URI College of Nursing reinstitutes online RN to BS program

Registered nurses with an associate’s degree or nursing diploma can complete bachelor’s degree online

Registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing now have the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree while continuing to work in the field without having to dedicate the time needed to head to campus, as the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing has reinstituted its online RN to BS program.

Offered in conjunction with URI Online, the program is designed for registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing already working a full-time schedule who wish to complete their baccalaureate degree. Students receive a research-based, compassion-focused academic experience, and learn from top educators and pioneering researchers. They will gain a strong foundation of knowledge that prepares them to understand and manage the complexity of our changing healthcare environment.

All is conducted online, offering nurses the same comprehensive education they would get on campus, but conveniently packaged for current healthcare providers who may not have time in the schedule otherwise. The program leverages the knowledge they already have as professional nurses and expands it, preparing them for a career as a health educator—helping ease a nationwide shortage—and/or health advocate fully empowered to make a real impact on the health of their communities, according to URI College of Nursing Dean Danny Willis.

“The URI College of Nursing is very excited to offer an RN-BS program for RNs with associate degrees to expand their knowledge base, competencies, and leadership in advancing the nursing profession and healthcare workforce,” Willis said. “It offers a more convenient way for practicing nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree while continuing with their busy schedules, helping increase the number of baccalaureate-trained professionals in the healthcare workforce.”   

The curriculum, which is science focused and research intensive, features 24 core credit hours that can be completed in as few as 15 months. The program requires 120 total credits for graduation, but credits from other accredited colleges are accepted, as long as the student completes at least 30 credits at URI in order to earn the B.S. degree in nursing. After completing the program, nurses will have expanded their expertise in such topics as holistic, person-centered care, population health, systems-based practice, informatics and healthcare technology, nursing science research and more.

Students can visit the URI Online website for full admission information and to apply. For more information, contact the college office at RNBSonline@uri.edu or 401-874-5303. Admission requirements include:

  • Associate’s degree or diploma in nursing
  • 2.6 GPA
  • Copy of unencumbered Registered Nursing license
  • Official transcript

For more information on all programs, visit the URI College of Nursing academics page.