R.N.-B.S.N. Information

Applying to the MTSU School of Nursing RN-BSN Program

Step 1

Apply for admission to Middle Tennessee State University as a transfer student.

How do I apply? See this website:

Transfer Admission & Application

Step 2

Apply to the School of Nursing

You will need to submit the following items:

• School of Nursing Application (Information Sheet)
• Copy of Current RN License
• Proof of Recent Physical
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Copy of CPR Certification
• Proof of PPD (tuberculosis)
• Proof of Hepatitis B series
• Proof of Varicella Immunization (chicken pox)
• Proof of MMR Immunization (measles, mumps, rubella)
• Background Check
• Malpractice Insurance (proof will need to be submitted if you have your own or you may purchase coverage through MTSU?s group policy when you begin clinicals)

Mail items to:

Middle Tennessee State University
School of Nursing, Box 81
Attn: RN-BSN Program
Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Or, fax items to (615) 898-4803 - Attn: RN-BSN Program

Step 3

Contact Academic Advisor to schedule an appointment to review transcripts and develop a plan of study.

Step 4

Check the Academic Calendar to determine when registration begins for the semester you have been admitted.

Step 5

Set up your PipelineMT account and look over schedule to find course identification information for those you wish to enroll in. All nursing courses are restricted by department and require permits before you may register for them. You will need to email permit requests to Linda League (linda.league@mtsu.edu) with your name as well as the course names and numbers of each class you wish to register for (i.e. NURS 3010-D01). You will not receive permits until you have successfully submitted all admission paperwork.

Step 6

Register for courses. Check the MTSU Business office site to determine
fee payment deadlines and pay fees.

Step 7

Log into the Desire to Learn or D2L system to view course syllabus and upcoming assignments for online courses when available (should be available no later than the first day of class).

Admission Requirements for the RN-BSN program

Important! You must read (this document describes the admission requirements for the School of Nursing in detail):

Admission Requirements and Process for Acceptance to the Nursing Program

Important Admission Criteria for RNs (please refer to above document for complete list of admission criteria):

-Minimum 2.80 (2.8) Cumulative GPA
-Proof of RN license through an Associate Degree or Certificate Program
-No more than one grade below a C in previous nursing courses

-Completion of all required general education courses (please consult the academic advisor)

Important information for students receiving financial aid!

All RN-BSN students receive 44 hours of Advanced Standing Credit during their last semester to satisfy nursing requirements. Students are eligible to receive federal funding for up to 150 percent of a program's published length (i.e. for a 120 hour program, the maximum attempted hours is 180). RN-BSN students who are transferring credit from another university and plan to receive financial aid should contact their assigned counselor in the MTSU Office of Financial Aid (615-898-2830). In addition, students should review the Financial Aid section of the Undergraduate Course Catalog (Time Limits pg. 43).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I have earned my RN license through an associates program, am I required to complete the same general courses as that of a student who enters the traditional program without a prior nursing background?

A: Yes, to earn your bachelors degree from Middle Tennessee State University, you must complete all general education and auxiliary courses designated by the University and the School of Nursing.

Q: Will I be required to come to campus at any point during my enrollment in the RN-BSN program?

A: It is beneficial to make an initial appointment with your academic advisor to review transcripts in person, design a plan of study, and receive copies of paperwork that will need to be submitted prior to graduation. You should not have to come to campus to complete requirements for the online nursing courses.

Q: What paperwork will need to be submitted while I am in the program?

A: An Upper Division and Intent to Graduate form must be submitted to the CBAS Graduation Coordinator at least two to three semesters prior to when you plan to graduate. A copy of the Intent to Graduate form is available online. A copy of your Upper Division form will be kept in your student folder and must be submitted along with your Intent to Graduate form. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with his/her academic advisor to get a signed copy of his/her Upper Division form.

Curriculum Schedule for Registered Nurses

Students holding the RN license must meet all general studies requirements. Transcripts will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine what each student needs for graduation from the program. A nursing advisor will assist in determining a program of study for each student. The RN to BSN program may be completed in three (3) full-time semesters if all general studies courses are completed prior to admission. The School of Nursing assumes neither responsibility over the way general studies courses are offered nor their scheduling.

RN's entering the MTSU curriculum will receive advanced standing credit for their knowledge and experience in the field of nursing. Credit will be posted to the official transcript the semester prior to graduation.

All nursing coursework, excluding clinical courses, may be taken online. Clinical experiences are arranged on an individual basis. Every effort is made to arrange a clinical experience in the students home area. The MTSU School of Nursing makes every effort to offer courses online during semesters of highest demand. Traditional classroom courses may be taken but no scheduling guarantees can be made.

Highlights of the online program:

• Online courses are truly interactive. Students will have the opportunity to meet and consult with faculty as frequently (or more often!) than on campus courses.
• Whenever possible the same faculty who teach on the MTSU campus will monitor, supervise, evaluate and teach the online courses.
• Students will have assistance through the OIT Help Desk with computer problems related to their course work.

Required Upper Division Nursing Courses include the following:

NURS 3010, Pathophysiology (3 hrs)
NURS 3030, Health Assessment (2 hrs)
NURS 3040, Health Assessment Lab (1 hr)
NURS 3111, Professional Role Development (3 hrs)
NURS 3170, Pharmacological Requisites (3 hrs)
NURS 3370, Health and Gerontology (3 hrs)
NURS 3570, Healthcare Research (3 hrs)
NURS 4530, Caring for the Community as Client (3 hrs)
NURS 4560, Nursing Care of Vulnerable Aggregates Clinical (3 hrs)
NURS 4570, Professional Practice and Leadership (3 hrs)
NURS 4580, Professional Practice and Leadership Clinical (3 hrs)
Nursing Elective (3 hrs)

DISCLAIMER

The MTSU School of Nursing reserves the right to make changes to the sample curriculum plans without notice or obligation. Please see a nursing advisor prior to registering for courses.

RNs interested in further information should contact:

• Ms. Linda League at (615) 898-5950 from August 1 through May 31 or
• Main Office (615) 898-2437 from June 1 through July 31.