Frequently Asked Questions

• ​The pace of the program is up to you. 
• Each semester is broken into two 8-week segments: Session I and Session II. Students with no transfer credits can complete the program in four semesters by registering for two courses each 8-week segment. 
• Students with transfer credits may complete the program in as little as two and half semesters.

• ​CMU offers one of the most competitively priced RN-to-BSN programs in the region. 
• Tuition is paid on a per-credit basis each term you enroll. Students with transfer credits will be able to significantly decrease the overall cost of the program. 
• Learn more about our tuition and fees. This program is eligible for financial aid. 
• Looking for scholarship opportunities? Check out the list of some of CMU’s Health Professions scholarships as well as other nationwide RN-to-BSN scholarships available.

• ​Students may transfer up to 90 credits, including general education credits. 
• Student with Michigan MTA transcripts and Associate or Diploma nursing certificate and Nursing licenses will not need to take other courses except the 30 core RN-to-BSN credits and Statistics if not transferred. 
• There is no time limit or expiration date for transfer courses - including science courses. 
• Students are required to complete the Capstone course at CMU. Students also must complete a three-credit course in Statistics—either at CMU OR at another accredited institution. Transfer credit will be awarded for courses that meet the criteria of a baccalaureate program. All courses awarded transfer credit must have a grade of C, or higher. The residency requirement for RN-t-BSN students is 30 credits. 
• Students who have achieved MTA on their transcripts coming from colleges with articulation agreement with CMU have met the CMU’s general education requirements. 
• Check out our Transfer Credit Policy or contact Admissions for more details.

• ​Yes. 
• CMU’s RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 
• Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. 
• Individuals may also contact:

           Higher Learning Commission
           230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
           Chicago, IL 60604

           E-Mail

           Phone: 800-621-7440 or 312-263-0456

• ​Applying is fast and easy! 
• All applicants must submit the following: 

           Application with non-refundable application fee.
           Official college transcripts from all institutions attended.
           Copy of current RN license.*

*Current Associate in Science Nursing students who are waiting to pass their board exam should contact the Office of Admissions as you may be eligible to begin the RN-to-BSN program with permission from the program director.

• ​Applicants to the RN-to-BSN program must have their RN license to be eligible for admission.*
• If you are not yet a registered nurse (RN), you are not eligible for this program.

*Current Associate in Science in Nursing students who are waiting to pass their board exam should contact the Office of Admissions as you may be eligible to begin the RN-to-BSN program with permission from the program director.

​The RN-to-BSN program has six entry points. Apply now and begin in the semester of your choice: 

• Fall Session I (August) 
• Fall Session II (October) 
• Spring Session I (January) 
  
• Spring Session II (March) 
• Summer Session I (May) 
• Summer Session II (June) 

Note: There is an overlap between the summer I and summer II sessions.

• Frequent and personal communication, including discussion boards, live “WebEx Meeting” classes, and blogs will create a bond essential to your success. Professors also use weekly announcements and assignment feedback to further ensure access to the professor’s daily presence and availability to support classroom instruction. 
• You can also communicate with your professors via email or by phone. As with face-to-face learning you can make an appointment to meet with your professor in-person at CMU if you live in the area or prefer in-person meeting.
  

If you can answer “Yes” to the following questions, you are probably prepared to enroll and succeed in an online course. If you cannot respond “Yes” to all of these questions, the CMU Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning is here to support you. You may want to consider enrolling in only one course the first term so that you are not overwhelmed with the learning curve. 

1. When you need help, are you comfortable approaching a professor to ask for clarification? 
2. Are you comfortable with a self-learning environment? 
3. Do you have good time management skills? Will you be able to schedule your time effectively and to stay on task to complete assignments outside of class? 
4. Are you self-disciplined and self-motivated? 
5. Do you have the ability to read and follow written instructions? 
6. Do you have (or are you willing to obtain) Internet access at home? 
   
7. Do you have good computing skills including: 
• Using keyboard and mouse? 
• Managing files and folders: save, name, copy, move, backup, rename, delete, check properties? 
• Software installation, security, and virus protection? 
8. Do you have strong web browser/Internet skills (connecting, accessing, using browsers) and ability to perform online research using various search engines and library databases? 
9. Do you have the ability to use online communication tools, such as email (create, send, receive, reply, print, send/receive attachments), discussion boards (read, search, post, reply, follow threads), chats, and messengers? 
10. Are you able to use: 
• Microsoft Word, PowerPoint? 
• Knowledge of copying and pasting, spell-checking, saving files in different formats? 
• Sending and downloading attachments? 
11. Do you have the equipment and software outlined in the section entitled: Technology requirement & Acceptable Use Policies?

If you do not have these software requirements NO worries. Through CMU’s partnership with Microsoft, CMU students are eligible to download and use the latest version of Microsoft Office at no cost for as long as they are current students. This software can be downloaded, then choose Office 365 in the settings menu.

​Students enrolled in CMU’s online or off-campus programs have full access to the CMU Libraries’ services and resources, whether enrolled at an off-campus center or through an online class. The library’s Documents on Demand office will deliver electronic copies of journal articles and book chapters, as well as copies of print books, to students upon request. There is no charge for these services, and electronic requests are typically filled within 24 hours. Several academic support services are located in the library: 

• The Library Services for Distance Students 
• The Writing Center 
• The Mathematics Assistance Center 
• The Statistical Consulting Center 
• The Student Disabilities Services 
• Scholarships and Financial Aid 
• Centers for Excellence in Teaching and Learning 
• Ask the librarian 

More importantly the faculty and staff of the RN-to-BSN program are available to help and answer any questions you may have. Call or email today to inquire about our flexible program.