Online RN to BSN Programs
The best RN to BSN program offers online degrees for nurses as a flexible option to pursue an undergraduate degree and advance their careers. Furthermore, the best program is the one that fits your needs and provides the education you’re seeking to advance your nursing career.
Another aspect of what makes the best RN to BSN online program is the area of focus for the degree. For example, you may want to enter into a nursing leadership role, public health, pediatrics, gerontology, or primary care as your focus for your BSN.
Ranking Methodology for The Top 25 Online RN to BSN
The editors focused on trusted, accredited programs across the US for TopRNtoBSN’s ranking of the best online RN to BSN degrees. We rank online BSN programs according to their cost, student satisfaction, and graduate salary. Data comes from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Arizona State University
The Arizona State University online RN to BSN degree program is among the best online programs for registered nurses wanting to obtain a BSN. Students enrolled in Arizona State University’s best online RN to BSN programs must complete 39-semester credits, taking classes that each last 7.5 weeks. Prospective students for ASU’s RN to BSN program must hold an RN license before admittance to the CCNE-accredited baccalaureate nursing completion program. Coursework for Arizona State University’s RN to BSN includes health promotion across the lifespan, nursing management, and innovation in nursing.
Arizona State University was founded in the mid-1880s before the state entered the union. In terms of student enrollment, Arizona State University, with more than 140,000 online and on-campus students, is among the largest in the country. Arizona State University has eighteen graduate and undergraduate schools.
Credit Hours: 39 credit hours
Accreditation: CCNE
More: Visit the program for more info on online nursing programs.
2. CUNY School of Professional Studies
The City University of New York School Of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. And it is among New York’s most affordable online BSN programs. CUNY’s program has accreditation from the CCNE and about three-quarters of RN to BSN candidates complete the program within five years. Coursework covers informatics research, assessment leadership & management, and global health & policy.
CUNY School Of Professional Studies opened in 2003, with its campus in midtown Manhattan. Launching twenty-four degrees since 2006, enrollment has risen by more than 30% in the last four years to over 4,000 students in the credit-bearing programs. The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) has led online education at the City University of New York college for over 15 years. Offering the most fully online undergraduate and graduate degree options at the University, along with several certificates, advanced certificates, and professional non-degree programs, the CUNY School of Professional Studies provides flexible and convenient learning opportunities geared to adults who are looking to advance their education or progress in their careers.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the program for more info on the RN to BSN program
3. University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Nursing (UIC Nursing) offers one of Windy City’s best online RN to BSN programs. Working RNs can choose start dates in either the Summer, Fall, or Spring terms. Coursework for this RN to BSN online program from the University of Chicago requires the completion of eight classes during eight-week terms. Classes for this online RN to BSN include concepts of contemporary nursing and statistics for evidence-based practice, to name a few.
The University of Illinois (UI Chicago) opened in the early 1980s and is now a Hispanic and Asian-serving public institution of higher learning. More than 33,250 undergraduate and postgraduate students attend classes at the University of Illinois’s two campuses in Windy City. UIC offers more than 250 academic degrees with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from its sixteen colleges and schools.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more about this online program
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4. University of Massachusetts Amhurst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Nursing offers one of New England’s best online RN to BSN nursing degrees. Its RN to Bachelor of Science program is for students with an unencumbered nursing license. Full-time students can finish the degree program in about twelve months, while part-time students complete the program in two years. Furthermore, this BSN completion program offers the same tuition rates for both in and out-of-state residents.
The University of Massachusetts (UM Amherst) is one of the westernmost and flagship campuses of the state’s university system. As a Pioneer Valley’s Five College Consortium member in Western Mass, UMass Amherst students can take classes in the other member colleges. The Amherst campus opened in 1863 as an agricultural college.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more info about this nursing program.
5. West Virginia University
The West Virginia University online RN to BSN is one of West Virginia’s best online programs for nurses. WVU’s RN to BSN takes a minimum of three semesters to complete after students meet the general education requirements. All nursing courses are online. And students must complete 28 credits of nursing coursework to finish the RN-BSN program. Qualified registered nurses enter the School of Nursing with 50 credit hours of undifferentiated nursing credit. Students start classes in either the Fall, Spring, or Summer terms. This RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program offers the same tuition regardless of the student’s residency.
West Virginia University (WVU) began as the Agricultural College of West Virginia in the late 1860s. The university is the state’s flagship land grant and space grant school. It has multiple campuses that serve 30,000 students early.
Credit Hours: 28 credit hours
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more info about this nursing program.
6. Drexel University
One of Pennsylvania’s best RN to BSN online programs is at Drexel Nursing Online. Students can complete the Drexel University online RN to BSN in as few as twelve months. Like all Drexel baccalaureate programs, the online BSN programs require 180 quarter credits. But, students can use 125 transfer credits. Additionally, Drexel university’s RN to BSN completion degree has received full accreditation from the CCNE, and there are no campus-required visits to meet graduation requirements. Students receive a three-year tuition freeze if they complete the degree in that time.
Drexel University is a multiple-campus higher education institution established in the early 1890s. More than 24,100 students attend classes online and on Drexel’s campuses in Pennsylvania. Drexel is well known for its cooperative education model in which students can earn full-time salaries while studying full-time. Drexel offers nearly 200 academic and professional programs on its campuses and through the distance learning platform.
Credit Hours: 180 quarter credits
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more info about the online program.
7. Linfield University
The Good Samaritan School of Nursing at Linfield University offers one of Oregon’s best RN to BSN online programs. The Linfield University online RN to BSN is a CCNE accredited program specifically for working nurse professionals. Coursework includes 30 credits of classes. Some of the coursework includes trauma-informed care, the evolution of Nursing or palliative care, care across the lifespan, professional communication in health care, population-based nursing, transition to professional practice, and informatics. Additionally, the school offers co-admission with 12 partner community colleges in Oregon. So students working on an associate degree can also enroll in the RN to BSN online.
Linfield University formed in 1858 before Oregon became a state. It is a private institution of a higher-learning school affiliated with the American Baptist Church. Although historically affiliated, Linfield now operates nonsectarian, with nearly 2,000 students attending classes online and on-campus.
Credit Hours: 125 semester credits total with hours 30 credit hours completed at Linfield, 31 credits for an unencumbered RN license, 31 credits for prior learning, and 33 transfer credits
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more on the RN to BSN program.
8. Appalachian State University
The online RN to BSN program at Appalachian State University offers one of the best online RN to BSN programs in North Carolina. The program requires completing thirty-semester credits at Appalachian State University to fulfill a 120-semester credit degree program. Courses are in the fall, spring, and summer. The ASU program takes one year to complete and includes nontraditional clinical research and projects. Classes for Appalachian State University’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs include nursing care of older adults, nursing informatics, professional nursing synthesis, nursing research, and health assessment.
Appalachian State University (Appalachian or App State) started as a normal teacher’s training school in the late 1890s. The university became a member school of the University of North Carolina system in the early 1970s and now offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate degree and professional programs. More than 18,850 students attend classes online and on the rural college-town campus in Boone, North Carolina.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the program for more about its online nursing program.
9. University of North Florida
The University of North Florida School of Nursing offers an accelerated RN to BSN. The UNF Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is one of Sunshine State’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs. Students enrolled in UNF’s best online RN to BSN programs must complete thirty-semester credits in about twelve months. In addition, the University of North Florida is considered a top regional higher-learning university offering various CCNE-accredited nursing degree programs. UNF offers RN to BSN degree candidates six start dates each calendar year. Applicants must have an unencumbered Florida RN license and an associate’s degree.
The University of North Florida is a space-grant institution in the northern Florida city of Jacksonville. The school’s urban campus is located on the city’s south side amid a nature preserve with a student enrolment of more than 17,000 students. The University of North Florida is home to the Jacksonville Museum of Contemporary Art.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more info about BSN online programs
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10. Indiana Wesleyan University
The Indiana Wesleyan University online RN to BSN is one of Indiana’s best RN to BSN online programs. The BSN completion degree program is offered through the IWU School of Nursing. Students can complete the degree in about fifteen months. Core coursework for Indiana Wesleyan University’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs requires 31-semester units with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75. WU’s School of Nursing offers a faith-based curriculum and educational environment. The RN to BSN program is delivered in a 100% online or hybrid online/onsite format. Nursing students can complete the RN to BSN in just over a year. Tuition discounts are available through WU’s partner organizations.
Classes for the BSN completion degree from Indiana Wesleyan University include population health – local, national & global approaches, foundations for professional practice, health indicators & clinical prevention, and leadership in nursing, plus a bachelor’s capstone project. Founded in 1920 as a private teacher’s training school, it now operates as a private evangelical Christian school.
Credit Hours: 31 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the program for more about the RN to BSN online program
11. University of South Carolina Aiken
The University of South Carolina Aiken offers an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program (BSN) that can be completed 100% online in as few as twelve months. USCA’s best online RN to BSN programs require degree candidates to complete 31-semester units to graduate. The bachelor’s degree program includes ethical & legal issues in nursing, pathophysiology, community health nursing, leadership and management, professional nursing, and nursing research.
The University of South Carolina (USCA) was founded as a public school in the early 1960s. The Aiken campus of the University of South Carolina covers over 400 acres and serves over 3,150 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Credit Hours: 31 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more about the RN to BSN online program
12. The University of Missouri
The University of Missouri online RN to BSN nursing program is one of Show-Me State’s best online degree programs. The BSN is offered through the Sinclair School of Nursing and is hosted by Missouri Online. Classes are all online, and there are no campus visits required. Coursework for the University of Missouri’s RN to BSN program includes communication in nursing, leadership & management, nursing theory & research, and nursing ethics & the law.
The University of Missouri is the flagship school of the state’s university system. The main campus in Columbia, Missouri, covers more than 1,000 acres. Founded in 1838, the University of Missouri serves more than 30,985 students yearly.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the program for more about online learning and the RN to BSN online program
13. The University Of Cincinnati
One of Ohio’s best online nursing programs is the University of Cincinnati’s online RN to BSN. The UC College of Nursing has six program start dates offered each year. Full-time students enrolled in UC State’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs can complete this program in only two semesters or nine months. Part-timers can complete it in three to five semesters. Classes in the University Of Cincinnati’s BSN completion program include informatics, scientific basis for evidence-based practice, and nurse as a professional manager.
The University Of Cincinnati was established in 1819 and is a member of the state’s university system. The school maintains multiple campuses and is recognized to be the oldest school in Cincinnati. The University Of Cincinnati is ranked among the best regional public schools organized into fourteen colleges and schools.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the program for more about online learning and the RN to BSN online program
14. Ohio University
The Ohio University online RN to BSN is an excellent fit for working nurses. Offered through the Ohio University School of Nursing, the RN-BSN program requires 120 credits to complete. Most credits can be transferred to Ohio University if completed at a previous school. There are no expiration dates or limits to the number of credits students can transfer into the program. The nursing component consists of 9 required nursing courses with 31 credit hours. Each nursing class is five weeks long, and classes are asynchronous. The format allows students to study and submit assignments online on their schedule from any location. In addition, eight start dates each year facilitate timely degree completion.
Some RN-BSN classes include leadership in nursing, healthcare informatics, community health nursing, gerontological nursing care, and nursing excellence. Established in 1804, Ohio University now operates multiple campuses in the Athens vicinity and beyond. The university serves more than 30,899 students across all campuses. In addition to being Ohio’s oldest university, Ohio University is the tenth oldest in the nation.
Credit Hours: 31 credit hours in the program, 120 total for BSN degree
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more about the RN to BSN online program at the nursing school
15. Sam Houston State University
The College of Health Services School of Nursing at Sam Houston State University offers one of the most affordable and best online RN to BSN nursing programs in Lone Star State. The Sam Houston State University online RN to BSN program is 30 credit hours. It is available to full-time and part-time students. Classes for the degree completion program include community nursing, informatics, legal ethical issues, rural health nursing, older adult health, and nursing genetics & genomics.
SHSU was founded in the late 1870s and is the third-oldest institution of higher education in Texas. Established as a teacher’s training school, Sam Houston State University is recognized as one of the oldest schools located to the west of the Mississippi River.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: CCNE
More: Visit the school for more about its RN to BSN programs
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16. Pennsylvania State University–World Campus
The Pennsylvania State University World Campus online RN to BSN degree is one of Pennsylvania’s best online programs. The Penn State online RN to BSN program is available through an online accelerated delivered format that is CCNE accredited. Classes for this RN to BSN completion program include nursing informatics, family & community health concepts, integrated concepts in nursing practice, and advanced health assessment for the registered nurse.
Pennsylvania State University (PSU WC) was established as the Penn State distance learning campus in the late 1990s. The administration and technical center are located in University Park, PA. PSU World Campus serves nearly 15,000 undergraduate ad postgraduate students. Penn State World Campus is the electronic extension of its distance learning programs that began in the early 1990s.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more about its RN to BSN programs
17. Loyola University Chicago
The online RN to BSN program at Loyola University Chicago can be finished in only twelve months or three semesters. Loyola’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing offers the fast-track online RN to BSN. The BSN program requires degree candidates to complete thirty online semester credits through Loyola’s distance learning platform. Loyola’s classes are asynchronous, and no on-campus visits are required.
Loyola University Chicago was founded in the early 1870s by the Society of Jesus. With more than 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Loyola University Chicago is recognized as one of the nation’s largest Catholic higher learning institutions. Loyola University Chicago maintains several campuses throughout the greater Chicago area and internationally in China and Italy.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: CCNE
More: View the school for more about its RN to BSN programs
18. The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
The College of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program (BSN) completion degree for those who hold an unencumbered RN license. The University of Wisconsin online RN to BSN has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is approved by the State of Wisconsin Board of Nursing. The RN-BSN program has three curriculum delivery modes: face-to-face, online classes, or the UW-FLEX Option. Students can enroll in a full time or part time program. The online courses are self-paced and taught by UW’s expert faculty.
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee was established in the 1880s as a research institute and teacher’s training school. The school now operates as the largest in the Milwaukee area, with more than 26,050 students attending classes yearly. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is Wisconsin’s 2nd largest of all higher learning institutions.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: View the school for more about its RN to BSN programs
19. Pacific Union College
Pacific Union College’s Nursing & Health Sciences (PUC) offers one of the west coast’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs. It seamlessly integrates with PUC’s Associate of Science degree program. The Pacific Union College online RN to BSN caters to working nurse professionals who simultaneously balance work and education life. Classes for Pacific Union College’s BSN completion degree program include community health nursing, healthcare systems, and a practicum and capstone project.
Pacific Union College was established as an Adventist Christian Academy in 1882. The college’s rural campus in Napa Valley serves about 1,500 students. It is among the only residential coed colleges serving primarily undergraduates. Pacific Union College is the first Adventist Church school established west of the Mississippi River.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: View the school for more about its RN to BSN programs
20. Minot State University
The Minot State University online RN to BSN is one of North Dakota’s most affordable and best online programs. Minot’s flexible and customizable online RN to BSN has accreditation from the CCNE and ranked a best-value degree program among national competitors. The nursing curriculum from Minot State University includes professional nursing 1 & 2, public health for the professional nurse, transcultural healthcare, nurse theory & research, and issue in healthcare regulations.
Minot State University (MISU) is a public school established in 1913 as a teacher’s training school. More than 3,500 students attend classes at Minot State University, a member school of the state’s university system. Minot State University is ranked as the third-largest institution of learning in North Dakota.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more about its RN to BSN programs
21. Pace University
Pace University offers one of the best online RN to BSN nursing programs in the New York City vicinity. The online RN to BSN program from Pace University requires degree candidates to finish 21 to 30 credit units, depending on the student’s experience or educational background. Pace’s RN to BSN degree classes include multidimensional care, leadership innovations, health assessment, evidence-based practice for healthy aging, and nursing research. Pace nursing students with an RN and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 are eligible to take up to 9 credits at the graduate level. Additionally, the graduate credits can double-count towards the BSN and master’s degree requirements.
Pace University was founded in 1906 as a business school by two brothers. The school now operates as a private university with multiple campuses in the southern region of New York State. Pace University is home to about 13,200 students and the TV show, Inside the Actor’s Studio. Pace University’s campuses are in New York City and its neighboring northern county Westchester in Yorktown and Pleasantville.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more about its BSN online programs and online courses.
22. The University of St. Francis
Working nurses will love the University of St. Francis online RN to BSN program. The Leach Nursing College at the USF offers one of Indiana’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs designed for working or practicing nurses. Prospective students must hold a valid RN license before enrollment in this CCNE accredited program. The coursework for USF’s RN to BSN completion program emphasizes the mandatory skills nurses need to succeed – critical thinking and decision-making. Clinicals may be available in mental health, hospitals, or long-term care, to name a few options.
The University of St. Francis opened in the Indiana town of Joliet in 1920. The school began as a junior college and later converted into a college. The university’s main campus serves about 1,250 students, with several thousand attending classes throughout the United States. Two Illinois state senators are proud University of St. Francis alumni, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and Pat McGuire.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: CCNE
More: Visit the school for more about its BSN online programs and online courses.
23. Ball State University
Ball State University’s Nursing School (Ball State Online Nursing) offers an RN to BSN completion program that is nationally ranked among the best online RN to BSN nursing programs, according to US News and World Report. Coursework for the Ball State University online RN to BSN includes nursing foundation issues, management & leadership, health assessment, applied nursing concepts, and community health, to name a few. Students can opt to attend the three or six-semester option to complete the degree program.
Ball State University (BSU) is a multiple-campus public university established in 1918 as a normal school. BSU is also a space-grant school with its Muncie, Indiana campus of more than 1,100 acres that serves nearly 22,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Ball State University has adopted a primary component of environmental sustainability.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the program
24. Ferris State University
Ferris State University offers an online RN to BSN that is among Michigan’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs. To be considered for admission to Ferris State University’s best online RN to BSN programs, applicants must hold a Registered Nursing license (RN). Classes and coursework for FSU offer working learners the convenience and flexibility required to fit busy working nurse professionals.
Ferris State University (Ferris) was established as an industrial school that was established in the mid-1880s. The university maintains several campuses in the area that serve nearly 15,000 students each year, which makes it among the top ten schools in terms of the size of the school’s student enrollment.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more on its online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
25. McKendree University
McKendree University (MKU) School of Nursing/Health Professions offers one of the Midwest’s best online RN to BSN nursing programs that can be completed 100% online. Many students enrolled in the McKendree University online RN to BSN programs complete the program in about five semesters – taking classes that are delivered in eight-week formats. Students graduate from McKendree University to find rewarding and more advanced nursing careers in clinics, nursing facilities, and hospitals, to name a few.
McKendree University was initially founded as a seminary in the late 1820s by the United Methodist Church. More than 2,350 undergraduate and postgraduate students attend classes online and on the suburban campus of McKendree University. The university’s campus in Lebanon is less than thirty miles from downtown St. Louis.
Credit Hours: 40 credit hours
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
More: Visit the school for more on its online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Types of BSNs:
- Traditional BSN: This program is usually completed in four years and includes general education and nursing courses.
- Accelerated BSN: This program is typically completed in 12 to 18 months and is designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
- RN-to-BSN: This program is designed for working registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma who want to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Second-Degree BSN: This program is designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in a non-nursing field and want to enter nursing.
- Online BSN: online BSN programs are convenient for students who cannot attend a traditional on-campus program.
What is an RN to BSN Online Program?
BSN degree programs expand on the basics learned in the nursing diploma and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs. Thus, the RN to BSN programs help bridge the gap between an associate program and a BSN degree program. The program focuses on patient outcomes and quality patient care. Additionally, it can prepare graduates for career advancement and higher paying jobs.
Typically, these programs require nurses to have an Associate Degree in Nursing and a valid RN license to be eligible to enroll in the program. After completing the program, nurses will receive their BSN diploma, allowing them to continue to pursue a career in nursing and health sciences.
Which RN to BSN Online Program is the Best?
When all is said and done, the best RN to BSN online program helps you learn, has supportive faculty and ease of interaction with teachers and students, and provides you with access to a practicum or clinical rotation opportunity. It should also consider that you’re a working student who needs flexibility in their schooling.
The program should have live and pre-recorded classes for you to view at times convenient for you and have reasonable deadlines for schoolwork, quizzes, and tests. You should look for these aspects when considering which RN to BSN online program is right for you and your immediate needs.
What Do You Learn in an RN to BSN Program?
RN to BSN programs offer a variety of online courses, clinical skills including clinical rotations, pharmacology, and health assessment. These courses are designed to give nurses the knowledge and skills to become BSN-educated nurses. In addition to the classes, these programs also teach critical thinking skills and overall nursing skills they need for future nursing jobs.
Many schools also offer federal financial aid for RN to BSN program students. These programs allow nurses to advance their nursing careers and increase their professional nursing practice. With an online degree program, nurses have the flexibility to continue their education and also work.
What are the Admission Requirements for an RN to BSN?
The admission requirements vary from school to school. However, below are some of the common requirements for prospective students.
- Active RN license / unencumbered and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Official transcripts from ADN degree and all prior institutions attended.
- GPA requirement, minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of a minimum of 60 semester hours of college-level coursework.
- Complete prerequisite courses for the program
- Proof of immunization.
- Completion of an application, including essays, letters of recommendation, and resume
- Completion of an entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- Submission of a health history form and physical exam.
- Complete a criminal background check and drug test.
- Fulfill residency requirements for in state tuition.
How Long Does it take to Earn an Online RN to BSN?
The length of time needed to earn one of the available online RN to BSN degrees can be as little as 12 months and as long as two years. The general requirement for a BSN is 120 credit hours. But this includes undergraduate credit hours completed during the associate’s degree program and also the diploma program. Typically, nurses need an average of 30 to 40 credit hours to complete an online RN to BSN degree. Still, it’s worth noting that all online RN to BSN degrees have different credit hour requirements for completion.
Some schools make it easier for students to complete their degrees sooner. Students can finish sooner if they have sufficient transferable credits from an undergraduate degree program or work experience before applying for acceptance to the program.
Flexibility of an Online RN to BSN
Schools offering online RN to BSN degrees provide the education in time structures that make it easier for students to attend and earn their degrees quickly. Some schools have a rolling class that starts throughout the year in that they have 10-week sessions that start four or five times a year, while other schools use a quarter or semester system for classes. These time structures for education are designed to help students earn their BSN sooner than they would in a traditional bachelor’s degree program.
An online format allows students to complete courses on their own schedule. Online learners can use this flexibility to complete coursework full time or part time. Furthermore, a rolling admissions policy allows working students to begin a program when their busy schedules allow it. Most schools also require class projects and at least one clinical experience. However, new formats let students complete coursework online and work in local placements in their home communities.
Who is an Online RN-to-BSN Program Right for?
Some schools accept work experience or credits earned through another degree program to help students earn their BSN in less time. So, these programs are optimal for students who have worked as nurses in the private sector or the military and have extensive hours working in the field.
It also helps students with existing degrees save time on their continuing education to earn their BSN sooner than later and start enjoying the advantages of earning the degree.
Why Choose an Accredited RN-to-BSN Program?
Before applying to any online RN to BSN, check for accreditation from accepted nursing education accrediting bodies. This endorsement ensures academic quality and that the standard of education is accepted by employers, licensing bodies, and the public. Additionally, only accredited institutions can offer federal financial aid to students.
So, if you need help paying for school or want a job after graduation, you must earn a degree from an accredited institution and an accredited nursing program. Program accreditation should be from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Related: Why is Nursing School Accreditation So Important?
Do you Need an RN License to Enter a BSN Program?
You need an RN license to enter an RN to BSN program. Most RN to BSN programs is designed to accommodate a working student. These nurses want to improve their employment prospects while maintaining their work schedules. Someone without a valid RN license but with a bachelor’s degree can enroll in a Second-Degree BSN program. Other BSN paths provide the necessary education to earn a pre-licensure BSN. These programs will also make you eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
The basic premise of an RN to BSN program is to educate an RN with work experience to earn their baccalaureate degree. A student who has not sat for the NCLEX-RN to earn their RN license is best served by enrolling in the BSN program. Many nursing schools have more than two paths to a BSN. Earning your BSN will improve your employment opportunities!
What is the Salary Difference Between an RN and BSN?
Generally, BSNs earn more than RNs. The salary difference between an RN and BSN varies depending on a variety of factors, such as location, experience, and type of facility. According to Payscale, Nurses with a BSN degree earn, on average, $91,000 per year, while nurses with an ADN earn around $74,000.
How do You Pay for an RN to BSN Program?
The cost of an RN to BSN program will vary depending on the institution and the type of program you choose. Generally speaking, most RN to BSN programs are offered through universities and colleges, and the per-credit tuition costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Some institutions offer payment plans, grants, or scholarships to help with the cost of tuition. It is also possible to use private loans or federal student loans to help pay for the program. Only schools with accreditation can offer federal financial aid to students. And if you need to apply for financial aid, make sure you fill out the FAFSA as early as possible.
Scholarships For Nursing Students
Another way to reduce tuition costs is with an employer tuition reimbursement plan. Many hospitals and other healthcare employers offer programs to help their nurses advance their education and qualifications. Not every employer offers this assistance. But they are more common in the nursing profession since it is in the hospital’s best interest to have nurses with more training and education. Check with the Human Resources department where you work to find out if your employer offers a program.
Other Schools to Consider:
- Ohio State University
- University of Central Florida
- Fort Hays State University
- Florida International University
- Chamberlain University
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Advancing Your Nursing Career
BSN graduates can enter the nursing workforce or enroll in one of the many nursing graduate programs. There are many career opportunities for nurses with a master’s degree. Graduate programs qualify nurses for leadership roles, advanced practice, and management roles.
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Career opportunities for nurses with an advanced degree from an MSN program include a clinical nurse manager, nurse educator, and nurse practitioner. Additionally, graduates of MSN programs on one of these career paths also earn higher salaries than jobs with a bachelor’s degree. For example, a nurse anesthetist earns around $195,000 per year (BLS).
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