Frequently Asked Questions:
RN to BS Nursing Option
Q. Why is the SU RN to BS Option a good program for me?
A. What makes us special is the one-on-one attention we are able to give you from the time you first look at our program, all the way through graduation. We value your prior nursing education and treat you as the adult student that you are. Our approach to RN to BS education is professional and supportive. We offer flexible scheduling to fit the needs of a busy, working adult. You can start the RN/BS classes at any of several points throughout each year. You can then move through classes with a group of friends or proceed at your own pace. We have Articulation Agreements with seven community colleges in the state of Maryland. This is a two-fold bonus. First, it means that you can complete all the courses required from completion of a bachelor's degree without leaving your home county. Second, the Articulation Agreements allow easy transfer of credits from the community college to Stevenson.
Q. Are courses offered online?
A.
Yes, courses can be completed entirely online. In addition to online courses, students may also choose to take courses in a face-to-face hybrid format. Hybrid courses have a portion online activity in every in classroom course. The purpose of including online components to the face-to-face courses is to reduce the amount of time that registered nurses must be on campus. We believe that our hybrid model which combines face-to-face class time, web-based interaction, and some video teleconferencing aspects works best for adult learners who have busy professional and personal lives.
Q. What are the admission and GPA requirements for the RN to BS Option?
A. Visit the Admission Requirements page to learn about the criteria that we consider.
Q. How do I apply for admission ot the RN to BS Option at VJC?
A. Visit the Admission Requirements page and review the Admission Procedures section to learn about this process.
Q. What courses can I transfer in with an AA degree or diploma?
A. We take great care to evaluate your transcript for all courses that meet our college requirements from all previous institutions attended. We accept associate's degrees and diplomas from accredited nursing schools and programs. You may take all prerequisite and college core courses at the community college of your choice. The RN to BS courses, however, must be taken through Stevenson University.
Also, we do not require challenge exams. In accordance with the Maryland RN to BS Articulation Model, Stevenson University will award 30 upper division nursing credits to the registered nurse with an active, unencumbered Maryland nursing license upon enrollment into the RN to BS Option.
Q. How long will it take to complete the program?
A. RN to BS courses may be completed in less than a year, full time, or in about two years with part time attendance. The length of time you are in school depends upon several factors such as the number of credits transferred, how many courses you choose to take at one time, and how much of the year you are able to attend school. Everyone’s plan is individualized. Our program has multiple entry and exit points that allow students to learn at their own pace, rather than with a cohort of students. You may accelerate or select your own pace.
Q. When are courses offered?
A. Most nursing courses and most other courses are offered once a week in the evening. Some additional courses are offered on the weekend to facilitate your progression.
Also, nursing courses are offered in five- and ten- week sessions so that you may take more than one course each term, while still meeting only one day per week. All RN to BS courses have online, web-enhanced portions.
Q. Where are courses offered?
A. RN to BS courses are offered at Stevenson University, Chesapeake College in Easton, Anne Arundel Community College, Prince George's Community College, The College of Southern Maryland, Howard Community College, Carroll Community College and Harford Community College. In addition, courses can also be completed entirely online.
Q. Is the Nursing program accredited?
A. Yes, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036 and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The most recent re-accreditation visit was in 2000, at which time the program received the maximum re-accreditation of eight years (through 2008). Stevenson University has regional accreditation by Commission on Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Q. Who teaches the nursing courses and answers questions about my curriculum?
A. As a nursing student, you will have a nurse faculty member as your academic advisor. All nursing courses are taught by qualified nurse educators. Both full-time and part-time nursing faculty are committed to providing quality learning experiences to help you learn to be a nurse.
1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, MD, 21153-0641 • 1-877-468-6852