As a registered nurse, you lead a hectic life. Your professional role is demanding, both physically and emotionally, and you likely have other outside commitments to balance. Furthering your nursing education may seem out of reach, but in reality, there are accelerated RN to BSN programs available that allow you to leverage your educational background and professional experience to streamline your path toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Now is the best time to submit your RN to BSN nursing application at Nevada State University. This checklist will help you prepare to take the next step.
Why This Matters (and Why Now)
| Requirement | Explanation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm you meet eligibility ► Associate degree + accredited nursing program | Ensure you hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. | This is the foundational eligibility requirement for the RN-to-BSN track at NSU. Without this, your application will not proceed. |
| 2. Active, unencumbered RN license | You must hold a current RN license that is active and unencumbered in the state in which you reside or practice. If you are a recent graduate, you may apply if you obtain your RN license within 7 weeks of acceptance. | Licensure ensures you are a practicing RN, which is essential for a post-licensure BSN program. |
| 3. Minimum cumulative GPA | A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above on all coursework is required for admission into the program. | The GPA threshold ensures you have the academic foundation to succeed in BSN-level coursework. |
| 4. Official transcripts | Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended, sent directly to NSU’s Office of Admissions. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to expedite review, but this is optional. | Transcripts document your academic preparation and help determine how many transfer credits apply. |
| 5. Unofficial transcript upload (optional but recommended) | Although unofficial transcripts are optional, you are encouraged to upload them with your application so that you can receive conditional admit status until the official transcripts arrive. | This helps speed up your evaluation and planning process. |
| 6. Government-issued ID copy | A scanned or uploaded copy of your government-issued photo ID is required. | This is a standard verification step to confirm your identity. |
| 7. State authorization / eligible state for online/clinical practice | Because the program is 100% online and may include indirect/practice experiences, you must be authorized to practice in one of the approved states via the State Authority Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). | If you live outside Nevada, check that your state is on the approved list before applying. |
| 8. Application submission to NSU Office of Admissions | Complete Nevada State University’s general application process for admission to the university, pay the applicable fee, select the RN to BSN option, and meet all deadlines posted by the Office of Admissions. | This ensures you are admitted as a student before being considered for the nursing program. |
| 9. Meet any prerequisite or transfer credit review | Although the RN to BSN track is post-licensure, all of your previous general education and nursing prerequisite credit transfers will be reviewed. For example, students with an ADN or a diploma will need all general education and nursing course credits reviewed. | This ensures your prior coursework aligns with BSN requirements and establishes your program plan. |
| 10. Understand program format, completion time, and tuition costs | The program is 100% online and is structured to allow completion in as little as 12 months for full-time students, depending on how many credits you transfer. This program emphasizes flexible scheduling designed for working RNs. Tuition is under $10,000! | Understanding the scope of the program helps you plan your timeline, workload, and how you will balance work and school. |
| 11. Know your transfer/credit-hour expectations | The RN to BSN track requires you to complete 36 credit hours. | This helps you anticipate how many courses you’ll need to take and gauge completion time based on your personal availability. |
| 12. Verify you are eligible for admission from your state | Because of state authorization rules, if you live or plan to practice outside of Nevada, ensure your state is approved for NSU’s online program. | You don’t want to apply only to find out your state isn’t authorized, causing a delay or disqualification. |
Before You Hit Submit: Pre-Application Tips
- Double-check your transcripts for transferable credits. It’s essential to be aware of how many credits can be applied to your BSN degree, as that will impact your graduation timeline.
- Ensure your RN license status is active and current. All applicants must earn their RN license within 7 weeks of acceptance into the program.
- Gather your ID and documents in advance. You will need to submit all required documents as part of your online RN to BSN application.
- Engage with NSU’s nursing advisor or program contact. An academic advisor can help you evaluate your existing credits and professional experience, and determine the next best steps for your personal situation.
- Make sure you meet or will meet the 2.0 GPA minimum and have completed the ADN/diploma requirement.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application
After you apply to the RN to BSN online program, our admissions team will review your application. You will hear back within a few weeks about the results. By preparing your application in advance and verifying that you have all of the required materials, you can help expedite the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the RN to BSN Application Process
Do RN to BSN programs require recommendation letters for the application?
No, letters of recommendation are not required to be submitted along with the RN to BSN application.
Are application deadlines for RN to BSN programs different for online and on-campus options?
The online RN to BSN program sessions are offered on a different schedule than the traditional, on-campus programs. As a result, there are different application deadlines.
Can I apply to NSU’s RN to BSN program before I receive my RN license?
Yes, you can apply to our RN to BSN online program before you receive your RN license. You must earn your RN license within 7 weeks of acceptance into the program.
How long does it take to complete the RN to BSN program once accepted?
The RN to BSN online program requires you to complete 36 credit hours. Most students complete the program within 12 months.
Is there a minimum GPA required for admission to NSU’s RN to BSN program?
Yes, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 across all coursework to be accepted into the RN to BSN online program.
What factors should I consider when choosing which RN to BSN program to apply to?
Primarily, you should choose an accredited program to ensure you are investing in a high-quality, relevant degree. The Nevada State University RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. In addition, you should choose a program that offers a skills-based, research-focused curriculum taught by experienced and dedicated faculty members.
Start Your Nevada State University RN to BSN Nursing Application Today!
When you prepare in advance, you will find that it only takes a few moments to complete your RN to BSN application online. The RN to BSN online program at Nevada State University is designed with working registered nurses in mind, affording you the flexibility you need to advance your education while balancing your existing responsibilities. In line with this, our RN to BSN nursing application is straightforward, allowing you to take the next steps forward in your journey quickly.
Request more information about our nursing education programs and apply today.
Sources
https://nevadastate.edu/program/rn-bsn/
https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education-on-nursing-practice