Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Alternative Pathway
The Nursing program offers a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited curriculum in nursing leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Within the program there are two pathways, one designed for students without previous preparation in nursing, the Generic Pathway,
and the other designed for registered nurses, the Alternate Pathway. The curriculum of the nursing program is designed to prepare the student for roles in contemporary and future nursing practice.
The RN-BSN Degree Completion Program (Alternate Pathway)
The Alternate Pathway is designed for the student entering the nursing program with at least six months of experience as a registered nurse. The Alternate Pathway program is part of the School of Extended Studies and operates according to its policies and schedule. Tuition is reduced and all courses are taught in the evening in accelerated eight-week terms. Students generally take 6 credit hours each term. The nursing courses may be completed in one calendar year. The length of time to complete the program will depend on the number of courses the student needs to complete the core requirements. Previous education and clinical expertise are recognized through the opportunity to earn credit by validation and direct transfer of credit from equivalent courses from regionally accredited institutions. Students interested in the Alternate Pathway should apply directly to the School of Extended Studies Registered nurses will receive 30 hours advanced placement credit for prior nursing education after successful validation of prior learning. Validation of prior nursing knowledge is carried out either by testing or by the evaluation of work completed in the first nursing course, Professional Nursing Role.
Registered Nurses will be able to enter the Alternate Pathway without validation testing if the following conditions are met:
- The registered nurse graduated from a Texas nursing education program accredited by the Board of Nurse Examiners (BNE) or The registered nurse graduated from a nursing education program accredited by the NLNAC.
- The individual has graduated within the past two years or has recent work experience as a registered nurse.
- If a nurse has graduated more than 2 years prior to admission to the Alternate Pathway, work experience or an approved refresher course or equivalent will be required.
- Registered nurses who graduated from schools that were not NLNAC accredited must validate prior knowledge by testing.
