The UA Little Rock RN to BSN program offers registered nurses and soon-to-be graduates of ASN programs the opportunity to earn their BSN. This program is entirely online and is an excellent path for nurses who are ready to advance their careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I enroll as an RN to BSN online student even though I am not an RN?
No. The RN to BSN online program is only for Registered Nurses or recent graduates from an associate/diploma program.
Why should I choose UA Little Rock for my BSN completion program?
- UA Little Rock offers a quality BSN program designed to meet your continuing education needs while enabling you to maintain employment. Enrollment can be either full or part-time.
- Courses are designed with you in mind. They are focused on the nurse who is returning to obtain an advanced degree and reflect contemporary issues and trends in health care.
- The online format of the program provides easy access for working nurses.
- Faculty are accessible and available to help you throughout the program.
- No out-of-state tuition costs
Where is the School of Nursing located?
UA Little Rock is located at 2801 South University Avenue in Little Rock, AR. The School of Nursing is located in the Nursing Building on the south end of campus between the eStem High School and the Center for Performing Arts building.
What degrees does the UA Little Rock School of Nursing offer?
The UA Little Rock School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion degree that enables working RNs and recent associate or diploma graduates to continue their nursing education. We also have an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing for students who do not hold an RN license.
Do I have to take a test to be admitted to the Nursing program?
No. There is no entrance exam for the UA Little Rock BSN program.
I heard the BSN is hard. Is that true?
The RN-BSN contains online, upper-level nursing courses designed to give you the knowledge and skills to take your next career step. However, most students excel in this format despite the higher rigor of the courses. The RN-BSN is more like a traditional college than your initial licensure program. Even though you will have some quizzes, you are more likely to create presentations, respond to discussion questions, write papers, and complete projects.
How many times per year do you admit a class?
We admit students year-round, with classes starting in spring, summer, and fall.
How do I enroll?
Submit a School of Nursing BSN application along with transcripts from each separate institution. Once all documents have been received, an advising appointment can be scheduled to discuss enrollment. You must also apply to UA Little Rock.
Is there any sequence to how I have to take the nursing courses?
Yes. BSN students must select either a 12 or 18-month curriculum plan. Courses are in a set pattern. Deviation from the established pattern may result in significant breaks in the schedule and ultimately delay graduation.
My nursing advisor and I originally planned that I would finish my degree in a year, but I think I want to take the summer off and graduate in the fall. Do I need to notify anyone?
Yes. All BSN tracks run through the summer. Any deviation from the established degree plan must be discussed with the School of Nursing. Contact Belinda Nix to schedule an advising appointment.
Is it realistic to think that I can complete my upper-level nursing courses in a year?
Yes. Most students can complete the nursing courses within 12 months if they have the majority of the general education courses completed. With that said, each person and their daily schedules are different. Many students opt for the 18-month track to allow time for other activities.
What types of upper electives meet the 8-credit hour BSN requirement?
Anything that is considered 3000 or 4000 levels will meet this requirement. You will need a total of 45 upper-level (3000 or 4000), including 8 UL elective credits to earn your BSN. Review the UA Little Rock course catalog and discuss the election options with your advisor. Upper-level courses are only available at four-year colleges or universities.
Will my classes transfer to UA Little Rock?
UA Little Rock accepts work in transfer from regionally accredited institutions. Review the Transfer Credit Equivalency Guide to determine whether or not your courses will transfer, as well as what they will transfer as (i.e., course equivalency). Transfer credits will be evaluated only after a complete application for admission and all required documents, including all final transcripts, have been received.
When I took A&P, the courses were only 3 credits each. Do I have to retake those courses?
Not necessarily. You must have a total of 121 credits for the RN to BSN online program, and this includes 8 hours of core science that includes a lab.
I work full-time and can only take online courses. Are any of the general education courses offered online?
All general education courses are offered in an online format. The department has arranged for designated online sections of Statistics (PSYC 3335) and Writing for the Workplace (RHET 3316, upper level) to be restricted to BSN students.
I work full-time and cannot take time off to go to clinical. Can I still complete this program?
Yes. Some of the required nursing courses include an integrated practice project (IPP). The coursework for the IPP will include the completion of projects, presentations, papers, etc., linked to the focus of the particular courses. The time utilized for the development and implementation of assignments is considered IPP hours.
I took a Business Statistics course. Will this take the place of the BSN statistics course?
We will review the course description for the statistics course and make a determination.
I was accepted and planned to begin nursing courses in the fall, but I need to delay this. Do I have to reapply?
It depends on how long you want to delay. If your plans change, contact the RN-BSN academic counselor to determine the next step.
Who are the advisors for the BSN program?
Belinda Nix, Academic Counselor; 501-916-5172; bknix@ualr.edu
I plan on moving out of state in the future. Can I continue in the program, or do I have to reside in the state?
Yes, you may continue in the program regardless of location. While faculty, staff, and facilities are available here at UA Little Rock for all students, it is not necessary to come to campus at any point. Please be aware you will need a consistent and quality high-speed internet connection throughout the program.
