APU School of Nursing’s RN to BSN Online Program Ranked #2 in California by RegisteredNursing.org

Azusa Pacific University’s School of Nursing’s (SON) online RN to BSN program was ranked #2 in California by RegisteredNursing.org in recognition of the university’s accelerated program and innovative curriculum.

“The RN to BSN program at APU tailors the curriculum to allow working nurses and students enrolled in an associate’s degree nursing program to engage in online coursework to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN),”said Renee Pozza, PhD, RN, CNS, FNP-BC, dean of the SON. “We have several partnerships with community colleges to enroll their students concurrently in our BSN program, leading to graduation in 24-27 months. This is critical for California as we expand the nursing workforce educated at the BSN level, in a timely and cost effective manner.”

Online RN to BSN programs offer working nurses a more flexible way to earn a bachelor’s degree, which sets them up for success when searching for careers at the best hospitals. Benefits of APU’s program include potential discounts for community college graduates, consistent class cohorts that graduate at the same time, and military friendly resources. The RN-BSN department offers three pathways for BSN completion at APU:

• Traditional RN-BSN/post ADN completion (four semesters)
• Summer Bridge RN-BSN/for current ADN students (four semesters, merge into RN-BSN post ADN)
• Integrative Enrollment Pathway (IEP): Concurrent ADN/BSN program in partnership with - Pasadena Community College with expansion to other community college partners starting in Fall 2024 (six semesters)

“The recognition of this ranking by Registered Nursing validates the dedication by our department in providing academic excellence and ongoing support for our students,” said Elsa Murdoch, DNP, MSN, RN, CPHRM, chair of the RN-BSN department. “Our program and coursework is built upon an evidence-based adult learning model in an accelerated format for both RNs in practice and community college students seeking a streamlined approach to complete the BSN. As a former healthcare administrator, I can confidently assure that our student-centric approach and curriculum prepares our RN-BSN graduates for success in today's dynamic healthcare system.”

Informed by a Christian worldview, APU’s nursing school prepares professional nurses for leadership and compassionate, collaborative practice in health care. Through innovative programs and expert faculty, nursing students engage in challenging discussions, mentoring relationships in small classroom settings, invaluable hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art simulation labs, and a culturally diverse practice environment that includes both study abroad and global research opportunities. In its 49th year, the program provides a transformative education for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students, called to enter this helping profession.