Nursing, R.N. to B.S.N.
Applications Now Open for the Greer Nursing Scholars Program!
The Greer Nursing Scholars Program at Governors State University is an exclusive opportunity for RN-BSN Transfer nursing students seeking to advance their education. The program offers comprehensive support, including financial assistance, academic resources, and professional development opportunities designed to support working nurses completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Eligible students may receive a renewable scholarship of up to $5,000 per year (or $2,500 per semester), based on financial need.
Applications are accepted until August 15th, 2026
- Students are selected based on financial need and the Greer Foundation requirements
- Scholars meet with the Greer Nursing Advisor once per month, with virtually or in-person options (in-person is encouraged).
- Scholars attend virtual group meetings/ professional development opportunities with in-person options encouraged. See this year’s opportunities below.
| April-August | Applications are accepted until August 15th. |
| Upon application | Applicants invited for interview with Greer Nursing Scholars Advisor and complete follow-up surveys. |
| September | Greer Nursing Scholars are formally notified and awarded and attend a Fall orientation. |
| October-June |
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We keep in touch with our scholars and proactively align students with resources that make sense for them. Because most RN-BSN students are already employed healthcare professionals, this program focuses on career advancement and upward mobility as well as academic and personal success.
Support includes career coaching focused on promotion pathways:
- Resume and LinkedIn updates reflecting BSN completion
- Leadership skill development, certification, and
- Specialization exploration
Guidance on pursuing supervisory, management, or specialized clinical roles.
2026–2027 Academic Year
The Greer Scholars Program at Governors State University is designed to support student leadership development, academic excellence, professional growth, interprofessional collaboration, community engagement, and health promotion. Through participation in campus and community activities, Greer Scholars gain valuable hands-on experiences that strengthen their leadership abilities, cultural competence, communication skills, and understanding of healthcare and higher education environments.
Throughout the 2026–2027 academic year, Greer Scholars will have multiple opportunities to engage with faculty, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and fellow students while contributing to meaningful service and educational initiatives. Through these year-long engagement opportunities, the Greer Scholars Program fosters the development of future healthcare leaders who are committed to academic excellence, service, advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.
University Professional Development Day
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greer Scholars are invited to participate in Governors State University's Professional Development Day. This event provides students with a firsthand look at the collaborative work of university professionals and the many departments that contribute to student success. Scholars will observe how academic and administrative units work together, network with faculty and staff, and gain insight into careers in higher education leadership, student affairs, and academic support services.
Nursing Town Hall
Date: September 17, 2026
Greer Scholars are encouraged to attend the Nursing Town Hall, where they will learn about current initiatives within the Department of Nursing, engage with faculty and students, and gain a greater understanding of nursing education and professional practice. Participation supports the program's commitment to professional development and student engagement. An additional virtual Nursing Town Hall will also be offered later in the academic year.
Hispanic Heritage Month Health Symposium
Date: October 1, 2026
Greer Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in the Hispanic Heritage Month Health Symposium by assisting with health education and community engagement activities. The symposium will focus on health disparities affecting Latino communities, including diabetes prevention, healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and physical activity. Scholars can support educational outreach efforts while expanding their understanding of culturally responsive and equitable healthcare practices.
College of Health and Human Services Health & Wellness Fair
Date: October 15, 2026
This interprofessional event provides an outstanding volunteer opportunity for Greer Scholars. Students will work alongside faculty and students from Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and other health professions while serving community members.
Activities include:
- Assisting with the National Kidney Foundation Mobile Kidney Unit.
- Supporting health screenings and wellness education.
- Providing health promotion information to community members.
- Observing interprofessional collaboration among healthcare disciplines.
- Developing leadership, communication, and community engagement skills.
This experience reflects the Greer Scholars Program's emphasis on service-learning and collaborative healthcare practice.
Veterans Day Recognition Event
Date: Approximately November 11, 2026 (date to be confirmed)
Greer Scholars will be invited to participate in the university's Veterans Day Recognition Event. This program honors the service and sacrifice of military veterans while providing opportunities for students to support campus-wide service and community engagement activities. Participation promotes civic responsibility, respect for diverse life experiences, and community involvement.
Nursing Pinning Ceremony and Scholarly Project Showcase
Date: December 4, 2026
Greer Scholars will have the opportunity to attend the Governors State University Nursing Pinning Ceremony and Scholarly Project Showcase. This event provides students with a unique opportunity to interact with graduate nursing students from the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Nurse Executive Innovative Leadership (NEIL) programs.
By attending, Greer Scholars will:
- Gain an understanding of the academic and clinical expectations required to successfully complete Governors State University's graduate nursing programs.
- View examples of scholarly projects completed by graduating nursing students and learn about the evidence-based work required before graduation.
- Network with graduate nursing students and faculty while learning about advanced nursing career pathways.
- Observe the significance and traditions of the Nursing Pinning Ceremony as graduates transition into advanced professional practice.
- Learn about membership in the Lambda Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and gain insight into the benefits of professional nursing organizations, including leadership, scholarship, research, and service.
This experience will expose Greer Scholars to graduate-level nursing education, professional achievement, and the lifelong commitment to excellence, leadership, scholarship, and service that characterize the nursing profession. Participation also supports the Greer Scholars Program's commitment to mentoring future healthcare leaders by providing exposure to advanced practice nursing roles, scholarly inquiry, professional networking, and opportunities for continued academic achievement.
Women's Heart Health and Wellness Program
Date: February 2027
As part of Women's Heart Health Month programming, Greer Scholars will assist with educational activities focused on cardiovascular disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, risk factor reduction, and community outreach. Scholars will help deliver health education while strengthening their public health knowledge, leadership abilities, and communication skills.
Interprofessional Education (IPE) Community Health Project
Date: First or Second Week of April 2027
Greer Scholars will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Interprofessional Education (IPE) Community Health Project. Working alongside students from multiple healthcare disciplines, participants will provide education on heart health and stroke prevention at a community location in the University Park or Richton Park area.
This experience emphasizes:
- Teamwork and collaborative practice.
- Community-based health promotion.
- Interprofessional communication.
- Leadership and public engagement.
- Understanding of population health and wellness initiatives.
Benefits of Participation for Greer Scholars
Participation in these activities provides Greer Scholars with opportunities to:
- Develop leadership and professional skills.
- Engage in meaningful community service.
- Strengthen cultural awareness and cultural competence.
- Enhance communication and teamwork abilities.
- Experience interprofessional collaboration across healthcare disciplines.
- Increase knowledge of public health and health promotion strategies.
- Build professional networks with faculty, staff, healthcare professionals, and community partners.
- Contribute to the mission of improving health and well-being within diverse communities.
Take the next step.
For more information, contact the Greer Nursing Scholars Advisor, Ms. Terri Chairse, MSN, RN at tchairse2@govst.edu, (708) 534-7894
Complete your BSN for as low as $4,908, based on needing 35 credit hours to complete your bachelor’s degree taken over three semesters, 2025–2026 tuition rates, and scholarship eligibility over three semesters.
Cost of Tuition and Fees
BSN Course Tuition: $13,724
Estimated Total Fees: $6,184
Estimated Total Cost of Tuition and Fees: $19,908
Pay less with grants and scholarships!
Will County HEROES Grant (3 semesters): -$7,500
AIM HIGH Scholarship (if full-time): -$7,500 (maximum award depending on eligibility)
Total Out-of-Pocket Cost After Scholarships*: $4,908
*Students who qualify for Pell Grants and/or Illinois MAP Grants may have ZERO out-of-pocket costs and potentially receive a refund!
Complete your BSN at GovState
As a registered nurse, you have committed your career to the compassionate service of healthcare. Now take the next step in your career with Governors State’s 100% Online R.N. to B.S.N. in Nursing. in Nursing. Online classes, taught by readily available instructors, are designed to advance your nursing education while giving you the flexibility needed as a nursing professional.
Coursework in the R.N. to B.S.N. program focuses on evidence-based care and healthcare across the lifespan to prepare you to enter a broad range of nursing fields.
Full-time students can complete the online R.N. to B.S.N. program in as little as 3 semesters.
Applicants should discuss direct acceptance into the MSN programs with advisors after completing the BSN program.
Reach Your Career Goals
With a focus on leadership and practice, the R.N. to B.S.N. program equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue your area of professional interest and continue your education in the pursuit of advanced roles in administration, research, consulting, and teaching.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
ACEN mailing address:
3390 Peachtree Rd. NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta GA 30326
404-975-5000
Website: www.acenursing.org
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and need to meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State’s mission is to offer accessible and exceptional education, which is why GovState offers the most affordable tuition rates in the Chicagoland area—all while maintaining our top accreditations.
As a student at Governors State University, you have many available ways to cover the cost of your tuition.
Contact Us:
- Department of Nursing
- College of Health and Human Services
- 1 University Parkway, University Park,IL, 60484-0975
- 708.534.4040