Frequently Asked Questions

I need more information before starting the program - who should I contact?

You can inquire directly from the RN-BSN website or call (855) 306-4734.

How can I get an evaluation of my transcripts?

Due to the high volume of interest in the UNCW RN-BSN program, we are unable to provide unofficial evaluations of your transcripts. You will obtain an official evaluation once admitted to UNCW.
You can review the Non-Nursing Required Courses and Transfer Credit Equivalents resources.

What are the admission requirements?

• Admission Requirements
• Note that you do not need to complete all Non-Nursing Required Courses prior to entering the RN-BSN program.

How quickly can I get started with the RN-BSN program?

We offer six start dates throughout the year, two in the Fall, two in the Spring, and two in the Summer. Please refer to the Calendar of Start Dates for more information.

Are all courses offered online, including non-nursing courses that I may need?

Most courses are offered in the online 7 week model. Students are required to complete practice experiences which cannot be completed online. These experiences may be completed in your current employment or if you are not currently working may be completed outside of a work environment.

What is the cost of applying, and how to I apply?

The application fee is $80, and you can apply from the RN-BSN website.

What Math and English courses does a student need to be accepted to UNCW?

Two transferable English courses are required. Courses must transfer into UNCW as an equivalent and must earn a C or better. Please refer to the Transfer Course Equivalents webpage for additional information. A transferable Math course is recommended.

What Math courses are required for the RN-BSN program?

The only Math course that is required within the RN-BSN program is Statistics ( STT 210, STT 215, or BAN 280). If a student needs to take a Math course for general admission to UNCW, it is recommended that the student take Statistics. For additional information, see the Transfer Course Equivalents webpage.

If I apply, but don’t get all needed materials submitted to UNCW Admissions or don’t get admitted for a particular session, will I automatically get deferred to the next session?

Yes, it is automatic. Once the Office of Admissions receives all official, updated documents, the application will be reviewed for the current term. The application materials and fee are good for five RN-BSN sessions.

What is the cost of the program?

• Tuition costs can be found on the Student Accounts Online Accelerated Program (OAP) Rates webpage.
• These costs do not include books and supplies, which will be an additional expense.

If I am entering UNCW in a second session (Fall 2, Spring 2, or Summer 2), can I still get financial aid?

As long as you are enrolled for six credit hours (half of full time), you are eligible for financial aid.

How quickly can I finish the RN-BSN program?

The RN-BSN program can be completed in as few as 12 months however, non-nursing course requirements may vary by individual and will affect time to completion. To see additional non-nursing requirements please refer to Non-Nursing Required Courses.

How long is a session, and how is that different than a semester?

• A session is seven weeks, and there are two sessions per semester (two in the Fall, Spring, and Summer). There are a total of six sessions per year.
• A semester is 15 weeks, and thus a session is half of a semester.

What if I need to take a session or two off, can I do that?

Yes, the program is designed to meet your busy and changing life.

What will the online courses be like?

• Most courses are set up in eight learning modules; each week a new module begins. Each module may contain an overview, to do list, module learning outcomes, required readings, PowerPoint slides (with or without narration), written assignments, discussion forum, quizzes/tests, group work, and/or case studies.
• There is not a specific class time. However, assignments have specific due dates and times throughout the session.
• For course descriptions of the nine required nursing classes, visit the RN-BSN website.

How much time should I expect to spend on each course?

For each course, you should expect 12-15 hours of work each week. So if you are taking two three credit hour courses in a seven week session, you should expect 24-30 hours of work each week.

Where can I find a description of the non-nursing courses?

Course descriptions are available in the Undergraduate Catalogue.

How many courses should I take per session?

• We highly recommend that you start with one course in your first session to ensure a successful start. You may take one to two courses per session, and can change the number of courses you wish to take for future sessions.
• Students can take up to 12 credit hours per semester (Fall 1 & 2, Spring 1 & 2, or Summer 1 & 2). If you would like to take additional credit hours, talk to your Advisor to explore this possibility. 12 credits per semester (typically two courses per session) is considered full time.

What textbooks will I need to get for each course?

A list of textbooks is available through the UNCW Bookstore. The RN-BSN Current Student Resources webpage has instructions to look up books.

Can I take required non-nursing courses somewhere other than UNCW?

Yes, however you need to take 30 credit hours through UNCW to meet the residency requirement. Discuss this with your Advisor and complete the Transient Study Form prior to taking these courses.

Can I test out of a course?

You can test out of certain courses through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The Registrar maintains information on CLEP Exams.

Once admitted to the RN-BSN program, can I take courses outside the scope of the RN-BSN program at UNCW?

No, you are only admitted to take online RN-BSN courses in the seven week session model.

Do I have to submit additional records such as a TB test, Flu Vaccination, etc.?

No, the only records required are those needed for admission.

Will I have to complete clinicals?

• There are practice experiences in the RN-BSN program. These experiences may be completed in your current employment or if you are not currently working may be completed outside of a work environment. A prescribed number of “clinical hours” is not required.
• Experiences are designed on an individual/group basis to meet the course learning outcomes. Examples are “Implement a community health and population focused health promotion activity” or “Develop a management proposal to address a quality care or patient safety issue."

Can I get a student ID card?

Yes, although it is not required for this program. More information is located on the OneCard website.