Skip to main content
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Illinois State University Home
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About
Major

Nursing (RN to BSN)

Fully Online

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Majors
  4. Nursing (RN to BSN)

Overview

Mennonite College of Nursing's Online RN to BSN program is designed as a way for licensed registered nurses who have completed an associate's degree or diploma in a nursing program to earn their bachelor's degree.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), classes are taught by the same supportive, full-time faculty who teach in our esteemed on-campus programs. Students enjoy the flexibility of 8-week online courses while completing their direct care component through their place of employment. Students can select either a full-time or a part-time plan of study, allowing for the flexibility necessary to balance busy work and personal life.

  • Meet Our Faculty
  • Careers
  • Course Requirements (Catalog)
  • Sample Plans of Study

Point of Pride

Finish your BSN in one year with our 8-week courses.

Why study Nursing (RN to BSN)?

The reasons our students have for obtaining their BSN differ—some are reconnecting with their love for learning, others are rediscovering their passion for nursing, and still others are seeking more tools to provide the best care for their patients. Whatever your reason may be, our online format is built to empower busy RNs to advance their education in a flexible, supportive environment.

Schedule a Visit

Come see campus and meet with campus representatives either in person or virtually. Optional chances to meet with academic department, honors, and financial aid.

  • Explore Campus Visit Options
  • Explore Virtual Visit Options

How to Apply

Applying to Illinois State

This sequence is for licensed registered nurses who wish to obtain a BSN. Applicants may still be in progress toward completing the Associate Degree in Nursing, nursing prerequisites, and general education courses at the time of application.  Qualified applicants will be admitted on a rolling basis.

Please note, freshman or transfer student applicants interested in the Nursing major should apply to the Traditional BSN.

Application Dates

Term Application Period Supporting Documents Due
Spring August 1 - November 1 November 15
Fall August 1 - July 15 August 1

The College may continue to accept and review applications after the priority filing deadline until target enrollment is met.

General Requirements

  • Graduate from a state-approved diploma school of nursing or an associate degree nursing program (ADN).
  • Proof of RN Licensure – Submit a copy of your RN license if you are already a licensed RN, as evidence of licensure in your current state of practice. Students completing their ADN program may provide NCLEX test results as evidence of having passed the NCLEX. Once you receive a copy of your RN license you will submit that to the college.
  • Have a 2.0 GPA or higher. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Cumulative GPA refers to all courses completed that have generated college credit.

Required Courses

A minimum of 55 credit hours (of which 37 must be IAI General Education) and prerequisite courses.

All IAI GE requirements must be completed with a C or better to receive a BSN:

  • IAI C1 900 Writing Composition I - 3 credit hours
  • IAI C2 900 Oral Communication (Speech) - 3 credit hours
  • IAI C3 901 Writing Composition II - 3 credit hours
  • IAI M1 900 Mathematics - 3 credit hours
  • IAI P1 900 Physical Science - 4 credit hours
  • IAI L1 900 Life Science - 3 credit hours
  • IAI Social & Behavioral Science: 3 courses needed from 2 disciplines - 9 credit hours total
  • IAI Humanities & Fine Arts: 3 courses total, at least 1 humanities and 1 fine arts - 9 credit hours total

The following prerequisites or equivalents must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to the start of the program:

  • Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY 110)
  • Lifespan Development Psychology (PSY 213)
  • Microbiology and Society (BSC 160)
  • Human Physiology and Anatomy I (BSC 181 or KNR 181/183)
  • Human Physiology and Anatomy II (BSC 182 or KNR 182/184)
  • Nutrition in the Life Span (FCS 102)

Official transcripts verifying completion of Human Physiology and Anatomy I (BSC 181 or KNR 181/183)  OR  Microbiology (BSC 160) displaying a grade of C or better must be received by the supporting material deadline of February 1 by the ISU Office of Admissions, Campus Box 2200, Normal, Illinois  61790-2200.

Additional Information

  • Prior to enrolling in nursing coursework students must meet health and safety compliance requirements, to include drug testing, a criminal background check, a physical examination, and several immunizations. Students not compliant with health requirements are not permitted to participate in clinical and therefore will not be able to begin the Nursing program.
  • International applicants must comply with the International Applicant Requirements as directed by the Illinois State University Office of Admissions. Please apply early in the application time frame to ensure adequate time to review transcripts.

Retention in the Major

RN to BSN students must:

  • Maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA to remain in the major.
  • Obtain a C or better in all nursing courses; dismissal from the major will result when a student receives a grade of less than C in any two nursing courses or twice for the same course.
  • Maintain consecutive fall-spring enrollment at the university. Any student who has not been enrolled in ISU coursework for more than one fall or spring semester or who has been academically dismissed from the major must reapply to the major. Readmission will be granted on a selective basis.
  • Meet all health and safety compliance requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in dismissal from the major.
  • Those students who are dismissed from the major will be changed to "Undeclared" major status.

Global Access to Online Degree Programs

When applying, international students applying to a fully online program must agree to our international online and hybrid programs disclosure and disclaimer statements. Due to limited on-campus courses, immigration documentation cannot be issued for students seeking F-1 or J-1 status.

  • Apply Now

I Want to Learn More

Request Information Form

Loading form...

Contact Information

  • (309) 438-7400
  • Edwards Hall 112
  • Mennonite College of Nursing

Commonly Used Links

Illinois State

  • Milner Library
  • Technology Support Center
  • Maps and Directions
  • Search/A-Z
  • Academic Calendar
  • Safety and Security
  • Download ISU Mobile Apps

Students

  • My.IllinoisState.edu
  • Student Jobs
  • Catalog
  • Canvas
  • Undocumented Students, DACA, or Dreamers
  • Veterans and Military Services

Alumni

  • Alumni Association
  • Redbird Gear
  • Events
  • Magazine
  • Traditions

Faculty and Staff

  • Work at Illinois State
  • iPeople
  • Email and Office 365
  • Center for Integrated Professional Development
  • Shared Governance and Administration

© 2025 Illinois State University, Normal, IL USA | Contact Us

Privacy Statement | Cookie Statement | Identity Standards | Appropriate Use Policy | IBHE Online Complaint System | ISU Complaint Resolution | Accessibility | CARES Act Reporting

  • I. S. U. Facebook
  • I. S. U. Twitter
  • I. S. U. Instagram
  • I. S. U. Youtube
  • I. S. U. LinkedIn
  • I. S. U. TikTok
Closing menu Closing Menu
  • Close Menu
  • My
  • Contact
  • A to Z
  • Admissions
  • Academics
  • Research
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • About Us
  • Apply
  • Visit

Getting Started

  • Incoming Freshman
  • Transfer Students
  • Graduate Students
  • International Students
  • Out of State Students
  • Military Veterans
  • Returning to ISU
  • Homeschooled Students

Non-traditional

  • En Español
  • Undocumented Students
  • Visiting Students
  • Second Bachelor's Degree
  • Parents and Families
  • Academics Overview
  • Academic Support
  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Graduate Programs
  • Pre-Professional
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Research Overview
  • Milner Library
  • Redbird Scholar
  • Student Life Overview
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • Student Organizations
  • Athletics Overview
  • GoRedbirds.com
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Administration
  • Our Community
  • Metrics of Excellence
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Traditions
  • Facility and Space Use
  • Learn How to Apply
  • What You Need Before You Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Fee and Waiver
  • Check Your Application Status
  • Disciplinary and Criminal Activity Disclosures
  • International Application Information
  • Schedule a Visit
  • Department Meetings
  • Driving Directions
  • Open House
  • Group Visits

University Resources

  • My Illinois State
  • Map
  • News
  • Events
  • Giving
Closing menu Closing Menu