The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree prepares graduates for the professional roles of a registered nurse who are prepared to deliver and evaluate patient-centered care while demonstrating clinical competency, critical thinking skills and caring behaviors. The prelicensure BSN builds upon a strong foundation of general education courses and prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Exam-RN (NCLEX-RN).
For more than 50 years, Radford University’s outstanding reputation across Virginia for graduating exceptional students makes it one of the premier institutions for earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Employers frequently request our graduates because they are ready to practice in caring for patients in today’s healthcare environment.
Our full-time, in person prelicensure BSN track prepares students for licensure in Virginia as a registered nurse and entry to practice upon graduation. The fast track, 100% online RN-to-BSN is designed for the working RN ready to increase their opportunities and expand their leadership capabilities.
Our in-person prelicensure BSN offers the opportunity to gain nursing competencies across the full spectrum of patient care settings, with skills and health assessment labs and a state-of-the-art clinical simulation center. Direct admission is available for high-achieving incoming freshmen. Pre-nursing pathways are offered for all students with a secondary application to nursing.
There are two pathways at Radford University College of Nursing with which to complete the prelicensure BSN: the Traditional pathway and the Accelerated pathway. Students on both pathways follow the same curriculum.
Traditional BSN pathway: Students attend classes in both the fall and spring semesters each year they are enrolled for the four-year program. Students in the prelicensure track need to maintain continuous registration during fall and spring for nursing major courses.
Accelerated BSN pathway: Students accepted to the accelerated pathway will first complete their general education coursework in the normal manner. Then once accepted to upper division nursing courses, these are taken for 16 months/four consecutive semesters, including during the summer semester.
Prelicensure BSN offered at two locations
Students admitted to Radford University wishing to enter the post-licensure RN-to-BSN track must meet eligibility through one of two options.
Option 1
The student:
Option 2
The student:
Prelicensure BSN students at Radford University have access to obtain clinical rotations at two large magnet hospitals which are Level 1 & 2 trauma centers with state-of-the-art facilities as well as multiple community hospitals. Students perform more than 500 direct care hours with adults, children, babies, and older-adults across acute care, long term care, and community based settings.
The BSN program builds upon a strong foundation of general education courses and prepares
students to take the National Council Licensure Exam-RN (NCLEX-RN) in Virginia.
The State Council of Higher Education in Virginia has certified Radford University to operate in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The address for the university’s main campus is: Radford University, 801 East Main Street, Radford, Virginia, 24142
Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctorate degrees. Contact
the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call
404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Radford University.
The College of Nursing pre-licensure degree programs are approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico Virginia 23233-1463.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, the master's degree program in nursing, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the post-graduate APRN certificate program at Radford University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The College of Nursing is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN).
Top 10 Radford University’s College of Nursing programs
Top 10
Radford University’s College of Nursing programs
named among the 10 Best in the Commonwealth of Virginia by nurse.org
100% online RN-to-BSN
100% online
RN-to-BSN
Learning Locations Classes available in Radford and Roanoke
Learning Locations
Classes available in Radford and Roanoke
Outstanding Facilities State-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Center in Radford and Roanoke
Outstanding Facilities
State-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Center in Radford and Roanoke
“The Radford University Nursing Program has offered me an amazing education through hands-on learning. Each professor I've had has worked diligently to make sure that each student has an in-depth understanding of the material we would be learning. It has been an incredible experience.”
Rory Croke ‘23
To learn more about the Prelicensure or Post-licensure BSN at Radford University please email us at nursing@radford.edu.