Registered Nurse (RN to BSN) Option

Graduates of state-approved diploma and associate degree programs in nursing are eligible to apply for admission to the baccalaureate program in the Registered Nurse Option. This program is designed to be as flexible and responsive to your needs as possible within the constraints of curriculum, university and accreditation requirements, and quality educational theory. Classes are held in the afternoon and evening to accommodate the work schedules of registered nurses. Faculty members utilize traditional in-class teaching strategies as well as online learning activities to optimize your educational experience.

The length of the program is dependent upon the amount of acceptable transfer credit; and success in completion of CLEP, proficiency, and nursing examinations; In most instances a minimum of two years should be anticipated for completion.

• Admission Requirements
• Alternatives to Earn Credit
• Prerequisites
• Nursing Courses

Admission Requirements include:

• graduation from a state-approved diploma or associate degree nursing program;
• completed application with application fee;
• photocopy of current, active Florida RN license;
• official transcripts from School of Nursing and all colleges attended;
• cumulative college GPA of at least 2.7 (for the RN-BSN Track); and
• professional liability insurance;
• compliance with Health and Regulatory Requirements.

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening

Clinical agencies require students to be fingerprinted, pass drug screening and background checks, and clear the HHS/OIG list of excluded individuals and the GSA list of parties excluded from federal programs. Compliance with this requirement and satisfactory findings are essential for clinical placement and progression. Students who fail to submit to a background check or students whose background checks indicate a conviction as specified in Florida Statutes Title XXI, Chapter 435.04 Level 2 Screening Standards or have a positive drug screen will be unable to enroll in or remain in the nursing program. To complete the background and drug screen requirements click on the Background Checks box in the left column of this page, and the link to American Databank will appear. This link will allow you to begin the application process and set up a method of payment to American Databank, the sole company handling the School of Nursing’s screenings. Please note there will be a fee of $115 for the background check and drug screening. When placing your background check order, click “I want to receive a copy of my background check and drug screening.” This will enable you to have a copy of the reports that we receive. It should be kept in your portfolio in the event a clinical agency requests to see it. Once American Data Bank receives payment, they will send you the necessary information and forms to get your drug/background check processed.

Alternatives to Earn Credit
Requirements of the program are met through CLEP, nursing mobility and achievement examinations or their equivalents, proficiency examinations, transfer, correspondence courses, or by enrolling in courses at Barry University. To be accepted, transfer credit must have been completed with at least a grade of C at a regionally accredited college or university. Refer to the transfer credit policies in the catalog for complete information. The student may earn credit through the School of Adult and Continuing Education where courses are taught in a manner and in time blocks appropriate for the adult working student. 

Proficiency exams are available in Biochemistry, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Nursing Research. Registered nurses who are graduates of accredited associate degree programs in the state of Florida will be awarded 32 credits towards their bachelor's degree after successfully completing 21 credits of nursing courses at Barry and submission of a portfolio. There is a $30 per credit fee for each credit awarded. Those RNs who do not meet this criteria earn 32 nursing credits through examination by taking the nursing mobility exams. RNs may also be eligible to receive some credit in place of taking related mobility tests for alternatives such as national certification in an area of clinical nursing practice.

Prerequisites

Nursing Courses

The nursing courses for the RN-BSN Track are structured to be completed in four semesters.