CVT to ASN/BSN Options (RN prep) - Nashville, TN

Bridge from CVT to RN with Herzing University in Nashville

Accreditation	Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Curriculum	Designed for current licensed Cardiovascular Technologists (CVT) to bridge to an ASN/BSN faster than a traditional program
Program length	16-28 months
Credits to graduate	70-120 credits
Transfer credit	Up to 52-90 approved credits
Format	In-person classes at our Nashville, Tennessee campus + online gen eds

Waived enrollment fee Now Through June 30th

Nursing Bridge Options for CVTs – Nashville, TN

The cardiovascular tech to RN educational pathway includes associate and bachelor's degree in nursing program options which prepare you for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). Each Nashville campus program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to help you leverage your abilities as a CVT into a career in nursing.

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Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

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Experienced faculty

Get face-to-face instruction from experienced and credentialed faculty with real-world success in the field.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Now Enrolling!

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You may qualify for our online option

We now offer an online BSN Bridge option for CVTs featuring asynchronous didactic (lecture) courses, meaning you can complete all gen ed and core nursing courses online on your own schedule.ⁱ

The online bridge option includes practical, hands-on training including clinicals and intensives, which you must attend at a designated Herzing or partner site.

This can be a great choice if you are seeking maximum flexibility in completing your didactic coursework throughout the program.

Explore the online option

i. The online and on-campus programs have unique enrollment requirements. View our online CVT to BSN Bridge Option admission requirements.

College Student Studying Online

Curriculum

Classes & curriculum details

Our curriculum is designed to build on your previous training and professional experience as a cardiovascular technologist, with classes focusing on providing quality, evidence-based patient care.

On-campus. Complete core coursework on campus in Nashville.
Online. You may complete your general education courses online.
Clinicals. Clinical experience is vital to thrive in your new career as an RN.

Program	Monthsⁱ	Credits
Associate of Science in Nursing - ASN Bridge Option	16	70
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BSN Bridge Option	28	120

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

ASN Curriculum
BSN Curriculum

ASN Bridge Option - Associate of Science in Nursing

Required Courses in Nursing

All courses, 30.00 semester credit hours, are required. ^A dosage calculation exams is required for this course. Students unable to pass the exam will be issued an "F" for the course and will be required to repeat the course in order to satisfy program requirements. Please review the course syllabus for more information.

NF 171 - Transition to RN Practice 6.00

This course is designed to introduce the bridge student to the concepts related to professional nursing care. Emphasis will be placed on the scope of practice of the registered nurse. A nursing process approach is utilized to emphasize evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, technology, and skills. Nursing skills, medication administration, and health assessment are integrated and applied in the nursing laboratory. Upon successful completion, the student will be able to provide quality nursing care, incorporating the concepts identified in this course.

NF 215 - Nursing V^ 6.00

This course is designed to augment previously learned concepts, introduce care of the family unit, and incorporate concepts related to leadership and professionalism. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family, health promotion, critical thinking, teaching/learning, communication, and advocacy. Upon successful completion, the student will be able to provide safe community and acute nursing care to the family unit.

NF 214 - Nursing IV^ 6.00

This course is designed to broaden concepts related to nursing management of ill clients. The nursing process is used to expand upon previously learned concepts for the provision of safe, patient-centered nursing care to developmentally and culturally diverse populations. This course emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, and managing care. Upon successful completion, the student will be able to provide safe, holistic nursing care for one or more ill clients in the acute care of community settings.

NF 216 - Nursing VI^ 6.00

This course is designed to integrate previously learned concepts, life span development, and the promotion of critical thinking skills while applying the nursing process. Nursing management focuses on complex nursing care of the child and adult. Upon successful completion, the student will be able to provide safe nursing care to complex clients in the community and acute care setting.

NF 217 - Nursing VII^ 4.00

This course provides a clinical practicum for the application of concepts learned throughout the program. Evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, management/leadership, skills/technology, and professional development are embodied and exhibited. The student engages in the application of the nursing process in collaboration with the RN preceptor who guides the clinical experience. Upon successful completion, the student will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to provide safe, individualized entry-level nursing care.

NF 218 - Nursing VIII 2.00

This course provides the student with the opportunity to assess his/her strengths and areas for improvement in preparation for the NCLEX-RN®. Utilizing critical thinking and the nursing process, integration of all previous concepts will be emphasized through the use of case studies, integrated testing, and directed study.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 15.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for Herzing University courses that would satisfy these requirements. * 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communication 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics (see Nursing Program Support Courses below for course requirements) 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science (Psychology is required) * Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 15.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines.

Nursing Program Support Courses

11.00 semester credit hours are required.

The following nursing support courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program.

SC 154 - Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses 4.00

The first anatomy and physiology course in a two-term sequence will provide nursing students with information and practical experience regarding anatomical and physiological concepts related to the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as, special senses. Biochemistry, cellular biology, and histology are integrated into each body system. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

SC 254 - Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses 4.00

The second anatomy and physiology course in a two-term sequence will provide nursing students with information and practical experience regarding anatomical and physiological concepts as related to the circulatory system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and the male and female reproductive systems. Biochemistry, cell biology, and histology are integrated into each body system. Emphasis is on interrelationships among systems and regulation of physiological functions involved in maintaining homeostasis.

The following nursing support courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program.

SC 166 - Microbiology 3.00

This course provides an introduction to the study of microorganisms. It covers normal microbiota and pathogenic microbes. Select topics include function, metabolism, genetics, growth, and relationships to humans and the environment. Topics related to human infectious diseases include transmission, host defense mechanisms, growth processes, and the spread of infectious agents. This course also includes a practical component.

MA 109 - College Algebra 3.00

This course covers topics of algebra including linear functions, equations, inequalities, systems of equations in two variables, polynomial functions, quadratic equations, and rational and radical equations.

A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the Nursing Program Support Courses, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may reapply to the BSN nursing program in a future cycle.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

BSN Bridge Option - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Required Courses in Nursing

All courses, 55.00 semester credit hours, are required.

NSG 120 - Nursing Pathophysiology 3.00

This course focuses on the basic understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness with an emphasis placed on cellular alterations in organ systems as they relate to selected disease states. Opportunities will be presented that provide for the use of critical thinking processes to analyze diverse patient presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.

NSG 125 - Transition to Professional Nursing 6.00

This course facilitates the licensed practical nurse (LPN) or paramedic transition into a new role as a Registered Nurse offered through the Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Nursing programs. Emphasis is placed on the scope of practice of the registered nurse and integration of professional competencies, clinical judgement, evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, technology, cultural competence, quality, and safety. This course is designed to identify and reinforce prior competencies as well as enhance and increase student knowledge. Nursing skills, medication administration, and health assessment concepts are integrated throughout the course and validated in a clinical and lab setting. Upon completion, the student will be prepared to provide quality nursing care, incorporating preexisting proficiency and new concepts identified in this course.

NSG 221 - Mental Health Nursing 4.00

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in caring for patients with alterations in mental health. Focus is placed on the nursing process framework with emphasis on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, and current practices related to the care of the mentally ill. Interventions focus on aspects of care to include professional communication, patient and family teaching, review of community resources, and practical application in various clinical settings.

NSG 222 - Family Nursing 6.00

This course introduces the student to family-centered care and the health needs of the childbearing family. Students review concepts, skills, and techniques needed to care for culturally diverse maternal, infant, and pediatric patients and their families. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family-centered care, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and community. The clinical experiences focus on concepts and skills required to provide safe and evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings.

NSG 223 - Medical-Surgical Nursing II 6.00

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to patients that have complex health alterations in a variety of clinical settings. Students will explore the concepts of professionalism, collaboration, communication, and cultural competency within the context of illness and their role as provider of care, educator, and patient advocate. In the clinical setting, students will care for selected patients in various settings, applying knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with medical and/or surgical problems.

NSG 233 - Medical-Surgical Nursing III 5.00

This comprehensive course expands on previously acquired knowledge and skills necessary to manage and plan care for complex patients. Focused on nursing care of complex patients, families, and groups in unstable situations with unpredictable outcomes. The course focuses on nursing practice that facilitates the wellbeing of individuals within the context of critical or complex illness and continues in preparing the student as a provider of care. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various settings, integrating knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with acute or complex medical and/or surgical problems.

NSG 321 - Advanced Leadership and Management 3.00

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system. Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice.

NSG 323 - Community and Public Health Nursing 5.00

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health. The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

NSG 324 - Evidence Based Practice in Nursing 3.00

This course explores the research process and its contributions to professional nursing practice. The skills related to reading published research findings and utilizing that evidence as a basis for professional nursing practice are developed.

NSG 421 - Nursing Informatics 3.00

This course focuses on the use of health information systems, communication devices, computer applications and explores the impact of these technologies on nursing practice.

NSG 423 - Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing 3.00

The course focuses on current national and global trends, policies, and challenges which impact health and healthcare delivery. An overview of ethical and legal issues commonly presented to nurses and other health care providers is discussed with emphasis on the identification and analysis of legal and ethical principles underlying clinical judgment in nursing.

NSG 425 - BSN Practicum 5.00

This course provides a clinical practicum for the application of concepts learned throughout the program. Evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, management/leadership, skills/technology, and professional development are embodied and exhibited. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

NSG 426 - Review of Integrated Nursing Concepts 3.00

This course provides the student with the opportunity to evaluate his/her strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam. Utilization of the nursing process and integration of all previous concepts will be emphasized through the use of case studies, integrated testing, and directed study.

Dual Credit Option for Taking Graduate Level Courses

Dual Credit Options are available for the Brookfield, Kenosha, Madison and Minneapolis locations for students who qualify. This option is not available for New Orleans students. See Academic Information for full requirements under title Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student. Undergraduate Course Graduate Course Equivalency NSG 321 Advanced Leadership and Management NU 530 Organizational Systems and Behaviors NSG 324 Evidence Based Practice in Nursing NU 560 Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice NSG 421 Nursing Informatics NU 525 Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice NSG 423 Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing HA 610 Health Policy and Management

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in the BSN program must complete a minimum of 41.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. A minimum of 9.00 semester credit hours must be upper level (300- to 400-level courses). The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for additional information on general education requirements. 12.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 – English Composition I EN 111- Information Literacy EN 116 – Speech EN 304 – English Composition II 14.00 Semester Credit Hours in in Science SC 154 – Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses SC 254 – Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses SC 166 – Microbiology SC 186 – Chemistry 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 – Cultural Diversity HU 340 – Humanities and Contemporary Popular Culture 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 – College Algebra MA 320 - Statistics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science PS 101 – Psychology Note: Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 41.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines. Science courses being transferred in from other institutions must meet the nursing program science requirements.

Special General Education Grading Requirements for Nursing Support Courses

The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 109 College Algebra Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the BSN nursing program in a future semester.

Tuition & Cost

16-28 months | 70-120 credits

$695 per credit tuition

You are worth it.

Tuition & Cost

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculums and processes to make our nursing program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

With Herzing University, you are never alone, and we offer many options to help you invest in yourself and earn your bachelor’s degree. Financial aid options include:

Requirements

Enrollment requirements

To be considered for admission into the ASN or BSN Bridge Option in Nashville, you must:

Hold a high school diploma or equivalent (Diploma, HSED, or GED)
Currently work as a licensed Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT)
Minimum GPA of 2.5ⁱ
Earn a minimum score of 58.7 on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) from the Assessment Technology Institute (ATI)

If you do not meet the GPA or TEAS requirements, you may be eligible for our Associate in General Studies - Pre-Nursing program as an alternative pathway. Please contact admissions for further details.

i. Students with 18 or more transferable collegiate credits will be assessed on their collegiate cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the high school GPA will be used.

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Waived Enrollment Fee

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Your nursing career is possible

Join Emily and embark on a complete, holistic, career-focused education preparing you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a registered nurse.

Job outlook and pay potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurse is expected to increase 6% from 2021-2031, about as fast as the average across all U.S. occupations.*

Registered nurses earn an average salary of $82,750 per year ($39.78 per hour). That represents a raise for the average cardiovascular technician/technologist in the US ($62,020 per year, $29.82 per hour).

You can take a big step forward in your nursing career by becoming an registered nurse.

Careers

Going from CVT to RN

Transitioning from cardiovascular technologist to RN means expanding on your medical-based cardiovascular education into the more holistically-focused field of nursing.

As a registered nurse, you’ll be the backbone of day-to-day operations in many healthcare settings. Your duties can include:

Develop and direct treatment plans
Counsel patients and family members
Ensure patient comfort
Serve as the key connection between doctors and patients

Registered Nurse ranks as the #8 Best Healthcare Job for 2023 according to U.S. News & World Report.

Can I specialize? While a nursing degree curriculum can introduce a wider spectrum of course topics, RNs can specialize in an area of their choosing with enough education and experience. You may be able to use your experience as a CVT to help become a cardiac nurse in the future.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Because nurses with a BSN have earned that next degree level and generally have the edge on the job market, they will on average earn a slightly higher salary than nurses with an ASN. However, there are always exceptions; an ASN with several years of an experience may earn a higher salary than an RN with a BSN who is just starting their career.

It’s a question of:

What your goals are
How quickly you want to reach them

If your goal is to go from LPN to RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years.

If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.

Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.

While cardiovascular technicians and technologists assist physicians in diagnosing and training heart disease and heart-related conditions, RNs provide a broader range of care with greater emphasis on holistic care of the whole person.

CVTs can have a more distinct set of hands-on tasks they regularly perform, trained for certain invasive or noninvasive cardiovascular procedures.

RNs must be familiar with a wide scope of knowledge and procedures. While RNs can specialize in cardiology, they can also specialize in many other areas and discover opportunities to advance their practice in the future.

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. Earn your associate’s degree in nursing and you can become an RN more quickly and earn your first set of scrubs.

However, if your goal is to continue climbing the ladder to become a nurse practitioner or pursue roles in nursing leadership or administration, you may be best off enrolling in a BSN program so you can reach your goals faster.

No matter what you choose, Herzing is here to empower you to become the best nursing professional you can be.

There are many different nursing specialties to choose from. Depending on your personality, educational background and preferred working environment you can follow your own personalized path in the nursing profession.

Here are a few popular nursing specialties you may consider:

You can take our nursing personality quiz to get a better idea of what you might prefer in your nursing career.

There’s nothing easy about being a nurse. Nurses with a thirst for knowledge, compassion, empathy, self-awareness and a constant focus on lifelong learning are truly exceptional.

Learn more about what makes a good nurse, from the quality of the care you provide to the confident smile you wear every day.

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Visit Us

Herzing University - Nashville

Come visit our campus in Nashville for a personalized look at our school and get a feel for our learning environment.

Herzing University - Nashville

100 Centerview Drive, Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37214-3439
(615) 206-2858

View all Nashville nursing programs.

Disclosures

Disclosures & accreditation

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2021. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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