural relationships, and focuses on differences in values, message systems, and communication rules across cultural boundaries and in multicultural settings.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3694

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This course is a contemporary study of popular culture in America – its development and characteristics, its role in shaping our individual lives and key social institutions; and its broad effects on our globalizing world. The course is designed around the interdisciplinary nature of cultural studies, and students will learn how to use key concepts and theories to examine popular culture from a number of different fields including Sociology, Anthropology, Communications, History, Cultural Studies, English, Women’s Studies, Ethnic Studies, and American Studies. Students will develop the skills to analyze the reciprocal relationship between culture and key stratification factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, region and sexuality. The course will cover many facets of popular culture from all forms of media, to sports, fashion, and the influence of technology. Students will learn to situate popular culture within its social, historical, political, and economic contexts and their personal lives.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3725

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Microeconomics is an overview course that covers how households (consumers), firms (producers), and governments interact in competitive and other markets to set prices, and determine what and how much is produced. Key concepts introduced include the role of scarcity and choice, incentives and competition, and the law of supply and demand.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3726

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Introduction to Macroeconomics is a survey course that builds on the topics covered and skills developed in ECON101 (Microeconomics) in order to present a complete picture of the economy. Macroeconomics shows how consumers and markets fit into the overall or aggregated economy and provides a framework to assess government policies. Key topics covered will include economic cycles (growth and recession), economic indicators and measures, and interest rates and money supply.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3727

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This course is a basic overview of the geographer’s study of the location and distribution of features on the Earth’s surface. These features are both natural and man-made, both physically and culturally determined. The relationship of people and place is central to an understanding of human history, contemporary events, and possible global futures. As an introductory course it covers the whole globe and all its greatest geographic features and relationships. This dictates that the approach is broad and not too deep. However, knowledge of the geographer’s art will enable students to delve as deeply as their interest and energy will allow, into the dynamic spatial realities that surround them.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3729

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This is the first course in a two-course sequence in American Government. The course is designed to convey basic facts about the structure and functioning of the American political system. The philosophical foundation of the U.S. Constitution is explored and the federalist construct is examined. The functions of the three separate branches of government and their roles in policy making are a major focus.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3731

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An overview of the field of international and global politics. The nation state, factors of power, collective security, international trade, regional and international organization, sources of conflict and convergence are addressed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3733

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Introduction to Sociology introduces students to the sociological investigation of human interaction and behavior in society. Students will become familiar with the sociological perspective and develop a ‘sociological imagination’ – the ability to see the general in the particular, the new in the familiar, and to observe the impact social forces have on our lives. The course explores environmental, historical, cultural, and organizational influences on our interpersonal relationships and life-patterns within the context of contemporary society. Students will learn how to use sociological concepts, theory and research to think critically about individuals, groups, institutions, and societies in any given situation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3734

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The course introduces students to the art and science of Psychology. Course emphasis is on applying the "science of human behavior" to a variety of settings: vocational, personal, academic, and clinical. Course content introduces the history of psychology, major theories of personality and learning, current research and developmental issues. The course has a holistic approach and integrates the biological basis of behavior, social factors, learning and the unique coping styles of the individual to understand human behavior.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3735

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This course is a worldwide survey of prehistoric cultural adaptations from the first use of bone and stone tools to the ancient mysterious civilizations of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe including recent archaeological discoveries. Emphasis is on the development of technologies, social groups and the patterns of cultural development. Archeological excavation methods and archeological artifacts are discussed in considerable detail. Archaeological concepts and skills will be explored through simulations as well as virtual field trips and activities.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3737

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This course is designed to acquaint the novice anthropology student with anthropology and its various sub-fields, examining cross-cultural, global, comparative, and critical perspectives on human behavior and culture, as well as the diversity of human cultures from hunter-gatherers to industrialized city dwellers. The implications of socio-cultural analysis of economic, social, symbolic, and religious systems are also considered.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3738

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This course introduces students to human nature and behavior from the broad, holistic perspective of contemporary U.S. American anthropology. The four primary sub-fields of anthropology, biological, cultural, linguistics, and archaeology, will be discussed in order to integrate various aspects of the human condition.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3739

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This course is an overview of the biological, psychological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of human sexuality and family life. The overall theme of the course focuses on attitudes and responsible sexual behavior. Key topics include how culture, society, and history have impacted our understanding of human sexuality.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4328

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This course examines a diverse sample of social problems facing the United States today and identifies how these problems affect, and are affected by, our institutions and culture. The sociological perspective and key theories will be used to understand the beginnings of the civil society, how problems develop and are defined, and the role of social change (particularly contemporary technological innovation). Key social problems covered will include social stratification/inequality, crime, drug abuse, prostitution, aging, infectious disease, family violence, health care, racial/ethnic conflict, terrorism, etc. Sociological research on social problems will be explored, and social policies to remedy the negative consequences of these issues on society will be discussed
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4636

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This course explores the practical and theoretical social impacts of computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems, including many different types of technologies, such as social networking sites, email, forums, chat, and online games. Students will engage in the analysis of CMC practices, the social processes and structures that emerge when people use these applications, and the problems and barriers that emerge from use.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4949

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In a developed country, one can often take for granted the safety of the food supply. 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illness annually, with an estimated 128,000 requiring hospitalization and resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths annually. Practical knowledge in safe food sourcing, storage, preparation and serving is addressed along with providing tips for practical awareness of techniques for staying safe. In a global society, food safety is not just a local issue, and everyone should have a working knowledge of food safety and what to look for to remain free of foodborne illness. In this course, students will learn general techniques for preparing and consuming food that is free from harmful pathogens, incorporating the flow of food from purchasing through storage and preparation to serving. Students will explore contemporary and cross cultural issues surrounding food safety in a global society. Practical knowledge about preparing safe food and red flags to watch for when dining out will be explored. Students will learn where to find information on health inspection reports, foodborne illness outbreaks and recall alerts, and will know where to report any suspected foodborne illness or suspicious activity related to the food and water supply.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4961

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This course is based upon the Institute for Humane Education’s (IHE) definition of humane education, which is “a lens, body of knowledge, and set of tools and strategies for teaching about human rights, animal protection, environmental stewardship, and cultural issues as interconnected and integral dimensions of a just, healthy society” (Institute for Humane Education, n.d.). The course explores issues, resources, rationales, and approaches to humane education related to various considerations and disciplines, including: economics, politics, science, technology, education, the arts, philosophy, religion, and geography.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5170

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Introduction to Political Science explains foundational principles of the field. Students will learn the purpose of political science, common terms and concepts, and subfields. Among these are introductions to political philosophies and ideologies, comparative systems of government, and international relations. The course also examines the professional and academic fields to which a political science degree is relevant.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5176

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This course offers students with a unique approach into the societies and cultures that we could progress toward in the future via the review of the science fiction genre. This course will review many aspects of technological questions that society will face in the future. Does the rise of technological advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics eventually bring us to a point where we must decide what is life and the right to self-determination as the Star Trek: TNG series covered in “The Measure of a Man”, laying out the rights of Commander Data. This is just one of many aspects of society and culture that will be examined throughout the course as students are made to think critically about what will the future look like.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5245

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Literature has the ability to shape the way a nation thinks and behaves; it both responds to important issues in society and (re)shapes them. For far too long, the literature of cultures on the periphery of American society have been ignored because they do not fit comfortably into mainstream culture. Yet, from voices within the Native American population to Appalachian artists to LGBTQ groups, for example, cultures on the periphery have consistently helped shape the American literary identity and have continued to influence American society long after the publication of their works. This course lends credence to the legitimacy of the contributions of these underrepresented cultures and explores the role they have in shaping American literature—past, present, and future. (Pre-requisite: ENGL210 for English majors, or ENGL101 or ENGL110 for non-English majors)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5278

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This course provides perspectives on death and dying. Students examine how death is beneficial and necessary for evolution. Participants explore the media's impact on mortality. Participants analyze how to communicate death to the living. Students assess the bereavement and burial process. Topics include: communicating death, the feeling of emptiness, the forgetfulness of life, living in the face of death, organ donation, burial, and the other side after death.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5279

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American society is a cauldron of various racial, political, ethnic, and religious formations. Amongst these, religious and racial formations provide strong modes of social organization. Both religion and race are also a major stimulus of cultural practices and belief systems. These two modes influence the ideals of democracy, equality, freedom, and even political identifications. The current agitations about Black Lives Matter are drawing attention to the racial divisions that are splitting the American society. At the same time, these movements are receiving the support of people from different religions. The Islam phobia and growth of right-wing militias are also similarly pitting Americans against one another based upon their religious beliefs. American writers, artists, activists, and even poets have drawn attention to these linkages and the pernicious impact it is having upon our society. Their contributions provide an alternate understanding of the strengths and limitations of American democracy. In this course, we will examine a variety of sources to understand how religion and race are shaping American democracy and society.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5280

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Difficult situations in life motivate us to think carefully about religion. The forms of religions are based on the well-being of human beings, and they have provided many different ways to follow paths that are good for our mental and physical health. This course will deal with essential questions; do religions offer ways and techniques to support that are good for our well-being? What paths have been provided to lead a good life? How our hope, contemplation, and resilience are rooted in popular religions? What are the methods advised by religions to help practitioners? The course will include traditions that are isolated to a specific culture. However, they have their historical, cultural, and social context, in which they have been beneficial to the practitioners of these cultures. On American soil, they are coming together as a melting pot, and this course will look into how their beneficial value can be used to manage current stresses. This course will look into beneficial teachings from different religions that are becoming mainstream and are practiced in a non-traditional way without converting to a specific religion. The course will cover Christian traditions, Sufi traditions, traditions from People of First Nation, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions. Ways to Stop and reflect and achieve tranquility. Not as a way of worship rather a way of living one’s life with equanimity and hope.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5452

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This course introduces students to an attitude and approach for college success and relevant connections to their own inner motivations and external career options. Some key elements include values-goal alignment, an orientation to online learning, and strategies for successful adult learning. Other elements include planning a pathway from academic studies to a career path, career awareness, networking, engaging support resources, and collaborating with colleagues. Through the learning and activities of this course, students will gain the perspective needed for successful time management and prioritization, critical thinking, applied and collaborative learning, and civic/democratic and global learning. Content within the classroom includes open educational resources that are easily available online. This course fulfills one general education elective.   This course is recommended to be completed first in the student’s degree plan when possible. 
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

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Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

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Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 4894

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This is an introductory statistics course designed to help students achieve a basic understanding of the statistical methods available to analyze and solve the wide variety of problems encountered in the workplace. This course is designed for students who seek an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The emphasis of the course will be on the proper use and interpretation of statistical techniques. MATH120 is the recommended mathematics general education course for students who will be required to take additional statistics courses such as MATH302 Statistics as part of their program of study.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Current active, unencumbered registered nursing license 30
Total Semester Hours 30
Current active, unencumbered registered nursing license.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4109

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This course is only open to students admitted and enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. In this course, students examine the role of the baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse as a leader and change agent in diverse practice settings. Students determine the impact and effectiveness of informatics, cultures of safety, levels of professionalism and ethics in their healthcare settings. Students will conduct a self-assessment of professionalism, identify areas for growth and write a Professional Development Plan. Principles of critical thinking and scholarly writing are applied throughout the course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4202

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This course explores assessment of the individual and families across the lifespan with a focus on culturally diverse, vulnerable populations. The concepts of genetics, health maintenance/health promotion, and cultural competence will guide the student to develop plans of care focused on clinical prevention. Students will cultivate professional assessment skills by completing a health interview, a health risk assessment and a discharge teaching plan. All evidence-based plans of care reflect an understanding of the relationship between assessed risk factors and genetic predisposition toward illness with the goal of achieving quality patient outcomes. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5347

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This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. This course explores the connections between pharmacological interventions and pathophysiology across the life span. The study of genetics/genomics, culture, and integrative health provides a theoretical context for the delivery of patient-centered care. An understanding of the dynamic relationship between comorbidities and medication interactions facilitates the development of an individual plan of care. An analysis of human responses to pharmacological interventions will be explored through case studies, evidence-based research, and group projects. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4205

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This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. This course reviews evidence-based practice, the history of this movement, and the challenges to implementation in the practice setting. Students will further develop their skills with efficiently finding, reading, and comprehending published research and determine applicability to clinical practice. Students continue to explore means to assess, monitor, and develop cultures of safety in their own organizations and will become familiar with several national safety initiatives. (Prerequisites: NURS300 and MATH120)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4206

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This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. It includes a 20 hour practice experience in leadership with a nurse leader in a care setting. This course builds on assessments related to professionalism, culture of safety, nursing ethics and effective use of healthcare technology completed in previous courses with an emphasis on leading change in complex organizational healthcare systems. Students integrate and apply this knowledge to improve quality and build cultures of safety in their workplaces. It is recommended that students select a nurse leader for this assignment prior to the course start. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4207

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This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. Students explore the rapid evolution of current nursing practice and examine historical and contemporary issues germane to their practice. Students examine changes in technology and its impact on access, cost, quality, and knowledge development. Global health and nursing workforce issues are evaluated and discussed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4453

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This course addresses the unique healthcare issues facing today's veterans. Emphasis is on physical and psychosocial needs of veterans and the delivery of patient/family centered care. Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other health issues of veterans will be explored through evidence-based literature and research. Students will examine the veteran culture, identify health risks, analyze health issues and trends in healthcare systems, and explore best practices.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4841

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This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. In this course, the student will focus on the community as client with an emphasis on specific vulnerable populations and related topics, such as substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, women’s and men’s issues, and environmental health. The student will gain knowledge of underserved populations as well as how communities are affected by cultural diversity and natural and man-made disasters. Clinical experiences will allow for the implementation of a teaching project for a designated vulnerable population. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5348

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This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN). This course explores the role of healthcare technologies in the provision of safe and high quality, patient-centered nursing care. The use of informatics to improve the health of individuals and the delivery of healthcare services will also be examined with an emphasis on patient privacy and confidentiality in the digital age. (Prerequisite: NURS300)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4211

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This course is only open to students who are enrolled in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. This course is organized around individual student research papers and project development and serves as a capstone and culminating experience where students integrate knowledge and apply professional skills to improve the quality of health in the workplace. Students prepare formal written and poster presentations of the project. A final evaluation of progress toward meeting goals is completed. (Prerequisite: NURS300, NURS310, NURS315, NURS340, and NURS350.) NOTE: Students must earn a grade of B or higher to pass this course
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
A Need for Nurses Holding a BSN

Several years ago, the Institute of Medicine released a report on the future of nursing, and it recommended that all nurses attain higher levels of education. One of the main recommendations in that report was that all practicing nurses should have a BSN at the very minimum. 

Many hospitals in the United States and around the world hold what's known as Magnet®1 designation. Magnet hospitals are those that are recognized for processes that offer higher levels of care for their clients or patients and have better outcomes. One of the requirements of the Magnet program is that a higher percentage of nurses hold baccalaureate degrees in nursing. Having a bachelor’s in nursing in many cases is a condition of employment at many hospitals across the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its enduring effects, our aging population, and a growing demand for hospitals with Magnet designation are all factoring into a pressing need for more nurses as well as nurse educators and nursing leadership.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics2 projects that the job outlook for registered nurses over the next 10 years will grow at a rate of 6%.

1Magnet® is a registered trademark of the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

2Employment conditions in your area may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (visited August 22, 2023).

nurse practitioner

Eligibility for American Public University's BSN Program

 

If you hold an active state license and are not a resident of Washington state, regardless of whether you have an ADN or AAS nursing degree, you are eligible for American Public University’s RN to BSN program. American Public University nursing also accepts students who graduated from diploma programs in nursing. These diplomas are usually issued by a hospital’s school of nursing rather than a traditional university. 

The structure of the first program the applicant completed will impact the level of transfer credit they receive. As an example, the associate degree in Nursing has more general education requirements as part of the curriculum compared to an AAS degree or a diploma. 

When students apply, they first complete a transfer credit evaluation to determine the number of non-nursing courses they may have to take at American Public University, and the University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to the policies outlined on our University website.

American Public University’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for individuals who already hold a license as a registered nurse (RN). Applicants must be graduates of an initial licensure program such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Nursing, or Associate of Applied Science, and they must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®)* and received state licensure. Once they are licensed as an RN, they can become applicants to American Public University's BSN Program and continue their education.

American Public University is committed to offering its students quality, affordable higher education online. There is no waitlist and you can take advantage of nursing course start dates every other month, as well as flexible scheduling as you study for your degree in nursing online. 

* NCLEX-RN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.

Minimum Requirements to be a Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses are required to have an associate in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). In addition, clinical nursing requirements must be met and, in order to be licensed in your state, you will have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination [for] Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®)*, which is developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

* NCLEX-RN is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.

nurse

Our Approach to the Bachelor's in Nursing Program

While there are no specializations in this RN to BSN program, it provides students with a very holistic approach to nursing. It’s a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses everything from community health to physical assessment to pharmacology. Students are able to work with faculty to identify more specialized paths for their future direction.

American Public University  also provides students with the opportunity to step outside of the online classroom occasionally in some course assignments. As an example, in Caring for Today's Veterans, students interview a military veteran and visit a Veteran Service Center to see what resources are available in their communities. It’s very flexible so it can be any kind of organization that serves veterans, and students can set up their visits when it's convenient for them.

American Public University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers a well-rounded look at the nursing profession, often helping to illuminate how important the training is. 

American Public University’s RN to BSN Program Curriculum Overview

American Public University nursing courses are eight weeks long and designed for the working adult. Assignments and assessments are structured so everything is value added and directly linked to one of our course objectives or one of our program learning outcomes. A typical course would start week one with a discussion and the online discussion board, which requires students to log in, post an initial discussion, and respond to three of their peers to get a dialogue going. 

Professors participate in those discussions and ask questions to elicit deeper thinking. In weeks when there are no discussions, students are completing different types of assignments. Assignments aim for variety so the student is not writing an essay every week. 

Students may be doing interviews or literally visiting service centers. They may be doing a windshield survey and driving around to see how their community fits in with social determinants of health. Sometimes, they’ll watch a movie and write a paper that relates to a certain topic. There is a research component where students are finding the best evidence and writing papers about that.
Stacey Malinowski, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CCRN-K, PCCN, CNE
Associate Dean of the School of Health Sciences
what is a family nurse practitioner

Featured Courses in American Public University's BSN Program

Featured courses in American Public University nursing include Professional Transitions in Nursing, Assessment, Evaluation and Clinical Decision-Making, Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Science of Evidence-Based Practice, Transformational Leadership and Cultures of Safety, Emerging Scholarship and Trends in Healthcare, Caring for Today’s Veterans, Community Health I, and Informatics and Technology in Healthcare.

BSN Program Length

Program completion time depends on how many credits the student is able to transfer. As an example, if a student has a bachelor's degree in a field outside of nursing, then they only need to take American Public University’s 10 core nursing courses for their BSN degree, enabling the student to get through the program relatively quickly. However, if a student has an associate degree, they may need to take more courses, thus lengthening the time to program completion. 

 

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Transfer Credit Opportunities

In American Public University’s RN to BSN program, your registered nurse (RN) license automatically awards you 30 transfer credits. American Public University accepts up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Here are other items that are eligible for transfer credit:

  • Academic credit from accredited institutions of higher learning with regional and/or national accreditation.
  • Military service, education, and training.
  • Professional training and certification awarded through courses and institutes.
  • Credit by examination offered through tests such as the College level Examination Program (CLEP) or DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests).
  • Government training from a host of government agencies or affiliations.
  • Prior learning. Students can enroll in our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program to receive academic credit for real-world experience gained through on-the-job knowledge, business management, and volunteering with organizations.
  • Community college agreements with American Public University that match earned associate degrees with certain bachelor’s degree programs to maximize transfer credits. If you are a community college student, check to see if we have an agreement with your college. Submit a transfer credit evaluation to see if you can automatically earn up to 30 general education credits if you have graduated with an AA or AS degree.

Note: See complete transfer credit policies on our University website.

 



 

How the Faculty Stays Abreast of Industry Trends for American Public University’s BSN Program

American Public University's faculty works hard to ensure that the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is relevant. They keep up with industry trends as practitioners in the field and also through a lot of research and reading. Stacey Malinowski, Associate Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator for the School of Health Sciences, keeps her training current by practicing in the intensive care environment to “keep my pulse on what is happening in healthcare organizations.” 

The University also convenes a very active industry advisory council comprising key stakeholders from not just the University but also from the nursing profession. These include leaders from community colleges, healthcare organizations, and hospital nurse residency programs. American Public University’s faculty meets with these stakeholders to discover what their needs are: What are they seeing in new graduates and employees? Do gaps exist and, if so, what are they? What can the University do to help make sure that its graduates gain the required skills and competencies they need to be effective?

Accreditation For This Bachelor’s in Nursing

When nursing programs choose to seek accreditation, they are affirming their commitment to quality and continuous quality improvement. When nursing schools apply to one of the various agencies for accreditation, the process is very rigorous.

The program must carry out a complete self-study. The accrediting agency will delve into the faculty’s qualifications and resources provided by the University as a whole. They will look for answers to questions like: What is the curriculum? Is it relevant? Does it meet professional standards? 

Once the self-study is submitted, the school seeking the accreditation hosts a visit with the accrediting agency. That agency sends out a team of reviewers who examine the self-study and validate the information therein. They visit classrooms, talk to students and faculty, and speak with the key stakeholders so that they’re confident the school is meeting the accreditation standards.

American Public University is part of American Public University System. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at American Public University System is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). This accreditation indicates that the University has met their standards and demonstrated its commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Can a Bachelor’s in Nursing Be Earned Online?

American Public University’s BSN program is delivered in an online format and many students find that there are a lot of advantages to an online program over a traditional brick and mortar option. The online environment allows for many ways to learn, all of them much more media rich. Instead of sitting in a lecture for two or three hours, students watch videos, listen to podcasts, and read and analyze professional articles. 

Students who choose online learning need to have good time management, good self-discipline, and be somewhat technologically savvy.

woman studying

Benefits of Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online

American Public University's School of Health Sciences offers its online RN to BSN to provide busy nurses with a convenient, quality program that features coursework in evidence-based practice, clinical decision making, and community health. 

The University's classes have weekly assignments, but there are no set login times, which affords working nurses with flexibility in completing course requirements. Earning this degree online is ideal for nurses who want to continue working while they learn and advance their nursing education. 

Nursing Program Cost – How to Pay for This Degree

There are several options to fund your education. American Public University admission representatives can connect you with financial aid advisors who can answer questions about your options as well.

The federal government offers grants and loans to assist with paying for school. Loans must be repaid but not government grants.
Contact your employer to find out what kinds of educational programs are covered and if you qualify for any tuition assistance benefits.
Students can receive awards or scholarships that are not required to be repaid. While APU does not offer any University scholarships, you can search for private scholarships offered by foundations and organizations publicized through online sites.
To cover APU nursing program costs you can apply for private loans from banks, credit unions, credit cards, and other private loan companies for financial aid. Review your federal aid eligibility before completing private loan applications.
Pay your school tuition with cash or credit. We accept MasterCard®, Visa®, and Discover®. In addition, we accept E-checks from banks based in the United States. If you want to schedule credit card payments over a specific time period, you can utilize our Automatic Debit Plan (ADP).
Military servicemembers can explore use of tuition assistance dollars to fund their education.

Are you a veteran? Look into veteran benefits from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) including the GI Bill®* and Veteran Readiness and Employment Service (VR&E) Benefits.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is that both the ADN and BSN are degrees while the RN is a credential or license. 

ADN: An ADN, or Associate Degree in Nursing, is typically earned following a two-year program of study and aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for the nursing profession. Besides equipping aspiring nurses with both theoretical components and clinical practice coursework, completing an ADN fulfills core curriculum requirements should an individual choose to pursue further education on their journey to an advanced nursing degree.

BSN: A BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is a 4-year program structured to prepare individuals for caring and competent practice within healthcare disciplines. This includes developing strategies for patient treatment and advancing skills in communication, advocacy, information management, and teamwork. Additional courses may include those related to bioethics, physical assessment, foundations of nursing practice, healthcare management, and leadership development.

RN: An RN is a registered nurse, a nursing professional who holds, at a minimum, an associate degree or a diploma in nursing. They have successfully completed the NCLEX-RN®1 examination (National Council Licensure Examination of Registered Nurses), which tests their knowledge in the field before granting them the full ability to practice nursing. RNs are an integral part of healthcare teams and often play a critical role in patient care.

This is the acronym for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It is the degree awarded to those who complete study involving patient care, evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and community health.

RN is a registered nurse. It indicates an individual has been awarded licensure and earned a credential for having successfully completed the NCLEX-RN exam, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. A BSN is a degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Someone who has earned the RN credential does not necessarily have a BSN degree, though many RNs have pursued either an associate degree (ADN, ASN, or AAS) or a bachelor’s degree (also known as a baccalaureate degree) to prepare for the NCLEX exam and RN licensure.
In nursing, a BSN stands for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It is a program undertaken by those who are or wish to become a registered nurse. Most programs take about four years to complete. Some education providers offer accelerated programs for those who have experience or previous academic study. Such programs could potentially be completed more quickly.
The BSN is different from the RN. The BSN is a college degree, earned following a program of study that typically requires successful completion of 120 credit hours. The RN is a credential indicating licensure as a registered nurse that has been earned after taking the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam is usually taken immediately following completion of a BSN degree. It is common to see colleges and universities publish their NCLEX-RN pass rates for programs that don’t require an individual to already hold RN licensure to enroll in a BSN program. 
RN-BSN, sometimes referred to as RN to BSN, typically is a program of study for individuals who already hold licensure as a registered nurse. In other words, applicants are already registered nurses and they are seeking their next level of learning. At American Public University, our RN to BSN program awards 30 credits for your RN license, which is 25% of the total needed to earn the bachelor’s in nursing.

To earn the BSN degree, you must complete a bachelor’s program to further your knowledge and skill in evidence-based practice, healthcare, and related patient and community health concerns. Such programs typically require completion of 120 credit hours. Those who have earned a BSN may be able to teach in community college settings. Traditional BSN programs do not require students to hold licensure as a registered nurse. 

American Public University's program is an RN to BSN program, specifically developed for those who do hold RN licensure to pursue a BSN degree.

Most BSN programs take four years to complete. Some education providers offer accelerated options, for example, for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. American Public University’s program requires RN licensure for admission. That license automatically awards the student 30 credits toward the degree, thus expediting your program completion. 

Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each session.

When considering BSN programs, it is important to know whether the program is accredited. Accreditation assures that the program has met rigorous standards for quality, integrity, and rigor. Employers may also require that a BSN be earned from an accredited program. There are two primary accrediting agencies for nursing programs: the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

American Public University’s RN to BSN program is accredited by CCNE. 

Many educational institutions offer a degree in nursing online. American Public University’s RN to BSN program is fully online, except for two classes that require in-person activities. NURS350 Transformational Leadership and Cultures of Safety includes a 20-hour practice experience with a nurse leader in a care setting. NURS401 Caring for Today’s Veterans requires the student to visit a veteran service center in a local community.
One of the things that makes American Public University unique is that we do offer admission to nurses who have earned a diploma. The American Public University RN to BSN program offers the flexibility and accessibility working adults need. A lot of our students are already working, and they need programs that fit into their lifestyles while they’re trying to juggle family responsibilities, jobs, and all of their other obligations. Additionally, nurses who are not working but do possess a current, active, and unencumbered license are eligible for our nursing education online.
At a minimum, applicants must have completed nursing education at the diploma or associate level and have successfully completed the NCLEX-RN1 exam. 

1 NCLEX-RN® is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.

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Admission Requirements

This program has specific admission requirements. This program is currently not open for admission to residents of Washington, D.C., or Washington state.

To apply to this program, you must hold the following:

  • Associate degree in nursing or diploma from an accredited or board approved institution in nursing
  • Current, active and unencumbered U.S. Registered Nursing (RN) license
  • Signed Statement of Understanding (SOU) 

Please be prepared to submit a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students) upon request.

Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.

There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.

Note: You must complete this program within 5 years of starting your first nursing (NURS) course.

An APU admissions coach will contact you via email or phone to assist you with the enrollment process, review your nursing license and documentation, and notify you when you have been admitted into the program and may register for courses.

Program Goals

The goals of the RN to BSN program are to:

  1. Prepare professional Registered Nurses for service and leadership roles
  2. Foster lifelong learning through a spirit of inquiry
  3. Promote inter-professional collaboration and engagement to meet present and future health care needs of a diverse and global society
  4. Provide a seamless transition for the Registered Nurse to earn a BSN degree and provide a foundation for graduate studies in nursing

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.