KINGSTON, R.I. ā March 10, 2025 ā Registered nurses with an associateās degree or diploma in nursing now have the opportunity to earn their bachelorās degree while continuing to work in the field without having to dedicate the time needed to head to campus, as the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing has reinstituted its .
Offered in conjunction with ŗ£½Ē»»ĘŽOnline, the program is designed for registered nurses with an associateās degree or diploma in nursing already working a fulltime schedule who wish to complete their baccalaureate degree. Students receive a research-based, compassion-focused academic experience, and learn from top educators and pioneering researchers. They will gain a strong foundation of knowledge that prepares them to understand and manage the complexity of our changing healthcare environment.
All is conducted online, offering nurses the same comprehensive education they would get on campus, but conveniently packaged for current healthcare providers who may not have time in the schedule otherwise. The program leverages the knowledge they already have as professional nurses and expands it, preparing them for a career as a health educatorāhelping ease a nationwide shortageāand/or health advocate fully empowered to make a real impact on the health of their communities, according to ŗ£½Ē»»ĘŽ College of Nursing Dean Danny Willis.
āThe ŗ£½Ē»»ĘŽ College of Nursing is very excited to offer an RN-BS program for RNs with associate degrees to expand their knowledge base, competencies, and leadership in advancing the nursing profession and healthcare workforce,ā Willis said. āIt offers a more convenient way for practicing nurses to earn their bachelorās degree while continuing with their busy schedules, helping increase the number of baccalaureate-trained professionals in the healthcare workforce.ā
The curriculum, which is science focused and research intensive, features 24 core credit hours that can be completed in as few as 15 months. The program requires 120 total credits for graduation, but credits from other accredited colleges are accepted, as long as the student completes at least 30 credits at ŗ£½Ē»»ĘŽ in order to earn the B.S. degree in nursing. After completing the program, nurses will have expanded their expertise in such topics as holistic, person-centered care, population health, systems-based practice, informatics and healthcare technology, nursing science research and more.
Students can visit the for full admission information and to apply. For more information, contact the college office at RNBSonline@uri.edu or 401-874-5303. Admission requirements include:
- Associateās degree or diploma in nursing
- 2.6 GPA
- Copy of unencumbered Registered Nursing license
- Official transcript
For more information on all programs, visit the .