OUK

OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

The innovative university for inclusive prosperity

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BScN)

RN-BScN
Online
Minimum 3 calendar years, organised in 8 trimesters of 15 weeks eachProgramme Duration
Total Fee: KES 344,000. Fee Structure: <a href="/admissions/fee-structure">View full fee structure</a>Fees per Year
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OPEN UNIVERSITY OF KENYA

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BScN)

Online

Overview

Philosophy: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BScN) programme is founded on the belief that education is a continuous, lifelong journey that should be accessible, affordable, and flexible. Grounded in the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and excellence, the program builds on prior learning and leverages technology to break down geographical, economic, and social barriers, ensuring that all nurses have the opportunity to advance their education and careers. Aligned with the university's commitment to inclusive prosperity, the program nurtures professionalism, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing nurses for dynamic roles in healthcare. It fosters holistic care, cultural competence, ethical integrity, interdisciplinary collaboration, health advocacy, and critical thinking, equipping nurses to drive healthcare transformation at local and global levels. By embracing research, innovation, and lifelong learning, the RN-BScN programme empowers nurses to become competent, compassionate, and ethical leaders, entrepreneurs, and global citizens who contribute to healthcare excellence and promote health equity for all. Rationale: The healthcare landscape in Kenya is evolving rapidly, with a growing demand for highly skilled nurses to meet complex health needs. An online RN-BScN program will expand access to advanced nursing education, particularly for nurses in rural and underserved areas. It addresses the national shortage of healthcare professionals by allowing more nurses to pursue higher education without leaving their jobs. The flexibility of online education accommodates working professionals, enabling them to balance work and study. This program will enhance the nurses' clinical skills, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice. Advanced education through the RN-BScN program prepares nurses for leadership roles, improving management and healthcare delivery. It also promotes research skills, contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge. The program aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030 and the National Health Sector Strategic Plan, supporting national health policies, and it adheres to accreditation standards set by the Nursing Council of Kenya, ensuring quality and credibility. Leveraging modern educational technologies, the program offers interactive and innovative teaching methods, such as virtual simulations and online discussions. The programme is designed to accommodate the unique needs of working nurses who wish to advance their education, providing diploma-holding nurses (KRCHN, RN, RN/RNM) with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to excel in professional nursing practice, education, healthcare leadership, and research. Goal: The program aims to produce well-prepared graduates with the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to excel as proficient, compassionate, and ethically grounded nurses in diverse healthcare settings. This shall enable them to deliver high-quality patient-centred care, drive healthcare innovation, and advocate for health equity in diverse communities.

Career Prospects

  • Professional nursing practice in diverse healthcare settings
  • Nursing education
  • Healthcare leadership and management
  • Nursing research and evidence-based practice
  • Specialised nursing care
  • Digital health

Learning Outcomes

  • Utilize critical thinking and research skills to solve complex clinical problems by incorporating biochemical principles to understand underlying health issues, analysing complex healthcare situations, critically evaluating research evidence, and adapting care plans to meet patient needs while contributing to nursing knowledge through inquiry and innovation.
  • Apply assessment techniques, evidence-based interventions, and research methodologies to provide comprehensive patient care across the lifespan while analysing health trends, identifying risk factors, conducting research to generate new insights, and developing strategies for improving individual and community health outcomes.
  • Establish effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams to facilitate optimal care outcomes while demonstrating professionalism through adherence to ethical research standards, maintaining confidentiality, and respecting cultural diversity in patient care and health research.
  • Demonstrate leadership in clinical practice, research, and healthcare advocacy by promoting quality improvement, fostering a culture of safety, engaging in lifelong learning activities, pursuing advanced education, contributing to nursing research, and participating in professional organizations to drive evidence-based practice and healthcare innovation.
PROGRAMME DURATIONMinimum 3 calendar years, organised in 8 trimesters of 15 weeks each
FEE PER YEARTotal Fee: KES 344,000. Fee Structure: <a href="/admissions/fee-structure">View full fee structure</a>
APPLICATION STATUSOpen

INTAKE

2026 — Ongoing

Admission Requirements

  • A Candidate must be a Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN), a Kenya Registered Nurse Midwife (KRN/M) or a Kenya Registered Nurse (KRN) from a recognised nurse training institution.
  • The candidate must be registered as a nurse by the Nursing Council of Kenya or the equivalent in the country of origin.
  • The Open University of Kenya's rules and regulations for admission into undergraduate studies shall apply.
  • Credit transfer: a candidate may transfer credits from part or all of the coursework requirements if the Senate is satisfied that they have completed and passed the prescribed course(s) at the undergraduate level from accredited institutions and programs recognized by the Senate, with a minimum grade of 50%; no candidate shall be exempted for more than one third of the total number of courses required in the degree program, and the unit being transferred must have been passed with a minimum of a C grade.

Government Funding

KUCCPS-placed students are eligible for government scholarships and HELB loans under the new funding model.

Flexibility

Customise your learning pace and choose courses that fit your commitments.

Inclusivity

Diversity is celebrated — all students have access to support services.

Openness

Open admissions, affordable tuition, and online delivery remove barriers.

Certification

Progressive: Certificate → Diploma → Degree as you complete credit hours.