RN to BSN, Pre-Nursing and Health Professions Programs
St. Edward’s is proud to offer three exceptional programs that provide pathways and preparation for earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
The unique flexibility of our Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program gives practicing registered nurses several options for earning their BS in Nursing. Students can choose between full-time and part-time course schedules, with classes offered in online, in-person and hybrid formats.
Our Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Pre-Nursing Track and Bachelor of Science in Biology, Health Professions Track prepare traditional undergraduate students to transition into BS in Nursing and Accelerated BS in Nursing programs.
RN to BSN Program Webinars
These webinars will provide prospective RN to BSN students with an overview of the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program at St. Edward's University. Important information about coursework requirements, the application process, clinical hours, practicum and more will be covered. Prospective students can get their questions answered by contacting Founding Director of Nursing, Donna Beuk or Jesica Naiman, assistant professor of Nursing; RN to BSN advisor.
View the live recording of an RN to BSN Webinar.
- When prompted, enter the passcode: V0*sK^!s
Hear Our Program Highlights
Dr. Donna Beuk, Director of Nursing, talks with KXAN News to discuss the unique benefits of our new Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program. Dr. Beuk highlighted how the program equips working RNs with innovative training and hands-on experience, preparing them to advance as highly skilled and compassionate professionals in nursing.
Answering the Growing Demand for Nursing Professionals in Texas and Beyond
Across Texas and the nation, the need for nursing professionals is at an all-time high. St. Edward’s is dedicated to partnering with communities to meet critical workforce needs. Our nursing education prepares highly skilled, compassionate nurses from all walks of life for careers at the forefront of healthcare equity and access for everyone.
To enhance their BS in Nursing degree and career mobility, students can earn bilingual certification while pursuing their undergraduate degree through an Advanced Spanish for Health and Helping Professions Certificate from St. Edward’s. Our BS in Nursing graduates are also educationally and experientially prepared to pursue a master’s degree in nursing to further advance their career.
Nursing Programs Reflect Our Commitment to a More Just World
The social-justice mindset of St. Edward’s reaches far beyond our hilltop campus, impacting Austin and contributing to the greater good and wellbeing of communities and the world. Guided by our Holy Cross mission and strategic plan, the core values of our Nursing programs focus on academic excellence, respectful care, integrity, ethics and social responsibility.
Graduates of our programs are uniquely positioned to address issues of disparity, justice and equity within healthcare, and to support culturally relevant care. In addition, the diversity of our graduates helps strengthen diversity within the nursing profession. Research shows that increasing diversity in the nursing workforce can help mitigate health disparities.
A Message from Our Director of Nursing
St. Edward's is pleased to welcome Dr. Donna Beuk in the role of Founding Director of Nursing. Beuk is a longstanding educator and scholar, and a practicing nurse of 12 years. She leads the development of programs that prepare competent and compassionate nurses who will meet workforce needs in the rapidly growing healthcare field. See her welcome message to nursing students.
Top 10
University in the West
U.S. News & World Report
RN to BSN
Full-Time & Part-Time
Online, In-Person & Hybrid
Program Options
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
30+ years
Hispanic Serving Institution
Explore Our BSN Program and BSN Pathway Programs
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Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Designed specifically to fit the busy schedule of working RNs, this flexible program offers full-time and part-time options, with a choice of online, in-person and hybrid formats. You’ll learn in small classes taught by experienced professional nurses who are experts in teaching coursework that is engaging and interactive.
The RN to BSN program builds on a variety of clinical knowledge that RNs already possess, with robust experiential learning embedded into the curriculum. Through research-based projects, leadership training and independent clinical practicums, you’ll gain additional expertise, skills and perspectives needed to be an effective leader in healthcare. You’ll be prepared to use evidence-based practice, informatics and teamwork, collaboration and systems thinking to address health policy and advocacy in the ever changing healthcare environment.
How to Apply
- Submit our Transfer Student application.
- Meet the required Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 overall with a 2.0 in prior nursing coursework.
- Applicants must have an active, unencumbered RN license verifiable via Nursys or State Boards of Nursing.
- Applicants who do not have a license but graduated within one year of completion of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program will have the license checklist waived and accepted to the RN to BSN program. However, the license will be verified before taking the first clinical course – NURS 4429. If the license is unable to be verified, applicants will be unable to progress.
- Submit a clear background check and absence of criminal conviction if requested.
- Submit a clear drug screen if requested.
Application Deadlines
Take the next step in your nursing career with the competitive advantage of flexible, online and in-person classes taught with a focus on social justice. Apply to the RN to BSN program using our Transfer Student application. Submit your application by April 15th for priority consideration for Fall 2023 admission.
- Fall 2023 Mid-Semester Start Deadline: Oct. 2
- Spring 2024 Final Application Deadline: Nov. 15
Cost of Attendance
For complete Cost of Attendance information for the 2023–2024 year, please click here.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
Students who enroll full time in the RN to BSN program are eligible for our generous Transfer Student merit scholarships, which can total up to $22,500.
Please note, for a student who chooses to enroll at St. Edward’s as a part-time student (taking less than 12 credit hours in one semester), scholarship amounts will be prorated based on the number of credit hours in which they enroll. Contact your financial aid counselor for more information.
Nursing Scholarship Opportunity through American Association of Colleges of Nursing
Open to nursing students pursuing baccalaureate and higher degrees at AACN member institutions, this program will award nearly $50,000 in scholarships through 2025, which will be administered by AACN’s Foundation for Academic Nursing.
Financial Aid
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The FAFSA is used to determine your financial aid offer. Be sure to include the St. Edward's FAFSA school code: 003621.
Additional information can be found within Billing and Financial Aid.
For questions about financial aid, please contact us:
Student Financial Services
seu.finaid@stedwards.edu
512-448-8523
Curriculum
Our flexible RN to BSN program is offered in both full-time and part-time formats, with options for online, in-person and hybrid classes. The RN to BSN curriculum totals 30 credit hours. You can choose to complete your degree in one year (3 semesters, full time) or 2 years (6 semesters, part-time).
The following curriculum includes prerequisite courses and credits needed for this program. A general education curriculum of 40 credit hours is required for all transfer students as part of their 120 credit hour Bachelor’s degree. If applicants are Texas Core Complete at the time of application, all St. Edward's general education requirements will be waived. For students who have not fulfilled all of their general education or prerequisite requirements, St. Edward's University offers online and in-person class options.
Nursing Courses: 30 credit hours
| Course # | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NUR 3312 | Professional Role Transition | 3 |
| NUR 3414 | Health Assessment and Promotion | 4 (3+1) (30 practice hours) |
| NUR 3316
NUR 3318 |
Complementary Nursing Strategies
OR Aging Issues and Care for Older Adults |
3 |
| NUR 3318 | Aging Issues and Care for Older Adults | 3 |
| NUR 3321 | Research & Evidence-based Practice | 3 |
| NUR 4325 | Health Policy | 3 |
| NUR 4327 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Nursing | 3 |
| NUR 4429 | Community/Public Health and Clinical (30 Independent Clinical Hours) |
4 (3+30 independent clinical hours) |
| NUR 4231 | Nursing Leadership & Issues/Trends | 2 |
| NUR 4557 | Senior Professional Nursing Practicum | 5 (2+3) 2 hours Theory + (90 hours Independent Practicum) |
| Total Nursing Coursework Hours Required | 30 |
Required Prerequisite Nursing Coursework: 28 credit hours
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| General Biology I with Lab | 4 |
| Microbiology with Lab | 4 |
| Nutrition | 3 |
| General Psychology | 3 |
| Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab | 4 |
| Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab | 4 |
| Lifespan Development | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 |
| Total Prerequisite Hours Required | 28 |
Career Paths
Career Paths in Nursing with a BSN
- Nurse Manager/Leader
- Nurse Case Manager
- Public Health Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Educator
- Health Policy Nurse
- Nurse Recruiter
- Nurse Informaticist
- Forensic Nurse
- Clinical Nurse Researcher
- Nurse Health Coach
- Specialty Nurse Certification Options
Demand for nurses in Central Texas is projected to increase by more than 45% between 2018–2032.
– Texas Department of State Health Services (July 2022)
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Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Pre-Nursing Track
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Health Professions Track
Incoming freshmen wishing to pursue a nursing degree can enroll in the Pre-Nursing Track or the Health Professions Track of our bachelor’s in Biology program. These tracks are an excellent opportunity to complete many of the prerequisite studies that provide a pathway to earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With your BA in Biology, Pre-Nursing degree or BS in Biology, Health Professions degree, you’ll be ready to enter an accelerated program to achieve your BS in Nursing.
At St. Edward’s, you’ll benefit from impactful academics that make a difference in your career. Our small classes (15:1 student-faculty ratio) make individualized attention, advanced experiential learning and innovative research opportunities more accessible to you than at larger schools. And Austin is ranked the #1 college town in the nation in 2023 by WalletHub!
Application Deadlines
Combine your passion for providing care with the competitive advantage of small classes taught by expert faculty with a focus on social justice.
- Spring 2024 Final Application Deadline: Nov. 15
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Get started with these three steps:
1. St. Edward’s offers you three convenient ways to apply. We accept Apply Texas, the Common Application and the St. Edward’s University application; however, you only need to choose one. You can access all 3 applications here. Choose the application you prefer and apply today!
2. Request your transcript(s) be submitted to St. Edward's University. This is the most often missed task that holds back a student’s application. If you’re unsure of how to request a transcript from your school, head to the front office to ask your counselor about the process.
3. Submit the FAFSA. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is essential for receiving financial aid from St. Edward’s. See FAFSA details below under Scholarships & Financial Aid.
Cost of Attendance
For complete Cost of Attendance information for the 2023–2024 year, click here.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
We offer new freshmen up to $28,000 per year in merit scholarships.
We’ll automatically consider you for academic scholarships when you apply to St. Edward’s. No additional application is required. Learn more about our freshman scholarships, and estimate your costs with our Net Price Calculator.
To apply for financial aid at St. Edward’s, you only need to submit the FAFSA.
When you apply for admission, it’s important to also complete The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That’s all we require to determine your offer of financial aid. The form requests information that families may need to collect before being able to finish in one sitting (social security numbers, tax and financial records, etc.) Be sure to include the St. Edward's FAFSA school code: 003621. Get the full picture on financial aid and submitting your FAFSA.
Additional information can be found within Billing and Financial Aid.
For questions about financial aid, please contact us:
Student Financial Services
seu.finaid@stedwards.edu
512-448-8523
Curriculum
Our Pre-Nursing and Health Professions tracks are exciting programs within our award-winning Department of Biological Sciences. Taught by dedicated professors who get to know you, the bachelor’s in Biology program brings together inspiring classroom learning, lab projects, fieldwork and student-faculty research.
The BA in Biology requires 76 hours of Biology major courses, which include a combination of introductory coursework, biology electives and supporting courses in subjects such as chemistry, math and psychology. In addition to your major courses, you’ll complete 56 hours of general education courses over four years.
The BS in Biology requirements include the prerequisites for most professional schools. The degree requires 76 hours of Biology major courses, which include a combination of introductory coursework, biology electives and supporting courses in subjects such as chemistry, physics and math. In addition to your major courses, you’ll complete 56 hours of general education courses over four years.
View the full BA in Biology, Pre-Nursing Track curriculum.
View the full BS in Biology, Health Professions Track curriculum.
Program Approval and Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at St. Edward's University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN) at St. Edward's University is pursuing initial approval by the Texas Board of Nursing Education for pre-license BSN pathways. Applying for approval does not guarantee that approval will be granted.