Iowa's RN-BSN program is for associate degree and diploma-prepared RNs who are ready to expand their nursing skills and professional potential by earning the BSN. The BSN serves as the base for graduate study in nursing and opens the door to many professional opportunities.
The program of study requires 32 s.h. of credit and students must earn a GPA of at least 2.00 to earn the BS degree. Students may choose either a full-time (3 semesters) or part-time (4 semesters or 5 semesters) plan of study, all with summers off.
Review the RN-BSN plans of study in the UI General Catalog for more information.
Iowa’s College of Nursing is one of the premier institutions in the country for nursing education. It has a national reputation for excellence and its programs consistently win high marks in U.S. News & World Report rankings.
The college is at the center of innovation and discovery, where new ideas for nursing care are developed, tested, applied to patient care, and distributed throughout the world as best practices.
Nurses who graduate from this program acquire vital knowledge and skills that help enhance their ability to provide quality care to diverse patient populations that have increasingly complex health care needs.
Many College of Nursing faculty have advanced degrees in areas outside of nursing, such as sociology and psychology, which attests to the importance of a strong liberal arts foundation in preparing nurses for the future.
RN-BSN students must hold a valid Iowa RN license and an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Diploma in Nursing.
Applicants must be enrolled in or have completed prerequisite course work at the time of application to the RN-BSN program and must complete additional elective course work before entering the program. These requirements may be completed at a community college. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
To learn more and see if you are ready for application and admission to the RN-BSN program, see RN-BSN Prerequisite Information at nursing.uiowa.edu/admissions/rn-bsn/prerequisites.
Getting a transcript evaluation before submitting an application to our program is strongly recommended. To request a transcript evaluation, go to nursing.uiowa.edu/academics/rn-bsn.
Information
First-Year
First-Year students are not eligible for this program. Valid RN licensure is required.
International
International students are not eligible for this online program due to SEVIS regulations.
Iowa’s RN-BSN program provides broad preparation in clinical, scientific, community health, and patient-education skills, and promises outstanding career opportunities.
Iowa's Nursing graduates have a 99 percent job/grad school placement rate within six months of graduation. Our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
The BSN serves as the initial starting point for graduate study in nursing. Iowa graduates are well prepared to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a research doctorate (PhD).
As a Nursing student, you’ll be eligible for membership in a variety of Nursing Student Organizations including Sigma Theta Tau International, a nursing honor society, which has a chapter on campus.
The University of Iowa Association of Nursing Students (UIANS), the college's undergraduate student professional organization, meets bi-monthly and offers students the opportunity to develop leadership, management, and professional skills.
The Multicultural Nursing Association participates and engages in opportunities to advance underrepresented students and nurses in professional practice.
University of Iowa Men in Nursing welcomes all students in the college.
The University of Iowa provides a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students through the Iowa Scholarship Portal. Scholarships are available to first-year, transfer, and currently enrolled students. For details on scholarships for your program of study, check directly with the department or college.
The College of Nursing is fortunate to have many donors who provide financial assistance to our students. The college has more than 70 scholarships available to provide support for tuition, books, student fees, and professional development.
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
RN-BSN courses focus on professionalism and patient safety, improvement of health systems, community and public health, leadership, research, and professional engagement.
The RN-BSN program is delivered online, with limited face-to-face meetings for the Community Public Health (CPH) practicum experience and leadership project.
Students must complete a practicum experience in Iowa or an immersion experience in Eswatini, Africa, and may be required to drive up to 100 miles to a regional practicum setting.
To learn more about course requirements, see RN-BSN Program in the UI General Catalog.