RN-BSN Bridge Track Online
This program is for those who are already Registered Nurses (RNs) and who desire to further their nursing education and expand their career opportunities by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). The program is offered online and open to applicants nationwide who hold active RN licensure in their states of residence. Today's healthcare arena is increasingly complex with its high-tech focus in the hospital, its shift toward population-based health care management in the community, and the increasing influence of political and economic forces on all phases of healthcare. The broad knowledge base found in a B.S.N. provides the opportunity for RNs to gain the competencies necessary to excel in the current and future healthcare job market.
The faculty use web-enhanced technology combined with individualized attention to focus learning on the most current trends and competencies necessary for professional growth and advancement. The curriculum provides a strong scientific base of study with unique opportunities to work with vulnerable and under-served populations. The B.S.N. at UNF offers registered nurses a learning environment in which to:
- increase competency in health assessment across the lifespan;
- gain the expertise necessary for the care of individuals within the context of family and community;
- expand professional and interpersonal communication skills;
- use critical thinking skills to evaluate nursing research for its application to practice; and,
- broaden leadership competencies needed for the 21st century.
Online & Accelerated Format
The community experience provides an opportunity for students to gain experience and connect with professional nursing. Those enrolled in the online cohort will identify a community agency in their local vicinity at which to complete most of the community experience hours. Examples of agencies include homeless shelters, public or community health organizations, refugee resettlement programs, hospital case management, hospital outreach programs, home care agencies, health departments or clinics, and organizations or non-profits such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to gain experience in the professional field and integrate into the professional nursing community through attending self-scheduled nursing conferences, professional nursing organization meetings, and/or civic meetings.
Work experience as a RN is not required for enrollment in the online program.
Tuition and fees for distance learning programs may vary. The online RN-BSN Bridge program is a self-supporting tuition rate program. Tuition for this program differs from the standard (Florida resident/non-Florida resident) tuition rates. Refer to the UNF Tuition & Fees page for more detail. For information regarding tuition waivers, please see our page on University accepted waivers.
Provided below are several tools and resources for distance learners to review:
Distance Learning Student Services
Online Accelerated-Term Information
To learn more, call or text (904) 620-3577 or schedule a phone conversation with a UNF Online Student Success Coach.
Additional Program Details
Full- and part-time enrollment options are available.
Two types of courses make up the nursing curriculum: professional courses and clinical/laboratory courses. Clinical/laboratory courses are distinguished by the C or L that follows the course number. The nursing curriculum is a full-time course of study and follows a specific sequence. The required program courses may not be fulfilled by transfer credit; all courses must be taken in the program.
Total credit requirements for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are 60 credits. Of these 60 credits, 30 credits are the required nursing courses listed above; the remaining 30 credits are awarded based upon validation of previous nursing knowledge through the submission of proof that one holds a clear and active Florida registered nursing license. When the criteria have been satisfied, 30 credits will be placed in escrow until the semester of graduation. The student will then graduate with a total of 60 nursing credits.
Program Information
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Course Descriptions
For course descriptions and course searches please view the UNF Course Catalog. -
Academic Learning Compact
Visit the Office of Institutional Effectiveness website to view the Nursing Academic Learning Compact. -
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice tracks at the University of North Florida are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
The UNF Nurse Anesthesiology Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs, which may be reached at 222 South Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or at (847) 692-7050.
The University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of North Florida.
Individual contact to the Commission on Colleges about the University of North Florida accreditation status should occur only if there is evidence that appears to support significant noncompliance with a requirement or standard.
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Important Dates
We encourage all students to view the Important Dates website.