RN to BSN

In accordance with the Iowa Articulation Plan for Nursing Education: RN to Baccalaureate, Mount Mercy offers the RN to BSN Completion Program tailored for RNs who are interested in returning to college for a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). The program is designed to include the granting of credit for past learning and consideration of the needs of adult learners. Applicants must hold a current and active RN license.

Objectives established for students in this major include, among others: learning respect and value of the dignity of human life; implementing appropriate nursing interventions; and integrating knowledge derived from the liberal arts and sciences in professional nursing practices.

Admission to the RN to BSN Program

Applicants to the RN to BSN program must meet the following admission criteria:

1. Hold an Associate’s Degree or Diploma in nursing from a regionally accredited college or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution outside of the United States.
2. Hold a current and active RN license in the United States.
   1. Submit a copy of current nursing license.
   2. Nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: a) who has been denied licensure by the Board; b) whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction; c) whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in another state or country due to disciplinary action.
3. Currently working at least part time as a nurse.
4. Registered nurse applicants must have an admission cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.  Students with an admission cumulative GPA less than a 3.0 may be admitted to the university and conditionally admitted to the Nursing Major.  In order to continue, all RN-BSN students must successfully complete NU 242 Concepts in Baccalaureate Nursing Education, earning a minimum grade of C.  All students must achieve a minimum of C (C- does not count) in all nursing courses.
   1. Official transcripts from all previously attended schools must be submitted to Mount Mercy University
5. Complete a background check done by a third party company selected by the Department of Nursing. Any concerns will require a meeting with the program director.
6. RN-BSN students, who are not currently working as an RN, will be required to have a physical exam. Students working as an RN will not be required to have a physical exam, as the majority of clinical activities will occur within the student’s own work environment.   All students, regardless of their work setting, will be required to provide documentation of current immunizations. 
7. Show proof of current certification for Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).
8. Show proof of health insurance coverage.
9. Show proof of nursing liability insurance coverage (beyond coverage provided by your employer).

Major

For RN to BSN students entering Mount Mercy in the Fall of 2019 and later: Admission to the major plus:

NU 230	Pharmacotherapeutics	3
NU 242	Concepts in Baccalaureate Nursing Education 1	4
NU 425	Pathophysiology, Assessment & Genetics RNs	3
NU 470	Population Based Nursing	3
NU 471	Professional Aspects of Nursing	4
NU 472	RN-BSN Practicum Seminar	3

Academic Requirements

Students must maintain a C or above (C- does not count) in all nursing courses, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00.

Student Handbook

Additional information about the program can be found in the RN-BSN Student Handbook.

1	Students are required to successfully complete NU 242, with a minimum grade of C (C- does not count), before progressing on to other nursing courses.