The RN-BSN Track is specifically designed for the working Registered Nurse seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The entire program is online. Students are requested to come to campus for a two day orientation to the School and program and may return for graduation ceremonies.  

We accept Registered Nurses from diploma and associate degree programs. Students work closely with online faculty to design clinical activities in their own communities that will enhance their learning and achieve course objectives. Students may progress through the program at their own pace. The student can complete the program in 3 or 4 semesters.

The program is designed to be as individualized and flexible as possible and still satisfy all the objectives of the baccalaureate program. The Track offers:

• Variety of options for progression
• Internet-based courses
• Customized clinical experiences
• Flexible schedule

Admission Requirements

In addition to general university admission requirements, applicants for the Online RN- BSN program must satisfy the following, based on a 4.0 grading scale:

• Overall cumulative GPA of 2.50.
• Complete 60 hours of prerequisites with a minimum GPA of 2.50.
• Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.50 on life and physical science prerequisites.
• Achieve a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses.
• Complete a minimum of 4 required life and physical science prerequisite courses prior to application submission (Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology I or II)
• Submit an application for admission and application fee. Students must submit application via the Web on the Office of Enrollment Services web site.
• Arrange for an official transcript to be sent from each academic institution attended.
• A minimum of 40 of the 60 hours of prerequisites must be completed in order to apply for admission to the program. All 60 hours of prerequisites must be completed prior to beginning the online RN-BSN program.
• Submit documentation of a completed background check for security clearance. For information regarding this process, please see the Security Screening Information Page on this site.

Completed applications and all transcripts should be sent directly to:

Office of Enrollment Services

University Admissions – 1.212 Ashbel Smith Building
The University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77555-1305
(409) 772-1215

Policy for Criminal Background Checks

As indicated above, applicants are required to undergo and pass a criminal background check as part of the application process. For more information, please visit the Student Security Screening Information page.

Immunizations Requirements

Evidence of immunizations required by UTMB must be submitted to Student Wellness for verification and processing, including documentation for COMPLETED three dose series of Hepatitis B vaccine and a positive Hepatitis B antibody titer. All immunization requirements must be met to proceed in a clinical course. Students who are not in compliance with the above policy will not be permitted to participate in clinical activities.

Clinical Practice

RN students are able to meet the clinical requirements of the curriculum in their own communities. The number of days required for such experiences varies and is customized for RN students.

Graduation Requirements

Eligibility for graduation:

• Completion of the curriculum within 6 years from the date of first enrollment with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all 60 semester hours of required courses in the School of Nursing and cumulative overall GPA of 2.0 for all work undertaken at UTMB.
• 30 of those hours are granted as advanced standing after completion of the first semester at UTMB School of Nursing.
• Completion of all of 30 of the upper-division hours must be taken in residence at the School of Nursing. 

For more information regarding graduation activities visit the commencement home page.

Texas Core Curriculum Requirements

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board requires that all students successfully complete the Texas Core Curriculum requirements prior to graduation. Consequently, students receiving their first baccalaureate degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing must successfully complete the Texas Core Curriculum requirements prior to graduation.

To view a list of the Texas Core Curriculum requirements or obtain additional information please visit the following: http://statecore.its.txstate.edu or http://www.utmb.edu/enrollmentservices/prospect/admissions/corecurriculumpolicy.htm

For computer requirements click here.