Frequently Asked Questions - RN to BSN Program
Course and Program Questions -
Can I attend the program part-time?
Yes. The RN to BSN program is the only undergraduate program in which students can enroll part-time. Once you have accepted an offer, you will work with your advisor to develop your part-time plan of study.
How many courses are taught on-line?
Most of the RN to BSN courses are taught partially on-line with about 1/3 of class sessions being held in UVa classrooms. Class sessions are always scheduled on one day (currently Tuesdays). Two of the eight classes are offered mostly online.
For a detailed listing of online courses in the program, please go to this web address: http://www.nursing.virginia.edu/programs/academic/RN-to-BSN-plan.asp
How many students attend full-time?
Approximately half our students attend full-time.
Are there clinicals in this program? How are they set up?
Yes, there are 2 precepted practicum in the RN to BSN program. Students work with the course professor to set up the practicum experiences and are required to complete 84 clinical hours for each of the practicum – one in acute care and one in community health nursing. Clinical experiences can be completed either at the UVA Medical Center or agencies outside of that setting when approved by the course professor.
Where will I park?
To park on campus, you will need to obtain a parking permit from U.Va. Parking and Transportation Services. You will be eligible for a blue permit which allows you to park at University Hall and catch a U.Va. bus to McLeod Hall.
Application Process -
Where do I get an application?
Applications are available from the Undergraduate Admissions website.
Are applications taken on a rolling admissions basis?
No. We admit students for the Fall semester only, and the applications are reviewed after the March 1 deadline. Decision letters are mailed May 1.
What kind of financial aid do you offer?
All financial aid for undergraduate students at U.Va. is administered through the U.Va. financial aid office. To apply, you need to complete the federal FAFSA form, a U.Va. financial aid form, and a SON financial aid form. All aid is need-based but all need is filled.
How many credits do I need to complete before applying? Do I have to have all 55 general education requirements completed before I apply?
RN students need to have at least 40 of the 55 general education requirements completed by the time they enroll at U.Va. The remaining requirements can be completed while the student works part-time in the RN to BSN program. If you enter the program with 55 general education requirements and electives completed you will only need to complete the required RN to BSN nursing courses.
What classes should I be taking now at my present school to prepare me for U.Va.?
The best approach is to work on the general education requirements that U.Va. requires for a bachelor’s degree. A complete listing of the general education requirements can be found at this web address: http://www.nursing.virginia.edu/programs/admissions/rntobsn.html. RN students need to have at least 40 of the 55 general education requirements completed by the time they enroll at U.Va. The remaining requirements can be completed while the student works part-time in the RN to BSN program.
How can I find out if the courses I have taken will transfer to U.Va.?
If you contact the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services, she can answer questions about transfer credit. There is also a VCCS transfer module guide available on the U.Va. admissions website. It lists all Virginia community college courses that transfer to U.Va.
Why doesn’t my developmental psychology course count toward the required credits in social science/history?
You get credit for developmental psychology through the 38 credits we give you for your previous nursing courses.
What type of classes transfer in as elective credit?
Almost anything. It is best to consult with the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Student Services, or refer to the VCCS transfer module.
Do you look at my high school record?
Yes, we do.
What standardized test scores are required?
Either an SAT or an ACT score. If you do not have a copy of your test result or took the test many years ago, you may request a waiver from the U.Va. Office of Admissions.
How many applications do you usually have each year?
We usually have a minimum of 50 applicants per year.
When are we notified about admission?
Decision letters for the entering in the fall are mailed May 1.
Do I need to meet with someone at the nursing school? Does the nursing school interview applicants?
It is helpful to set up a meeting with the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Admissions to do a transcript review prior to applying. You can set this up by calling the Office of Admissions and Student Services at (434) 924-0141.
Do I have to have my RN license before I can begin taking classes?
Yes. You will not be allowed to enroll in any RN to BSN classes without a copy of your license on file in the School of Nursing’s Office of Admissions and Student Services.
What kind of program do you offer LPNs?
We do not offer a transition program for LPNs. We are happy to work with you though to create a plan to complete your RN elsewhere and then apply to complete your BSN with us.
For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, contact the Office of Admissions and Student Services at
nur-osa@virginia.edu or by telephone at (434) 924-0141 / 1-888-283-8703.