Dual-Admission Partnerships
270 students
have transitioned from community college to our BSN program via our Dual-Admission Partnerships since 2015.
Streamline the time it takes to earn your degrees.
Work on earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) at UMSON while completing your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at one of our partner community colleges.
- Shorten your path to earning your BSN.
- Immerse yourself in engaging, challenging upper-level BSN coursework early in your studies, so you’re prepared to succeed in the BSN program.
- Many health care organizations require you to commit to earning your BSN when they hire you; get a jumpstart on fulfilling that promise.
- We help you through a smooth transition from community college to our BSN program, so you don’t have to navigate it on your own.
We now have partnerships with every community college in Maryland that offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
Community college students considering applying to UMSON’s RN-to-BSN program through the Dual-Admission Partnership should first meet with their community college’s dual-admission coordinator to verify eligibility for the program. Students who are unsure who their dual-admission coordinator is can email Celeste Seger, PhD, RN, program director, to obtain contact information.
How It Works
- Meet with your community college dual-admission coordinator to verify eligibility and be admitted to the University of Maryland School of Nursing’s BSN program while in your ADN program.
- Take UMSON prerequisite courses at your community college, and choose to begin taking UMSON RN-to-BSN nursing courses online.
- Seamlessly transfer 59 credits to UMSON, and earn an additional 30 credits when you become a licensed RN*.
- Complete your remaining nursing credits at UMSON after completing your ADN.
Through a close relationship among faculty advisors at both institutions, you’ll be guided and supported on your path to your BSN, ensuring you take appropriate courses at the right time to complete your degree as efficiently as possible.
*You must successfully complete the NCLEX exam and become licensed by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
Admission Requirements
Prior to submitting an application, you must meet with your community college dual admission coordinator to verify eligibility.
Qualifications:
To be eligible for the dual admission program, you must:
- be admitted into your community college ADN program
- meet these GPA requirements:
- 3.0 cumulative GPA
- 2.75 cumulative science GPA, including all retakes of courses (chemistry I, anatomy and physiology I and II, microbiology)
Admissions Materials:
Materials |
Submission Guidelines |
|
Online Application |
Begin by reaching out to your community college’s associate-to-bachelor’s (ATB) advisor or academic counselor to determine your eligibility. |
|
Official transcripts. An official transcript from every institution previously attended or currently attending must be submitted in a sealed envelope, as prepared by the sending institution. Electronic transcripts from University System of Maryland institutions will be accepted in lieu of official, sealed transcripts. Failure to list all schools attended on the application and to submit the corresponding transcript(s) may make you ineligible for admission. |
Submit by mail to: University of Maryland School of Nursing Office of Student and Academic Services 655 West Lombard Street, Suite 102 Baltimore, MD 21201-1579 |
|
Essay. You may submit the essay portion with your online application. We recommend that you compose the essay portion using word processing software and copy and paste it into the text box in the online application. |
Submit via online application, via email to admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu, or by mail. |
|
Typed résumé or CV. Be sure to include your full name with your résumé submission. |
Submit via email to: |
|
Prerequisite Course List. Download, print, and complete the Prerequisite Course List. Prerequisite courses must be taken at regionally or nationally accredited schools. ACE credits are not accepted. |
Submit by mail: |
|
Residency classification. Applicants who are claiming in-state (Maryland) residency MUST apply for in-state status. |
Complete a residency application and submit it using the instructions supplied on the application. |
Deadline:
Your application must be submitted for the term after anticipated completion of your ADN. For example, if you are starting your ADN degree in spring 2023, you will complete our application for spring 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend UMSON full time?
Once you complete your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at your community college, you can attend UMSON full time and complete the RN-to-BSN program in two semesters, or you can attend part time taking as few as one course each semester. The program is flexible, allowing you to adjust your enrollment (full time or part time) each semester, depending on your needs. Faculty advisors will work with you to develop your plan of study. While enrolled at your community college, you may be able to take a course within the UMSON program. The dual admission coordinator at your school can assist you in the process as well as determining if you are ready to take classes.
How long does it take to complete the RN-to-BSN program?
A full-time plan of study can be completed within two semesters (first fall and then spring or first spring and then fall). A part-time plan of study may include as little as one course per semester. You are allowed five years to complete all courses and graduate.
How many credits are required and how are they earned?
You must earn 120 credits to complete your bachelor's degree:
- 30 credits for having your nursing license
- 59 credits through prerequisite courses
- 31 credits in the UMSON program.
Courses may be taken concurrently at your community college and UMSON depending on the prerequisite requirements and your course load.
Learn more about the program, prerequisites, and plan of study.
Can I complete the program entirely online?
The RN-to-BSN program can be completed entirely online with the exception of NURS 467: Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse. This course includes 90 practicum hours in addition to coursework.
Am I able to apply without having completed the NCLEX?
Yes, you are able to apply for the Dual-Admission Partnership program without holding an RN license. Upon completion of your ADN and all prerequisites, you will enroll in UMSON’s RN-to-BSN program. You have until the end of your first semester at UMSON to submit proof of your nursing license.
Can I complete the prerequisites while enrolled at UMSON?
No, prerequisites must be completed before you enroll at UMSON. While you attend your community college and are dually admitted to UMSON, you will be able to complete your prerequisites prior to official enrollment at UMSON.
Do I need to send transcripts from all schools I have attended?
Yes, you are required to submit an official transcript from every institution you have attended, whether or not college credit was earned. Missing transcripts will result in an incomplete application.
When are the application deadlines for the Dual-Admission Partnership program?
As a Dual-Admission Partnership applicant, you will work with the dual-admission coordinator at your community college to determine the appropriate semester for your application to UMSON. You may apply at any time during the semester. The final deadline for application submission is as follows:
| Spring Semester | Fall Semester | |
|---|---|---|
| Final Deadline (Application must be complete with all components by this date or it rolls to the next semester for admission.) | Dec. 1 | May 1 |
What are the admission requirements for the Dual-Admission Partnership program?
An overall GPA of 3.0, calculated on all previous attempted coursework, is required. In addition, a 2.75 science GPA is required. The science GPA includes Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology 2, Microbiology, and Chemistry. Repeated courses are calculated in the cumulative and the science GPAs.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA during the program?
Yes. As a dual-admission student, you are required to maintain a 3.0 overall GPA to remain in the Dual-Admission Partnership program.
What if I fall below a 3.0 during the program?
You will be given one semester to raise your GPA to 3.0. If you are unable to raise your GPA to 3.0 by the end of the following semester, you will be dropped from the dual-admission program, but upon completion of your ADN, you may apply to the RN-to-BSN program as part of the open pool.
How do I apply to the Dual-Admission Partnership Program?
Once you have met with your community college dual-admission coordinator, and hear back from UMSON, you will complete the standard RN-to-BSN application for UMSON. However, you will select the term in which you will start at UMSON. For example:
| Complete ADN | UMSON Application |
|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | Fall 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
| Spring 2025 | Fall 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 |
To apply to the program, you will need to submit the following items:
- Completed application
- Application fee waiver (will be sent with application instructions)
- Essay
- Resume
- Official transcripts from all previous schools (including your ADN institution, even though you haven’t yet completed the degree)
- Completed prerequisite course list
- In-State Classification Form
How do I complete the In-State Classification Form?
You can complete the form online with the guidance of your community college dual-admission coordinator.
The form must be completed for the term you begin taking courses.
- Dual Admitted - If you intend to enroll at UMSON in fall 2024 and you are taking UMSON courses while still enrolled in your ADN program prior to fall 2024, you will complete the In-State Classification Form for the term you begin taking the UMSON courses.
- Open Pool - If you intend to enroll at UMSON in fall 2024 and you are not taking UMSON courses while still enrolled in your ADN program, you will complete the In-State Classification Form for fall 2024.
The In-State Classification Form should be sent to the University of Maryland, Baltimore registrar at:
Office of the Registrar
University of Maryland, Baltimore
601 W. Lombard St., Suite 240
Baltimore, MD 21201
By email as a scanned document: registrar@umaryland.edu
Fax: 410-706-4053
Are there scholarship opportunities?
Learn more about UMSON’s financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
RN-to-BSN students are eligible to apply for the Conway Scholarship, which covers 50% of in-state tuition and fees for the duration of your academic program. Learn more about the Conway Scholarship.
Can I complete the program if I live out of state?
Yes, you can take classes online, and the public health practicum (NURS 467: Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse) can be completed near your home. Our faculty assist you in locating an appropriate practicum site and a preceptor. You can view out-of-state tuition rates.
Am I able to choose where I complete my practicum experience?
NURS 467: Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse requires 90 hours of practicum experience, and faculty in the course work closely with you to determine an appropriate site related to your interests and your location.
Will I be assigned a faculty advisor?
Yes, each student is assigned a faculty advisor who will assist you with developing your plan of study for the program.
Will I be able to access the library and other student services if I take my course online?
Yes, all students pay applicable fees, and this allows you to have access to student services, including the library and instructional technology.
How will I be notified of my admission to UMSON?
Once you submit your UMSON application for admission to the Dual-Admission Program, it is reviewed by the UMSON Office of Admissions. If you meet the admission criteria, you will receive a letter indicating that you have been accepted as a dual-admission RN-to-BSN student. At this time, you will not be required to submit a deposit.
Once you graduate from your ADN program and have completed any outstanding UMSON prerequisites, you will enroll at UMSON. You will receive a second letter indicating you will be officially matriculating into UMSON for a certain term. At this point, you are required to confirm your matriculation and pay a deposit.