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For busy nurses, continuing their education can feel daunting. Many are working full time in direct patient care while also balancing family and other responsibilities.
The University of Wisconsin-Superior designed its new RN-to-BSN program with those challenges in mind. Part of the Universities of Wisconsin’s BSN@Home initiative, the program offers a flexible pathway for registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“This program is a great choice for working nurses because it offers flexibility,” said Lorraine “Lo” Smith, associate professor at UW-Superior, program director and co-creator.
“It’s online and self-paced, so students can have a life and still go to school,” she said. “It’s flexible, affordable and offered right here in Superior.”
Designed for Working Nurses
The RN-to-BSN program is intended for students who already hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing. Students transfer prior credits to UW-Superior and complete an additional 30 credits to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Coursework is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedules while meeting deadlines.
“They can choose their pace,” Smith said. “Students can take one class per semester or continue through the summer to finish sooner. It’s very individualized.”
Because students enter the program with clinical experience, the online format is a natural fit.
“They already know bedside care,” Smith said. “This program builds on that foundation.”
Students expand their skills in areas such as chronic care management, leadership, health care economics and community health nursing.
“Ultimately, we want to graduate leaders in the health care sector and in our communities,” Smith said.
Graduates are prepared for roles in public health, government and health care administration. The program also supports those planning to pursue graduate or doctoral degrees in nursing.
Experienced Faculty Leadership
Smith brings both academic and clinical expertise to the program, including experience in correctional health care and three decades at UW-Eau Claire before joining UW-Superior.
Instructor Rachael Mooney also brings extensive experience. She worked as a nurse at Essentia Health in Duluth before moving into supervisory and management roles and later teaching for seven years at Northwood Technical College.
In addition to UW-Superior faculty, students learn from nursing instructors across the Universities of Wisconsin.
Student Perspective
Launched in November 2025, the program’s first cohort represents its inaugural class. Among those students is Superior resident Mindi DeRoche.
A registered nurse since 2020, DeRoche works in the orthopedic general surgery unit at St. Luke’s in Duluth. She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate and community health promotion from UW-Superior and an associate degree in nursing from Lake Superior College.
“I love working with trainees and students,” she said. “Earning this degree will open doors to becoming a clinical instructor. Nursing education is my dream.”
As a wife and mother of three, DeRoche values the program’s flexibility.
“My experience transferring was seamless,” she said. “Once I started my courses, everything was clearly laid out. I always know the expectations. Dr. Smith and Professor Mooney are approachable, and I appreciate that they’re both nurses.”
DeRoche expects to graduate in December 2026.
A Strong Start
Reflecting on the program’s first year, Smith called it a rewarding experience.
“It has been an amazing journey,” she said. “Building this program from the ground up has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Smith credits support from the university and the broader Twin Ports community.
“UW-Superior is a special place,” she said. “That’s largely because of its culture of caring.”