Frequently Asked Questions

Program Information

Is BSN-LINC fully accredited?
Yes. BSN-LINC is accredited the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

CCNE is one of two nursing education accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Secretary of Education (the other being the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission[NLNAC]). Many RN’s have heard about the NLNAC because their associate or diploma program was accredited by that organization. Because CCNE accredits only baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degree programs, many nursing education programs that do not offer practical nursing, associate degree or nursing diploma programs have chosen to pursue CCNE accreditation. UW-Green Bay was accredited by both NLNAC and CCNE and elected to maintain only the CCNE accreditation.

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How many classes will I need to take?
The baccalaureate degree is 120 credits. You will typically transfer 57-60 credits from your Associate Degree or Diploma program. Additional credits completed at other universities, colleges, or community colleges usually transfer. 30 credits of upper level nursing will make up part of the 120 credits needed for your BSN. The remaining credits will be made up of general education and nursing support requirements.

You must take at least 30 credits from UW-Green Bay in order to receive a Baccalaureate degree. The number and type of credits are dependent upon your credit evaluation. We strongly recommend you contact a nursing advisor at the toll-free number 1-877-656-1483 to discuss your individual situation.

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If I hold a previous bachelor's degree, do I have to take non-nursing courses?
As of February 2006, nursing students with a previous Bachelor degree from an accredited institution will be considered to have fulfilled the following general education requirements: Fine Arts, Humanities I, II, & III, and World Culture. Having a previous baccalaureate degree does not waive the general education Ethnic Studies requirement or the nursing support requirements of Chemistry, Expository Writing, Therapeutic Nursing Interventions, Statistics, and Critical Thinking. The degree will be evaluated by the Registrar’s Office upon your official credit evaluation.

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How many clinicals are there?
There is one practicum, Community Health Nursing (CHN) Practicum, which is separate from the Community Health Nursing theory class we require you to take prior to or concurrent with the practicum.

The CHN is arranged in your home state as close to your area of residence as possible. It involves a total of 115.5 hours, 40 of which are scheduled in a Public Health Department. The remaining experiences take place at various agencies such as tribal health facilities, schools, correctional health facilities, and occupational health facilities:

The 40 hours in the Public Health agency are negotiated between the student and the agency based on the services provided and the student's work schedule. The amount and type of services offered in the evening vary according to agency, but the majority of the experiences will occur during the day.

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How long does it take to complete the BSN?
This depends on how many credits you need and how many credits you register for each semester. On the average, our students attend school part time and complete in 1.5 - 4 years.

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Is there a time limit on completing the degree?
No. You can take as long as you need.

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What happens if I need to drop out for a semester or two?
It will not be a problem. It is recommended you notify your advisor of your plans.

If you "stop out" for one or more semesters from the BSN-LINC online RN to BSN completion program, you must reapply for admission using the electronic application. You will not pay the application fee and only need to forward transcripts from institutions you have attended since you last attended UW-Green Bay.

If you need help with the electronic application, please call UW HELP at: 800-442-6459 or e-mail them at eapp@learn.uwsa.edu .

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Are there any classes that require special arrangements?
N317 Health Assessment. There is no formal lab component with this course. However, students will need to use a friend, colleague or family member to practice the assessment skills. Each of the assessments will be evaluated by completion of correct documentation, case studies, and/or quiz evaluations. In addition, students will be encouraged to work with an experienced nurse colleague who will be helpful in skill development and giving feedback on emerging skills.

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May I fulfill the "other culture" requirement based on experience?
Possibly. This course may be waived based on documented prior experience living or traveling extensively in a foreign country. Contact a nursing advisor at the toll-free number 1-877-656-1483 to discuss your individual situation.

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Do I ever need to come to campus?
No, however we would enjoy seeing you at the commencement and pinning ceremonies.

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Do I get credit for prior work experience?
Work experience is included in the initial 57-60 credits you are awarded for completing an Associate Degree or Diploma program.

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What can I expect from the Nursing Program advisor?
Here is what to expect from your advisor:

Responding to questions about the program, the three tracks, program requirements, admission to the program, etc.
Referring students to appropriate faculty person if the question is course related
Assisting students in a variety of ways that include discussing program policies, and addressing questions and issues.
Assisting students in planning their educational experience and determining appropriate course work.
Clarifying transfer credits
Clarifying requirements and courses that need to be completed
Assisting students in laying out a time frame for completion of the program.
Providing assistance as needed when registering for classes
Providing information about UW-Green Bay and Nursing Program policies
Counseling students on academic matters
Collaborating with Student Services offices (such as Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursar, and general Academic Advising) for the benefit of students

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How do I apply for graduation?
Students apply for graduation using the Student Information System. This should be done at least a full semester prior to graduation. Also, contact the Nursing Program advisor a semester or two before graduation so the Advisor can check over your record to make sure you are ready to graduate. To apply for graduation:

Logon to the Student Information System at www.uwgb.edu/sis .
From the Main Menu, select Self Service
From the Degree Progress/Graduation section, select Apply for Graduation.
Your major(s) and minor(s) will be displayed. Click on the Academic Program on any of them. You will do this process only once, no matter how many academic programs you have.
Click the drop-down arrow for Expected Graduation Term to select the term.
Graduation Instructions will appear. Be sure to read them carefully.
Click on Continue.
Enter your name as you would like it to appear on your diploma, and the address to where your diploma should be mailed.
When all information is entered correctly, click Submit Application.

For additional Commencement information click here http://www.uwgb.edu/commencement/

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What do I do if I have a complaint or grievance?
The Nursing Program follows the UW-Green Bay Policies and Procedures for student formal complaints. These policies can be found on the Dean of Students Website.

Academic Grievance

Students who have grievances related to course grades, conduct of classes or other course matters should address those complaints first with the instructor of the course. If the student is not satisfied with the resolution, the grievance can then be taken to the chairperson of the appropriate academic department and, if resolution is not achieved there, the student may then go to the appropriate academic dean.

Non-Academic Grievance

Students who have grievances related to University staff should first address those complaints directly with the individual. If the student is not satisfied, the grievance can then be taken to the appropriate supervisor of that department and, if resolution is not achieved there, the student may then go to the Dean of Students Office.

Pursuant to the United States Department of Education Program Integrity Rule, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is required to provide all prospective and current students with the following information: If you are a student residing in a state other than Wisconsin and have a complaint regarding a distance education course/program or regarding the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, please click here for information related to how to resolve a complaint as well as a list of contacts from each state in which a student may file a complaint.

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I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Call the BSN-LINC toll free number at (877) 656-1483 or email us at bsnlinc@learn.uwsa.edu with your requests.

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Admission/Enrollment

What do I need to do to get started?
Application is made online through the BSN-LINC website, http://apply.wisconsin.edu/bsn-linc.

For specific information please refer to the How to Apply page.

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Can I test out of any classes?
We do accept credits earned through testing agencies such as CLEP, Excelsior, etc. for some courses. Also, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay does give credit for prior learning in some cases. Please consult with the nursing advisor.

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How many credits do you accept from other colleges?
You must submit transcripts from any college, university, and school you attended after high school. All credits will be evaluated for transfer to our university. It does not matter when you went to school or how long ago you took the classes. The credits are never too old, and they do not outdate. In addition to the approximate 60 credits awarded for completion of the ADN, credits taken at other colleges or universities may be transferred. Please see our Program Partners for a listing of, and website links to, and associated credit transfers for colleges having partnership relationships with BSN-LINC allowing for added credit transfers. A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at UW-Green Bay.

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I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Call the BSN-LINC toll-free number at (877) 656-1483 or email us at bsnlinc@learn.uwsa.edu with your requests.

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Financial

How much does the program cost?
The program cost is $405 per credit. There is also a $10 processing fee per course added to the price of tuition. Most classes are 3 credits and cost $1225 (i.e., 3 credits X $405 per credit = $1215 + $10 processing fee = $1225). $60 of this total is an administrative fee that is non-refundable after the close of registration. Three nursing classes: Health Assessment, Theoretical Foundations, and Management and Leadership are 4 credit classes.

The remaining fees are limited to a one-time Application Fee of $44; a Senior (Graduation) Fee of $30; and a minimum Background Check Fee of $18 for the Community Health Practicum Course placement.

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How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor listed on the FAFSA or complete the FAFSA on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov . Our financial aid school code is 003899.

For specific information please refer to the Financial page.

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What is the refund policy?

Tuition will be reimbursed under the following schedule, less the $60 administrative fee that is non-refundable following the close of registration.

Fall/Spring Semester Courses:

If you drop/withdraw within two weeks of the start date of the course, you are eligible for a 100 percent refund of tuition. If you drop/withdraw in the third or fourth weeks of the course, you are eligible for a 50 percent refund of tuition. There are no refunds after the fourth week of classes. The $60 administrative fee is refundable through the last day of registration for your class. Registration deadlines vary by course. Please check your course registration dates.

Summer Semester Courses:

If you drop/withdraw within the first week of the course, 100 percent of tuition will be refunded. Fifty (50) percent will be refunded if you drop/withdraw in the second week of the course. drop/withdrawal in the third week of the course results in a 25 percent refund of tuition. There are no refunds after the third week of the classes. The $60 administrative fee is refundable through the last day of registration for your class. Registration deadlines vary by course. Please check your course registration dates.

Refund Payments

Tuition paid by credit card will be refunded to your credit card within one to two weeks of your drop/withdrawal request. If you paid by check or money order, you may expect a refund check will be mailed to you within six to eight weeks of your drop/withdrawal request. You will receive a confirmation letter by mail once your drop/withdrawal has been processed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Student Services bsnlinc@learn.uwsa.edu .

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I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Call the BSN-LINC toll free number at (877) 656-1483 or email us at bsnlinc@learn.uwsa.edu with your requests.

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Technology

I have never taken an Internet class. How do I know I can do this?
A system check is provided to help you determine if your equipment is adequate for successful navigation through an Internet class. Click here for the system check.

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Is it all really online?
Yes, the program is all online with the exception of a 3 credit Community Health Nursing practicum which is arranged in your home state, as close to your area of residence as possible.

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How do we take tests?
All exams are completed online with a designated time frame for completion.

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Are the Internet classes self-paced?
This is not an independent learning program. We are semester based. Course requirements and class assignments have deadlines and specific expectations that will be determined by faculty. The flexibility is found in your ability to access the class web site and complete the course work at any time of the day or night.

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What technology do I need?
Please refer to the Hardware/Software requirements page for specific information about technology requirements.

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What do I do if I have trouble with my computer?
We offer 24 hour technical support. Call 1-877-724-7883 toll free or email the technical support personnel at techsupport@learn.uwsa.edu. Technical support staff is available daily with the exception of 1-6 am CST. If you are experiencing difficulties during that time after trying automated assistance, kindly leave an email message and a technical support staff member will contact you soon after 6 am.

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I still have questions. Where can I get more information?
Call the BSN-LINC toll free number at (877) 656-1483 or email us at bsnlinc@learn.uwsa.edu with your requests.

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