Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Online

Catalog Year 2026-2028

Based on VCCS Curriculum for Associate of Applied Science Degree Plan in Nursing 

Transfer Guidance

By meeting the following criteria, you are guaranteed admission to the B.S. in Nursing: 

• Earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.

• Earn a minimum of 2.5 GPA for the associate degree.

• Earn grades of "C" or higher in all community college courses.

• Admission to the University prior to start of any semester.

• 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.

• Receipt of official transcript(s) from previously attended college(s). Eligibility will be determined by the GPA from the most recent transcript.

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Virginia or Compact License required. With verification of Registered Nursing licensure, 36 credits are awarded for lower-level nursing courses.

• Completion of one college algebra 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).

• Students with a GED must also show proof of all required courses listed 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.

• All prerequisite courses must be completed before the start of the Online RN-BSN Program.

• Submit your transfer application for admission by March 1, including an unofficial transcript.

• Request an official transcript to be sent upon completing the associate degree.

• Transfer within four years of first enrolling at the community college and within one year of completing the appropriate associate degree.

• Please visit the www.TransferVirginia.org portal to find course requirements for different majors (Transfer Tools) and Transfer Guides that outline course requirements for specific majors (Resource Center).

• See the VCCS Transfer Programs page for more details in our Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

• No letter of intent is required to apply for guaranteed admission.

• This transfer guide shows an optimal path to a bachelor's degree in Nursing at Norfolk State University. Completing the coursework above will position you to transfer to NSU in Nursing with junior standing and the potential to graduate in two years. If you complete the associate degree but haven't taken all of the recommended courses, you may still be able to pursue a Nursing degree at NSU, but your time to graduation may be impacted.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: Transfer Admissions & Services (https://www.nsu.edu/transfer)

• Admission Application: By May 1 at (https://www.nsu.edu/Admissions-Aid/Apply-Online)

• Financial Aid: (https://www.nsu.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid)

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: By October 1 at (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa)

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and NSU within your first year. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

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

• All students admitted to the Nursing Program must comply with mandatory criminal background checks and drug screening requirements.

• Prospective students with criminal conviction on their record may be ineligible to participate in clinical experiences at certain affiliated clinical sites.

• 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.

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

• 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.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Transfer Associate Degree Completion: Completion of a transfer-level associate degree satisfies all lower-division general education requirements.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: The agreement of guaranteed admission into the college applies to students earning an associate degree concurrent with high school who have completed a transfer associate degree with a minimum of 45 credits completed through a Virginia Community College, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

• Credit for Prior Learning: All course credits that were awarded by the two-year institution for equivalent prior learning experiences (IB, AP, CLEP, Military, etc.) will transfer based on the transfer equivalence for the course awarded.

• Catalog Year: Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance at the community college post high school graduation. For students maintaining continuous enrollment, this entitlement will be in effect for a minimum of four years from the time of the student's first enrollment at the two-year institution. Students must enroll at the four-year institution within one year of completing their associate degree.

Is This College Right For Me?

• NSU has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a Top 20 HBCU in the nation.

• It is close to downtown Norfolk and within driving distance of Virginia Beach.

• On-campus housing is available. Weekend/evening/summer courses are available, and online degree options are available for several programs.

• NSU is a military-friendly institution.

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That...

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at NSU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• The job market for registered nurses nationwide is projected to grow by 9% through 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• The bureau also indicates that nationwide median pay for registered nurses is $77,600 per year.

• In Virginia specifically, nursing jobs are projected to grow by 11.75% through 2028.

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• The RN-BSN program is delivered in an asynchronous online format to provide a convenient, professional method to expand your education and career opportunities.

• The RN-BSN Program is accredited by ACEN (https://www.acenursing.org/)

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org