Palm Beach Atlantic will start its new RN to BSN program in May

The new program will be comprised of 31 nursing credits in addition to general education courses.
The new program will be comprised of 31 nursing credits in addition to general education courses. | File photo

Palm Beach Atlantic University will launch its RN to BSN program in May 2016 to complement its current nursing degree offerings.

The RN to BSN program -- allowing registered nurses to earn their bachelor of science in nursing -- grew out of the needs of regional medical facilities to hire more highly educated nurses, according to Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gene Fant. 

The Institute of Medicine noted that the number of BSN-prepared nurses working in hospitals should increase from 50 to 80 percent over the next four years.

“Palm Beach Atlantic offers one of the few faith-based RN to BSN nursing programs in the state at a competitive price,” School of Nursing Dean Joanne Masella said. "This quality, as well as the personal relationships that students have with faculty that we provide in a convenient online environment, are the most significant differentiators of this program."

The new program will be comprised of 31 nursing credits in addition to general education courses. The program will take, on average, four semesters to complete. Applicants will need to hold at least an associate's degree in nursing and a valid registered nurse license.