Nursing Frequently Asked Questions
Application Questions
How do I apply?
You submit the Application online through the VSU Office of Admission as a Transfer Student. Before beginning this application, we recommend that you speak with Sibena Samuel-Harris, Interim Chair in the Department of Nursing. She can guide you through questions on the Application that may seemingly not apply to your unique situation in returning to school.
Where do I get an application?
Applications are available. View the applications.
Are applications accepted on a rolling admissions basis?
Yes, applications are accepted on a rolling admission base. Students are admitted for the fall and spring semesters.
How many credits do I need to complete before applying?
RN to BSN applicant is eligible to transfer in 90 credit hours from their previous general education and RN coursework. Below lists the alignment of previous academic coursework.
|
Category |
Credit Hours |
|
Major* |
|
|
Nursing Preparation (RN) |
36 |
|
General Education* |
|
|
English Composition |
6 |
|
Global Studies |
3 |
|
History |
3 |
|
Humanities |
3 |
|
Literature |
3 |
|
Mathematics |
6 |
|
Natural Science with Lab |
4 |
|
Social Science |
3 |
|
Wellness/Health |
2 |
|
Total General Education |
33 |
How can I find out if the courses I have taken will transfer to VSU?
Sibena Samuel-Harris can answer questions about prerequisite transfer credit. For information on general education transfer credit, please visit VSU Transfer Admission.
Do I need to meet with someone at the nursing school? Does the nursing school interview applicants?
Setting up a meeting via Zoom with Sibena Samuel-Harris to complete a transcript review before applying is helpful.
Where should I mail my transcripts?
Official transcripts should be sent to Virginia State University admissdocs@vsu.edu or mail to:
Virginia State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 9018
Virginia State University, VA 23806
How many applications do you usually have each year?
We usually have approximately 10-40 applications each year. We typically have space for 30 new students.
Do I have to have my RN license before I apply to the program?
No. However, you will need to have your RN license by the time you begin classes. You will not be allowed to enroll in any RN-to-BSN classes without a copy of your license on file in the Department of Nursing Office.
What kind of financial aid do you offer?
All financial aid for undergraduate students at VSU is administered through www.vsu.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid. To apply, you must complete the federal FAFSA form. All aid is need-based; the University meets 100% of demonstrated need. You are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid, scholarships and other sources of funding.
What kind of program do you offer LPNs?
We do not offer a transition program for LPNs. We are happy to work with you to create a plan to complete your RN elsewhere and then apply to complete your BSN with us.
Course and Program Questions
Can I attend the program full-time?
The RN to BSN program is a part-time program. The Department of Nursing advocates this approach, respectful of the importance of work-life-school balance and the need to take care of oneself to take care of others.
How many courses are taught online?
The RN to BSN program offers ALL courses online.
Are there clinicals in this program? How are they set up?
There are direct and indirect care experiences in the RN to BSN program. Students work with the course professor to fulfill the CCNE practice experience requirements for the RN to BSN program.
Are there any required courses?
Yes. Human anatomy & physiology, lifespan development or developmental psychology, and microbiology. If you graduate from the VCCS’s new concept-based curriculum, you will meet all criteria. If you are from another program, please submit syllabi or course description from your program, and we will gladly review them to determine equivalency for these courses.
Do I need to take statistics?
You will take statistics as part of the RN-to-BSN program. It is an introductory statistics course that uses almost all healthcare research examples. The focus is on univariate statistics (independent t tests through simple regression). The course is designed to let you work with an actual database to better understand the different statistical tests.
What if my nursing program did not require lifespan development?
This course can be taken concurrently with nursing courses. Many community colleges offer lifespan courses (such as PSY 230 in the Virginia Community College System).
Why doesn’t my developmental psychology course count toward the required social science/history credits?
You do get credit for developmental psychology, but it is transferred in with the 42 credits for your previous nursing courses.
What if my nursing program did not require microbiology?
This course can be taken concurrently with nursing courses. Many community colleges offer microbiology courses (such as BIO 150 or BIO 205 in the Virginia Community College System).
What type of classes transfer in as elective credit?
Almost anything; however, there is a limit to the number of performance credits that can be transferred (e.g., physical education, studio art, music, etc.). It is best to consult with the VSU transfer admission office.