Northern Michigan University will launch a fully online version of its accredited academic program that enables registered nurses to enhance their career goals by earning a bachelor’s degree. The RN to BSN program will combine interactive online nursing coursework with project-based clinical nursing instruction and courses from NMU’s applied workplace leadership major. Scheduled to begin as a pilot in January, the online program will be structured so that licensed RNs can study either part time or full time around work and family schedules.

“Most students return for a BSN either to seek leadership positions, or as a stepping stone to graduate programs such as NMU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program,” said Katie Menard, associate professor of nursing at NMU. “Also, a growing number of employers are requiring a bachelor of science in nursing because the field has become increasingly complex, challenging nurses’ knowledge, technical competence and interpersonal skills. Completing the RN to BSN will make nurses more marketable in the workforce.”

Menard said Northern’s RN to BSN program offers accessibility to local individualized attention, schedule flexibility and competitive cost. The RN adviser can review unofficial transcripts at no cost and work closely with students in advance to determine a plan of study. Courses will be offered in accelerated eight-week blocks, allowing students to focus intensively on content over a shorter period.

“We are making the BSN degree more directly applicable to the work setting,” said Kristi Robinia, NMU nursing professor. “Students will enhance their skills in implementing evidence-based practices and updating workplace policy. They will also advance their knowledge of global health and effective management principles. And because NMU’s School of Nursing honors the Michigan Transfer Agreement, students can fulfill their general education requirements through transfer credits. We won’t make them jump through unnecessary hoops that require more time and money.”

The RN to BSN online program can be completed in as little as four semesters, depending on the number of transfer credits accepted and the number of credits carried each semester. It has been fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and Education.

For more information, visit nmu.edu/nursing/rn-bsn-program.