Program Overview

Washington Adventist University’s RN to B.S.N. helps working RNs finish a bachelor’s degree fast. The program runs in 8-week sessions and can be completed in 12–18 months. Courses are online with an evening option, frequent start dates, and rolling admission.

Key points

Flexibility: Schedule supports full-time work and varied clinical settings.
Format: Online courses with an option to meet one evening per week.
Pacing: Accelerated 8-week sessions; typical finish in 12–18 months.
Start dates: Six entry points each year — January, March, May, July, August, October.
Admission: Rolling admission allows quick enrollment once ready.
Audience: Working registered nurses seeking a BSN.
Support: School of Graduate and Professional Studies with 35+ years serving adult learners.
Cohort model: Courses run when at least seven students enroll.

RN to B.S.N. Admission Summary

Two-Part Admission Process

Part 1: School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS) Admission

Processing of SGPS admission forms facilitated through SGPS
No application fee required
Fast admission decision provided

Part 2: Department of Nursing Admission

Separate admission to nursing program through Department of Nursing
Department manages program and advises students

Basic Eligibility Requirements

Licensure Requirements:

RN licensure in Maryland, District of Columbia, or compact state (or non-compact state)
All residency and/or transfer requirements must be met
Maximum 31 NURS elective credits awarded to licensed nurses after reviewing coursework from other colleges/universities and submission of RN license
Evidence of recent employment as registered nurse (for RN-MSN program)

Academic Credentials:

Minimum cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher required
Must have grade of “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses
Acceptance of application to nursing program required

Health and Safety Requirements

Prior to Program Start:

Current CPR certification required
Meet all Department of Nursing health requirements
CPR and health requirements must be current before enrolling in any nursing course
Current CPR required prior to start of any practicum

Application Process

Rolling Admissions: Six start dates throughout academic year:

Fall Semester:
- Session I: August 29 – October 22
- Session II: October 24 – December 17
Spring Semester:
- Session I: January 9 – March 3
- Session II: March 7 – April 22
Summer Semester:
- Session I: May 1 – June 23
- Session II: June 27 – August 19

Application Materials: Submit to SGPS and Department of Nursing as appropriate

Prerequisite Courses (45 Credits)

Must have “C” or higher in all prerequisite courses. These courses also help fulfill General Education requirements for degree.

Science Prerequisites (20 credits):

BIOL 201 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
BIOL 202 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
BIOL 150 – Microbiology (4 credits)
BIOL – Biology Elective (4 credits)
CHEM 114 – Foundations of General, Organic, and Biochemistry (4 credits)

Mathematics (4 credits):

MATH 110 – Probability and Statistics (4 credits)

English and Communication (9 credits):

ENGL 101 – Composition (3 credits)
ENGL 102 – Research and Literature (3 credits)
COMM 105 – Introduction to Human Communication (3 credits)

Social Sciences (6 credits):

PSYC 105 – Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
PSYC 210 – Developmental Psychology (3 credits)

Health Sciences (3 credits):

NUTR 260 – Nutrition (3 credits)

Technology (3 credits):

INSY 110 – Computer Concepts I (3 credits)

Total Prerequisites: 45 credits

Transfer Credits

Nursing Transfer Credits:

Maximum 31 NURS elective credits can be awarded to licensed nurses
Awarded after reviewing coursework from other colleges/universities
Requires submission of RN license
All NURS courses must be completed at WAU as listed for graduation (except transfer credits for RN license)

Cohort-Dependent Program

Minimum Enrollment: Designated as cohort-dependent program. Minimum seven students required for maximum student learning.

Curriculum

The RN to B.S.N. program at Washington Adventist University requires 121-124 total credits for Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students complete 27 nursing credits at WAU, receive 31 transfer credits for RN license, and transfer prerequisite and general education coursework.

Program Structure and Format

Accelerated Format:

Classes offered in 8-week sessions
Complete degree in as little as 12-18 months
One night per week format (evening classes)
Online, face-to-face, and/or hybrid options available
Select pace tailored for your life
Choose to take as few or as many classes as desired

Six Annual Start Dates:

January, March, May, July, August, October
Rolling admissions – start as soon as ready

Total Credit Requirements:

121-124 total credits for graduation
36 upper-division credits required
All NURS courses completed at WAU

Nursing Core Curriculum (58 Credits Total)

Required Nursing Courses at WAU (27 credits):

NURS 308R – Transition into Professional Nursing Practice (4 credits) Facilitates transition from associate degree nursing education to professional baccalaureate nursing practice. Explores professional nursing roles, responsibilities, and standards.

NURS 310R – Health Assessment and Health Promotion (4 credits) Comprehensive health assessment skills development across lifespan. Focus on health promotion strategies and holistic patient assessment.

NURS 389R – Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits) Introduction to nursing research process and evidence-based practice principles. Develops skills in critically evaluating research and applying findings to clinical practice.

NURS 423R – Nursing Leadership and Management (3 credits) Develops leadership competencies and management skills for professional nursing practice in healthcare settings.

NURS 446R – Public Health Nursing and Population Health (5 credits) Focus on public health nursing principles and population health approaches. Addresses community health, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies.

NURS 478R – Health Care Policy and Politics (3 credits) Examines healthcare policy development, political processes affecting healthcare, and nursing’s role in policy advocacy.

NURS 489R – Synthesis of Complex Nursing Care (5 credits) Capstone course synthesizing knowledge and skills from program. Applies advanced nursing concepts to complex patient care situations.

NURS – RN License Transfer Credits (31 credits)

Total Nursing Core: 58 credits (27 credits at WAU + 31 transfer credits for RN license)

More curriculum details available here.

Required Cognates (9 Credits)

Ethics and Religion (9 credits):

INTD 315 – Ethics in Modern Society (3 credits)
INTD 327 – Issues in Religion and Culture (3 credits)
RELT 280 – Moral Issues in World Religions (3 credits) OR
RELT 320 – Religion and American Culture (3 credits)

General Education Requirements (9 Credits)

Additional General Education requirements not listed below are fulfilled by completion of all admission prerequisites into program.

History (3 credits):

HIST – History elective (3 credits)

Humanities (3 credits):

Humanities elective (3 credits) – Choose from literature (additional to specific LITR requirement), philosophy, or humanities

Literature (3 credits):

LITR – Literature elective (3 credits)

Religion (0-3 credits):

RELB/RELT – Religion elective (0-3 credits) – See Requirements for Religion Electives for more information

Upper-Division Credit Requirements

36 Upper-Division Credits Required:

33 of 36 upper-division credit requirements met after successful completion of all nursing core curriculum, plus INTD 315 and INTD 327
If RELT 320 taken, meets remaining 3 credits needed to fulfill 36-credit upper-division requirement toward graduation

Credit Distribution Summary

Prerequisites: 45 credits
Nursing Core Curriculum (at WAU): 27 credits
Nursing Transfer Credits (RN License): 31 credits
Required Cognates: 9 credits
General Education: 9 credits
Total Credits: 121-124 credits

Program Features

Flexibility:

Accelerated 8-week sessions
Evening format (one night per week)
Online, face-to-face, and hybrid options
Tailored pace for individual needs
Six annual start dates

Support:

Supportive, nurturing environment
Meets needs of adult learners
Academic advising through Department of Nursing
Financial aid facilitation through SGPS

Clinicals

Clinical Integration

The RN to B.S.N. program is designed to allow working professionals to integrate work and school in diverse clinical settings. The program leverages students’ current employment as registered nurses, building on their existing clinical expertise and experience.

Clinical Practicum Courses

NURS 446R – Public Health Nursing and Population Health (5 credits) Includes clinical component focused on public health nursing practice and population health approaches in community settings.

NURS 489R – Synthesis of Complex Nursing Care (5 credits) Capstone course including clinical practicum component where students synthesize and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to complex patient care situations.

Clinical Requirements

Prior to Clinical/Practicum Start:

Current CPR certification required
Meet all Department of Nursing health requirements
Requirements must be current before start of any practicum
Evidence of recent employment as registered nurse

Clinical Partnerships

Multiple Clinical Agencies Utilized: WAU partners with numerous healthcare facilities for clinical experiences including:

Adventist HealthCare
White Oak Medical Center
Shady Grove Medical Center
Adventist Behavioral Health
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Children’s National Hospital
Washington DC VA Medical Center
University of Maryland Capital Region Health
Adventist Home Health
Various skilled nursing facilities

Diverse Clinical Settings

Program designed to facilitate learning in diverse clinical settings, allowing students to:

Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world nursing practice
Experience various healthcare delivery settings
Develop advanced clinical competencies
Integrate work experience with academic learning
Practice in community health, acute care, and specialty settings

Work-School Integration

Professional Integration: Working professionals can integrate work and school experiences, applying classroom learning directly to current nursing practice while continuing employment.

Tuition

Traditional Undergraduate Tuition Rates (2025-2026)

Per Credit Hour (1-11 credits):

$1,033.50 per credit hour

Full-Time Semester (12-18 credits):

$12,402 per semester
$24,804 per year

Above 18 Credits:

$1,033.50 per credit hour

Total Program Cost Calculation

RN to B.S.N. Program: 27 Nursing Credits at WAU

Tuition Only:

27 credits × $1,033.50 per credit = $27,904.50

Additional Required Courses (if not transferred):

Required Cognates: 9 credits × $1,033.50 = $9,301.50
General Education: 9 credits × $1,033.50 = $9,301.50

Total if Taking All 45 Credits at WAU:

45 credits × $1,033.50 = $46,507.50

Most Likely Scenario: Students transfer prerequisite and general education credits, completing primarily 27 nursing credits plus required cognates at WAU: approximately $37,206 (36 upper-division credits)

Mandatory Fees

General Fee (12+ hours per semester):

$450 per semester
$900 per year

Technology Fee (12+ hours per semester):

$450 per semester
$900 per year

Total Fees for Full-Time Students:

$900 per semester
$1,800 per year

Part-Time Fees:

General and Technology Fee (6-11 hours): $225 per semester/year
General and Technology Fees (1-5 hours): $110 per semester/year

Summer Session Costs (If Applicable)

Summer Tuition:

$465 per credit hour

Summer General Fee:

Books and Course Materials

Estimated Books and Supplies:

Traditional Programs: $1,250 per semester ($2,500 per year)
Nursing Programs: $3,400 per semester ($6,800 per year)

Additional Costs

Housing (If Applicable – Not Typical for RN Students):

Double Occupancy: $2,500 per semester ($5,000 per year)
Single Occupancy: $3,430 per semester ($6,860 per year)
Summer Housing (weekly): $100 double, $150 single

Food Charges (If Applicable):

$3,750 per semester ($7,500 per year)

Other Expenses (Not Billed by University):

CPR certification
Health requirements and immunizations
Computer and technology requirements
Internet access
Transportation (one evening per week for classes if attending on-campus)
Transportation to clinical sites (if applicable)
Living expenses

Total Estimated Program Costs

Most Common Scenario (Part-Time, Off-Campus):

27 nursing credits tuition: $27,904.50
9 cognates credits: $9,301.50
Books and supplies (estimate): $6,800-$10,200 (over 12-18 months)
Fees (varies by enrollment): $450-$1,800
Total Estimated Cost: $44,456-$49,206

Affordability Features

Competitive Tuition:

Undergraduate rate: $465 per credit hour for summer (lower than regular semester rate)
Graduate rate: $625 per credit hour
High-quality education at attractive price

Educational Partnerships: WAU has numerous educational partnerships in the area. Students may be eligible for substantial tuition discount. Call today to find out if SGPS and your employer have an educational partnership.

No Application Fee: No application fee required for admission

Financial Aid:

Financial aid forms processing facilitated through SGPS
Various financial aid options available
Contact SGPS for financial aid assistance

Payment Information

Contact: Student Accounts Office Washington Adventist University 7600 Flower Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: 800-835-4212 Email: enroll@wau.edu Website: www.wau.edu

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

Washington Adventist University’s nursing programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and the Maryland Higher Education Commission, and accredited by the Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities. These multiple accreditations ensure quality education meeting national and state standards for nursing education and professional practice preparation.

Related School Nursing Programs

Washington Adventist University School of Health Professions, Science and Wellness offers comprehensive nursing education pathways through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS):

Undergraduate Programs:

RN to B.S.N. (Professional Studies Program):

For working registered nurses (current program)
Evening and online format
12-18 month completion
8-week accelerated sessions
Six annual start dates
Tuition: $1,033.50 per credit hour

Graduate Programs:

Master of Science in Nursing Education (M.S.N.):

Prepares nurses with clinical expertise and passion for teaching to become certified nurse educators
Helps students acquire essential knowledge and skills in teaching and learning process
Learn to facilitate learning, design curricula, apply assessment and evaluation strategies
Addresses nursing faculty shortage (American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports aging faculty population)
Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 26% increase in advanced practice nurses from 2018-2028
Change career path without changing careers, broadening advancement opportunities
Core Curriculum: 36 hours
Courses in Major: 9 hours
Total: 45 hours

Master of Science in Nursing and Business Leadership (M.S.N.):

For nurses seeking roles in nursing administration
Develops leadership, finance, healthcare risk management, and technology skills
Prepares nurses to lead change improving quality outcomes and safety of healthcare delivery systems
Provides knowledge in health policy, social justice, ethics, and financial resource management
Career opportunities: Nurse Manager, Nurse Administration, Nurse Educator
Core Curriculum: 27 hours
Courses in Major: 18 hours
Total: 45 hours

RN to M.S.N. Nursing Program:

Bridge program for registered nurses with associate degree in nursing wishing to pursue Master of Science in Nursing
Provides bridge process before moving to M.S.N. degree
Upon completion of bridge courses with cumulative average 3.0 or better, students progress into M.S.N. track of choice
Concentrations: Nursing Education or Business Leadership
Prerequisites: 41 hours
Nursing Credits: 24 hours
Bridge Courses: 27 hours
Total: 92 hours

RN-MSN Admission Requirements:

Completion of Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) with cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher from state board approved program with institutional accreditation
Required RN Nursing License in Good Standing
Current CPR and health requirements prior to start of any practicum
Evidence of recent employment as registered nurse
Written statement of career objectives
Current professional resume and two professional letters of reference
Submission of application and transcripts directly to SGPS

Graduate Program Features:

Complete in 2 years or less
No GMAT or GRE required
Real-world skills emphasis
Affordable tuition
Accelerated programs
Academic excellence

Clinical Partnerships: Multiple agencies utilized for clinical experience including Adventist HealthCare, White Oak Medical Center, Shady Grove Medical Center, Adventist Behavioral Health, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Children’s National Hospital, Washington DC VA Medical Center, University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Adventist Home Health, and various skilled nursing facilities.

SGPS Program Characteristics:

Over 35 years providing career-building degree programs for working professionals
Supportive, nurturing environment meeting adult learner needs
Six accelerated evening undergraduate and professional programs
Ten master’s programs (including two fully online: MBA and MPA)
Flexible scheduling: online, face-to-face, and/or hybrid evening classes (one night per week)
Accelerated 8-week sessions

Accreditation and Approvals: All nursing programs accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), approved by Maryland Board of Nursing and Maryland Higher Education Commission, and accredited by Accrediting Association of Seventh-day Adventist Schools, Colleges and Universities.

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Washington Adventist University RN to BSN Program