What you'll learn in the RN to BSN program

At Wayne State University, you'll draw from your prior RN experience while establishing deeper knowledge of evidence-based practice and improving patient outcomes. The practical curriculum prepares you for advanced clinical decisions and equips you to provide broader quality care for diverse patient populations in a variety of clinical settings. With further hands-on clinical experience and in-depth coursework, you'll excel as a nurse and create meaningful community impacts in our Detroit community.

Transfer friendly

Advance your career in the two-year RN to BSN program. You can transfer up to 91 of your required 121 BSN credits at Wayne State: your NCLEX credentials can qualify for up to 33 credits and you can transfer up to 58 general education credits from a community college. Your 30 College of Nursing credits must be completed at WSU. We'll evaluate your previous coursework on an individual basis to determine your transfer credits. Learn more about transferring to WSU

***Required general education courses may be completed at a community college or WSU. Each applicant's previous coursework will be evaluated for transfer credit. Visit transfercredit.wayne.edu for additional information. Contact a College of Nursing academic services officer to develop an individualized Plan of Work.

****The 30 credits of professional nursing coursework must be taken at Wayne State University. General education requirements and liberal arts credits comprise the balance of the 121 credits required for the bachelor of science in nursing. These courses may be taken prior to or concurrently with the professional nursing coursework.

RN to BSN required courses

Wayne State's robust nursing curriculum is taught by nursing professionals with a wealth of experience as nurse researchers and expert clinicians. You'll gain comprehensive knowledge and practice in nursing informatics, leadership and management, transcultural health, gerontological nursing and more. You'll also prepare to focus your expertise in specialties like pediatrics, geriatrics or mental health. In addition to your previous RN experience, you'll complete a clinical component each year.

Year 1

Year 2

*These courses include a didactic and clinical component.

**Admitted students may test out by examination.

Advance your nursing career with a BSN degree

BSN credentials improve your career prospects. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recognizes BSN as the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing practice and many hospitals require BSN degrees for all entry-level nurses. 

With a BSN, you can take on more leadership roles, administrative positions, case management tasks and nursing education opportunities. You'll also grow your earning potential: the average annual salary for an RN (ADN) is $74,120; with a BSN, salaries average $80,320 per year, according to NursingProcess.org.

RN to BSN program admission requirements

Apply to Wayne State University as a transfer student for admission to the RN to BSN program. You'll be eligible if you've earned an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited program or have completed a hospital-based diploma program. You'll need a GPA of 3.0 or better, as well as two professional letters of recommendation and certification of a current Michigan RN license. No work experience is required. Your application and documentation are due July 1. 

Review full admissions requirements

Affordable RN to BSN program

Wayne State University's RN to BSN program in Michigan is one of the state's most affordable nursing programs. WSU also offers $350 million in financial aid every year and you can file the FAFSA for further grants and loans that will support your educational investment. Through the School of Nursing, you can receive financial aid, scholarships and loans specific to the RN to BSN program.

Start your RN to BSN journey at Wayne State University

Build on your RN experience in Wayne State's RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway. The advanced knowledge and clinical practice in this program equip you to thrive in a community-focused career. You'll have opportunities to participate in nursing research, specialize in your nursing expertise and network with Detroit health care experts.