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Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN-to-BSN
book_2 Learning Mode: Online
Program Overview
Advance your career with a program that values your experience as a registered nurse and builds skills that expand your impact. The RN-to-BSN program at MUSC provides a purposeful path that blends online learning with real-world application. Learn from faculty who link coursework to care challenges across communities. The curriculum highlights leadership, care coordination, communication and the use of evidence to improve outcomes. Designed for working professionals, the program fosters collaboration and reflection in a supportive cohort. From the first course, you gain tools to elevate practice quality, strengthen teamwork and move with confidence toward advanced roles or future study.
Application Timeline
Fall 2026
August 15- June 30
Learning Experience
Advance your nursing career through flexible, structured online coursework built for working professionals, paired with in-person clinical practicums that strengthen your impact in practice.
Inside the Program
When you join the RN-to-BSN program at MUSC, you are stepping into a learning pathway that respects your professional experience and intentionally builds the leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills that today’s nurses need. The program is designed for working registered nurses who want to deepen their practice, enhance their influence in complex care environments, and prepare for future roles or continued study.
Flexible learning that fits your life
Your coursework is delivered primarily online in an asynchronous format, allowing you to balance work, life, and study. The curriculum has been thoughtfully structured so that each course builds on the last, helping you connect concepts like health systems leadership, information management, and community-focused nursing to the care you provide every day.
Collaborative and supportive cohort experience
From the moment you begin, you engage with peers who share your professional background and goals. Faculty facilitate meaningful dialogue that connects academic concepts to real clinical challenges. You will reflect on your practice, collaborate with others, and grow your capacity to influence team-based care and quality improvement.
Applied learning that strengthens your practice
The program weaves practical, application-oriented experiences throughout your coursework. You will explore evidence-based strategies that enhance patient outcomes, practice leadership skills relevant to today’s health systems, and refine your ability to communicate effectively within interprofessional teams.
Designed for your next chapter
Whether you envision advancing into leadership roles, strengthening your ability to coordinate care across communities, or setting the stage for graduate study, the RN-to-BSN curriculum equips you with the competencies most valued in professional nursing today.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN-to-BSN curriculum consists of 35 credits and is designed to be completed in three semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.
Year 1, Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSU427 | Health Systems & Policy | 3 |
| NURSU412 | Information Management | 2 |
| NURSU359 | Healthy Aging & Health Promotion | 4 |
| NURSU411 | Research & Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
| Semester Total | 12 | |
Year 1, Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSU357 | Health Assessment for RN | 3 |
| NURSU358 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NURSU413 | Community & Population Focused Nursing | 6 |
| NURSU476 | Professional Practice Seminar I RN | 1 |
| Semester Total | 13 | |
Year 1, Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NURSU426 | Leadership and Management | 3 |
| NURSU472 | Professional Practice Seminar II RN | 1 |
| NURSU473 | Professional Practice Seminar III RN | 1 |
| NURSU428 | Practicum-Clinical Management & Decision-Making | 5 |
| Semester Total | 10 | |
| Curriculum Total | 35 | |
| Prerequisite Credit Total | 60 | |
| Pre-Licensure Total | 30 | |
| Required Credit Total | 125 | |
Clinical Education
The RN-to-BSN Program provides rich and varied opportunities to assist the practicing nurse/student integrate new practice-related knowledge and skills that will transition them from the associate degree or diploma to the baccalaureate level of proficiency.
There are clinical courses with a focus on the following: gerontology, community and public health and leadership. The clinical hours will consist of a project that may include virtual or live work.
Engage with our community
Connect with faculty during virtual office hours, participate in cohort-based peer collaboration and attend hybrid events and information sessions to stay engaged across our campus community.
Funding your path forward
Explore financial aid, MUSC College of Nursing scholarships based on merit and need and flexible tuition timelines tied to semester start dates and FAFSA eligibility.
Tuition
| Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (per application) | $50 |
| Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $485 |
| Online Program Fee (additional fee per credit hour) | $70 |
Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.
Full-time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition | $5,480 | $5,480 | $5,480 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition | $6,104 | $6,104 | $6,104 | - |
| Lab Fee | $330 | $330 | $330 | - |
| Program Fee | $270 | $270 | $270 | - |
Part-time
| Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $481 | $481 | $481 | - |
| Out-of-state Tuition (per credit hour) | $526 | $526 | $526 | - |
| Lab Fee | $330 | $330 | $330 | - |
| Part-time Student Fee | $861 | $861 | $861 | - |
| Program Fee | $135 | $135 | $135 | - |
Estimated Cost of Attendance
| Item | Year 1 | Est. Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Costs | ||
| Tuition - In-state/Out-of-state | $16,440 / $18,312 | $16,440 / $18,312 |
| Fees | $2,560 | $2,560 |
| Direct Costs Subtotal | $19,000 / $20,872 | $19,000 / $20,872 |
| Indirect Costs | ||
| Housing/Food | $24,882 | $24,882 |
| Personal | $2,640 | $2,640 |
| Transportation | $2,970 | $2,970 |
| Books/Required Expenses | $7,780 | $7,780 |
| Indirect Costs Subtotal | $38,272 / $38,272 | $38,272 / $38,272 |
| Total - In-state/Out-of-state | $27,272 / $59,144 | $27,272 / $59,144 |
Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.
Scholarships
MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.
Career Outlook
Source: Payscale, Inc. (2025). Retrieved Aug. 20, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com
Program Faculty
Matthew Engelhardt, MSN, RN, CPN, NPD-BC
Amy Gulledge, Ph.D., MSN/Ed, RN, CNE
Kristen McDaniel Posten, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CHSE
Frequently Asked Questions
The application, the application fee, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended (even if it was just one course), three completed reference forms (provided with the application), a resume and a response to a short 100-word essay.
MUSC's RN-to-BSN program is approved to offer online distance education to students in all SARA states and California. Out-of-state applicants and students are responsible for contacting their State Board of Nursing to determine any requirements that are needed in order to complete clinical rotations as a distance student. The NCSBN provides a quick search of Prelicensure Distance Education Requirements per state.
We do offer a campus virtual tour and multiple information sessions to educate prospective students about the programs we offer in the College of Nursing. For more information on current sessions and when tours will resume, please visit our campus tours page.
Many prospective students find it helpful to request an unofficial transcript evaluation. Please scan and e-mail your transcripts to conservices@musc.edu.
Yes, coursework may be in progress when you make an application to the College of Nursing. However, it must be completed with a grade of "C" or better prior to your matriculation (or start) date at the College of Nursing. Students may not begin their MUSC coursework without having all the prerequisite coursework completed.
No, we must receive the official reference forms. Generally, we prefer academic and/or professional references. These forms will be available when you begin the application process. They may be sent to the person providing the reference electronically or you may download and provide to the reference personally.
The rubric for admission includes:
- Work experience = 20%
- Essay (100 words or less) = 15%
- Leadership = 15%
- References (scoring 1-10) = 15%
- Prerequisites GPA = 15%
- CUM GPA = 10%
- RN GPA = 5%
- 2.5 GPA
Online students will have access to the College of Nursing faculty and advisors through established "office hours" when synchronous communication can occur via videoconferencing, email, or telephone. Faculty and students may choose to make additional arrangements to meet. Students at a distance can use regional experts as preceptors. Technology support is available Monday through Friday via the Technology Help Desk.
The Board of Nursing for each state dictates licensure requirements for Registered Nurses. MUSC College of Nursing applicants and students should familiarize themselves with the requirements for the state(s) in which they intend to practice using this site.
Guided by purpose & principles
Anchored in integrity, continuous learning and service, the program equips practicing nurses to translate evidence-based strategies into meaningful health outcomes for individuals and communities.
Objectives
The RN-to-BSN program aims to prepare graduates to:
- Integrate evidence-based clinical knowledge and research
- Demonstrate effective communication
- Exhibit leadership within an interprofessional health care team
- Apply concepts of health promotion, disease prevention and population health
Competencies
Upon completion of the RN-to-BSN program, graduates should be able to:
- Critically appraise and apply scientific research and theory to inform safe, ethical and responsive nursing practice
- Demonstrate leadership and collaborative decision-making in interprofessional settings, effectively coordinating care and advocating within complex health systems
- Utilize advanced communication skills to translate research findings into practice improvements and policy-informed nursing interventions
- Design, implement and evaluate evidence-based quality improvement initiatives that enhance care delivery and patient outcomes
- Reflect upon and uphold professional and ethical standards in all aspects of care, demonstrating accountability and integrity
Vision
To lead a bold new era in nursing.
Mission
To transform health care through education, practice and research.
Values
At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:
- Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
- Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
- Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
- Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
- Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.
Stories worth sharing
Discover alum momentum and career achievements from innovative projects to leadership roles through MUSC College of Nursing news and student highlights.
College of Nursing + Nursing Lifelines
Hearst Foundation Scholarship Paves the Way for Aspiring Nurse
College of Nursing
MUSC College of Nursing Announces Interim Academic Leadership Appointments
Giving Impact + College of Medicine
Three inspiring MUSC scholarship stories: How donors and students are changing health care together
Accreditation & Recognition
Grounded in national accreditation, this RN-to-BSN program reflects MUSC's standards for program quality and its graduates are eligible for professional licensure in their respective states.
The RN-to-BSN program at MUSC is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the AACN. CCNE accreditation means that our program meets or exceeds established standards for a professional program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Whereas accreditation applies to training programs, licensure applies to individuals.
Our program prepares students for and makes them eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which all individuals must pass in order to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). Passing the NCLEX-RN is necessary, but it may not be sufficient to practice in all states as licensure requirements for registered nurses are determined by each state’s Board of Nursing. All applicants should review the licensure criteria for the state or states where they plan to practice. A helpful resource is available through NursingLicensure.org.
Passing the NCLEX-RN satisfies licensure requirements for the state of South Carolina.