RN-to-BSN (Fast Track) Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Catalog Year 2025-2026

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

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Program Admission Agreement

• By meeting the following criteria, students who complete the prescribed curriculum and meet the criteria below are guaranteed admission into Radford University and directly into the RN to BSN fast-track program in the College of Nursing.

• Earn an associate degree in nursing (AAS) from a Virginia Community College and hold a current unencumbered registered nurse license, or:

• Students actively enrolled in a VCCS AAS in nursing program having completed one year of the nursing program and have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all nursing courses attempted and on all cumulative college work.

• Good academic standing at current institution.

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

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

• Please create an account through the www.TransferVirginia.org portal and click College Connect to indicate your intent to use this guarantee for admission to Radford University.

• This transfer guide shows an optimal path to the RN to BSN fast-track program at Radford University. Completing the coursework above will position you to transfer to Radford University in the RN to BSN fast-track program. 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 RU, but your time to graduation may be impacted.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://admissions.radford.edu 

• Admission Application: By March 1 for priority fall admission and November 1 for priority spring admission at https://www.radford.edu/admissions/apply/index.html 

• Financial Aid: https://www.radford.edu/fin-aid , FAFSA priority deadline March 1.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov 

• RU RN-to-BSN Advisor: RN2BSN@radford.edu

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• First, meet with the RN-to-BSN program advisor to obtain your plan of study. Graduates of VCCS AAS Nursing programs qualify for full-time (2 courses per 7-week session) or part-time option (1 course per 7-week session). Co-enrolled students qualify for part-time option only and may register for one course per session. Co-enrolled students must graduate from the VCCS nursing program and successfully pass their RN NCLEX examination before enrolling in the last course, NURS 409 RN Interprofessional Clinical and Capstone.

• Other Courses: Prerequisites for the RN-to-BSN program are: Statistics, Nutrition, Microbiology with lab, & Anatomy and Physiology I and II taken at VCCS.

• RN-to-BSN program advisor will explain the rotation of when courses are offered.

• Students cannot take 7-week fast track courses and full semester courses during the same session.

• All students must enroll in NURS 400 as their first class. Students who qualify for full-time option may register for a second course along with NURS 400.

• Utilize degree audit in the RU One Campus portal to monitor your plan of study.

• Students must take 30 credits at RU to qualify for graduation. A total of 120 credits are required for the bachelor's degree in nursing.

• Pass/fail courses do not transfer. Students may need additional elective credits to achieve 120 credits required for degree.

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and RU RN-to-BSN program advisor within your first year at VCCS. College Connect available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• This program helps to elevate your practice to improve patient outcomes and learn more about health system requirements.

• Bachelor prepared nurses may be eligible for leadership positions and other opportunities within healthcare organizations and institutions.

• An emphasis on interprofessional collaboration will help build relationships.

• Decision-making will be enhanced through the study of informatics, health policy, leadership, research, and an interprofessional clinical and capstone course practicum.

• The interprofessional clinical and capstone course includes a precepted experience of 45 face-to-face hours with a nurse leader.

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

• Associate Degree Completion: Students having an AAS in Nursing from VCCS must complete RU general education (REAL) requirements. The RU RN-to-BSN advisor can help navigate these requirements.

• Dual Enrollment: RU will not guarantee admission to high school students earning a transferable associate degree through dual enrollment. The RU RN-to-BSN program is a post-licensure nursing program.

• Catalog Year: Students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of their first Radford University enrollment unless otherwise requested.

Is This College Right For Me?

• RN-to-BSN program is offered in 7-week fast track format.

• 10 Courses are offered asynchronously.

• Full-time and part-time option.

• Full-time option completes the program in 10 months.

• Preceptor experiences may be completed close to home (affiliation agreements required).

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

Did You Know That…

• 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 RU? Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

What Can I Do With This Degree?

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

Program Successes & Highlights

• All Nursing Programs at RU are fully accredited by CCNE.

• Radford University’s RN-to-BSN program is voted #1 best RN to BSN programs in the state of Virginia by Allnurses.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• RU RN-to-BSN program offers a generous admission policy with the vast majority of applicants offered admission.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Completion of your BSN affords a variety of career opportunities such as positions within leadership, case management, public health/community, hospice, home health, and more.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• At the culmination of the RN-to-BSN coursework, students participate in the Interprofessional Clinical and Capstone course. This 3-hour course is comprised of 2-credit of didactic and 1-credit (45 hours) of preceptorship. The clinical can be completed close to home (affiliation agreement required with the facility).