Online RN-BS Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?
You may apply online by accessing the site www.umb.edu and selecting the “apply online” option. Nursing applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Applications for Fall are accepted until July 1, applications for spring are accepted until November 1, and applications for summer are accepted until April 1.

Students applying to the Online RN-BS Program need to submit an application, the application fee, and official transcripts from all schools attended since high school (even if the coursework does not relate to nursing).  Online RN-BS applicants do not need to submit an essay, high school transcript or letters of recommendation.

If you attended UMass Boston (or Boston State) previously, please contact the Online RN-BS Program office at RN2BS@umb.edu to find out what your enrollmenet procedure will be.  
 
What is the minimum GPA for admission consideration?
You must have at least a 2.75 GPA to be considered for admission to the RN-BS Program.  If you do not meet this minimum GPA requirement, please contact the program office.    

Will all of my credits transfer?
The university will only accept transfer courses that apply to the BS in nursing up to maximum of 90 credits. You will be awarded 40 transfer credits for prior nursing courses after you complete the first online nursing course with a grade of C+ or better.

Are there a certain number of credits that must be taken at UMass Boston?
The university requires students to earn a minimum of 30 credits at UMass Boston in order to obtain a degree.  The five six-credit nursing courses in the online RN to BS program meet this requirement.

I took my science classes 20 years ago. Will those classes still count?
The program does not have a time limit on accepting science credits.

How do I know what courses I’ll need to take?
The RN to BS online program brochure outlines the courses students need to complete prior to admission, prior to beginning the nursing courses and as well as additional university requirements.  In addition there is an academic advisor who will work with you through out your course of study.

How long is the program?
The actually length of the program will vary depending on the number of transfer credits that a student has upon entering the program and when they chose to complete any additional requirements. The required nursing courses will take five semesters including summers to complete. The online nursing courses are offered during the fall, spring and summer semesters.

While my application is being processed are there classes I could be taking?
Yes.  The Online RN to BS program brochure and Advising Sheet list all courses required to complete the program. Please visit Online RN-BS Curriculum for more information.

Many registered nurses will need to take a separate Pharmacology and Nutrition course or a challenge examination. You may register to take the NLN examinations in Pharmacology and Nutrition by accessing the College of Nursing and Health Sciences website at www.cnhs.umb.edu, selecting “Current Students,” then selecting “NLN exam application”. We accept a score of 50% or better to receive transfer credit for those courses.

A basic statistics course, that meets the nursing requirement for statistics, is offered thru www.umassonline.net.  One advantage of taking UMass online courses is that they use the web-enhanced program that is used for the online nursing portion of the class.

What is the cost of the program?
As of Summer 2008, the current cost of a six-credit nursing course is $1,970.00 plus a registration fee of $50.00. There is also a one-time cost of $20.00 for headphones to use in the synchronized chat utilized in the nursing classes. The cost of books varies with the course.  For more detailed cost information, please contact the program office.    

Is financial aid available?
Financial aid for the Online RN-BS Program is available for qualified students thru the University Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office can be reached at (617) 287-6300 or by visiting Financial Aid http://www.umb.edu/students/financial_aid/. 

What are the academic standards for progression and graduation once I matriculate in the program?
The minimum passing grade for nursing and science courses is “C+”.  Students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to progress each semester and to graduate.

This webpage created and maintained by K. Carlson.