Top Online BSN Programs for 2024

Common Online BSN Courses and Clinical Components

Community and Population Health

This course surveys the range of long-term and immediate health concerns in communities on local, regional, and global levels. Students develop the ability to identify and analyze specific health issues in these communities and among vulnerable populations and to apply appropriate nursing and public health measures to resolve those issues.

Health Information Management and Technology

An exploration of the information tools and technologies used today to support safe nursing practice and improve patient outcomes. Topics covered include standardized terminology, communication technologies, information systems, patient portals, data integrity and mining, and clinical decision support tools. Also included is an examination of legal and ethical issues related to the use of information technologies employed in modern nursing practice.

Leadership and Management

Introduction to leadership and management theory, and its applications to current nursing practice. Students are taught to employ the knowledge and skills gained in the course to improve the coordination of patient care to improve patient outcomes, communication and collaboration between team members, and change management.

Research and Evidence-Based Nursing Practice

This course provides students with an overview of the scientific and clinical inquiry processes and research methodologies employed by nurses to make informed clinical decisions that positively impact patient care. Students are taught to assess appropriate analytic approaches and methods to identify, analyze, and apply the best available evidence to develop potential solutions and innovations in their professional practice.

Clinical Training

To meet state-mandated nurse licensure requirements, all pre-RN licensure programs include a stated number of clinical hours that are completed in person by the student at approved nursing practice facilities. Additionally, some RN to BSN programs include capstone projects that may require in-person clinical participation, typically at the student’s current place of employment. The purpose of these clinical experiences is to provide students with a real-world, hands-on environment in which to perform and improve important nursing competencies.

Can you earn a BSN degree completely online?

It depends on the type of BSN and the specific program you’re in. All programs include academic coursework (lectures, readings, written assignments, quizzes, etc.) that may or may not be offered online. However, online prelicensure (standard and accelerated BSN) programs also include lab experiences typically attended on campus. Additionally, all prelicensure programs (accelerated BSN and LVN to BSN) and some RN to BSN programs include clinical practice hour requirements that are attended in person at program-approved nursing facilities near the school’s or the student’s local community.

How long does it take to earn a BSN degree online?

Time to complete your online BSN program will depend on a number of factors, including the type of program you are in, the number of previously earned credits you transfer into your BSN program, and whether you choose to study full-time or part-time. Many BSN degrees online have strictly structured curriculums with definite completion times. Others feature self-paced courses of study. Bearing all of this in mind, here are common lengths for the different types of BSN degrees online:

• Standard BSN: As few as three years of year-round study
  
  
• Accelerated BSN: 15 to 16 months of year-round study
  
  
• RN to BSN: 12 to 24 months (varies primarily due to additional general education coursework needed by the student to meet program requirements)
  
  
• LVN to BSN: 15 to 24 months of continuous study
  
  

How much does an online BSN degree cost?

Prices for online BSN programs vary, sometimes substantially. Major factors in program cost include whether your program is offered by a public or private school (private programs are usually more expensive) and, in terms of public school programs, whether you’re an in-state or out-of state resident (out-of-state residents typically pay more). Cost also depends on the type of program you’re pursuing. RN to BSN programs, for example, typically require fewer credit hours and generally cost less than prelicensure BSN programs.

To get a better idea of what you might pay for your online BSN degree, check out the program spotlights above, as well as the current tuition costs for the following RN to BSN programs. Total credits listed are the minimum required for each program and do not include additional required credits earned in the student’s ADN or nursing diploma program and required general ed credits.

Davenport
University

BSN Completion Path
(ADN+RN to BSN)

Total Credits: 31

$844/credit

Northwestern
College (Iowa)

RN to BSN

Total Credits: 30

$340/credit

Southern New Hampshire University

RN to BSN

Total Credits: 30

$320/credit

What are the admissions requirements for online BSN nursing programs?

Not surprisingly, admission requirements are different for each program type and vary from school to school for programs of the same type. These are the most common admissions requirements you can expect for your online BSN program:

• Standard BSN: High school diploma or GED; acceptable score on standardized admissions test (like the HESI or TEAS).
  
  
• Accelerated BSN: Previously earned non-nursing bachelor’s degree (some programs allow substantial previously completed college coursework in lieu of a bachelor’s degree); minimum cumulative GPA on college-level coursework; admissions test (like HESI or TEAS); prerequisite coursework.
  
  
• RN to BSN: Current unencumbered RN license; ADN degree or nursing diploma; minimum cumulative GPA on degree/diploma coursework; prerequisite coursework.
  
  
• LVN to BSN: LVN license; high school diploma or GED; acceptable score on standardized admission test (like HESI or TEAS); minimum number of hours of work experience as an LVN.
  
  
• Other common requirements: criminal background check, drug screening, and fingerprinting; current resume or CV; letters of recommendation; personal statement; enrollment interview. International students are typically required to demonstrate English proficiency (via TOEFL or IELTS test).

If I earn my BSN degree online from a school in a different state, will I still be eligible to become a licensed RN in my state?

It depends on both the specific online BSN program you choose and the state in which you intend to practice. The schools offering online BSN programs are required to meet the RN licensing regulations of each individual state where students in their program reside or plan to practice. You’ll likely be fine if you intend to work as an RN in the same state in which your BSN program is located. If not, it’s critical that you speak with an enrollment counselor at each school you’re considering to confirm that the program qualifies you for RN licensure in your state.