Today's Top Accredited RN to BSN Programs Online

Avatar photo
Author: Gabby Hyman
Shana-Myers
Reviewer:

Shana Myers

Shana Myers is registered nurse with over 12 years of experience working in various areas of concentration including medical-surgical nursing, informatics, and nurse education. With a Master of Science in Nursing and a background in gynecology, colorectal, palliative medicine, neurology, orthopedics, urology, she uses her experience to work as a hospital educator helping new graduate nurses transition into RNs.

For registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance, a bachelor’s degree may be just the ticket. Learn about RN to BSN programs, and see if online and blended solutions make sense for you.

Find Your Online Degree

  1. Take our quiz
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites
I want my
In
A diverse group of medical professionals, including registered nurses and doctors, engaged in a discussion around a table in a bright, modern office setting.

Designed for working nurses who want their four-year degree, online RN-to-BSN programs are a great pathway to career advancement and a higher salary. BSN-holders earn an average of $36.12 per hour, according to PayScale. RNs who possess a BSN may also be more aligned to secure advanced nursing positions and are eligible for MSN programs that can lead to even higher-level roles within healthcare.

In as little as 3 years, RNs can walk away with the credential they need to open the door to new career opportunities and secure a higher paycheck. And with an online program, students don’t even have to stop working to get the education they need.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a required degree for many registered nursing job openings. This makes it critical for RNs without a bachelor’s (and who want to advance) to find a program that allows them to go to school while balancing their workload. Our goal is to help current RNs to find the best bridge program to suit their needs. Each RN-BSN program varies depending its the availability of online courses, advanced curriculum, college and departmental accreditations, program length, and tuition costs. Note that aside from online learning, many BSN students must take on-site clinical placements, as well. We’ve identified the schools that are top all-around candidates for a great education. See if one is right for you.

1

University of North Alabama

Florence, Alabama

IconIconIconIcon

Public

2

Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

IconIconIconIcon

Public

IconIconIcon

Private

4

Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

IconIconIcon

Public

5

Wheeling University

Wheeling, West Virginia

IconIconIcon

Private

6

IconIconIcon

Public

7

University of Providence

Great Falls, Montana

IconIconIcon

Private

8

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Greensboro, North Carolina

IconIconIcon

Public

9

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

IconIconIcon

Public

11

University of North Florida

Jacksonville, Florida

IconIconIcon

Public

IconIconIcon

Public

13

Norfolk State University

Norfolk, Virginia

IconIconIcon

Public

IconIconIcon

Public

16

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

IconIconIcon

Public

17

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

IconIconIcon

Public

IconIconIcon

Public

19

CUNY Lehman College

Bronx, New York

IconIconIcon

Public

20

McNeese State University

Lake Charles, Louisiana

IconIconIcon

Public

21

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

IconIconIcon

Public

22

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri

IconIconIcon

Private

23

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, North Carolina

IconIconIcon

Public

24

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

IconIconIcon

Public

25

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

IconIconIcon

Public

26

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

IconIconIcon

Public

27

Ohio University

Athens, Ohio

IconIconIcon

Public

28

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

IconIconIcon

Private

29

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

IconIconIcon

Private

30

IconIconIcon

Public

31

IconIconIcon

Public

32

New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, New Mexico

IconIconIcon

Public

33

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, Virginia

IconIconIcon

Public

34

SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, New York

IconIconIcon

Public

35

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa

IconIconIcon

Public

36

Carolinas College of Health Sciences

Charlotte, North Carolina

IconIconIcon

Public

37

Indiana University-East

Richmond, Indiana

IconIconIcon

Public

38

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, Oklahoma

IconIconIcon

Public

39

Western New Mexico University

Silver City, New Mexico

IconIconIcon

Public

40

The University of West Florida

Pensacola, Florida

IconIconIcon

Public

41

Bluefield State College

Bluefield, West Virginia

IconIconIcon

Public

42

IconIconIcon

Private

43

Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York

IconIconIcon

Private

44

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

IconIconIcon

Public

45

Utah State University

Logan, Utah

IconIconIcon

Public

46

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Spartanburg, South Carolina

IconIconIcon

Public

47

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, Missouri

IconIconIcon

Public

48

Regent University

Virginia Beach, Virginia

IconIconIcon

Private

IconIconIcon

Public

50

University of Mount Olive

Mount Olive, North Carolina

IconIconIcon

Private

Find Your Online Degree

  1. Take our quiz
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites
I want my
In

Discover RN to BSN Nursing Programs in a State Near You

Interview with Online RN to BSN Leadership

Choosing the best online RN to BSN program for you can be challenging. It’s a big decision and there are a lot of options. We reached out to deans of nursing colleges to give them the opportunity to share why prospective students should pick their program over others.

University name location School type online programs Get more info Program Description
West Coast University location: Campuses in CA, FL, TX School type: Private for-profit online programs: 1 Get more info
Laurus College Logo

Q&A with Robyn M. Nelson,
PhD, MSN, RN

Dean, College of Nursing
RN to BSN Online

What’s your involvement at WCU with online learning?

I am the Chief Nursing Officer in the eyes of our professional accreditor, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), for all nursing programs at WCU (BSN, MSN, and DNP) regardless of the modality (on-ground or online).

What makes your online RN to BSN program stand out from other programs?

The seamless transition from the associate degree or diploma nursing program—42 semester units for nursing regardless of the program completed; and we accept 42 semester units of general education, as long as they are transferrable units. We do not have specific GE categories or required upper division GE. Most RN-BSN students spent many years in college, and most RN-BSN students only have 36 units to complete—either as an accelerated schedule in as little as 12 months or a schedule designed for the working professional in as little as 24 months.

How does your online program in RN to BSN prepare students for successful careers in the field?

The graduate of our RN-BSN program is eligible for the CA Public Health Nursing Certificate and employment in a community-based setting, and they earn a Nurse Manager Certificate from Sigma, the international honor society of nursing. The RN-BSN curriculum focuses on preparing the RN for leadership positions, and being a consumer of research, using evidence-based practice to inform clinical decisions.

What support services do you offer students enrolled in your online RN to BSN program?

They are supported from their initial contact to WCU with an experience admissions advisor, followed by a Student Success advisor who is part of a dynamic Student Advising team that will assist each student in achieving their educational aspirations. We believe the WCU Online Student Advising support is the new gold standard for all universities to emulate. The ongoing assistance with professional and career development guidance enhances the prospect for securing employment and obtaining professional success. Our career services department offers career planning advice, assistance from resume writing, interview preparation to job leads and more! We can help you prepare make the most out of every career opportunity.

Any other information you’d like prospective students to know about your program?

Nursing is one education with many career opportunities. Their goal should be to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing—whether through completion of an associate degree in nursing initially and then the Bachelor of Science degree—employers want BSN-prepared nurses and the patients we serve benefit when the RN has a BSN.

Online RN to BSN Programs in Detail

There are critical factors to weigh when researching and applying to RN to BSN degree programs — especially to the online bridge format. First consider the breakdown of each program’s curriculum, including nursing core requirements, general education classes, labs, and clinical placements, and then consider the program length. Bridge programs run from one to two years, depending on completed prerequisites, the number of two-year courses that the student can transfer, and whether the student attends on a full- or part-time basis. Then, there is the cost of the program, typically based on the number of semesters each student needs to complete. Here’s a breakdown of key attributes to consider when searching for the best program to suit your professional goals:

Inside the RN to BSN Curriculum

The curriculum within RN to BSN bridge programs is designed for RNs who want to advance their careers or prepare for graduate nursing programs. Bridge programs address key competencies needed for success in the profession. The curriculum consists of general education courses, nursing core classes, studies in nursing theory, leadership, labs, and clinical experiences.

General education

The general education requirements at online RN to BSN bridge programs are slanted toward improving and integrating fundamental nursing skills in professional practice. Depending on the program, students typically can complete these studies concurrently with their BSN coursework. Courses selected from a wide range of programs commonly include communication, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. General education course credits range from 6 – 15 credit hours, depending on the number of required classes in each area of study. Here is a sample of some courses:

  • English Composition:
    This foundation course in college-level composition focuses on researching, writing, and revising persuasive papers.
  • Introduction to Psychology:
    This general education course introduces students to the fundamental principles of psychology, psychology history, and applied research.
  • Applied Healthcare Statistics:
    The course introduces students to mathematics, including introductory algebra, used to compile statistics and assessments of probability.

Nursing core

Each online RN to BSN program is built around courses that form the backbone of nursing practice. They address indispensable skills-development in patient care, community health, clinical theory, healthcare ethics, informatics, research and statistics, pathophysiology, evidence-based nursing, health assessment, and promotion. These three examples are among the common core requirements for bridge programs:

  • Professional Roles and Values:
    Nurses study the responsibilities, ethics, and accountability in professional nursing, including cultural competency, patient advocacy rights, conduct, and legal considerations.
  • Applied Healthcare Statistics:
    Examine the epidemiological concepts of research and analytic systems used to create a testable hypothesis, build a model, and interpret results.
  • Complex Patient Centered Nursing Care:
    This course provides an overview of the principles and best practices for using psychopharmacology to treat mental disorders across the lifespan.

Nursing theory

Courseworkcovers the history of theory, current theoretical and professional applications, and advanced research practice that addresses specific populations. Nursing theory courses build a framework for identifying and assessing the right kind of care strategies relevant to each patient. The following courses are common among online RN to BSN programs:

  • Introduction to Nursing Theory and Research:
    The course explores the development of nursing theory and research methods with an eye toward the practical use of evidence-based findings.
  • Models of Nursing Practice:
    The study of theory-based professional nursing practice as modeled by Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring.
  • Middle Range Theory for Nursing:
    Examine the nine middle range concepts that govern the ongoing use of theory generation, practice research, and disciplinary models.

Lab sciences

In an online program, students undertake clinicals on campus or at hospitals near their place of residence. Labs may also be arranged at facilities where the RN currently works. Unlike online didactic courses that may be self-paced, clinicals meet at specific times and locations. Some clinicals are offered on campus in the evenings. Here are some clinicals common to many bridge programs:

  • Microbiology:
    This course focuses on the importance of microbes in relation to the disinfection and equipment sterilization techniques that minimize infection and prevent the spread of disease.
  • Clinical Pharmacology:
    Learn the principles and intervention practices in pharmacology to treat mental disorders across the patient’s lifespan.
  • Nutrition Science:
    Study the factors of metabolism and dietary behaviors that affect patient health, along with key therapeutic applications in dietary change and psychology.

Organization & leadership

Leadership curriculum includes studies inresearch, statistics, and informatics that assist leaders in the nursing field in creating policy. Learn how to develop programs that enhance patient care and staff performance. There is typically a concentration on skills for critical thinking, communication, dispute resolution, and the delegation of responsibilities. Here are three current courses from online bridge programs:

  • Healthcare Systems and Policy:
    This comprehensive course provides insight into systems thinking, process-planning, regulatory requirements, and practical models for advocacy.
  • Transitioning to Nurse Leadership:
    This wide-ranging BSN course centers on leadership theory, healthcare policy, conflict management, interdisciplinary communication, and team collaboration.
  • The Role of Nurse Manager:
    Learn the responsibilities of nurse managers in patient care planning, the creation of performance goals, undertaking staff evaluations, and the incorporation of new policies to remedy issues in performance and patient care.

How Long Does an Online RN to BSN Program Take?

In general, students can complete their 60-credit RN to BSN program in as little as 24 months on a full-time basis. For nurses pursing a part-time program, the degree can take up to three years. Wholly online didactic studies may be self-paced, affecting time of completion. Online nursing students can complete their degrees faster than they would at brick and mortar colleges since they may finish their didactic courses ahead of deadlines. Other variables impacting time to graduation are whether their 60 course credits transfer from an ADN program and if the applicant has satisfied all lower-division prerequisites. RNs may also receive credit for work experience, shortening the total number of credits required for graduation.

Here is a sample timeline for completing an online RN to BSN program:

Term Courses # Credits
Semester 1 Legal and Ethical Perspectives of Caring; Foundations Nursing Research; Writing in the Academic Community; Clinical Microbiology. 15
Semester 2 Pharmacotherapeutics; Health Assessment; Nursing Research; Quantitative Reasoning; Data Analysis. 15
Summer College Algebra and Probability; Health Care Informatics. 6
Semester 3 Health Assessment for Nurses; Information Technology; General Pathophysiology; Aging and Health; Cultural Competence in Health Care; Family Centered Health Promotion. 15
Semester 4 Concepts in Leadership and Management; Complex Client Systems for Registered Nurses; Advanced Standing for RN License; Community Health and Population-Focused Field Experience; Organizational Systems and Quality Leadership. 15

How Does Earning an RN to BSN Work Online?

Bridge program students combine their online didactic studies with onsite clinicals and labs. Designed for working nurses, online RN to BSN programs offer remote accessibility and the flexibility to tailor your studies around existing commitments. Students access class materials through a digital portal that provides streaming lectures, direct messaging, course assignments, and email communications. Other features include reviewing the class syllabus online, and a place to tally your credits toward the degree. Online university forums, research libraries, and message boards facilitate collaboration between students. Some programs incorporate online tutorials, simulations, and virtual labs as well. Nursing peers can live miles apart from one another, but can engage in research projects on a mutual online platform. Communication with professors and mentors can conducted by telephone or video conferencing. The online model is well-suited for the completion of general education courses required throughout the university. It is also a convenient, timely way to complete prerequisites in math, chemistry, human anatomy and physiology. Online technical support is offered on a 24/7 basis.

Admissions for RN to BSN Programs

Admission requirements for bridge programs may vary by institution, however the most-common ones call for completion of an RN degree or nursing diploma from an accredited school and possession of a current RN license. Some programs require an applicant interview or essay. Those with nursing experience must provide a verification of work from their employers and a resume. Applicants must also provide transcripts from their two-year nursing programs to demonstrate completion of the bridge program’s prerequisite coursework.

Current RN license

Online bridge program admission requirements begin with the applicant’s holding of a current, active, and unrestricted RN license under the terms of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. It’s the most-important criterion because without a license, you can’t enroll in the program.

How to stand out

Augment your licensing reporting based on meeting the Board of Nursing requirements for your state and the specialized competencies measured by the National Council Licensure Examination.

Resume and experience

RN experience may be a governing factor in supporting your application. You can improve your RN to BSN admission chances by demonstrating your professional areas of practice, your expertise, and accomplishments in nursing, your employment record, and training in digital medical record-keeping. The admissions team wants to see that you already have skills in communication, collaboration, clinical judgment, and critical thinking.

How to stand out

Cite your key accomplishments, awards, or recognitions. Demonstrate your continuous professional growth in the nursing profession.

Undergraduate transcripts

Transcripts from your ADN or diploma program demonstrate your scholarly aptitude, your GPA (typically a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75), and your transferable undergraduate credits. Because the number of acceptable transfer credits vary bridge program, transcripts provide assurance that you’ve met prerequisites or general education requirements.

How to stand out

Order your transcripts to arrive before the application deadline. Community college transcripts should be sent whether you received college credit or audited the course.

Cost of an RN to BSN Online Program

RN to BSN programs require tuition and fees, just like any other educational program. Online bridge programs may accelerate learning, decreasing the number of courses or credits required for graduation and along with it, the total cost. In effect, they can be less expensive than on-campus programs. Online tuition may be based on the university’s annual undergraduate fees or by the number of college credits per course. Since didactic courses may be self-paced, online students must keep up or extend their program length and tuition depending on progress. Tuition may also vary by the institution’s prestige or specializations. Here’s a range of tuition (low to high) charged for online RN to BSN degree completion programs:

1 1. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, online RN-to-BSN program: $4,380/yr. or $146/credit.
2 2. IUPUI – Indiana University School of Nursing, online RN-to-BSN program: $6,300/yr. or $210/credit.
3 3. California State University at Fullerton, online RN to BSN: $7,170/yr. or $239/credit.
4 4. Chamberlain University, online RN to BSN option: BSN completion program: $17,700/yr. or $590/credit.

For information on how to make your online RN to BSN program more affordable, check out the following pages:

Back to top