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Frequently Asked Questions
RN to BSN Program
1. How long will it take to complete the BSN degree?
The RN to BSN program is designed so that the nursing courses can be completed in four (4) semesters.
Progress in the program will depend upon the number of prerequisites courses and liberal studies course needed to
completed before beginning the nursing classes.
2. How much will the complete program cost?
The overall cost will vary according to changes in tuition and books. Please see current tuition rates
at: http://www4.nau.edu/bursar/fees.htm.
3. Can I do the program part time?
The RN to BSN program can be taken part time. However, the second stage of nursing classes must be taken
sequentially.
4. My college credits are old, will NAU accept these credits, or do I have to retake them?
NAU does not have a time limit on previous credits. However, if credits are more than ten years old,
without practicing nursing for more than five years, it may be required that you retake one or more of the science prerequisites to refresh the knowledge base. It may be also important to note that NAU does not give college
credit for experience.
5. How do I get started?
After reading the information in this section, you should make application to Northern Arizona
University. The application can be completed online through the Online Application. This application
can also be downloaded and filled out and sent to the University. You must have all your college transcripts
sent to the Admissions Office.
As soon as you are accepted to the University you should apply to the School of Nursing.
This can be done by downloading the application from this site and mailing it, along with unofficial transcripts
to NAU Distance Learning, ATTN: RN - BSN Program, Flagstaff, AZ. You may also email Distance Learning at Onlilne.Advising@nau.edu or call 1-800-426-8315. For questions you may also
call the RN to BSN Program Office (928) 523-2621.
6. Do I have to travel to Flagstaff to take the clinical courses?
The clinical components of these courses are conducted in your local community. The theory portion of courses in online.
7. Since I have already completed clinical courses in my basic nursing program, will the clinical courses be redundant?
NO. The clinical courses that you complete in the RN-BSN Program will be very different from your basic nursing program. The clinicals
are projects such as family case management, community assessment and intervention, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement.
8. Since I am doing course over the web, can I go at my own pace?
Courses are taught in semester blocks. Assignments are expected to be completed at specific times throughout the semester. The website is
monitored throughout the semester for interactions with the instructor and classmates. As a rule, a student can work ahead, but must adhere to
assignment due dates.
9. I do not live in Arizona; can I still enroll in this program?
Presently, the program permits students outside of Arizona. In such cases we need adequate time to establish a clinical contract with the
healthcare agency for the student's clinical projects. Students who live in adjacent states, within 75 miles of the border qualify for the “Good
Neighbor” policy. This allows students to register for courses and pay in-state tuition.
10. I work full-time and have a family. Is it possible to do this program and still meet my other responsibilities?
The majority of students works full-time and have numerous other responsibilities. Completing the work for theory courses over the web allows
one to access the courses at their convenience and still stay current with assignments. Scheduling the clinical experiences is done by working with the
instructor to not conflict with work schedules and family responsibilities. Students who work 8-5 Monday through Friday may have difficulty with their
clinical schedule, but it can usually be worked out on an individual basis.
11. What would be helpful for me to know before taking an online course?
Most students in the RN to BSN program own their own computers and find this helpful. There are NAU computer labs around the state with
technicians on hand to assist students with learning the computer and the internet. It is important that students familiarize themselves with the
internet before registering for their first class. NAU Distance Learning has created an online New Student Orientation so that you can familiarize
yourself with online learning environments. To access this orientation visit . Please take
advantage of this program prior to registering for a web course.
12. If I need financial aid to complete my BSN is it available?
Financial aid is available through NAU. To be considered you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, submit it to the
federal processor, and be admitter to NAU. Contact your local NAU Distance Learning office or the NAU Financial Aid office at 928-523-4951 or online at
http://www.nau.edu/finaid.
13. I have seen information about the Healing Community. Can you give me
information about this?
In 1996, the School of Nursing at NAU formed a partnership with five Arizona Community Colleges, known as the Healing Community. Members of the
Healing Community include:
- Arizona Western College in Yuma
- Central Arizona College in Coolidge
- Mohave Community College in Kingman
- Northern Arizona University
- Northland Pioneer College in Show Low
- Yavapai College in Prescott
Faculties from member institution have developed a shared curriculum. Because of this,
students in a Healing Community College may begin taking classes in the RN to BSN program during their last year
at the Community College as long as they have a 3.0 GPA and permission from their advisor in their Community
College. They are also not required to take the Baccalaureate Nursing Transitions course.
Students from non-Healing Community Colleges may begin taking classes in their last semester
of their Community College program with a 3.0 GPA and permission.
14. Is there anything else I should know about taking an online course?
Yes, in order for you to register for classes and take online courses, you must first set up your LOUIE
pin and obtain a DANA account. LOUIE is NAU’s online registration and student information system. DANA is
the name of the student computer system that handles student email, access to online classes, and much more. You
must be admitted to NAU before setting up these accounts.
You must first set up your LOUIE password by going to
http://www.nau.edu/LOUIE and following the directions. Once you have your LOUIE password, you can create a DANA
account. If you have question about this contact the Academic Computing Help Desk at 928-523-9294 or 888-520-7215. You may also email then at help@dana.ucc.nau.edu.
15. Will I be required to submit any other paperwork after I am accepted into the
program?
The semester before beginning your stage two or clinical courses your will be required to submit a “pre-clinical form”. This form
can be obtained at this website. This form must be submitted by March 15th for the fall semester and October 1st for the Spring semester. It will
request information related to your clinical placements. It will also require that you submit information regarding your nursing license, current
immunizations and other clinical requirements. This form and information is submitted directly to the RN to BSN Program office. It can be faxed to (928)
523-3600 , or mailed to the following address:
Northern Arizona University
School of Nursing
ATTN: RN - BSN Program
P.O. Box 15035
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
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