RN to BSN
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my transcripts evaluated?
To assist you in your goal setting for completion of remaining general education requirements and enrollment into the RN to BSN Program you may mail or fax unofficial copies of your transcripts to the RN-BSN Coordinator. Note that transcripts are for evaluation for the RN-BSN program and provide your e-mail and phone number. Information will be provided to you regarding the review within two weeks. An official transcript from all the schools you have attended since high school will be required for application consideration.
Will all my previous courses count toward this degree?
Prerequisite courses from other accredited institutions with equivalent course content are acceptable for transfer if a grade of "C" or higher were earned. A timeframe for when these prerequisite courses must be completed does not exist. Pass/Fail courses are not acceptable for transfer. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher must be achieved for admission consideration.
Is there a date limit for acceptance of prerequisite courses taken?
There is no date limit for acceptance of prerequisite courses completed in previous years.
Where can I take general education courses?
Any regionally accredited community college or institution of higher education that provides comparable courses. Other options are TTU College Level Examination Program (CLEP) (806-742-3671) (www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/clep) or TTU College Outreach and Distance Education (1-800-692-6877 or 806-742-7200), (www.dce.ttu.edu) or the University of Texas at Austin (1-800-252-3461). The RN-BSN Coordinators can help you with particular course questions.
Can I enroll in the RN to BSN Program directly out of my basic nursing program before I have completed the state board examination?
We welcome your application, but beginning the RN to BSN Program is contingent upon you receiving your RN license and satisfactory completion of all prerequisites.
Can I be admitted if I am not a U.S. citizen?
The RN to BSN Coordinators will work with you on admission, but RNs who are not U.S. citizens with permanent residence status should first contact the World Education Services P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745 to have your transcript reviewed for general education requirements (this includes citizens from Canada and Mexico). There may be a requested fee for this review.
RN to BSN applicants must submit transcripts from where the basic nursing education was obtained. RN licensure in the state of Texas is required of international students, including those applicants from Canada and Mexico. International students not living in the United States at the time of application should apply one year in advance. Application fees will apply.
For additional information regarding admission as an international student, contact the Admissions Evaluator, Registrar’s Office at 806-743-2300 or Fax 806-743-2027.
Does the RN-BSN program accept out-of-state students?
Yes, we have had students who reside in areas outside of Texas. Please contact the RN to BSN Coordinators for additional information.
Can LVNs apply to the RN-BSN program?
The RN-BSN program provides only upper division nursing courses for the baccalaureate nursing degree. The program is designed specifically for RNs who are seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The RN to BSN Coordinators will be happy to refer you to a school in your area that will help you accomplish your goal of basic nursing education, so you can continue with us toward your BSN.
When should I submit my application for enrollment?
Submit your application approximately three-five months in advance of the application deadline to assist in the processing of your information. During this time, you can still be taking the remaining courses of your pre-nursing requirements. The early submission will assist us in making the entry process smooth for you. See admission times here.
How will my degree plan be individualized?
The RN to BSN Program is designed to be completed in two semesters; however we know that life circumstances happen, so we are happy to work with individual students to redesign the degree plan. The RN to BSN Coordinators will assist you.
Do I need to come to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Lubbock during my course work?
No, you are not required to come to TTUHSC. However, you may want to travel to Lubbock to participate in graduation.
How will the RN to BSN program be provided?
The program is delivered online using a Blackboard Platform. Instruction will be provided through modules in each course with instructional material which might include texts, articles, videotapes, audiotapes, and electronic library materials. Much of the student's interaction with the faculty and other students will be through discussion board and occasionally live chats or web conferencing. The latter two will be scheduled in advance to provide the student sufficient time to schedule to attend, or alternate hours to participate. All of these resources will encourage both individual work and group interaction.
How will I have access to the faculty?
You will have access to each of your Course Facilitators and any clinical faculty via all the methodologies that will be used to deliver the educational material during normal school hours.
How can I buy my books?
Books can be ordered through any of the following bookstores:
Or through any on-line commercial bookstores.
Are any monies (scholarships, loans, and/or financial aid) available as I complete the RN-BSN program?
Yes, all of the above-mentioned assistance is available. Applicants interested in applying for financial aid (student loans, grants, scholarships) upon admittance to the Perry School of Nursing must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The Perry School of Nursing requires a FAFSA on file to be eligible for scholarships offered by the school.
Additional information can be found at the Financial Aid Office website. Fabian Vasquez, Senior Financial Aid Advisory can be reached at 806-743-3025 or Fabian.vasquez@ttuhsc.edu.
How much time will I need to allocate to my course work?
As a general rule, for every hour of instruction you will need to plan to spend at least 2-3 hours in preparation and course assignment work. These assignments and projects are very applicable to your present or future nursing position yet are not designed to be accomplished in a short time, so this will require interaction with all the required resources of the course. Some courses have clinical expectations as part of the course.
Will I need a computer for my courses?
Will I have access to library resources from any location?
Resources are available via computer and Internet access, such as electronic article reserves. Information about the TTUHSC library resources with web-based courses will be provided at orientation. Many assignments in the program will require web searches.
How do I know I have the computer skills I need to be successful?
Does the program have clinicals?
The answer is no in the traditional sense. However, the program does have field experiences where a student will work with a mentor of the student's choosing, on certain projects required to complete course work. Often this is completed at your place of employment. Also, at times the student may visit a site outside the place of employment to interview personnel and observe the operations of the agency.
