The College of Nursing and Health Innovation at ASU is expanding its undergraduate educational offerings this fall with the launch of a new program to help associate degree (AD) – or diploma – registered nurses (RN) obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completely online.

The RN-to-BSN online program will support ASU’s initiative to expand access to education and is designed to provide flexibility for nurses’ often demanding schedules, says Brenda Morris, the senior director of baccalaureate programs for the college. Morris says the degree can be completed in 16 months of full-time, year-round study. “ASU Nursing has extensive experience in delivering a quality RN-to-BSN program designed to meet the unique educational needs of the returning RN student,” Morris says. “Evidence-based practice, which is known to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes, is woven throughout our curriculum. The value of this additional educational credential to AD and diploma RNs comes in the form of more significant job responsibilities, increased career advancement and compensation potential, as well as preparation to pursue graduate education if desired.”

Diann Muzyka has been named associate director of the new program. ASU’s existing RN-to-BSN program uses a hybrid delivery model that optimizes the mix of synchronous and asynchronous online class schedules, as well as face-to-face class sessions. Morris says the new program is primarily asynchronous, as students are able to participate in classes on their own schedules.

The College of Nursing and Health Innovation produces more baccalaureate-prepared nurses than any other nursing college in Arizona and has more than 1,800 students enrolled in its undergraduate nursing programs. With the consolidation of the Exercise and Wellness, Nutrition and Health Sciences degree programs into ASU Nursing, the college has nearly 2,600 undergraduate students. The 2008 U.S. News & World Report ranked ASU’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation in the top 8 percent of graduate nursing programs.