Principles of Statistics
Self-paced online Principles of Statistics course (Statistics 101). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →IdahoNursing
RN to BSN in Idaho: the general education credits you can finish online
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
For RN to BSN general education in Idaho, most programmes list core courses such as English composition, statistics, psychology, sociology and humanities on top of your nursing credit. That core is where outside credit is most often considered. Each programme decides through its own evaluation, so get its list and ask in writing which outside courses it will review before you enrol.
What RN to BSN programmes usually need
An RN to BSN builds on your licence and associate degree. The nursing courses are taken at the programme; the rest is general education. Idaho public colleges share a general education framework with written communication, mathematics, natural science, social science and humanities areas. Boise State's pre-licensure list shows the kind of core it expects: two writing courses, general psychology, statistics and a sociology or health course.
If your associate degree came from an Idaho college, much of the core may already be done. If it came from out of state, more may be left.
Courses many RNs still need
After an associate degree in nursing, these are common gaps.
- Statistics
- A second writing course
- Sociology or another social science
- Humanities or literature
- Ethics or philosophy
Why general education is the easier place for outside credit
Programmes are often stricter about sciences, which feed straight into clinical courses, than about general education. Statistics, writing and social science rarely carry time limits, and transfer evaluations review them more often. Still, each programme decides, and many cap transfer credit or require some credit at the college itself.
| Course | Our recommendation | Usually listed as |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Statistics | ACE and NCCRS | Statistics |
| English Composition 2 | NCCRS | Written communication |
| Introduction to Sociology | ACE and NCCRS | Social science |
| Principles of Philosophy | ACE and NCCRS | Humanities |
| Ethics in the Social Sciences | NCCRS | Elective or ethics |
Fitting study around shifts
Most Idaho RNs studying for a BSN work twelve-hour shifts, and many live far from a campus. Self-paced online courses let you study on days off without travel. One general education course a month can clear the core within a year, alongside the programme's own nursing courses.
What to ask the programme
Ask for the programme's general education list and a written review of your transcript. Then ask whether it will review specific outside courses, naming each one and saying it is ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended and will reach a college via a college transcript. UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited, and the programme decides.
TESU, UoPeople and Newlane are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit; if you are open to an RN to BSN outside Idaho's public colleges, check their own transfer pages too.
A simple order to work in
Start with the written transcript review, because it tells you what is actually missing. Take statistics early, since it is the course most often missing. Then writing and social science, and leave humanities electives to last. Keep one sheet listing each requirement, the course you plan for it, the programme's written answer and the date the credit posts.
If you move between employers or states while studying, keep copies of every transcript and written reply. Programmes ask for official copies at application, and having the trail in one place saves weeks when a deadline is close.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask each nursing programme in writing whether it will review the specific course and lab you plan to take, and keep the reply, before you enrol.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Does my associate degree in nursing cover all the general education?
Usually not all of it. An associate degree covers part of the core; a BSN usually needs more humanities, social science and statistics. Ask the programme for a written review of your transcript to see exactly what is left.
Is there a time limit on general education?
Time limits usually apply to sciences, not to writing, statistics or social science. Check the programme's own wording, because some set limits on statistics too, and ask the adviser if your courses are very old.
How much outside credit can an RN to BSN take?
It varies. Many programmes cap transfer credit or require a minimum number of credits at the college. Ask for the cap in writing before you plan more than one or two outside courses, and plan the rest at the programme.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
Introduction to Sociology
Self-paced online Introduction to Sociology course (Sociology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
Principles of Philosophy
Self-paced online Principles of Philosophy course (Philosophy 200). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
A&P I and II with labs, chemistry, statistics, psychology and composition are on PRO. Ask your programme in writing first.
Sources
- Boise State University School of Nursing: Pre-licensure BSN requirements (official)Before applying: ENGL 101, ENGL 102, PSYC 101, BIOL 227, BIOL 228, CHEM 101/101L or 111/111L, HLTH 207 Nutrition, MATH 153 or 254. May be in progress: BIOL 205 Microbiology, HLTH 300 Pathophysiology, a sociology or health course. C or better in all; 3.0 cumulative GPA on starred courses; 2.5 cumulative college GPA; completion before the first day of fall semester (spring start) or 20 February (fall start); the Undergraduate Catalog governs. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.