The Defiance College RN to BSN Completion Program is designed for associate degree or diploma prepared nurses who have graduated from an accredited nursing program, have a current and unencumbered Ohio RN licensure, and wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a response by public and private colleges to a community identified need for a baccalaureate- prepared nurses.   It offers expanded career options for persons in the nursing field by combining technical aspects of nursing with leadership skills necessary to lead in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.

The program combines the clinical abilities and experiences that Registered Nurses already possess with additional technical aspects, broad-based knowledge in the liberal arts, and core nursing courses to prepare them for leadership positions, advancement into other healthcare opportunities, and meeting the challenges of today’s ever changing healthcare needs of individuals and communities.  Students will develop critical thinking and decision making skills to function effectively in interpersonal and group settings.  Graduates will be prepared to understand and respond to changing healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities.

Accreditation
The Defiance College Nursing Program has received authorization from the Ohio Board of Regents and accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  The program is in applicant status with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Program Requirements
Students must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher to be admitted into the program.  Students must complete the required Defiance College general education courses as well as the required nursing courses.  The major courses will be offered in a fast-track format with courses held one day per week to accommodate various work schedules.  Some courses are offered in a hybrid format using both online and face-to-face classroom instruction.   General education courses and electives are also available through the Defiance College Day/Evening and Weekend College programs.

Students will be required to meet prerequisite requirements.  Students will also be required to take five core nursing courses that total 23 credits plus 3 credits in a professional elective.  Students will graduate from Defiance with at least 120 credit hours, including credits transferred from the associate degree or any other transferrable credits.

Defiance College offers one of the most affordable part-time tuition rates in the region.  Students should check with their employer to see if tuition reimbursement is available.

View Frequently Asked Questions

RN to BSN Program Admission Requirements

• Submit completed Defiance College application for admission either by mail or online
• A $25.00 non-refundable application fee (waived if student applies online or visits campus)
• An official transcript from each college or university attended
• Associate degree or diploma in nursing from a NLN accredited institution
• Valid and unencumbered Ohio registered nursing license
• A minimum grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on all prerequisite courses
• Maintenance of a “C” or above in all prerequisite courses

Admission Decision
Each candidate for admission is reviewed individually with careful consideration given to academic records, test scores, and the ability to benefit from and contribute to the opportunities at Defiance College.

Major Brochure | Courses | Sample Plan of Study

After College — What’s Next?

• Nursing management and leadership Positions
• Graduate School (Master of Science in Nursing) or other selected programs
• Community Health Hursing
• Clinical Nursing
• Many other opportunities are available to those holding a BSN
  
  

“When I first heard that Defiance College was adding the BSN, I was so excited. I had been slowly working on college classes to attend another program out of town.  I investigated the program at Defiance College and found that they would accept all of my previous college coursework, and I could complete the BSN program in two years.  I was sold!  I could complete the BSN in Defiance, close to my home, and continue to work full-time.  The Defiance College RN to BSN program is a perfect fit for me, an experienced nurse working a full time job and wanting to complete my degree.” Gloria Arps RN to BSN Nursing Program

“Defiance College and the BSN completion program have been a great life experience for me. I had wanted to finish my BSN for many years, but always came across road blocks. The timing was not always right for my family, it was difficult to find a school that would accept credits from my previous education, and financing were all concerns as a working adult with a busy family life. Defiance College and the CAP program made my new educational experience conducive to my family life, as well as being affordable with my employer tuition reimbursement and the deferred payment option. The staff members in the CAP office are great people who go out of their way to assist the non-traditional student with a variety of learning opportunities. Course schedules work well with my personal schedule, and I enjoy the classroom setting as well as the hybrid format. We tell our children that learning is a life-long journey, and the BSN completion program at DC has given me a remarkable journey.” Dani Spring RN to BSN Nursing Program

The Faculty

Susan Wajert, Ph.D, M.S.N., M.B.A., RN
Interim Program Director, RN to BSN Program
419-783-2372 | swajert@defiance.edu | Faculty Profile

Kathy Holloway, M.A., M.S.N., P.C., RN
Assistant Professor of Nursing / Director of the Nursing Program
419-783-2448 | kholloway@defiance.edu

Center for Adult and Graduate Programs
419-783-2351 | 1-800-520-GO DC (4632) | cap@defiance.edu