Nursing - Bachelor of Science (BSN)
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Degree Type
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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College
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Contact
Advising Contact: Jordanna Shotzman
Phone: 479-788-7856
Prepare for a meaningful career as a skilled and confident registered nurse through a BSN program built for your success.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing helps you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to become a registered nurse. You learn through hands-on clinical experiences, supportive faculty mentorship, and training in our state-of-the-art simulation center. The program prepares you to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care across today’s healthcare settings and supports you as you grow into a confident, practice-ready nurse.
You can pursue the BSN through a traditional daytime schedule or choose a weekend and evening scheduling option that supports your responsibilities during the day.
To begin your path toward becoming a registered nurse, you will complete a two-step application process. You must first apply and be admitted to UAFS, then submit a separate application to the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing application includes program requirements, deadlines, and supporting documents that help our faculty evaluate your readiness for clinical study. You can review the full process and required materials on the UAFS Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing application information page.
Weekend and Evening Scheduling Option
If you need a nontraditional schedule, you can complete all required BSN coursework, labs, and clinical rotations during evening and weekend hours. This option follows the same curriculum, admission requirements, and degree plan as the daytime format and provides full preparation for RN licensure.
A typical week may include:
• Evening classes between 4-9 p.m.
• Evening and weekend clinical rotations between 3:30-11:30 p.m.
• Evening and weekend lab experiences
• Virtual simulation activities completed online
This option supports you if you work full time, care for children or family members, or simply prefer a schedule outside daytime hours. You receive the same high-quality instruction, personalized advising, and hands-on clinical experience as students in the daytime schedule. The Weekend and Evening Scheduling Option allows you to stay on track toward your RN licensure while keeping your existing work and family routine.
What can I do with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
A BSN opens the door to a meaningful career where you can make a difference in the lives of others. After graduation you are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam and begin your career as a registered nurse.
With a BSN, you can work in settings such as:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Outpatient clinics and specialty practices
- Urgent care and community health programs
- Long term care and rehabilitation facilities
- Schools and public health agencies
- Home health and hospice care
You can also grow into roles in:
- Leadership and charge nurse positions
- Case management
- Patient and family education
- Quality and safety
- Preparation for advanced study
A BSN creates a strong foundation for long-term career mobility and gives you the flexibility to grow into the nursing role that best fits your goals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for registered nurses in 2024 was $93,600.
If you choose the Weekend and Evening Scheduling Option, you earn the same accredited BSN degree and have the same clinical preparation and employment opportunities as students in the daytime format.
Cost and Financial Support
UAFS is committed to offering an affordable path to a nursing career. You may qualify for scholarships, financial aid, employer tuition benefits, and payment plan options. Tuition, fees, and estimated program expenses are available on the School of Nursing cost page so you can plan with confidence. Our team is here to help you understand your options and create a plan that fits your budget. View the estimated cost of earning a BSN degree from UAFS.
Related Programs
Weekend/Evening Scheduling Option FAQ
Yes. Many students choose the weekend and evening schedule because they work during the day. You will still need to plan for full-time study and clinical hours.
Yes. You can complete all required courses, labs, and clinical experiences through the weekend and evening schedule.
No. It is a scheduling option within the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. You earn the same BSN degree.
Evening classes typically meet between 4-9 p.m. Evening and weekend labs/clinicals are usually scheduled between 3:30-11:30 p.m.
No. You must choose either the traditional daytime schedule or the weekend and evening scheduling option. Both formats follow the same BSN curriculum, but they are structured separately to give you a consistent class and clinical schedule. Once you select an option, you will complete all coursework, labs, and clinical experiences within that schedule.
Yes. Everyone follows the same BSN degree plan and meets the same academic, clinical, and graduation standards.
Yes. The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. CCNE accreditation confirms your education meets rigorous national nursing standards recognized by employers, graduate programs, and state licensing boards.
Program Learning Outcomes
When you complete the program, you will be able to:
- Use the nursing process and critical thinking to promote, maintain, and restore the health of individuals and families throughout the lifespan.
- Evaluate the application of research findings to support evidence-based practice.
- Communicate effectively using interpersonal, written, and technological strategies.
- Integrate leadership and management skills in the provision of cost-effective quality health care.
- Individualize culturally and ethnically sensitive health promotion strategies with individuals, families, populations, and communities in a variety of settings.
- Model professional role development.
CCNE Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. CCNE accreditation confirms that your BSN meets rigorous national nursing standards and is recognized by employers, graduate programs and state licensing boards.