1. Is the UH Hilo RN to BSN program a completely online program?

No. For the core program, all the theory courses are online but three classes have a clinical component (NURS 457L , NURS 411L and NURS 347L )

2. What are the hourly requirements for the clinical courses?

For each credit hour of a clinical course, you are expected to allot 3 hours of time for 16 weeks. For NURS 347L Health Assessment, you practice on your own time, maintain a log of hours, and meet twice online during the semester for check off.

For NURS 457L Ldrshp & Tran to Prac Practicu (2) , a 2 credit course, you allot 6 hours per week to work with agency on a group project. You may opt to complete more than six hours per week to complete your clinical earlier in the semester. Students must be prepared for commute time to sites across the island as the community sites are limited.

For NURS 411L Community & Collaboration Prac (3) , a 3 credit course, you allot 9 hours per week. Some of the hours are waived for the completion of the paper which is part of the course. Generally, students must complete 112 hours over the course of the semester at a community agency. Students may do one or two days per week, some take vacation time to complete the hours. Students must be prepared for commute time to sites across the island as the community sites are limited.

3. Can I work and be in the program?

This program is flexible and may be completed part-time or full-time in 2 semesters. RN to BSN students are able to adjust their work schedule around the clinical courses and their family life. It can be challenging with a full time job. School requires a time commitment both for the online theory courses as well as the clinical courses. Depending on your work schedule, you may need to arrange with your employer time off to complete the clinical hours.

4. Can I live anywhere and apply to the program?

The program is currently available to students living in the neighbor islands of Hawaiʻi. Currently the SoN does not offer clinical sites in other states. Theory courses are done completely online, the two (2) clinical courses can be completed on their home island as the SON has ongoing partnerships with current local agencies. Additionally we can acquire new clinical partnerships if needed for completion of clinical courses.

5. When are applications accepted?

Applications for the RN to BSN program are available on the UH Hilo School of Nursing Website and must be submitted by March 31st for the following fall admission and October 1st for spring admission. Students will be notified by mail of admission status. If not already enrolled, you must also apply to UH Hilo.

6. Do I have to complete all of the prerequisites before applying?

Yes. Once you are admitted to the RN to BSN program, there is a $500 per semester professional fee so it is important to complete all prerequisites before applying. However, you may apply if you are able to complete any outstanding prerequisites during the spring and summer session before you start the core RN to BSN courses. You may also take the nursing elective and NURS 362 prior to admission to the program.

7. How many courses do I have to take each semester?

It is up to you to decide how many course you want to take at a time. Many working RNs are only able to take one or two courses per semester. If you are working less, you may wish to take more courses per semester. Please be aware that core nursing courses are only offered once per year (either in spring or in fall semester) so plan accordingly (See advising checklist).

8. How long will it take for me to complete the program?

It depends on how many courses you take each semester. For full time students who are graduates from a UH system community college, courses could be completed in as few as two (2) semesters.

9. What if I decide to take a semester or two off once I am admitted?

The School of Nursing follows the same guidelines as the University. In summary, “any student who terminates his/her enrollment at the University by withdrawing from all classes, by not registering for a semester…and who subsequently desires to return must reapply for admission.” Students will also need to resubmit an application for the RN to BSN program with updated health requirement documentation.

10. Why are there so many different advising checklists?

Effective Fall 2018, UH Hilo adopted the UH System General Education core in the blocks of Foundations and Diversification requirements. Students who entered UH Hilo in Fall 2018 or later will be required to complete the current GE requirements.

Students who entered UH Hilo prior to Fall 2018 will continue to complete the GE Requirements listed on the 2011-2018 General Education Requirements page. Please see your academic advisor for questions on which GE applies to your situation.

11. What are the core courses I take and which semester?

BSN Core 27 credits (30 with Nursing Elective)

12. How do I get started?

Fill out the advising checklist located on the School of Nursing Website or Distance Learning Website. Submit it to Patricia Hensley (RN to BSN advisor) and schedule an advising session if you have more questions. We offer continuous enrollment Fall and spring.