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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

CAMPUSES South College Online Programs
SCHOLARSHIPS Yellow Ribbon

What You’ll Learn

The online RN to BSN program at South College is designed to give licensed registered nurses and holders of nursing diplomas better job security and prospects for advancement. Many healthcare facilities are requiring nurses to have a bachelor’s degree by 2020, and our 100% online asynchronous degree program is one of the most convenient ways for working healthcare professionals to earn their BSN degrees.

This distance learning program focuses on critical thinking, evidence-based care, research, and leadership skills. It also allows students who don’t live or work near one of our campuses to access training in specialized fields like informatics and community nursing. The clinical component of the degree will take place through virtual laboratory and clinical experiences in community-based facilities convenient to the student (contingent on approval by South College).

With an associate degree, you are limited to practicing in certain areas of nursing. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree through the online RN to BSN programs should improve your ability to deliver care, open up new specialties, and make you a more desirable candidate for leadership and management positions.

South College nursing students in a lab.

What can I do with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)?

Registered Nurse Charge Nurse Emergency Department Nurse Public Health Nurse Clinical Nurse Educator Nursing Director Critical Care Nurse Nurse Preceptor Telehealth Nurse

16%* Estimated Job Growth

Keys to Success

Since this program is delivered in an online format, students in the RN to BSN program must be especially motivated, disciplined, structured, and committed to learning. It will be vital for you to set aside time for reading and coursework each day.

South College is committed to supporting our online students just as fully as we do students who take classes at one of our campuses. The 100% online asynchronous program format gives you the flexibility you need, while the distance learning platform we use facilitates and encourages communication and collaboration with other students as well as faculty members. Tools like online discussion forums allow you to ask questions, brainstorm solutions, and discuss alternatives with your instructors and classmates alike on your own schedule.

Continuing Education

Additional Information

Helpful Links

Accreditation or Approval

State Authorization (Knoxville, Nashville, Asheville, Atlanta)

The South College Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Parkside Learning Site (Knoxville) received initial approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing in December 2003, with full approval granted in September 2008. Approval for the addition of the Nashville Learning Site was granted in November 2016. The Master of Science in Nursing program received initial approval in November 2016. The Practical Nursing certification program (Knoxville) received initial approval in February 2018. The South College Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Asheville Learning Site received initial approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing in February 2016. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at the Atlanta Learning Site received initial approval from the Georgia Board of Nursing in September 2018.

Knoxville & Nashville

The Bachelor of Science program offered at the Parkside Learning Site (Knoxville) and Nashville Learning Site are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Inc. (ACEN, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975- 5000, www.acenursing.org). ACEN approved the Substantive Changes report regarding the addition of the BSN program at the Nashville Learning Site in January 2017; Continued Accreditation granted in January 2018 following an on-site review.

Knoxville, Nashville, Asheville, and Atlanta

South College is pursuing initial accreditation for the baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in Nursing by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.
Total Program and Degree Length
Total Program Credits*: 180
Degree Length: 39 months full-time enrollment
*South College operates on the quarter system, offering the possibility for more flexibility and more options for our students.
Program Tuition Rate
Please contact Admissions at 865-288-8750.
South College offers flat-rate tuition, which provides students the opportunity to take more hours for a lower cost. 10-18 hours is the same cost regardless of how many hours are taken.
Admissions Requirements

Consumer Information

Amounts for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are subject to change. Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program can be found here. South College follows the required methodology provided by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for the reporting of employment information for graduates. This information is compiled on an annual basis and submitted to the Commission by October 15 each year for graduates during the most recently completed reporting year (July 1-June 30). For more detailed information related to the calculation of graduate employment rates, please click here.

*The career options listed above are a small sample of potential job titles, and are not meant to be comprehensive. Students may or may not find employment in these positions. Job growth statistics are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2014–2024 projections. Note that the Bureau does not publish estimates for all job titles, so in some cases these numbers are an approximation based on similar job titles.

Success At South College

Shawn Domm

I chose South College because it came highly recommended from mentors of mine, the faculty is second to none, and the program fits my ever-changing lifestyle. I also chose it because of the flexibility. My wife is still serving in the United States Air Force on Active Duty, and this means that we move when they tell us to move.

- Shawn Domm, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Ferichs

One of the major reasons I chose South College was for the smaller class sizes. It allows more one-on-one time between students and professors, which enhances the learning experience for me.

- Elizabeth Frerichs, Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Adam Hatcher

I went to college originally straight out of high school with the intent of majoring in musical performance with a concentration in theoretical studies. I was not prepared to for college at that point, so I decided to gain some experience and maturity by joining the work force full-time. After working for 10 years, I felt it was time to try school again.

- Adam Hatcher, Bachelor of Business Administration
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