RN to BSN

The online RN to BSN program features a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for advanced roles in nursing. Core courses explore topics such as the integration of technology in nursing practice, the evolving responsibilities of nurse leaders, and the complexities of healthcare laws and patient advocacy.

Students also engage with coursework focused on health promotion and disease prevention across diverse populations, as well as evidence-based practices aimed at improving patient outcomes. In addition, the program includes studies in healthcare policy and offers elective options that allow students to tailor their education to align with their specific career goals. Below are a few of the courses offered in the RN to BSN program:

NURS 446: Nursing Inquiry for the RN

This course helps students understand the research process by exploring and analyzing nursing evidence to enhance patient outcomes.

NURS 449: Leadership and Management for the RN with Practicum

This course features a practicum to help students synthesize nursing knowledge in leadership and management. Students will complete 32 hours with a BSN-prepared Registered Nurse preceptor, focusing on leadership activities and direct patient care. Clinical clearance is required, and a site contract may be needed. For details, contact nurs.contracts@fhsu.edu.

NURS 450: Healthcare Quality Improvement for the RN

This course will provide the student with an opportunity to perform a needs assessment within a healthcare community setting. Students will develop an evidence-based strategy for systems change.

Discover the full RN to BSN program course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

The online RN to BSN program at FHSU prepares students for a wide range of rewarding and diverse career opportunities in the healthcare field. By earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), registered nurses are equipped to step into leadership roles and pursue specialized areas within nursing.

This comprehensive program enhances critical thinking, clinical judgment, and professional expertise, enabling graduates to thrive in today’s complex healthcare environments. The advanced knowledge and skills gained through the program open doors to career advancement and expanded responsibilities. Below are some of the career paths that graduates may pursue:

Nurse Manager/Supervisor

A nurse manager oversees nursing staff, manages budgets, and ensures high-quality patient care. This leadership role includes creating schedules, evaluating staff performance, and implementing care policies. They also support staff development and mentor team members.

Public Health Nurse

Public health nurses promote health and prevent disease within communities. They develop educational programs, conduct health assessments, and advocate for policies that enhance public health. This role involves working with diverse populations and relies on strong community health nursing skills.

Nursing Educator

A nursing educator teaches and mentors nurses in clinical settings, assessing staff competency, providing patient education, and offering educational support. They play a key role in developing future nurses and often engage in research to stay current with advancements in nursing.

The RN to BSN program at Fort Hays State University is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers by earning a bachelor's degree in nursing. To ensure a smooth application process, prospective students should meet the following admission requirements:

• An unencumbered active RN license issued in the United States.
• Cumulative GPA or associate in nursing degree GPA ≥ 2.5. Students who do not meet the cumulative GPA or associate in nursing degree GPA of ≥ 2.5 may be admitted on probation if their cumulative GPA and associate in nursing degree are 2.00-2.49.
• Must have earned a "C" or better in any FHSU RN to BSN course before applying.
• International students with an F1 or F2 visa do not qualify for this program.
• Must meet university requirements for any transfer credit.

We do not accept applications from students residing in Tennessee, Washington, or Alabama.

Clinical Clearance Requirements must be met prior to enrollment in course NURS 449. Please see the FHSU Nursing Handbook for a list of requirements.

Progression Requirements for RN to BSN Students

• Students must pass all RN-BSN program courses with a C or better. Grades resulting in a D or U are considered failing. Two failed RN-BSN courses will result in a dismissal recommendation. Students may follow the FHSU Appeal guidelines.
• Students must maintain an FHSU Major GPA of ≥ 2.5 to continue in the program. Students receiving an FHSU Major GPA of < 2.5 may be dismissed.
• RN to BSN students may withdraw from program courses according to the university withdrawal deadlines.

Probation Guidelines

• Students admitted on probation must achieve a GPA of ≥ 2.5 in the first semester to receive full admission.
• Students may be dismissed if they fail to achieve a GPA of ≥ 2.5 in the first semester.

Clinical Clearance Requirements

The RN to BSN program at FHSU requires preceptor-led clinicals in course NURS 449.  Please note that clinical clearance requirements include obtaining student liability insurance, a background check, drug testing, and immunization records.  

Fort Hays State University works diligently with students to secure clinical contracts across the United States. On rare occasions, we are unable to negotiate a contract due to location, state, or facility requirements. If another site cannot be obtained at the student's location, the student will be provided with a clinical site in Hays, Kansas. If this occurs, students will need a Kansas license and will need to come to Kansas for their practicum experience. Students are encouraged to begin the process of securing a preceptor early in their program. For any questions or assistance regarding this process, they should contact the Department of Nursing at Nurs.Contracts@fhsu.edu.

Program Requirements

• COMM 100 or COMM 304: Fundamentals of Oral Communication OR Intermediate Interpersonal Communication
• ENG 101: English Composition I
• ENG 102: English Composition II
• MATH 110: College Algebra 
• BIOL 230/230L + BIOL 231/231L: Human Anatomy & Physiology I, II, and Labs
• BIOL 240/240L: Microbiology for Allied Health and Lab
• CHEM 100 or CHEM 110: Chemist’s View of the World OR Molecules and Society
• PSY 100: General Psychology

Degree Requirements

• 120 credit hours or more are required for a BSN degree, 30 taken directly through FHSU, and 45 credit hours must be upper-division.
• Transfer students from KBOR institutions who have completed an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) program at a Kansas community college will have fulfilled all FHSU general education requirements.
• Transfer students from outside Kansas who have completed an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) program from a regionally accredited institution outside of Kansas must complete the KBOR system-wide general education program requirements. This also includes Diploma Nurses with less than 36 transferable credit hours.
• International Students: The RN to BSN Program is an online program. It does not meet the requirements for International students who require on-campus courses.
• Students who have a current U.S. RN license with transcripts from outside the United States must have two evaluations completed on his/her transcripts: WES+ and  CGFNS.

All nursing courses/transcripts from outside the United States require additional evaluation by the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). A course-by-course evaluation is required to confirm the degree, course credit, and grades, including the grade point average.