TO:
Potential RN/MS Students
RE:
RN/MS Program
Program Overview
The RN to Masters Program enables registered nurses without a baccalaureate degree in nursing to obtain
the MS degree and prepares them for advanced nursing practice.
In addition to the admission process for the MS program, RN to MS applicants must complete the
following:
 Request a portfolio review to verify that prerequisite coursework has been completed. In order to
request a portfolio review, please:
 Collect all your official academic transcripts together and submit them to MaryBeth
Crowley, Boston College School of Nursing, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Maloney Hall,
2nd Floor, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467.
 The transcripts may be sent directly to you by the academic institution BUT must remain
sealed.
 Include a cover letter with your mailing requesting a portfolio-review.
 The Graduate Programs office will conduct a portfolio review to determine what
coursework if any needs to be completed before an applicant may proceed with the MS
application.
Our RN/MS students come from diverse backgrounds. They may possess a diploma, an associate degree
in nursing, an associate or bachelor’s degree in another field, or various course credits acquired over time.
All applicants, however, must have approximately 112 credits accrued (42 in general education credits
and 70 in specialty knowledge related to nursing including Anatomy & Physiology I and II with Lab,
Microbiology with lab and Chemistry with lab). The breakdowns of the credits are outlined on the
following pages. RN to MS students must demonstrate leadership potential, motivation, interest in a
specific clinical specialty, and an excellent academic record.
The BCSON makes every attempt to maximize credits earned in prior education program and to recognize
clinical expertise. **Students who already possess a non-nursing BS or BA degree will have the general
education requirements waived**
RN/MS students are allowed up to six years to complete the program including any Leaves of Absence
(except for Military Leave). The length of the program will vary because of the need of some students to
engage in part-time study before and during beginning graduate study. Please note that a
baccalaureate degree is NOT awarded by Boston College.
The pre-requisite educational requirements must be completed before the student begins study in the
bridge courses at BCSON. These requirements are designed to ensure that all students have a broad
background in the liberal arts and sciences. Approximately 112 credits should be accrued in order to meet
these general education requirements. Approximately 42 credits should be under the category of general
education with the remaining credits accrued from specialty knowledge related to the nursing major.
A well rounded undergraduate college education should broaden, enhance, and strengthen a nurse’s
specialty knowledge, intellectual capabilities, and ability to manage complex health problems. A student
should be able to analyze critically the surrounding world and communicate articulately with members of
the inter-disciplinary health care team and diverse clients.
General Education Requirements (approximately 42 credits):
Social Sciences: 6 courses (18 credits) (Human behavior/social institutions; Social behavior and social
sciences, etc)
English: 2 courses (6 credits)
Statistics: 1 course (3 credits)
Humanities: 1 course (3 credits)
Electives: 4 courses (12 credits)
In addition to the above general education requirements, application must have:
Nursing and Specialty Knowledge (approximately 70 credits):
Upon completion of these requirements the student can make formal application to the RN/MS program.
Upon admission the student will enroll in the following BC transitional courses. Transition courses must
be completed before enrolling in MS courses.
Bridge Courses (taken at Boston College if not already completed):
 NURS 4260 Community Health Theory – 3 credits
 NURS 4261 Community Health Clinical – 3 credits
 NURS 4263 Synthesis Practicum (*waived for RNs with experience at the Dean’s discretion).
 NURS 3170 Principles of Evidence Based Nursing – 2 credits (effective Spring 2012).
For matriculated students, once bridge courses have been successfully completed, students may progress
to the MS curriculum.
RN - MS Portfolio Review
Undergraduate Courses required
General Education
Social Science
Social Science
Social Science
Social Science
Social Science
Social Science
English (literature)
English (writing)
Statistics
Humanities
Elective
Elective
Elective
Elective
Nursing and Specialty Knowledge
Anat & Physiology I lab
Anat & Physiology II lab
Chemistry - Life Science
Microbiology with lab
Pharmacology
Health Assessment*
Pathophysiology*
Adult Health I
Adult Health II*
Child Health
Child Bearing
Psych Mental Health
Leadership
Research**
Ethics**
Intro to Nursiing**
Nutrition**
Total approximate credits:
*may be integrated
**may not have all of these courses
Cr
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
42
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
tbd
tbd
tbd
tbd
tbd
tbd
3
3
3
3
67-73
112
Completed
Yes/No
Name of Courses
Taken
Cr
Grade
Year
Comments