Today's Top Accredited RN to BSN Programs Online
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.
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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.
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 $36.12 per hour, according to PayScale. RNs who possess a BSN may also be more aligned to secure advanced nursing positions and are eligible for MSN programs that can lead to even higher-level roles within healthcare.
In as little as 3 years, RNs can walk away with the credential they need to open the door to new career opportunities and secure a higher paycheck. And with an online program, students don’t even have to stop working to get the education they need.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a required degree for many registered nursing job openings. This makes it critical for RNs without a bachelor’s (and who want to advance) to find a program that allows them to go to school while balancing their workload. Our goal is to help current RNs to find the best bridge program to suit their needs. Each RN-BSN program varies depending its the availability of online courses, advanced curriculum, college and departmental accreditations, program length, and tuition costs. Note that aside from online learning, many BSN students must take on-site clinical placements, as well. We’ve identified the schools that are top all-around candidates for a great education. See if one is right for you.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.70%
- % Receiving Award47%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.62%
- % Receiving Award50%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Richmond, Virginia
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. AidN/A
- % in Online Ed.100%
- % Receiving Award80%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.87%
- % Receiving Award86%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Wheeling University
Wheeling, West Virginia
Private
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.96%
- % Receiving Award89%
- Tuition$$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.88%
- % Receiving Award67%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
University of Providence
Great Falls, Montana
Private
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.100%
- % Receiving Award38%
- Tuition$$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.88%
- % Receiving Award59%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.86%
- % Receiving Award70%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Canton, Ohio
Private
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.85%
- % Receiving Award67%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Florida
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.79%
- % Receiving Award65%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, California
Public
- AccreditationWASC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.99%
- % Receiving Award44%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.98%
- % Receiving Award41%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, California
Public
- AccreditationWSCUC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.94%
- % Receiving Award58%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
Cincinnati, Ohio
Private
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.92%
- % Receiving Award52%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.97%
- % Receiving Award61%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.74%
- % Receiving Award66%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.93%
- % Receiving Award61%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
CUNY Lehman College
Bronx, New York
Public
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Avg. Inst. AidN/A
- % in Online Ed.96%
- % Receiving Award52%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio7/1
McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.88%
- % Receiving Award46%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.73%
- % Receiving Award72%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.79%
- % Receiving Award71%
- Tuition$$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.91%
- % Receiving Award34%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
Public
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.68%
- % Receiving Award73%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Public
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.75%
- % Receiving Award68%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio11/1
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.70%
- % Receiving Award64%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio10/1
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.83%
- % Receiving Award64%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.87%
- % Receiving Award41%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Private
- AccreditationNECHE
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.96%
- % Receiving Award46%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Edwardsville, Illinois
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.86%
- % Receiving Award50%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSFA
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.87%
- % Receiving Award52%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, New Mexico
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.89%
- % Receiving Award25%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.76%
- % Receiving Award52%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
SUNY College at Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, New York
Public
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.71%
- % Receiving Award68%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.61%
- % Receiving Award72%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Carolinas College of Health Sciences
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. AidN/A
- % in Online Ed.43%
- % Receiving Award100%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Indiana University-East
Richmond, Indiana
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.86%
- % Receiving Award38%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.55%
- % Receiving Award67%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio8/1
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, New Mexico
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.74%
- % Receiving Award33%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.87%
- % Receiving Award50%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Bluefield State College
Bluefield, West Virginia
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.87%
- % Receiving Award35%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Baptist Health Sciences University
Memphis, Tennessee
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.65%
- % Receiving Award56%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Molloy College
Rockville Centre, New York
Private
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.62%
- % Receiving Award74%
- Tuition$$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.57%
- % Receiving Award66%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Utah State University
Logan, Utah
Public
- AccreditationNWCCU
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.70%
- % Receiving Award53%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
University of South Carolina-Upstate
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.84%
- % Receiving Award48%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Public
- AccreditationHLC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.66%
- % Receiving Award71%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.91%
- % Receiving Award57%
- Tuition$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Public
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.80%
- % Receiving Award40%
- Tuition$
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
University of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, North Carolina
Private
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Avg. Inst. Aid
- % in Online Ed.76%
- % Receiving Award53%
- Tuition$$$
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
Discover RN to BSN Nursing Programs in a State Near You
Find My RN to BSN Program Now
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 | Q&A with Robyn M. Nelson,
Dean, College of Nursing
|
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.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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:
Sources: