What is the academic schedule of the program?
RN to BSN schedule is flexible. There is flexibility in the order courses may be taken, and students can begin in the Fall, Spring, Winter, or Summer semesters. Students who wish to complete their degrees quickly are encouraged to take two courses each semester, while others may take one course at a time.
Can I continue to work while I’m a student in this program?
Yes, you can. The RN to BSN program is designed for working nurses. The degree is offered fully online with Zoom sessions in the evenings to allow for a sense of community during a time when most working people are able to meet.
How many courses do I have to take?
The RN to BSN curriculum has 8 core nursing courses that almost all candidates will take. In total, a TCNJ bachelor’s degree requires 30 units (120 credits). The total number of courses you need to take will depend on how many of your previous courses TCNJ will accept for transfer credit. Your course requirements will depend on a few factors:
• The number of transfer credits we can accept is related to whether you took your courses at a diploma school or a 2-year or 4-year institution (outlined here).
• Transfer students with associate degrees are exempted from the College Core requirements. Students without an associate’s degree may need to take some general coursework to address core requirements.
Our curriculum webpage lists the core nursing courses and offers an estimated cost of the degree associated with different academic backgrounds.
Can I take classes on campus?
Each semester we offer an on-campus or hybrid course for people who want an in-person experience or need the on-campus option due to visa requirements.
Is the program accredited?
TCNJ’s baccalaureate degree program in nursing is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001. 202-887-6791
Can you tell me more about the clinical experiences?
The Caring in Community courses use a variety of clinical settings, from hospitals to community clinics to public health agencies to schools. Within these settings, you’ll be exposed to care for diverse populations, including children, families, and the elderly.
Are there resources available to help me if I am struggling in a course?
The Tutoring Center provides services that facilitate TCNJ students’ learning and persistence as they meet academic challenges throughout their careers. Trained in principles and practices of International College Reading and Learning Association certification, peer tutors assist students in mastering course content and developing learning skills, including problem-solving, analytical reading, writing researched arguments, oral presentation techniques, test-taking strategies, and time management.
What is the admissions deadline?
Admissions are rolling with candidates admitted a minimum of two weeks before the beginning of each semester.
What is the admissions process?
Step 1: Submit Your Application and Supporting Documents
The first step in the application process consists of submitting your online application through the TCNJ Online Application in our online portal.
Step 2: Supporting documents.
After you submit the application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit supporting documents that include official transcripts and your nursing license (required by the end of the first semester).
Step 3: Application Review
When all requirements are complete, your file will be reviewed by the RN to BSN Program Admissions Committee, and you may be contacted for additional information or an interview.
What are the program requirements?
Admission to the RN to BSN Program is restricted to nurses who are graduates of a diploma or associate’s degree program in nursing and are either currently licensed to practice as an RN in New Jersey. Licensure is not required at the time of application, but proof of a current New Jersey Registered Professional Nurse license must be provided by the end of the first semester in the program.
I’m just finishing my RN program, can I still apply?
Yes, but proof of a current New Jersey Registered Professional Nurse license must be provided by the end of your first semester in the program.
My GPA is less than 3.0, should I still apply?
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred, but you can still apply and your application materials will be reviewed by the RN to BSN Admissions Committee.
TCNJ takes a holistic approach to the review of our applicants, considering extenuating factors and involvement beyond academics.
How do I know if the courses I took at a New Jersey Community College will transfer?
NJTransfer.org allows students to type in the course number of the Community College and find the course equivalency at TCNJ. You can also send your informal transcripts to the program coordinator Sharen Clugston for an informal review (clugston@tcnj.edu).
After you are admitted, the registrar will complete the formal transcript review.
Where do I send my transcripts?
The College of New Jersey prefers to receive transcripts electronically through one of the many secure services with which we participate. Please send them to clugston@tcnj.edu. If transcripts must be sent by mail, please send to:
Trenton Hall, Room 206
The College of New Jersey
RN to BSN Coordinator
P.O. Box 7718
Ewing, NJ 08628
If I took courses outside of the U.S., what do I do with my international transcripts?
The College of New Jersey is not able to evaluate transcripts from other countries. Transcripts must be submitted to a United States agency that provides foreign credential evaluations before being sent to TCNJ. The College of New Jersey will accept foreign credential evaluations from any National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Click here or see below for a list of current NACES members approved by TCNJ.
· A2Z Evaluations, LLC
· Academic Evaluation Services, Inc.
· Center for Applied Research, Evaluation & Education, Inc.
· Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
· Educational Perspectives
· Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc.
· Foreign Academic Credential Service, Inc.
· Foundation for International Services, Inc.
· Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
· Globe Language Services
· Institute of Foreign Credential Services, Inc.
· International Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc.
· International Consultants of Delaware, Inc.
· International Education Evaluations, Inc.
· International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
· Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants
· SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
· Transcript Research
· World Education Services, Inc.
What is the tuition?
The RN to BSN program charges a flat rate tuition of $1600 per course. The total cost of the degree will depend on your academic background and how many courses beyond the 8 core nursing courses you need meet TCNJ’s minimum requirement of 30 academic units (120 credits).
Any Fees?
The full list of fees, such as the $100 graduation services fee can be viewed on the student accounts webpage. Most undergraduate student fees do not apply to online programs.
You will need to purchase books and may need Professional Liability Insurance for your clinical practice (costs vary by plan).
Other fees to expect:
• New Jersey Board of Nursing Application Fee
• NCLEX-RN Application/Exam Fee
Can I get financial aid, and are scholarships available?
Yes, you may qualify for financial aid. You should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible to be considered. For questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (609) 771-2211 or email at osfa@tcnj.edu.
Financial aid and any private loans must be in place and accepted prior to the start of your first term. If you plan to pay all or a portion of their tuition out of pocket, that payment must be made prior to the first day of class. Students with outstanding balances on their accounts will not be permitted to attend class or clinical.
Scholarships may be available. View scholarship information or visit Johnson & Johnson Nursing for outside scholarship information.
If I still have questions, what should I do?
Contact program coordinator Sharen Clugston through email at clugston@tcnj.edu. If you do not hear back from her within 96 hours, please contact our Nursing office at (609)771-2591.