Nursing

Our in-person prelicensure BSN offers the opportunity to gain nursing competencies across the full spectrum of patient care settings, with skills and health assessment labs and a state-of-the-art clinical simulation center. Direct admission is available for high-achieving incoming freshmen. Pre-nursing pathways are offered for all students with a secondary application to nursing.

There are two pathways at Radford University College of Nursing with which to complete the prelicensure BSN: the Traditional pathway and the Accelerated pathway. Students on both pathways follow the same curriculum.

Traditional BSN pathway: Students attend classes in both the fall and spring semesters each year they are enrolled for the four-year program. Students in the prelicensure track need to maintain continuous registration during fall and spring for nursing major courses.

Accelerated BSN pathway: Students accepted to the accelerated pathway will first complete their general education coursework in the normal manner. Then once accepted to upper division nursing courses, these are taken for 16 months/four consecutive semesters, including during the summer semester.

Prelicensure BSN offered at two locations

• On-site in Radford
  Offers a traditional pathway to the BSN, with classes taught in fall and spring semesters
  
• On-site in Roanoke
  Offers both traditional and accelerated pathways to the BSN, with nursing classes taught year-round.

RN to BSN, online
For working registered nurses, a fast track to the BSN is offered 100% online in 7-week sessions.

• 

  All applicants interested in the prelicensure BSN will apply to Radford University and the Pre-Nursing major. A 3.0 High School GPA is required for the Pre-Nursing major.
• Once accepted to Radford University, students will complete all pre-requisite courses and general education requirements, then apply for competitive admission into the prelicensure BSN. Admission to the Nursing major will be limited to space availability.
• Incoming freshmen have the opportunity to enter directly into the prelicensure BSN major (direct admission) and may remain in the Nursing major by continuing to meet progression requirements. A 3.5 High School GPA, and completion of Biology and Chemistry or Anatomy & Physiology is required for Direct Admission to the BSN major.
• We have updated the window of time for students applying for competitive admission and students declaring their progression readiness:
  • For Fall admits: the window will be open Jan. 5 - Feb. 10
  • For Spring admits: the window will be open Aug. 5 - Sept. 10

• Any student wishing to apply to upper division nursing OR declare their progression readiness will need to do so during this window of time. This applies to BOTH the Roanoke and Radford campus.

Request Progression: Prelicensure BSN (Direct Admit)

Apply Now: Prelicensure BSN (Competitive Admit) 

Students admitted to Radford University wishing to enter the post-licensure RN-to-BSN track must meet eligibility through one of two options.

Option 1

The student:

1. holds an associate degree or diploma in nursing
2. holds a current unencumbered RN license, AND
3. has completed all nursing pre-requisites (or equivalencies) with a grade of “C” or better

Option 2

The student:

1. is actively enrolled in a VCCS AAS in a nursing program,
2. has completed one year of the nursing program
3. has a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all nursing courses attempted and on all cumulative college work, AND
4. has completed all nursing pre-requisites (or equivalencies) with a grade of “C” or better

Apply Now: Post-licensure RN-to-BSN Online

Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Tuition and fees	Visit the Office of the Bursar for tuition options.
Clinical Clearance	$600	(Examples: background check, Castle Branch, CB Bridges, Physical, vaccinations, etc.)
ATI	$2,000	(NCLEX prep, practice tests, electronic textbook)
Textbooks	$1,500	(Other purchase or rental options available)
Supplies	$325	(Examples: stethoscope, skills pack, BP cuff, scissors, etc)
Uniforms	$350	(Examples: shoes, scrubs, lab coat, etc.)
Graduation Costs	$100-$400	(Examples: cap and gown, nursing pin, composite picture, etc.)
NCLEX and State Board of Nursing Application	$400

*Costs are approximated and subject to change.

Prelicensure BSN students at Radford University have access to obtain clinical rotations at two large magnet hospitals which are Level 1 & 2 trauma centers with state-of-the-art facilities as well as multiple community hospitals. Students perform more than 500 direct care hours with adults, children, babies, and older-adults across acute care, long term care, and community based settings.

The BSN program builds upon a strong foundation of general education courses and prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Exam-RN (NCLEX-RN) in Virginia.