Prerequisites – RN-to-BSN Option

Prerequisite requirements can be met through several methods: CLEP, nursing mobility, achievement examinations or its equivalents, proficiency examinations, transfer credits, 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.

Alternatives to Earn Credit

The RN to BSN program is designed to be 15-months (four semesters) long, but the time in the program may vary dependent upon the option chosen, amount of acceptable transfer credit; success in completion of CLEP, proficiency, and nursing examinations; and part-time or full-time status.

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 $35 per credit fee for each credit awarded. Those RNs who do not meet these criteria earn 32 nursing credits through examination by taking the nursing mobility exams through Excelsior College.

To register for the Excelsior College examinations and obtain study guides for these examinations, please contact Excelsior College directly at (518)464-8500 ext.16. Registered nurse students may take these exams in any order they choose. It is advisable to begin testing as early in the program as possible. These exams may be repeated once; after the second failed attempt, the student will be asked to enroll in the corresponding course or a tutorial for that course. Tutorials may be taken for credit/no credit only. There is a $35 per credit fee for each credit by examination awarded.