There are several program options for licensed RN's to earn the bachelor of science degree with a major in nursing.
RN's with bachelors or masters degrees in other disciplines need only complete the prerequisites and 32 credits of required nursing coursework for the degree.
Diploma Program graduates complete prerequisites, general education courses, and general electives towards the degree. Diploma RNs are required to earn 24 nursing credits by passing three Regents College Examinations with scores of C- or better: Adult Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Maternal Child Nursing. Students are encouraged to consider Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) and/or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) to earn additional college credits in areas of prior learning and personal interest.
The Decker School of Nursing has no limit on the number of transfer credits allowed given coursework is completed with a grade of C- or better. Transfer credits include 20 credits of nursing coursework to meet upper division nursing course requirements for students that are licensed graduates of Associate Degree programs in nursing. An additional 32 credits of nursing course work is required and must be completed at Binghamton University in order to meet degree requirements. The remaining credits required for the degree will be made up of general education courses, prerequisite courses, and general elective courses to total 128 credits.
These prerequisite courses must be completed before enrollment in nursing courses:
*There are two exceptions to the completion of prerequisites rule that apply only to those licensed RNs enrolling in non-accelerated program tracks. RNs enrolling in non-accelerated program tracks may opt to complete statistics prior to or concurrently with Nursing 360 (Socialization II: Nursing Research) and also may opt to complete the chemistry prerequisites (Chem I and Chem II) prior to or concurrently with the respective pathophysiology/psychopathology required courses, Nursing 351 (Patho I) and 361 (Patho II).
Additionally--prior to enrolling in either NURS 364 and/or NURS 472, licensed RNs must provide proof of licensure to Decker Student Services and the Decker School Clinical Site Coordinator.
Registered nurse students must complete at least 50 college credits in prerequisites, general education coursework, and general electives in order to enter the nursing major in the junior year. RN students may also apply as sophomores in order to enroll in prerequisites and other degree requirements.
*Note: Credit for 351, 361 and 365 may be earned by examination.
The following two year plan assumes completion of all degree requirements except for nursing courses. Part-time or full-time (12 credits per semester) options are available. Nurs. 365 (pharmacology) is only offered in the fall semester, but nursing electives are offered every semester.
Full-time students are required to take additional electives and general education courses to meet degree requirements. In order to enroll in NURS 364 and/or NURS 472, proof of licensure must be submitted to Decker Student Services and the Clinical Site Coordinator.
| Semester I - Fall | Credits | Semester II - Spring | Credits |
| Nurs. 322 | 4 | Nurs 361* | 4 |
| Nurs. 323 | 4 | Nurs Elective | 2 |
| Nurs. 351* | 2 | ||
| Total | 10 | Total | 6 |
| Semester III - Fall | Credits | Semester IV - Spring | Credits |
| Nurs. 360 | 2 | Nurs. 470 | 4 |
| Nurs. 364 | 2 | Nurs. 472 | 6 |
| Nurs. 365* or Nurs elective | 2 | Nurs. elective or Ind. Study | 2 |
| Total | 4-6 | Total | 10-12 |
The following is a sample curriculum plan for the nursing program for Registered Nurse students who have completed all prerequisite courses to the nursing major. In order to enroll in NURS 364 and/or NURS 472, proof of licensure must be submitted to Decker Student Services and the Clinical Site Coordinator.
| Fall Semester | Credits |
| Nurs 322 The Client System of Nursing | 4 |
| Nurs 323 Transitions in Professional Role Development I | 4 |
| Nurs 351* Pathophysiology and Psychopathology I | 2 |
| General Education or Elective | 4 |
| Total | 14 |
| Spring Semester | Credits |
| Nurs 361* Pathophysiology and Psychopathology II | 4 |
| Nursing Elective | 2 |
| General Education or Elective | 4 |
| General Education or Elective (if needed) | 4 |
| Total | 12-14 |
| Fall Semester | Credits |
| Nurs 360 Socialization II: Nursing Research | 2 |
| NursW 364 Population Focused Care in the Community | 2 |
| Nurs 365 * Pharmacology and/or Nursing Elective (if needed) | 2/2 |
| General Education or Elective | 4 |
| General Education or Elective (if needed) | 4 |
| Total | 12-16 |
| Spring Semester | Credits |
| Nurs 470 Socialization III: Professional Issues | 4 |
| NursW 472 Practice of Nursing V for Registered Nurses | 6 |
| Nursing Elective or Independent Study (if needed) | 2 |
| Total | 12 |
*Note: Credit for 351, 361 and 365 may be earned by examination.
A two-semester Accelerated Program is available for RN students who have completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0 all the prerequisite, general education and general elective courses required for the degree. Candidates potential for success is based on references, the ability to study full-time for two semesters, and previous education. The Accelerated Program requires full-time enrollment in 16 credits per semester. Proof of licensure must be submitted to Decker School Student Services and the Decker School Clinical Site Coordinator prior to beginning this program of study.
Transfer students may be admitted in either fall or spring. For more information, see B.U. Admissions website.
For information on financial aid, please see Binghamton University's Financial Aid web site.
Currently enrolled nursing students may be eligible for special aid programs including loans and local grants. The Decker School of Nursing offers a limited number of scholarships with specific eligibility criteria, including merit and/or residency requirements. The application deadline for these scholarships is March 1. Admitted students may obtain applications directly from the Decker School.
For more information about standard tuition and fees, see Binghamton University's Student Account Homepage.
Click here to see costs associated with program enrollment that students incur beyond University tuition and fees. NOTE: The figures itemized on the attached are estimated costs and are typically less than portrayed based on variations in the students' actual cost to purchase insurance coverage, textbooks, medical supplies, their distance traveled to clinical sites, etc.
