FLEX BSN-C FAQ's

How many nursing courses are required to complete the program?
Eight nursing courses are required (28 credit hours). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree requires 120 credit hours. RN/BSN students may transfer general education credit hours from community colleges and other accredited colleges and universities.

Is your program accredited?
Yes. The FLEX program is fully accredited through 2010 by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the nationally recognized accrediting body for baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs.

How long does it take to complete the BSN?
It depends upon what you need to take and how many courses you register for each semester. Taking just nursing courses, as outlined in the course of study, will take 4 semesters and 2 summer sessions over 2 calendar years.

Can I receive credit for my beginning nursing degree?
Graduates from diploma programs will receive 39 credits for their previous nursing coursework. These credits will be earned after the student completes the first two nursing courses with the College of Nursing. You will also receive credit for any transferrable college work you did as part of your program.

Will there be additional courses required for me to complete?
Yes. This will vary from student to student depending on the number of transfer credits you are given. Some of the nursing courses require a prerequisite prior to taking the course. For example, a statistics course is required prior to Research in Nursing. A statistics course is offered by UMSL and it is on-line. A junior writing course is also required and is also available on-line.

May I take a standardized test to fulfill any of the non-nursing course requirements?
Yes. You may take certain standardized tests (e.g., CLEP) and faculty administered tests in some departments to earn credit.

May I take courses at other colleges?
Yes. You may choose to take needed non-nursing courses at any regionally accredited college or university, including by correspondence or by Internet. Always contact your nursing advisor prior to taking any courses at other colleges or universities.

Is it really all on the Internet?
Yes. All of the required nursing coursework can be completed via the Internet. Non-nursing courses can be completed in a variety of ways, including by the Internet.

Will I ever be required to visit campus?
Yes. You will be required to visit campus 1 time during your course of study. The last semester a campus visit will be required. It will be scheduled on the Saturday prior to graduation with graduation to follow the next day, Sunday. The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. with parking and meals provided.

Do any of the courses have a clinical component?
Not in the usual sense of a clinical. You will complete a clinical project in your home community. The project includes completing a community assessment and then implementing a project that will meet a need of your community.

May I change formats once I begin the program?
Yes. You may choose to take a telecommunicated course or you may choose to attend the UMSL campus. It is important to remember that costs for these classes will vary, depending on which format you choose.

May I combine formats, i.e., Internet and teleconference or on-campus class?
Yes. Maybe you decide to take a teleconference course one semester but, due to family and work responsibilities, you are unable to make the time commitment to sit in a class the following semester. You may decide to take the course on-line because of the flexibility. There will be a difference in costs should you decide to take an on-line nursing course.

Are the Internet classes self-paced?
There are course-related assignments that have deadlines and specific expectations determined by the faculty of record. The FLEXibility is found in your access to the Internet-based class. You complete the coursework any time of the day or week at your convenience.

Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
No; however, it is important to consider that the courses are only offered one time per year. You may have to wait a semester or two before the course you need is offered again.