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RN to BSN

We See Your Future in Nursing.
We see your greatest potential and your motivation to achieve. We see you at NSU.
Norfolk State University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Online
Upper Level Baccalaureate Program Online (RN to BSN) Track

Complete our RN to BSN online program in 9 to 18 months​.

RN-BSN Online Curriculum

NSU's RN to BSN Online Program is a highly competitive post-licensure program that prepares students as community leaders and lifelong learners in the practice and scholarship of professional nursing. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for career and educational advancements.  

Admission Criteria

Nursing Program Admission Application

Admission to the Upper Level Baccalaureate Program in Nursing is competitive and open to all qualified applicants.

*Admissions Disclosure*

The nursing department utilizes high stakes testing practices throughout the nursing program (e.g. HESI, ATI, NLN) to assess student competency in each subject area.  These assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge and readiness, and to support preparation for the NCLEX licensure examination upon program completion.


The general admission requirements are:

  1. Admission to the University prior to start of any semester.
  2. Submission of a separate and complete application package for admission to the Department of Nursing and Allied Health after admission to the University and prior to start of semester in which desires to attend.
  3. Receipt of official transcript(s) from previously attended college(s). Eligibility will be determined by the GPA from the most recent transcript.
  4. Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia or Compact License.
  5. Completion of one algebra course, one general mathematics course, one biology course with a lab and one chemistry course with a lab (will accept high school). A minimum grade of “C” is required in each course or credit by examination (CLEP or ACT).
  6. Students with a GED must also show proof of all required courses listed in #5 above and a grade of “C” or above. If the student has not taken any of the required courses, student must take college level courses for which a grade of “C” or above can be awarded.
  7. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and a course grade of “C” in the listed prerequisites courses. All prerequisite courses must be completed before the start of the Online RN-BSN Program.

Criminal History and Clinical Eligibility Notice for Prospective Students

Prospective students with criminal conviction on their record may be ineligible to participate in clinical experiences at certain affiliated clinical sites (VA Code 90-55).    


 A favorable background check does not guarantee that the student will be eligible for licensure or employment in all jurisdictions.

Information pertaining to Virginia law regarding criminal history and nursing licensure can be found in Virginia Code 54.1-3005.1 on https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter30/section54.1-3005.1/

Since completion of clinical rotations is a mandatory component of the Nursing Program, any restrictions on clinical placement due to criminal history may prevent a student from fulfilling program requirements, ultimately affecting graduation and licensure eligibility.

Applicants with a criminal background are strongly encouraged to:

  • Review licensure and eligibility requirements in the state(s) where they intend to seek employment as a licensed nurse.
  • Contact the applicable State Board of Nursing for specific guidance on how a criminal conviction may impact licensure (see Virginia eligibility requirements).

Enrollment Requirements and Consideration for Admitted Students

All students admitted to the Nursing Program must comply with mandatory criminal background checks and drug screening requirements as outlined below:

Criminal Background Check

  • Requirement: All students must complete a criminal history and sex offender background check.
  • Vendor: Castle Branch has been designated by the Department of Nursing and Allied Health to conduct background checks.
  • Responsibility: Students are responsible for initiating the background check by registering and paying through the Castle Branch website.
  • Compliance: Failure to authorize or complete the background check will result in denial of matriculation or continuation in the program.

Drug Screening

  • Requirement: A 10-panel urinalysis drug screen is required.
  • Process: Drug screening is conducted through Castle Branch via LabCorp.
  • Positive Results: A positive drug test will disqualify a student from enrolling or continuing in the program for one year.
  • Consent: Students must consent to testing and comply with all related guidelines.
  • Policy Violation: The manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana is prohibited on campus and at clinical sites. Any violations will result in disciplinary action, up to and including permanent dismissal.

RN-BSN Online Coordinator

Felisa Smith, PhD, MSA, RN, CNE
Program Coordinator
fasmith@nsu.edu
NGE 413X
(757)823-9020