RN to BSN courses that build on real-world nursing experience.
RN to BSN courses that build on real-world nursing experience.

Online RN to BSN curriculum overview

The online RN to BSN curriculum at Oklahoma City University (OCU) is designed for registered nurses who want to build on their existing clinical experience while advancing their education. OCU’s RN to BSN online program curriculum focuses on professional nursing practice, leadership, research, and community-based care—core competencies increasingly valued across today’s health care settings.

Courses are delivered 100% online and structured to fit the demanding schedules of working nurses. With a streamlined format and focused coursework, the RN to BSN program curriculum allows students to progress efficiently while applying new knowledge directly to professional practice.

RN to BSN online program curriculum built for nursing excellence

The RN to BSN course curriculum at Oklahoma City University is intentionally designed around the realities of modern nursing practice. As health care systems place greater emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, population health management, and quality improvement, registered nurses are increasingly expected to contribute beyond direct bedside care.

Coursework addresses these shifts by strengthening skills in:

  • Evidence-based practice
  • Ethical and legal decision-making
  • Using research to inform patient care
  • Care coordination across complex health care systems
  • Participating in community and public health initiatives
  • Advocating for patients from diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds
Group of Doctors huddled in an enjoyable conversation

The curriculum also reflects the growing leadership responsibilities of BSN-prepared nurses, including communication across care teams, systems-based thinking, and professional accountability. Together, these focus areas prepare registered nurses to adapt to evolving roles while deepening their understanding of nursing’s impact across clinical, organizational, and community settings.

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Considering a nursing degree to take your career to the next level? Your journey starts here. Complete the form to get a program brochure for Oklahoma City University’s online RN-BSN program.

Get valuable insights into the OCU online experience, learn more about the curriculum, and see where this degree can take you.

Core RN to BSN courses

The RN to BSN curriculum includes a defined sequence of core nursing courses that build on prior RN education. These RN to BSN courses focus on advanced nursing concepts, leadership development, research application, and holistic patient care.

NURS 4202 Professional Nursing (2 credit hours)

This theory course provides an overview of professional nursing practice. Theories of nursing, concepts of caring, self-care, health, wellness, and illness are presented as a basis for nursing practice.

NURS 4403 Health Assessment (3 credit hours)

This theory and field study course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in the promotion of self-care and the delivery of nursing care within community-based health care systems.

NURS 4605 Community Health Nursing (5 credit hours)

This theory and field study course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in the promotion of self-care and the delivery of nursing care within community-based health care systems.

NURS 4503 Nursing Research (3 credit hours)

This theory course focuses on the application of research to professional nursing practice.

NURS 4805 Nursing Leadership (5 credit hours)

This capstone theory and practicum course focuses on synthesis of all aspects of the professional nurse’s role related to managing, coordinating, collaborating, and delegating nursing care of clients.

Elective courses

In addition to core RN to BSN courses, students complete elective coursework taught by Arts and Science faculty outside the Kramer School of Nursing. These RN to BSN classes allow students to customize their academic experience while fulfilling general education requirements.

Elective options include topic-based courses in communication, math, science, humanities, social science, and culture. All elective courses are delivered in an 8-week online format, supporting flexibility and steady progression through the RN to BSN program curriculum.

Elective options

  • ADCP 1113 Topics in Oral Communication (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1123 Topics in Written Communication (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1133 Topics in Math (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1143 Topics in Science (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1153 Topics in Social Science (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1163 Topics in Culture and Language (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1173 Topics in Humanities (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1183 Topics in Film (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1193 Topics in Art (3 credit hours)
  • ADCP 1103 Topics in Wellness (3 credit hours)
  • PSYC 2303 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3 credit hours)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online - Sample Curriculum Plan

How many classes are required for RN to BSN programs?

One of the first questions prospective students ask is: what courses are required for RN to BSN programs? The RN to BSN curriculum at OCU includes a combination of core nursing courses and elective credits, with total requirements based on prior academic experience.

The program length and course load are designed to support working nurses while maintaining academic rigor. Most students can complete the RN to BSN online program curriculum:

  • In as few as two semesters (12 months) on a full-time schedule
  • In as few as four semesters (24 months) on a part-time schedule

View Sample Course Map

An RN to BSN curriculum designed for working nurses

Flexibility is central to the RN to BSN curriculum at OCU. Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities. Nurses can choose full-time or part-time enrollment options and move through courses at a pace that fits their goals.

Support resources, online learning tools, and clear course sequencing help students stay on track from start to completion. The curriculum is intentionally structured to meet nurses where they are while preparing them for what comes next.

Explore the Online Experience

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