UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Enhances ‘RN to BSN’ Online Degree

July 17, 2015

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

July 17, 2015



The University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing will enhance its RN to BSN online degree by providing a complete virtual online classroom setting in its courses, Dr. Yong Tai Wang, College of Nursing and Health Sciences dean, announced.

In the virtual classroom, students will be able to watch instructors deliver content. Each course will become much more interactive for the students, and as before, they will continue to have easy access to faculty to facilitate learning. The Blackboard sites for each course also will look the same, so students will know exactly where to find course-related materials without having to search.

By this added benefit, working registered nurses may earn their bachelor of science in nursing degree with flexible clinical experiences and interactive courses, led by caring faculty who understand the importance of quality online education.

“Faculty are excited about these courses and have been working hard with the instructional design team to develop high quality, engaging and interactive courses that we hope will be easy for students to navigate and meet the learning needs of our students,” said Christy Gipson, UT Tyler clinical instructor and RN-BSN track coordinator. “We will begin incorporating the upgrade this fall.”

The degree may be completed as early as 12 months, and part-time options with 2-3 year completions also are available. Those interested may apply at any time.

“We have a very highly sought after nursing program since the faculty are very interactive with the students, and there are advisers to help guide them in the admission process and through the curriculum to make sure they are taking the courses they need,” said Dr. Pam Martin, School of Nursing associate dean. “We feel like anyone who has met the requirements for RN licensure should be offered the opportunity to gain the BSN.”

UT Tyler’s program is part of the national initiative to meet the Institute of Medicines’ projection to having better prepared nurses in the workforce.

“By enrolling, it also demonstrates the commitment to the profession and recognition that professional education does not stop and how much it enhances their personal and professional growth that leads to better patient outcomes,” Martin added.

For more information or to enroll, call 903.566.7320 or visit the 'RN to BSN' track homepage.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.