RN to BS in Nursing
SCHOOL OF NURSING

Nurses with the capacity to work in leadership positions have never been more sought after. Adding a bachelor’s degree to your nursing credentials is the first step toward expanding your professional options to include nurse management positions that carry financial rewards and long-term job satisfaction, clinical specialties and careers in public health and research. And earning your degree through our all-online program lets you fulfill your work and family obligations without giving up advancement potential or a world-class education. Benefit from the guidance of our innovative and supportive faculty as you develop problem-solving approaches and explore new areas of nursing practice in this highly respected learner-centered program.

Program Details

Format: Online instruction combined with student-tailored practice. Participants must be able to work independently and in groups to satisfy program requirements. Theory course materials are available on the Web 24 hours a day.

Clinical component: Program faculty assist students in arranging clinical practice with community agencies and health care facilities, including senior citizen centers, schools, ambulatory care centers, community hospitals, and medical centers.

Admission requirements:

• Current RN licensure
• Completion of all required non-nursing courses (63 credits, which include six nursing prerequisites and university general education requirements)
• Grade C or better in all six nursing prerequisites
• Minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Successful completion of the Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (ACE) {*see below}
• Computer skills and knowledge of the Internet and World Wide Web
• Pre-admission credit evaluation from the Admissions Office is strongly encouraged

Application deadline: February 1 for the June start date

Program requirements: Completion of the RN to BS nursing course sequence (27 credits)

Transfer credits: To prepare to apply, request an evaluation of transfer credits. Send copies of previous college records to: Continuing & Professional Education Online Coordinator, Undergraduate Admissions, University of Massachusetts, 37 Mather Drive, Amherst, MA 01003. For more information on transfer credits, call 413-577-0746 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information:
www.umass.edu/nursing/programs/pro_ug_RN_to_BS/ug_rnbs.html
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413-545-5096

*Nursing Challenge Exams and Achievement Tests
The National League for Nursing ACE II exams are standardized tests that evaluate previous learning and work experience. They are designed to make it easier for working RNs with associate’s degrees or diplomas to earn their BS. Passing the ACE II enables students to earn UMass Amherst residence credits.
The exam is given 6 times each year: June, August, October, November, December, and January. You must register 3 weeks prior to the testing session. In order for the testing session to be held, a minimum number of examinees must register. Credits for successful completion of the exam will be awarded once you are enrolled in the RN to BS in Nursing program. The 45th percentile is considered a passing score on the ACE exams.

Achievement tests in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, normal nutrition, and pharmacology can also be used to meet prerequisites in the RN to BS in Nursing program and for the Second Bachelor’s in Nursing program.

For more information on the ACE II RN-BS or Achievement tests:
CPE Admissions Coordinator
413-577-0746
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For information about exam schedule and registration:
Karen White
413-545-5202
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