What are the admission requirements?
Associate degree and Diploma prepared nurses can apply with an unencumbered nursing license. Upon admission to the program, students will need to show proof of a criminal background check.
Can I transfer in credits from other colleges?
Yes, you can transfer in 64 credit hours from your community college work and there is no time limit to disqualify previous transfer work. In addition, we have a flexible transfer policy that allows course substitutions whenever possible.
When can I start the program?
Students can enter the program during any semester: Summer, Spring, or Fall and can submit applications close to when classes are scheduled to begin. Call the nursing office at (504) 865-2307 for information on application deadlines. Students may apply online.
How are the RN-BSN courses delivered?
The nursing courses are delivered online and we use a combination of methods to deliver courses and content including: Blackboard, taped lectures, discussion board, multimedia, and textbook readings. To transition you through the program, nursing courses are offered in 7-week sessions.
How long will it take me to complete the RN-BSN program?
It varies depending on the number of credits that you transfer in from your Associate Degree or Diploma Program. You can transfer in 64 credits of previous community college work. Students can complete all nursing courses in one or two years; however, If you have more liberal arts or basic science courses to take, it may take you longer-depending on how many classes you take each semester. All students must complete the last 30 hours through Loyola. Students typically take 2-4 courses each semester.
Can I take all of my non-nursing courses at Loyola?
You can take non-nursing courses at Loyola online or through a specific consortium of universities. Some online non-nursing courses are offered with video-taped classes as part of the online course. Non-nursing courses at Loyola are typically offered over a 15-week semester. Students can take nursing and non-nursing courses simultaneously within the same semester. For some non-nursing courses, a proctor will need to be obtained by the student to monitor exams.
Do I need to have all my prerequisites completed before I can take nursing courses?
No, you don’t need your prerequisites completed before you take nursing courses. Further, you have the option of taking your prerequisite and nursing courses together or in an order that you choose.
What types of practicum requirements are required in the program?
Practicum requirements are required in NURS 483 Population Health and these requirements can be completed in the student’s community. Students select their community sites and validator (Master’s-prepared nurse) to guide them through their assignments. As a course requirement, all students must provide proof of professional liability insurance before practicum activities are initiated.
Do I need to complete any residency requirements?
There are no residency requirements. You do not need to come to the Loyola campus to complete any courses.
What are the resources that I have to help me be successful in the program?
Faculty, staff, enrollment advisors and other university personnel are available to support you through the program. You will work closely with the RN-BSN program assistant and Program Coordinator for advising and general questions, plus you are assigned to another university academic advisor for academic advising. In addition, you have remote access to Loyola’s state-of-the-art library, academic resource center and technology blackboard services (call 1-866-562-7278).
Where can I buy my books for my courses?
You may purchase your textbooks through the Loyola online Bookstore.
What is the difference between the RN-BSN and the RN-MSN program?
Students who complete the RN-BSN program will receive a Bachelor’s of Science (BSN) degree. Students who complete the RN-MSN program will receive both a BSN and MSN degree. Upon admission to the School of Nursing, students designate which degree they will pursue (BSN or MSN).
Tell me more about the RN-MSN program.
The RN-MSN option is available to qualified students who plan to pursue a graduate degree at Loyola in the Health Care Systems Management (HCSM) program. This option allows the student to substitute two MSN graduate-level courses (6 semester hours) for lower level BSN undergraduate courses, leaving fewer hours to complete for the MSN degree. Students who take graduate (700-level) nursing courses while completing BSN curriculum requirements, pay graduate tuition for the 700-level courses.