Nursing (RN-BSN), B.S.N. 

RN to BSN Student in Clinical Lab

Take the Next Step to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.

Turn your Associate of Science in Nursing into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and explore the complexity of today’s healthcare system and gain confidence in your ability to lead positive change. In Westfield State University’s RN to BSN program, you’ll build on your experience, existing knowledge, and skills as an RN to prepare you to take on a broader role in healthcare.  

The RN to BSN program offers a student focused orientation at the start of the program to acclimate students to the online platform and provide guidance on how to be successful in the program.

As part of the program, you'll also participate in a capstone project that will prepare you to make an impact in healthcare. Students apply their new knowledge and skills to address real problems and overcome the barriers that exist in care delivery.

Program Highlights

  • Online 
  • Affordable tuition and flexible program options
  • Supportive faculty and learning environment
  • Student focused orientation

Rise to the Challenge and Advance Healthcare.

Open doors to new opportunities that help you contribute to the nursing profession and patient care when you go from RN to BSN.

Enhance Patient Care.

  • A graduate student wearing blue scrubs and a stethoscope leans against a wall while posing for a photo.

     Experiential Learning 

    Students will engage in the opportunity to apply program concepts to their current practice environments and hone skills such as innovative thinking to identify solutions for current practice problems and barriers to care. The RN to BSN program was designed to foster practical knowledge and adeptness that will help nurses address the real world challenges they face every day in practice.

     

  • RN to BSN Capstone Celebration

    Individualized Attention  

    Small classes mean that you get the one-to-one instruction that prepares you for what’s ahead. We recognize that your previous experience as a practicing nurse brings rich insights. The same full-time faculty that teach in our day program teach RN to BSN students and encourage them to bring those insights into the classroom.

  • RN to BSN Student in Science Center

    Flexibility  

    Choose to complete the program in 12, 15, or 24 months. Remote online participation increases accessibility, and you can complete most of your coursework when it works best for you within the structure of defined assignment due dates.

The RN to BSN program has made me a more confident nurse in a way where I can see the bigger picture outside bedside nursing. Evidence-based practice and research is constantly changing and it is important that we as nurses are there to make sure we are using the most accurate information available.

-Brittany Billingsley, ’19

Ready to learn more?

What Can I Do with an RN to BSN Degree?

At Westfield State University, our RN to BSN helps you prepare to advance into formal leadership roles, participate in health policy, conduct research, enroll in graduate programming, and become eligible for specialty certifications. 

A graduate looking at the camera and posing for a photo.

Program Details

Program Mission

To prepare graduates who are skilled in promoting or maintaining health by delivering skilled, compassionate, client-centered care to individuals, families, and communities utilizing cultural and ethical understanding while demonstrating leadership and life-long inquiry.

Program Vision

To offer an accredited baccalaureate program within the context of a scientific foundation and breadth of a liberal education leading to a professional nursing degree. Excellence in teaching, productive scholarship, and contributions to the nursing profession and the community will be evidenced.

Learning Outcomes

The goals for the Westfield State University Nursing Program are to assist its students to:  

  1. Integrate knowledge from the humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences and to recognize and support diversity in the practice of nursing.  
  2. Use evidence-based skilled nursing practice to promote, maintain, and restore health across the life span to individuals, families, and groups in a variety of healthcare settings.  
  3. Become beginning professional nurses who embody legal, cultural, and ethical understanding to deliver patient-centered care in a collaborative, caring, and safe manner.  
  4. Utilize critical-thinking skills to formulate skillful, caring nursing interventions to effectively meet healthcare challenges for individuals, families, and/or communities.  
  5. Utilize current gerontological knowledge to maintain and restore health to aging clients or to support a peaceful end-of-life.  
  6. Value and confidently use appropriate healthcare technologies to enhance the care of patients.  
  7. Model an understanding of the role of the professional nurse as a leader who recognizes the importance of effective communication skills, the understanding of resource demands, the promotion of teamwork, and the need to be flexible and delegate appropriately to achieve quality patient outcomes.  
  8. Demonstrate a spirit of inquiry, an understanding of self, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Course Requirements

Requirements for the Nursing Major (RN-BSN)

Nursing courses and science lab courses require a grade of "C" or better to remain in good standing. Students may repeat only one clinical course with less than a "C" grade during their entire program.

Required "Non-Nursing" Courses - 31 credits

This area includes both core and non-core courses.

Nursing Courses in the Major - 30 credits

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Navigate your path to success with our detailed course plans.

Get big school features with small school advantages.  

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Courses taught by leaders in the field of nursing

  • Immediate application of program learning to your practice

  • Flexible for busy learners

Experienced faculty prepare you for success.

With a balance of clinical experience and post-graduate education, our talented nursing faculty are committed to preparing you for the changing healthcare environment. Our focus is on individual growth and evidence-based skilled nursing practice that promotes, maintains, and restores health across the life span to individuals, families, and groups in a variety of healthcare settings. 

RN to BSN Graduation Celebration

Award Winning Degree.

Colleges of Distinction, an esteemed organization celebrating colleges and universities that provide exceptional undergraduate experiences, has honored Westfield State University for its outstanding programming in the field of Nursing.

As a recognized College of Distinction, Westfield State has already earned acclaim for its commitment to well-rounded education. This latest recognition specifically highlights the institution's excellence in nursing education, emphasizing its effectiveness in preparing students for the demands of the field.

Colleges of Distinction 2025-2026 Best Colleges Nursing badge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westfield State University’s RN to BSN program accredited?

CCNE Accreditation 

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Elms College are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. The baccalaureate degree program is fully approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

What are the admission requirements for Westfield State University's RN to BSN program? 

To be considered for the RN to BSN program, you must: 

  • Have an associate degree in nursing from an accredited school of nursing  
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on college/university courses completed prior to admission  
  • Possess an unencumbered Massachusetts license to practice as a registered nurse in the United States by the start of the program  
  • Provide official transcripts from all universities/colleges attended  
  • Submit one academic or professional recommendation
Does the RN to BSN program accept transfer credits? 

Westfield State University accepts up to 90 credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities. 

When does the RN to BSN program start and what is the application deadline?

Westfield State University’s RN to BSN program has two start dates. If you would like to start in September, the application deadline is April 1. If you would like to start in January, the application deadline is November 1.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support? 

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth.   

Learn more about our student support services here.   

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Nursing (RN-BSN), B.S.N.