Does the Online RN to BSN at Norwich University Require Clinicals?
In the traditional sense, the online RN to BSN program at Norwich University does not include clinical courses within the curriculum. However, the online program does require additional work experience and includes a small clinical component that every student must fulfill prior to enrolling into the program in order to qualify for graduation and licensure at the BSN level. Norwich values the work experience of its students and takes that into consideration with its online programs. Qualified applicants will easily meet the clinical experience requirements for entry to the program, so the curriculum can instead focus on enhancing skills in diagnosing and evaluating nursing interventions through project-based and theory-based courses.
Required Clinical Experiences
Since the online RN to BSN program has no clinical requirements in the curriculum, applicants for the RN to BSN must have earned their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and hold a registered nursing license in their state of employment to qualify.
Because of this educational requirement, the clinical requirements for the RN to BSN are completed by incoming prospective students during their associate degree education and subsequent work experience. There is no minimum work experience required to apply, but nurses with a year or more of work experience will be more prepared for the rigors of the RN to BSN curriculum and for the demands of their future career path.
Virtual Clinical Component
Although there is no traditional clinical component in the online RN to BSN curriculum, the program does include a clinical practicum: Promoting Health in Communities, a community nursing course. The community course is a fantastic opportunity for our online students to expand their abilities, challenge themselves, and view nursing from a strategic standpoint—all within the comfort of their own home area.
Through this project-based course, students choose a pressing health need in their community and design a project to address the need. The project may focus on education and health promotion, or it can address certain policy needs of the region. Students have a great deal of flexibility on this project and are encouraged to take initiative to prove their abilities through addressing an issue of importance to them personally and to their community.
The entire project can be completed in students’ home areas, allowing our RN to BSN degree to be completed entirely online. We anticipate students will undertake the community nursing project through their current or past employers, though our faculty are here for support as needed.
Earn an RN to BSN Online with No Curriculum Clinical Requirements
Norwich University’s RN to BSN degree allows you to advance your nursing credentials and take the next step in your career while you continue to work. The program can be completed entirely online, with no clinical requirements in the curriculum.
To learn more about this program and the required clinical component, request information today.
