RN to BS in nursing: historical review leads to articulation agreement

Historically, registered nurses who have graduated from associate degree or diploma programs and who wish to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing have been required to pass challenge examinations to obtain credit for their previous nursing knowledge. A review of this university's policy regarding challenge examinations convinced faculty to establish a transition course and to actively pursue articulation agreements with local community colleges. Through these agreements, RN students would be granted 29 credits and bypass the junior year. This article is written to encourage others to review their policies to facilitate educational mobility for the RN/BS student.