RN to BSN Completion

Co-Enrollment FAQ

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When are applications due?

There are two cycles each year for admission into the RN-BSN co-enrollment program.

For Fall Admission:

    • Submit application by May 20
    • Notify of admission decision by June 1

For Spring Admission:

    • Submit application by October 15
    • Notify of admission decision November 1

Who can apply?

Applicants must be accepted into a RN associate degree nursing program through a VCCS school and have met the pre-requisites outlined in the RN-BSN Co-Enrollment Requirements.

A phone interview with the program coordinator may be required prior to receiving an admission decision.

Do you accept unofficial transcripts?

Yes. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for co-enrollment program applicants only. Once co-enrollment students transition into the degree-seeking RN-BSN program, official copies of transcripts will be required.

I currently hold a Bachelor's degree from another institution or from JMU. What is the process for applying?

Students who hold a baccalaureate degree from another institution or from JMU are exempt from completing the pre-requisite, co-requisite, and general education requirements with the exception of the Nursing pre-requisite requirements. Nursing pre-requisite requirements must be met in order to be considered for the program. All other admission requirements remain in effect.

The process to apply also remains the same. JMU graduates will need to complete a new application to begin a new career at JMU.

I previously attended JMU but did not graduate. Can I still enter the RN-BSN Co-Enrollment Program?

Yes! We welcome all former Dukes. Once previous non-graduating JMU students transition into the degree-seeking RN-BSN program, they will be guided to apply for re-entry to the university through the Office of Academic Student Services. No additional application is necessary. Learn more about the re-entry process.

What requirements do I need to meet in order to apply to the RN-BSN Co-Enrollment Program?

In order to apply to the RN-BSN Co-Enrollment Program you must meet the following requirements:

  • have been accepted into a VCCS school RN program
  • have transcripts reflecting a cumulative GPA on all college work attempted of a 2.5 or better on a 4-point scale and a minimum GPA of 2.5 for any nursing courses completed, excluding repeated courses
  • have met the following pre-requisites following acceptance into a VCCS school RN associate degree program:

    These Course Numbers Are Based on VCCS Equivalents

Students who have met these requirements can submit an application. Visit the How To Apply page to access the application.

What happens if my GPA is below a 2.5 or if I have repeated a nursing course?

The RN-BSN Co-Enrollment Program requires transcripts reflecting a cumulative GPA on all college work attempted of a 2.5 or better on a 4-point scale and a minimum GPA of 2.5 for any nursing courses completed, excluding repeated courses. It is paramount that students do well in their VCCS courses, therefore students with a GPA lower than 2.5 or who have repeated a nursing course will not be considered.

How many co-enrollment students are admitted each cycle?

Each entry cohort is limited to 20 students. All applicants are strongly encouraged to follow application guidelines carefully and submit all application materials by deadlines.

Do I have to start the co-enrollment program in my first semester at VCCS?

No. The co-enrollment program is flexible and entry is open to any qualified VCCS student enrolled in an ADN nursing program, regardless of their semester in the program. Students may start in their first, second, third, or even fourth semester and their plan of study will be tailored accordingly.

I am in an ADN program that has a December graduation. Do I have to wait until the following fall to transition into the degree-seeking program?

No. Students who graduate in December from their ADN program may transition into the degree-seeking program during the summer following their graduation. Students are advised to use the spring semester to sit for NCLEX and may transition into the degree-seeking program in the summer. Students will work with their adviser to tailor their plan of study accordingly.

If admitted, approximately how much will the program cost?

Students will spend between 1 and 4 semesters in the co-enrollment program, based on which semester they are completing in their associate degree program. Totals include number of credit hours plus $20 non-degree seeking application fee (paid once per academic year in the co-enrollment program).

Costs associated with the program
Program Costs
First Semester 4 credit hours + $20 application fee $1,820
Second Semester 3 credit hours $1,350
Third Semester 3 credit hours + $20 application fee $1,370
Fourth Semester 3 credit hours $1,350
TOTAL: $5,890 *Based on in-state tuition rate

Undergraduate Tuition Rates 2023-2024 - Fall and Spring

  • In-State: $450 per credit hour
  • Out-of-State: $460 per credit hour

The university reserves the right to adjust tuition and fee charges because of rising costs or other conditions upon approval of the JMU Board of Visitors.

Can I use my financial aid with this program?

The James Madison University School of Nursing is committed to assisting students with identifying and obtaining resources to finance higher education. The VCCS school students attend for their associate degree in nursing is designated as the home institution. It is in the best interest of students co-enrolled in the VCCS to continue receiving aid solely through their community college for their associate degree completion. JMU will not count the classes students are taking at a VCCS school while completing their ADN when determining financial aid eligibility. Once students graduate with their associate degree from their VCCS school, they may apply for financial aid through the FAFSA and explore additional resources through the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships upon entering the program as a traditional degree-seeking student in the RN-BSN Program at JMU.

Can I take more than one class per semester?

Unfortunately not. We are vested in your success at your VCCS program. Taking too many courses simultaneously can overload your schedule and cause poor performance in courses that are essential to your academic success. The only exception is during your first semester at JMU while taking the 1 credit Strategies for Success course in addition to your scheduled 3 credit course.

Do I need to complete the non-degree seeking application every semester?

No. Non-degree seeking applications are valid for one academic year (fall, spring and summer.) Students only need to complete the non-degree seeking application each fall they are in the co-enrollment program.

Can I complete my community health practicum in a study abroad program?

Yes. Qualified co-enrollment students may participate in the Costa Rica study abroad program either as co-enrolled students or as degree-seeking students during summer transition into the degree-seeking program. More information can be found on the Costa Rica Community Health Clinical Summer Study Abroad page.

What happens if I do not get a passing grade in a nursing course in my ADN program while a co-enrollment student?

Successful completion of all VCCS nursing courses is a requirement. Students must submit unofficial transcripts at the end of each semester while enrolled as a co-enrollment student. Students must achieve a C or higher for all nursing courses while a co-enrollment student. Students with grades less that C will be required to take a leave of absence from JMU until they have completed their ADN

What happens after graduation from my ADN program?

As you get close to graduation, you need to stay in touch with your RN-BSN adviser. You will have the opportunity to design your plan of study moving forward. Remember you need to pass your NCLEX to matriculate into the program as a degree-seeking student. Once you have let your adviser know of your plans, the operations coordinator will send you information on how to apply to the degree-seeking RN-BSN program after your last semester as a co-enrollment student.