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RN to BSN Program for Catholic Health Nurses

The Catholic Health and Niagara University RN to BSN program is a series of credit courses held at Catholic Health over 30 months and results in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Catholic Health covers tuition costs, books, and fees and provides laptop computers. See "Costs" for details.

The program is intended as a cohort group (all participants go through the program together).

First group of Registered Nurses to participate in the RN to BSN program:

News

Nurses prepare for expanded roles – Buffalo News, February 2012

Course Schedule

The next session begins in January 2012 with a completion of the program in May 2014. The program will be divided into fall, spring and summer terms. The schedule of courses may be revised to accommodate the needs of the students enrolled.

Applications for the January 2012 session were due by August 19, 2011.

Classes will be held at the Catholic Health AppleTree Campus in Cheektowaga on Tuesdays.

Eligibility

The program is open to Registered Nurses actively employed at Catholic Health working a minimum of 15 hours per week (30 hours per pay period), who have successfully completed orientation and have no corrective actions.

Associates must meet an admission GPA of 2.5 for Niagara University.

Costs

Catholic Health covers tuition, books, and applicable fees. Catholic Health will also provide laptop computers.

Scholarship Reimbursement Agreement

Each student in the program will be required to sign a scholarship reimbursement agreement with Catholic Health.

Payback will be through a work obligation as an RN for the equivalent of three years full time (5,850 hours) beginning at the completion of the program. Individuals may work part time or full time to meet the 5,850 hour obligation. If the employee leaves the hospital before working off the obligation, then the remaining amount owed will be prorated against the time worked.

Students who drop out of the program will be responsible for paying back monies owed on the scholarship.

Application Process

Prospective students will be required to complete all appropriate Catholic Health and Niagara University application forms and must meet admission criteria to be approved for admission to the program.

Students need to submit:

Associate Application Form (pdf)
Manager Reference/Recommendation (pdf)
Niagara University Application Form
Official transcripts for all courses / programs taken post high school
Official high school transcripts
University health service forms and immunization history

To apply:

Fill out an application. Click here to download an application. Applications can also be obtained from your HR Department.
Submit your application to your nurse manager and VP of Nursing.
Gather transcripts from your RN program and any other coursework transcripts (to be reviewed by Niagara University).
Discuss your work and school commitment with your manager. Ultimate responsibility for coordinating work and school scheduled will rest with the individual student.