RN-BSN Track

Advance your career – Earn your BSN at Missouri Western!

To meet the complex demands of today’s health care environment, the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has recommended at least two-thirds of the basic nurse workforce hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing. Aware of the need, RNs are seeking the BSN degree in increasing numbers.  Missouri Western State University is partnering with area community colleges to provide a BSN degree in a flexible format that will accommodate working schedules.

Missouri Western’s BSN classes are offered in an online class format. The Senior Clinical Capstone course provides clinical learning opportunities in community health and leadership, and is individualized to students’ learning needs. Clinical times may vary. Please contact us for an individualized advising appointment to determine your graduation timeline. Most students complete their BSN within two years.

Graduates will demonstrate standards-based professional practice to:

• Function as designer, manager and coordinator of care
• Assess health of individuals, families and communities
• Use information and health care technologies
• Advocate for quality nursing and health care
• Apply theory and evidence-based knowledge

For more information, contact the School of Nursing and Health Professions at (816) 271-4415 or by email at nursing@missouriwestern.edu.

Application Deadlines for Priority Registration:
Fall: July 1 – Spring: November 1

Minimum Admission Requirements:

• Graduate of Associate Degree Nursing Program* or Diploma Nursing School with a minimum overall GPA of 2.7.
• Current, unencumbered RN licensure in the U.S. (Note: Recent graduates will be placed on probationary status pending obtainment of RN license.)
• Completion of the following MWSU Nursing prerequisite courses (or equivalent courses) with grade of “C” or higher:
  • General Studies Math Requirement
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Microbiology
• If these courses have not been completed prior to applying, the student may be accepted conditionally and must complete these courses with a C or higher prior to graduation.

*Graduates of ADN Program from a higher education institution with regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates of non-accredited A.D.N. programs should contact the School of Nursing & Health Professions for additional admission requirements.

Application Instructions:

1. Apply for general admission to MWSU: Submit a degree-seeking application to MWSU Admissions Office. Apply at www.missouriwestern.edu/admissions/. Students must first apply and meet the general admission requirements to Missouri Western State University (please refer to the current University Undergraduate Catalog). Application instructions for general admission for transfer students can be found at www.missouriwestern.edu/admissions/transfer-students/.

2. Submit required documentation: Submit official transcripts from every college or university attended directly to:

Missouri Western State University
Attn: Admissions
4525 Downs Drive
St. Joseph, MO 64507

3. Apply for admission to the RN-BSN Program: Complete the application for MWSU’s RN-BSN program and include all required application materials.

In order to have a complete application and be considered for admission to the School of Nursing, your application must contain:

• Completed RN-BSN supplemental application form (link to form above)
• Unofficial college transcripts from all colleges attended and a transcript showing completion of an Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
• Copy of RN license
• Supporting statement as to why you wish to pursue a BSN.

4.  Schedule an Advisement Meeting:  Schedule a meeting with an MWSU Nursing academic advisor to review your transcripts and assist you in developing a study plan to complete all course requirements (including general studies and pre-requisite coursework). Contact the School of Nursing and Health Professions by e-mail at nursing@missouriwestern.edu to schedule a date & time to meet. Meetings can take place in-person or with video chat technology.

Tuition and Fees:
Information regarding current tuition and fees can be found at www.missouriwestern.edu/businessoffice/tuition/.

Griffon Rate tuition information (for out-of-state undergraduate students in 18 other states) can be found at www.missouriwestern.edu/admissions/griffon-rate/.

Tuition discounts are available for North Kansas City Hospital, Liberty Hospital, Truman Medical Center and Mosaic Life Care employees.

Additional Information:

• You must be eligible to lawfully gain employment in the U.S.A.
• Completion of MWSU’s General Studies course requirements (or equivalents), Nursing prerequisite courses (or equivalents), and BSN coursework is required prior to graduation with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Missouri Western State University.
• Students must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and above) for degree completion.
• Students must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in upper division coursework.
• Students must earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU.
• Criminal background checks are required prior to beginning the Senior Capstone Clinical portion of the program in order to meet contractual obligations with clinical agencies (pursuant to Missouri Revised Statues Chapter 660.317.) An applicant who has been found guilty of a Class A or B Felony would not be allowed to participate in clinical nursing courses; therefore would not be able to complete nursing degree requirements. Some clinical agencies have more stringent requirements.