Accredited RN to BSN Programs Online
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.
Last Updated: 08/06/2020——
MEET THE EXPERT

Shana Myers
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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.
2020’s Best Online RN to BSN Programs
According to Nightingale College, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will become the required degree for entering nursing occupations by 2020. This makes it critical for registered nurses without a bachelor’s (and who want to advance) to find a program that allows them to go to school while balancing their RN 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.
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Methodology for EduMed’s 2020 Rankings
To be considered for this ranking, each school must have the following:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Program(s) offered at least partially online.
School Metrics Explained
EduMed.org data scientists analyzed government higher education data and created a proprietary algorithm to rank each U.S. postsecondary institution and its online programs using 5 primary factors:
- Cost: Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Online Program Availability: Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to Department of Education.
- Academic Counseling: Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement: Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid: Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Most recent data pull: February 2020
# | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The University of Texas of the Permian BasinOdessa, TX | Public | $$ | 1 |
There are no prerequisites for admission to University of Texas RN to BSN degree program. The online program is designed for working RNs who want to add management courses to advance their careers. The accelerated program can be completed in as few as 8 months. The BSN degree requires completion of 31 hours of coursework, or a total of 11 classes, adding up to a total of 120 credits when combined with transferred general education credits from an associate degree program. The program requires completion of clinical practicums, while all other courses can be completed entirely online. The one mandatory management-related elective is in Management Concepts and Original Theory, or in Business Communications. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid81% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
2 | The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL | Public | $$ | 1 |
At West Florida, the RN to BSN degree program requires 32 credits that can be completed in a year, including 16 credits of upper-division electives. The wholly online degree focuses on topics such as evidence-based nursing practice, fundamental leadership skills, health promotion, pharmacology, patient health assessments, and health education. Prior to admission to the program, all candidates must complete 21 credits of prerequisites of courses and labs in Anatomy and Physiology, Human Development Across the Lifespan, Nutrition, Statistics and Microbiology. Applicants must hold an associate degree and can transfer up to 16 credits. Candidates must hold a current RN license. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid83% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
3 | University of Central FloridaOrlando, FL | Public | $$ | 1 |
The 30-credit RN to BSN degree program at the University of Central Florida is offered online. The only on-site requirement is for a 4-credit practicum. The degree can be completed in three semesters on a full-time basis or students can attend on a part-time schedule. Coursework features online studies in pathophysiology, health assessment, nursing research, policy and economics, and management. The program offers fall, spring, and summer start dates. Post-licensure students can receive up to 29 credits in general education from their two-year college. Graduates planning to transfer to a University of Central Florida MSN or DNP degree program can transfer 9 credits toward those degrees. Online students are granted a partial tuition waver to eliminate customary on-campus fees. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid41% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
4 | University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT | Public | $$ | 1 |
The University of Utah’s RN to BSN degree program can be completed in 2-4 semesters based on whether you attend on a full- or part-time basis. Applicants must be Registered Nurses with a current endorsement. Coursework for the degree is completed entirely online. There are a total 113 hours of clinicals and a practicum that require on-site attendance. Nurses may choose an option of completing a Geriatric Nurse Leadership Specialty. The emphasis in Geriatric Nursing Leadership is designed for students planning to go on to earn a MS, DNP, or PhD. The degree offers Fall, Spring, or Summer start dates. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid71% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||
5 | Southern Utah UniversityCedar City, UT | Public | $$ | 1 |
To complete the RN to BSN degree at Southern Utah University, students must successfully undertake 10 core nursing courses online. The 30-credit program is open to RNs with an active, unencumbered endorsement and can be completed in as little as 10 months. Core courses include Health Assessment, Health Promotion and Education, Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults, Community Health Nursing, Management of the Complex Patient, Leadership and Management, and Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice. Applicants who have passed their a NCLEX exam will receive 20 hours credit toward their lower-, division requirements. They will also receive up to 10 additional credits in Upper Division coursework following a Prior Learning Assessment. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid80% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | |||
6 | California State University-StanislausTurlock, CA | Public | $$ | 1 |
Students in California State University-Stanislaus’ online RN to BSN program are able to integrate their advanced skills immediately in their current nursing workplace. The 26-unit curriculum deepens the nursing skills in critical thinking and creative problem solving. The degree can be completed in a year by full-time students through 10-week class sessions. Nine core courses make up the online curriculum, including studies in transcultural nursing, pathophysiology, leadership & management, and community health theory. In addition to online didactic studies, students must complete a face-to-face orientation session and a 90-hour clinical placement during the 10-week summer session. Prospective RNs can apply online. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid59% |
Accreditation#N/A | |||
7 | Sentara College of Health SciencesChesapeake, VA | Private, Not-for-Profit | $ | 1 |
Sentara College’s nursing program was established in 1892. The RN to BSN wholly online degree program was created in 2010 to serve working RNs. Ten online, self-paced classes fulfill the program’s 30 credit completion requirements. The program is delivered entirely online. Students attend on a part-time basis so they can continue working as RNs. There are no required clinicals. RNs who have earned an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Occupational Science (or applicants without a previous degree), must complete 25 credits in general education courses to become eligible for admission. Sentara’s RN to BSN program has a 90% placement rate. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid0% |
AccreditationAccrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools | |||
8 | West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WV | Public | $$ | 1 |
Registered nurses that have graduated from diploma and associate degree nursing programs will find that West Virginia University’s RN to BSN program is well-suited to fit around their work and family obligations. You can complete the requirements for a BSN in as few as three semesters. RN’s are awarded credit hours toward the degree, leaving them only 28 credits to complete the BSN. To earn the degree, students are required to deliver a Senior Thesis. Classes include Core Concepts in Gerontological Nursing, Community Health Nursing: Theory and Interventions, Leadership in Complex Systems, Applied Research and Evidence Based Practice, Generics/Genomics in Health, and Palliative Care Nursing. Applications are completed online. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid68% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
9 | University of ToledoToledo, OH | Public | $$ | 1 |
Licensed nurses can complete their bachelor’s degree through the University of Toledo’s RN to BSN program. Online coursework is complemented by 30 hours of approved residency. Toledo’s unique Competency-Based Education (CBE) enables working nurses to save time and money by pursuing a self-paced curriculum in as few as two semesters, moving to the next class as soon as they complete their current one. They can also set their own schedule and choose their personal course load. A minimum 36 nursing major credits are required for graduation. Courses include Applied Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Nursing Informatics, Population Focused Care, and Leadership and Professional Development. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid92% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
10 | University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque, NM | Public | $$ | 1 |
The 100 percent online RN to BSN degree completion program at the University of New Mexico requires 30 credits of courses. Classes are held in 8-week sessions. There are no practicum requirements. The completion-track curriculum is comprised of 9 courses for 24 hours and 6 credits of upper-division electives. The completion courses include Advancement of Professional Nursing, Nursing in the Community, Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Professional Communication, Leadership and Management, Care of Vulnerable Populations, Health Policy, Economics, and Systems, and Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan. Applicants must have a current unencumbered license and completed a minimum of 26 credits in transferable coursework. Program Overview: RN to BSN
|
Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid77% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
11 | Arizona State University-TempeTempe, AZ | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid86% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
12 | University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington, NC | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid39% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
13 | University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid65% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
14 | Texas A & M International UniversityLaredo, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid37% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
15 | North Carolina Central UniversityDurham, NC | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid83% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
16 | Northeastern State UniversityTahlequah, OK | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid55% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
17 | SUNY College at PlattsburghPlattsburgh, NY | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid84% |
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education | ||||
18 | Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid70% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
19 | Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid70% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
20 | Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville, MO | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid88% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
21 | Wichita State UniversityWichita, KS | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid64% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
22 | University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg, MS | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid73% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
23 | Grantham UniversityLenexa, KS | Private, For-Profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid17% |
AccreditationDistance Education Accrediting Commission | ||||
24 | Northwestern State University of LouisianaNatchitoches, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid65% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
25 | University of KansasLawrence, KS | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid67% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
26 | University of ArkansasFayetteville, AR | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid41% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
27 | Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington, IN | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid58% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
28 | Lewis-Clark State CollegeLewiston, ID | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid61% |
AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | ||||
29 | East Central UniversityAda, OK | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid58% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
30 | Lamar UniversityBeaumont, TX | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid20% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
31 | University of Southern IndianaEvansville, IN | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid62% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
32 | Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid35% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
33 | Marshall UniversityHuntington, WV | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid63% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
34 | University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville, AL | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid75% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
35 | Capella UniversityMinneapolis, MN | Private, For-Profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid50% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
36 | SUNY College of Technology at DelhiDelhi, NY | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid77% |
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education | ||||
37 | University of North AlabamaFlorence, AL | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid71% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
38 | University of Massachusetts-LowellLowell, MA | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid76% |
AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education | ||||
39 | Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid83% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
40 | Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg, MA | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid59% |
AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education | ||||
41 | Clemson UniversityClemson, SC | Public | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid77% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
42 | University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid54% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
43 | Indiana University-EastRichmond, IN | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid48% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
44 | University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid57% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
45 | University of Louisiana at MonroeMonroe, LA | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid58% |
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
46 | Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid92% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
47 | Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids, MI | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid74% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
48 | Bowling Green State University-Main CampusBowling Green, OH | Public | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid66% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
49 | Southwest Minnesota State UniversityMarshall, MN | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementYes |
Students w/ Institutional Aid64% |
AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
50 | Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes |
Career PlacementNo |
Students w/ Institutional Aid0% |
AccreditationDistance Education Accrediting Commission |
Profiling Online RN to BSN Programs
The RN to BSN online is one of the most popular nursing bridge programs in the virtual format. Schools from across the country are helping RNs get their bachelor’s and take the necessary steps to boost their careers. However, when it’s time to pick a program, questions may linger. How long will it take? Can I even afford it right now? To help you answer those critical questions, we’ve collected key program details from some of today’s leading RN to BSN bridges online.
The School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison
The University of Wisconsin’s [email protected] program is designed expressly for working nurses and can be completed in as little as a year and a half. This program prepares nurses for advanced roles or professional specialized leadership. Wisconsin’s 33-credit bridge program accepts nursing transfer credits from a two-year college. Prerequisites include completion of an RN or a Diploma in Nursing from an accredited institution. Applicants must have also completed 24-transferable non-nursing credits from their community college program and high school coursework in algebra, plane geometry, and college-preparatory math. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in any field can complete the online accelerated BSN in 12 months. The first class requires a day of on-campus orientation. Online tuition is $10,555/year. Accreditations are from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX-RN. Applications are made through the UW System Application for Admission.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The 100% online RN to BSN program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is comprised of 30 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months. Online courses run on an 8-week timetable. Core curriculum includes 9 courses and an eight-week capstone project. Prerequisite courses must also be completed prior to graduation and include studies in English literature, art, history, statistics, chemistry, college algebra, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. Total off-campus tuition for the bridge program is $9,500. The total cost of the general education courses is based on the number of credit hours the student has already completed. To enter, students must hold an unencumbered RN license. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applications must be made online at the university’s website.
Washington State University College of Nursing
WDU’s online RN-BSN degree-completion program can be taken on a full- or part-time basis. There is one campus-based meeting per semester. The 32-credit program focuses on assessment, leadership/management, ethics, research, informatics, community health, and mental health. The nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Applicants must hold a current RN license, have junior-year college standing (60 transfer hours), and have completed college prerequisites in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, growth and development across the lifespan, nutrition, sociology, psychology, microbiology, and statistics. In-state tuition for the program is $5,145 per semester. The online bridge programs are offered through WSU campuses in Spokane, Walla Walla, Pullman, Yakima, and Vancouver. To apply, students must first contact an academic advisor at their respective campus.
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.
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 pay for your online RN to BSN program, check out the following pages:
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