FAQ: 1+2+1 BSN Pathway

What Is the 1 + 2 + 1 Pathway?

The 1 + 2 + 1 BSN pathway is a collaborative nursing education model designed to help students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a structured and efficient progression:

  • 1 Year – Prerequisite & General Education Coursework at VSU
  • 2 Years – Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing (ASN) pre-nursing courses at RCC
  • 1 Year – RN‑to‑BSN Completion at VSU

How the Pathway Works

Year 1:  Preparation

  • Foundational science and general education courses (major in Biology, Psychology, Chemistry)
  • Advising, mentoring, and academic readiness for nursing school
  • Apply for admission into the Nursing Program

Years 2–3: Associate's Degree Applied Science in Nursing (ASN)

  • Nursing theory and clinical practice
  • Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX‑RN® exam
  • Employment as a Registered Nurse upon licensure

Year 4: RN‑to‑BSN Completion

  • Upper‑division nursing courses
  • Leadership, population health, research, and evidence‑based practice
  • BSN degree completion- online or hybrid

Why Choose the 1 + 2 + 1 Pathway?

  • Opportunity to obtain 2 degrees in 4 years
  • Early entry into the nursing workforce
  • Seamless credit transfer through academic partnerships
  • Flexible learning options during the BSN completion year
  • Career mobility and preparation for graduate education

Who Is This Pathway For?

  • Recent high school graduates
  • First‑generation college students
  • Career changers
  • Students seeking an affordable and structured route to a BSN
  • Aspiring nurses interested in leadership or advanced practice roles

Eligibility Requirements for the 1 + 2 + 1 Pathway

Students interested in the 1 + 2 + 1 BSN academic pathway must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Official high school transcript
  • SAT (minimum 900) or ACT (18-22) scores submitted in accordance with pathway guidelines
  • Completion (or planned completion) of required pre‑nursing and general education coursework
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in pre‑requisite and general education coursework
  • Eligibility for admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) program
  • Ability to meet clinical health, background check, and immunization requirements
  • Submission of all required application materials by the established deadline
  • Compliance with transfer and progression requirements between partner institutions

Additional requirements may apply based on institutional or program‑specific guidelines.

I Am Interested

Students who meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to say “I am interested” should complete the following steps

  1. View the Application of Interest.
  2. Submit the Application of Interest Form and all required documents.
  3. Upload all required documents via email ssamuel-harris@vsu.edu.