Bachelor of Science in Nursing

RN to BSN Accelerated Pathway

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing is a single purpose institution offering an educational program leading to a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN).  The mission of the College is to prepare men and women for the practice of professional nursing.  The educational plan for the registered nurse shares the same program goals and objectives of the generic nursing program but provide an accelerated pathway.

Accelerated Option for RN Students

Graduates of state-approved diploma or associate degree nursing programs may receive 31 semester hours of credit in the nursing major without examination upon satisfactory completion of the specified courses according to College policy.  Registered nurses, five years or more after graduation from a state-approved program, may receive credit without examination based on an individual assessment.

Academic advisement is available at the College to assist the student with a plan for advanced placement, transfer of credit and completion of requirements. 

Admission Requirements

• Completion of 62 semester hours of pre-nursing curriculum with a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.


• Graduation from a state-approved diploma or associate degree nursing program.


• Licensed as a RN in the State of Illinois.


• Satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international student applicants.

Application Process

• Completion of 30 semester hours of required courses which must include a minimum of 8 semester hours of the required science courses.


• Submit completed Application Form with the nonrefundable $50 application fee.


• Submit copy of official high school transcript or GED report, school of nursing and all college transcripts.


• Submit a copy of current RN license.

Pre-Nursing Curriculum

A total of 62 semester hours of Liberal Arts and Science course work is required in the following areas:

Course Offerings

*Courses available for credit through portfolio review.  Contact the College for specific information on portfolio completion.

Upon formal acceptance to the College and satisfactory completion of 315: Concepts for Professional Nursing - RN, 310: Health Assessment and 424: Nursing Clients in the Community, the registered nurse will be granted credit for the following College of Nursing courses.