RN-BS Online Completion Track Program Overview

Academic Degree Conferred

The RN-BS Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing completion track admits students who are registered nurses with Associate Degrees from regionally and ACEN accredited schools.

There are three application cycles each year for entrance into the RN-BS Track. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Most students take coursework part-time at an average of six credits per semester.  At this pace, students can complete the program in five semesters. However, it is recommended that all students meet with their Academic Adviser to determine if there are any non-nursing courses needed for graduation.

Program History

In 1955, while Boise State University was still known as Boise Junior College, the first Nursing Program was established as a three-year program that resulted in an Associate of Arts Degree. The Program changed to a two-year program in 1957 and was endorsed by the National League for Nursing (NLN).  Due to rapidly expanding student enrollment, Boise Junior College became Boise State College in 1965, and finally Boise State University in 1974.

The Nursing Program grew rapidly as well, becoming fully accredited with NLN in 1971 and becoming its own department within the College of Health Sciences and with a student enrollment of 191 by 1973. Grant funding provided the initiation of an RN completion BSN Program in 1975, which grew over time and paved the way to start a full-time BSN Undergraduate Program in 1987.  The strength of the Undergraduate Program helped Nursing add a Master of Science Program in 2007 as the ADN program was amicably transitioned to a local community college.  By 2009, Boise State University became the largest institution of higher education in Idaho and Nursing became the School of Nursing within the College of Health Sciences.

As of 2008, RN-BS Degree Completion Track was established as a way to meet the needs of registered nurses who wanted to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received initial ACEN accreditation in 1980 and has maintained continuous accreditation of all tracks since that time, with the most recent re-accreditation review in 2010. CCNE accreditation review held their site visit on March 10, 2015.

Online Teaching and Learning Definition, RN-BS Completion Track

The School of Nursing follows the University definition of distance education “a formal educational process in which instruction occurs when the student and instructor are not in the same place.”  Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. Distance education may employ correspondence study, practicum experiences, and audio, video or electronically mediated technologies.

A distance education delivery format is consistent with the mission of the university, as represented in the Division of Extended Studies mission statement, to “connect the resources of Boise State University with individuals, organizations, and communities to maximize educational opportunity and accommodates a wide range of learners and their circumstances by developing programs that feature alternative formats and locations.” (http://www.boisestate.edu/extendedstudies/)

The School of Nursing seeks ways to serve Registered Nurses more effectively by providing alternative delivery teaching methods such as the online completion track.  This, in congruence with the mission and philosophy of Boise State University, provides the mechanism for students to obtain the education they need to achieve their goals, while continuing with demanding personal and employment schedules.  The RN-BS   completion track is congruent with the School of Nursing philosophy which supports “university-based education via a variety of delivery modes” and replicates the quality educational outcomes present in the traditional on campus program environment.