Nursing (RN-BSN) Program Overview

Do you see yourself as a compassionate servant leader who puts others first in the healing process? Are you searching for a Christian University with an online RN-BSN degree program that fits your busy life? The Bluefield University School of Nursing offers you a threefold approach to nursing roles: teaching, servant leadership, and research.

Our online RN-BSN program combines digital classroom instruction in nursing and the liberal arts with local clinical components following the preceptor model in a location near you. It’s a smart choice because you can complete the nursing courses in 12 months, and the tuition rates make it extremely affordable.

Our RN-BSN Degree Fits Your Schedule

Our CCNE-accredited online RN-BSN program reflects a commitment to serving the needs of local communities, especially rural healthcare. The School of Nursing will train you to lead more advanced roles in your chosen healthcare setting. Earning your BSN degree opens up career paths in many nursing areas, including patient education, risk management, and community health.

No matter where your career takes you, earning an RN-BSN degree means you will master the nine essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nurses as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Take your nursing career to the next level. Apply today to transform your RN degree into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.


The Academic Catalog is the student’s guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

The Nursing Student Handbook is the students’ guide to successfully completing your program of study.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Bluefield University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
Next Start: June 28, 2023 (Online)
Time to Complete: 12 months – 4 years*

* Time to complete will vary based on prior learning and transfer credits

Courses & Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BS)
General Education (45 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors


  • Bluefield Core (6 Credits)
  • Christian Studies (6 Credits)
  • Composition (3 Credits)
  • Health & Physical Activity (3 Credits)
  • Humanities – Fine Arts, History, Literature (6 Credits)
  • Math/Natural Science (15 Credits)
    • Anatomy & Physiology I & II
    • Microbiology
    • Statistics
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 Credits)
  • Speech (3 Credits)
Core Requirements (36 Credits)

  • Concepts of Professional Nursing
  • Health Tech & Informatics for Professionals
  • Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
  • Transcultural Nursing
  • Nursing Research & Theory
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing Care of Older Adults
  • Women’s Health
  • Pathophysiology
  • Nursing Care of Communities*
  • Evidence-based Complex Nursing Practice*
  • Professional Nursing Synthesis/Capstone

* Clinical hours required

RN License (32 Credits)
Electives (7 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Travel Nurse
Public Health Nurse
Case Management Nurse
Clinical Research Nurse
Forensic Nurse Consultant
Critical Care Nurse
ER Nurse

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Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

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