Frequently Asked Questions RN-BSN Program
*Subject to change

Q. What are the requirements to apply to the LCU RN-BSN Program?
A.

• *First file an online application for admission to LCU at www.lcu.edu. This does not commit you to anything, but will speed up the process of admission and registration should you choose to attend LCU.
• *Arrange an appointment for an interview with our BSN coordinator/advisor.
• *Request an official transcript from each college or university you have attended to be sent to the Admissions Department at LCU.
• *Prior to your first day of class, the following items need to be on record at the Department of Nursing:
  • Completed Department of Nursing RN-BSN application including a brief biography;
  • Verification by Dept of Nursing of current or pending RN licensure;
  • Criminal background check performed;
  • Evidence of current CPR
  • Evidence of liability insurance (available for purchase through Dept of Nursing).
• *Applicants must be a graduate from an approved school of nursing and have a minimum of “C” in any pre-requisite/core courses with a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

Q.  Do I have to complete all my “core” courses, such as History or Genetics, before enrolling in the RN-BSN program?
A.  No.  Our RN-BSN students may take the core courses at the same time as the nursing courses. 

Q.  I work fulltime, how will the RN-BSN program affect my work schedule?
A.  The majority of our RN-BSN students work fulltime while attending school fulltime. Our main nursing courses are taught utilizing a blend of class time with online supplementation.  Depending on the nursing course, classes meet either during the day on Tuesdays or Thursday evenings.  Core courses and nursing electives have varying formats and schedules.

Q.  How long will it take to complete the RN-BSN program?
A.  The actual nursing courses can be completed in two semesters (Fall & Spring); however one may take a lighter course load and still be able to complete the nursing courses in one calendar year (Fall, Spring, & Summer sessions).  New students can enter any semester and attend fulltime or part-time.

Q.  What about tuition reimbursement or discount?
A.  Two of our area’s major healthcare facilities have offered some form of tuition reimbursement.  Please check with your current employer for your facilities policy on tuition reimbursement.  LCU grants our nursing students that are accepted into the RN-BSN program a tuition discount if enrolled in 6 or more hours a semester.*  Learn more from our BSN advisor or Nurse recruiter.

Q.  What about the overall cost of the program?
A.  Overall cost is dependent on the student…each case is unique depending on how many core courses are left to take.  Once enrolled officially in the RN-BSN program, students receive a nursing tuition discount.  The overall cost of LCU’s RN-BSN program is comparable to other area online RN-BSN programs.

Frequently Asked Questions MSN Program
*Subject to change.

Q. What are the requirements to apply to the LCU MSN Program?
A.

• *First file an online graduate application for admission to LCU at www.lcu.edu. This does not commit you to anything, but will speed up the process of admission and registration should you choose to attend LCU.
• *Arrange an appointment for an interview with our MSN coordinator/advisor.
• *Request two (2) official transcripts from each college or university you have attended to be sent to the LCU Dept of Nursing.
• *Students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate studies.
• The following items need to be submitted to the Dept of Nursing before your admission request will go before LCU’s Admissions Counsel:
  • Application to the MSN program.
  • Non-refundable application fee.
  • Two official transcripts from each college or university attended.
  • Official GRE (verbal only) or the Writeplacer Plus Exam (LCU) scores.
  • Evidence of liability insurance.
  • Criminal background check.

Q.  What is the Writeplacer Plus Exam?
A.  The Writeplacer Plus Exam is administered by LCU for graduate programs.  The purpose is to demonstrate quality writing skills.  Scoring is 1-12 with LCU requiring a minimum of a nine.  A second opportunity to retest is given for scores below a nine.  Nothing is required to prepare for the test.  Participants schedule an appointment at the Center for Academic Achievement.  A question will appear on the assigned computer screen.  Participants are allowed to hand write their answers prior to submitting on the computer.  One hour is allowed to complete the answer once the writing on the computer begins.  Cost is $10.00 (subject to change).

Q.  What if I have a bachelor’s degree in another field?
A.  Students must have a BSN or an acceptable baccalaureate degree as determined by the University and RN licensure.

Q.  I am currently working on my BSN; can I start on my MSN at the same time?
A.  RN-BSN students must be within 9 hours of obtaining their BSN.  They can take 3 hours at the MSN level while finishing the remaining hours of the RN-BSN degree.

Q.  I work fulltime, how will the MSN program affect my work schedule?
A.  The majority of our MSN students work fulltime while attending school fulltime.  Fulltime at the graduate level is six credit hours per semester.  Our MSN students utilize the majority of classes through extended weekends or short course formats with online supplementation and one mission trip to Mexico in May or June.

Q.  How long will it take to complete the MSN program?
A.  The MSN is a 35 hour, non-thesis degree designed to be completed in approximately 18-24 months by the registered nurse who is working fulltime.  Students, once accepted, can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer sessions.

Q.  What about tuition reimbursement or discount?
A.  Our MSN students receive tuition discount from LCU.  Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement.  LCU also offers financial aid.  LCU is comparable cost wise with other MSN programs.

www.lcu.edu
(806)720-7676/(800)933-7601