UMassD & Southcoast Health RN-BS Program

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Through an expanded partnership, UMass Dartmouth and Southcoast Health have developed an academic partnership to support associate degree RNs in pursuing higher education. Beginning as a cohort in Fall 2025, selected applicants will receive funding from UMass Dartmouth and Southcoast Health to cover the course tuition and fees for the 10 core courses in RN-BS online program. Students are responsible for textbooks, course materials, and registration and graduation fees. 

RN-BS online academic partnership admission requirements

  • A Southcoast Health Group regularly staffed bedside nurse who is in good standing.
  • Registered nurse who holds a valid, unencumbered U.S. issued RN license.
  • Associate degree in nursing with a minimum 2.5 GPA earned from an accredited nursing program.
  • Ideal candidate will have 91 transfer credits that apply to UMass Dartmouth's RN-BS in Nursing program, leaving them to complete the minimum 31-credit residency requirement to earn the baccalaureate degree. Nurses are encouraged to submit an application and all official transcripts to UMass Dartmouth for transfer credit review to determine your eligibility for this special cohort. See Application requirements for more details.
  • Support from a nurse manager or leader at Southcoast Health

RN-BS online academic partnership application requirements                

  • UMass Dartmouth Online and Continuing Education application
  • RN license-copy of a valid, unencumbered U.S. issued RN license
  • Associate degree in nursing with a minimum 2.5 GPA earned from an accredited nursing program
  • Official College Transcripts
    • Required from all accredited post-secondary institutions attended regardless if a credential was or was not earned
    • Official college transcripts cannot be uploaded by applicant; Student Clearing House, Parchment or the College/CEP will send the official transcript to UMassD electronically upon your request
  • Letter of Support from a nurse manager or leader at Southcoast Health (brief statement)
  • Personal statement describing professional goals (brief statement)
  • Application fee – WAIVED for Southcoast Health employees

RN-BS online academic partnership enrollment process       

  • Apply online
    • Undergraduate degree & certificate applications
  • Submit required admissions documents
  • Interview
    • UMass Dartmouth College of Nursing and Health Science Admissions Committee
  • Sign ISA agreement
    • indicating an understanding of and agreement with service obligations post-degree completion
    • commit to serve as preceptors for a minimum of four (4) UMass nursing students within the first two years post-degree completion
  • Submit Intent to Enroll form
  • Schedule an academic advising appointment with Michele Bourgeois
    • create a personalized education plan; select courses; register

UMassD Online & Southcoast Health tuition assistance

Selected applicants receive:

  • UMass Dartmouth tuition and fee waiver for the first year of courses (4 courses).
  • Southcoast Health will absorb the upfront costs for the remaining courses (6 courses) that are successfully completed.

Selected applicants obligations:

  • Commit to serve as preceptors for a minimum of four (4) UMass Dartmouth nursing students within the first two years post-degree completion.
  • Students are responsible for textbooks, course materials, and registration and graduation fees.

Program capacity:

  • Space is limited! A select group of nurses will be accepted for the Fall 2025 RN-BS in Nursing partnership cohort. 

Financing your education beyond RN-BS courses                

  • Corporate Partnership – 10% Tuition Credit
  • Employer Tuition Reimbursement Benefits
  • Financial Aid
  • Payment Plans
  • Veteran Educational Benefits
  • Nursing Scholarships
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Testimonial

Opportunity awaits 

"Becoming a RN has been an amazing accomplishment as a 1st generation college graduate. Furthering my education in nursing has always been on my agenda. When the opportunity with Southcoast and UMass Dartmouth presented itself, I attended an online seminar to gain more information. I decided to apply, and it has been an amazing opportunity, and I am pleased to be a part of this partnership program. As a full time RN making the transition to go back to school to pursue my RN-BSN was a bit scary.  Between the professors and the institution, I have never felt alone, help is always available. This opportunity to achieve my BSN with little to no cost is incredible." - Melissa DaSilveira, RN. 

Why UMassD Online?

"You are within a cohort of students who know what it’s like to be in your shoes. Having this program online means you can bring class with you anywhere! Also, you will be attending a local college making it possible to meet up with other students within your cohort and utilize all UMass amenities. If this opportunity arises again for my peers I say take the leap, you won’t be disappointed. Not only will you further your nursing career and open doors to more opportunities, but you will also help achieve better patient care, broaden your critical thinking and enhance knowledge and competency. I am grateful for this opportunity and grateful to continue my studies locally and expand my knowledge to serve my community."  - Melissa DaSilveira, RN. 

Frequently asked questions

  • Career Advancement  - provides opportunity to hold leadership positions, assist in research, and understand the “why” (theory) of patient care and nursing needs to deliver quality care.
  • Education Advancement - creates a direct educational pathway to earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP), or PhD in Nursing.
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The 31 core requirement credits are completed in 5 semesters, starting Fall 2025 through Spring 2027. 

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Students complete a minimum of 31 UMass Dartmouth credits/10 courses. Starting with the Fall 2025 Semester, students take one nursing course every 7-week term and complete the nursing courses in 5 semesters. Students have the option to take non-nursing courses during the summer session or the academic year. A total of 122 credits are required to earn the BS in Nursing degree.

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Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students can access courses at any time and learn on their own schedule. They do not need to be online at a set time with the instructor. Courses are 7-weeks long except for the capstone course, NUR 409, which is 14-weeks long. Two courses have experiential practice components where students engage directly with patients, families, or populations to promote health.

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Unlike UMass Dartmouth's general RN-BS program, the academic partership cohort is not rolling admissions. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application as soon as feasible for the committee to review. 

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The application deadline is May 1, 2025. 

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Nurses are encouraged to apply. Initial consideration is given to regularly scheduled or high option per diem bedside nurses. It is not exclusive but rather prioritized.

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