Accelerated Online RN to BSN Programs: Finding a School
Going back to school while juggling a full-time job can be tough. Fast-track RN to BSN online programs can make the process much easier to digest. Use EduMed’s guide to explore what an RN to BSN program entails, and to see examples of high quality degree programs available online. Explore common challenges, get answers to frequently asked questions, and research and vet top schools.
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Inside Accelerated Online RN to BSN Programs
Regardless of how long you’ve been working in healthcare, you’re likely aware that a major shift has occurred in nursing, namely the education required to enter and stay competitive in the field. Over 70% of nurses in the US, including over half the nurses entering the profession, hold a BSN or higher degree. This increase in education level has been shown to improve the quality of care patients receive and the competency of the nurses who provide it.
If you’re already an RN, the quickest way to get your BSN is through a fast-track program. To aid your search for the right program, EduMed profiled three high-quality online, accelerated bridge programs. From accreditation status to cost to unique program features, the insights can help you determine what makes a fast-track RN to BSN program worth considering.
Franklin University
Franklin University’s bridge program is one of the fastest RN to BSN programs available online, offering a streamlined path for nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to level up their education and careers. The program’s unique, dynamic curriculum is delivered through e-books, videos, and outside research, all of which is provided at no additional cost to the student. It includes courses in nursing leadership and management, community and population health, health informatics, healthcare law and ethics, healthcare quality, and evidence-based practice. The degree also requires students to complete a capstone course and project. There is no clinical component to Franklin University’s fast-track RN to BSN program.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Purdue Global
Purdue Global provides a unique approach among the fastest RN to BSN programs available online. Purdue’s ExcelTrack RN-to-BSN program emphasizes moving nurses past content they have already mastered by allowing enrolled students to take assessments to demonstrate prior knowledge. Alternatively, students can work quickly through familiar content in one-credit modules, maximizing the time they spend on new content. Didactic instruction is delivered entirely online, but students in this fast-track BSN program must complete a clinical rotation in person in the health facility of their choice within their community. Enrollment windows open every couple months, so students can dive into their studies when they are ready.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
SUNY Brockport
The online Fast-Track RN to BSN program at SUNY Brockport is accredited by the commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and designed for adult learners and working nurses. Students must hold an unencumbered New York Registered Nurse license to be considered for admission to the program. The university provides an online concierge service for remote students to request assistance in their degree programs and receive referrals to campus service offices. The program boasts that an impressive 50% of Fast-Track students move into nursing leadership positions within one year of graduation, making SUNY Brockport a quality choice for nurses eager to gain career mobility.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
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Support Center: Student FAQs
We’ve walked you through some of the best and fastest RN to BSN programs available online, but you likely still have lingering questions. Keep reading to explore answers to some of the most common questions prospective students have and get the information you need to determine if an accelerated online program is right for you.
Are online accelerated RN to BSN programs as reputable as traditional on-campus options?
They can be. Like a traditional program, you’ll want to look at an online program’s accreditation status (with CCNE being the gold standard), outcomes (including NCLEX pass rates), and curriculum offerings. NCLEX success rates provide a general picture of how successfully a school is preparing its students. Other quality indicators include the support services offered by the university and the school’s reputation with your state’s board of nursing.
Can I continue working while enrolled in an accelerated RN to BSN program?
Many fast-track RN to BSN programs are specifically designed for working individuals. A variety of features—including self-paced, asynchronous courses–make it possible for RNs to continue working while advancing their education. Your employer will likely be supportive of you earning your BSN—after all, your education will benefit it as well—but be sure to be open about your needs and availability while enrolled in your program. Honest communication will help your employer understand if you need to change your schedule or take time off work to focus on school.
Is a fast-track RN to BSN program for everyone?
Fast-track RN to BSN programs aren’t a good fit for all. Generally speaking, they’re better for people who have more free time since the curriculum is delivered at an accelerated pace. If, for example, you work full-time as a nurse and are a primary caregiver for small children, a traditional RN to BSN program may better suit your lifestyle than a fast-track one.
Is financial aid available for students in accelerated online RN to BSN programs?
You can receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and student loans regardless of the pace of your program. The first step in qualifying for many of these is to fill out the FAFSA. You can also reach out to your university’s financial aid office for information about available nursing-specific scholarships and grants. Believe it or not, there are also scholarships specifically for RNs looking to earn their BSN. For more help finding a program that fits your budget, check out our guide to the most affordable online RN to BSN programs.
How are clinicals arranged in fast-track RN to BSN programs?
Many online programs allow you to complete requisite clinical rotations in your own community under the supervision of an approved preceptor on site. It will likely be your responsibility to find both an appropriate site and preceptor. Some fast-track RN to BSN degree programs do not require clinical rotations, but instead require students to complete a capstone course or project.
Challenges (& Solutions) of Accelerated RN to BSN Programs
If you’re an RN, you know that nursing school is hard work. But that doesn’t mean you know what to expect from a fast-track RN to BSN program. That’s why we’ve outlined some of the most common challenges students face in these programs and solutions to help you manage them.
Challenge: Assuming They’re Easier Than Traditional Programs
Many RNs pursuing fast-track online RN to BSN programs make the mistake of believing their BSN-level school work will be easier than that of their ADN. Depending on your time-management skills, online fast-track programs may actually be more challenging than a traditional program.
Solution: Connect with others who have completed online programs, particularly fast-track RN to BSN options. Prepare thoroughly and treat your classes with the same level of conscientiousness you would if you were taking them in-person. A study published in BMC Nursing indicates that some students found online school more challenging because of the level of written work required compared to face-to-face programs. Research your program thoroughly and talk to professors and current students to mentally prepare for the workload.
Challenge: Not Creating a Solid Study Space
Work, school, and home life can easily blend together and distract from one another if you don’t set up an environment conducive to learning.
Solution: A recent study found that online students need to carefully consider the physical, social, and behavioral aspects of their study environments. Before beginning your program, set up a space that is conducive to learning that’s relatively quiet, has reduced distractions, and offers proper associations. Practically, this means furniture that promotes healthy posture and a space that is not likely to tempt you to neglect schoolwork.
Challenge: Neglecting Self Care
Nurses are prone to neglecting their own self-care. This problem becomes even more troublesome when you are trying to balance your professional, personal, and academic obligations.
Solution: Before you begin your fast-track RN to BSN online program, reflect on what helps you feel your best. Prioritizing sleep and a healthy diet will not only help you avoid burnout, but also help you perform better in your classes. Intentionally structuring your time to include rest and leisure will help protect your mental health throughout the duration of your program, which also improves academic performance.
Challenge: Not Making a Financial Plan
Tuition is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cost of a degree, even a fast-track RN to BSN online. Failing to account for other costs such as textbooks and special course fees can create financial stress.
Solution: Investigate the costs of each program carefully and make a detailed plan of all the costs involved. Utilize a budget to help you prepare for your income versus expenses during your program. Carefully consider hidden expenses such as convenience foods or the need for an upgraded personal computer. Saving up to cover these costs before beginning your degree can help mitigate unforeseen costs and lower your financial burden.
Best Online Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge Programs
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $21,967 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected La Salle University
- The Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program at La Salle University allows students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months, accelerating career advancement for working nurses.
- Students can enroll in select graduate-level courses while completing the BSN, accelerating progression toward a Master of Science in Nursing.
- The program offers clinical placements through established partnerships with numerous prominent Philadelphia-area healthcare facilities, ensuring diverse, hands-on learning experiences.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $21,967 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,160 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Radford University
- Radford University’s Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program offers accelerated completion with 7-week online courses, enabling students to finish the degree in as little as 10 months full-time.
- The program features flexible clinical preceptor experiences that can be completed near the student's home, supported by university affiliation agreements, increasing convenience for working RNs.
- Radford’s RN to BSN program is fully accredited by CCNE and ranked #1 best RN to BSN program in Virginia, ensuring high-quality education and strong professional recognition.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $4,160 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $18,977 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Howard University
- The Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program offers accelerated completion options allowing students to earn their bachelor’s degree more quickly than traditional pathways.
- Students in the program benefit from strong employer partnerships that support high clinical placement rates, enhancing practical experience and job readiness.
- The program provides access to scholarships and financial aid opportunities specific to nursing students, reducing tuition costs and financial barriers.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $18,977 Avg. Aid Amount
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Mississippi
- The Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center offers a flexible curriculum designed specifically to fit the busy schedules of working nurses, allowing them to advance their degree without interrupting their careers or family life.
- The program admits students every semester, providing continuous enrollment opportunities that enable prospective students to start when convenient without long wait times.
- UMMC’s RN-BSN program provides access to the extensive resources and support of the state’s leading nursing education institution, committed to developing Mississippi’s future nursing leaders.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $11,408 Avg. Aid Amount
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $20,439 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Holy Family University
- Holy Family University’s Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program offers on-site cohort opportunities at your work location with discounted tuition, enhancing learning convenience and affordability.
- The program features once-a-week online classes in 8-week semesters, allowing working nurses to accelerate their BSN completion while balancing professional responsibilities.
- Graduates are well-prepared to progress to advanced practice graduate programs, supporting career advancement beyond the BSN level in a streamlined pathway.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $20,439 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $9,853 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Alabama
- The Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program at the University of North Alabama offers a seamless RN-to-MSN option allowing students to earn graduate nursing credits while completing their BSN, reducing overall time to degree completion.
- The program leverages a detailed STARS transfer guide to maximize transfer credits, ensuring students graduate with no loss of credit hours compared to native UNA students, facilitating an efficient academic transition.
- Students have the advantage of completing the program fully online with faculty expertise from an accredited institution, promoting flexibility without sacrificing quality or clinical practicum requirements.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $9,853 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $12,279 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lindenwood University
- Lindenwood University’s Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program offers a generous transfer policy of up to 90 credits, allowing students to complete their degree with as few as 34 credits, saving significant time and tuition costs.
- The program features 100% online coursework with flexible start times and accelerated 8-week courses, enabling RN students to finish the BSN in as little as 12 months.
- Lindenwood provides personalized transfer guides through articulation partnerships with community colleges, maximizing the transfer value for students and smoothing the pathway to degree completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $12,279 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $14,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bluefield University
- Bluefield University's Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program can be completed in just 12 to 15 months, enabling nurses to advance quickly without pausing their careers.
- The program offers a hybrid format combining online flexibility with essential in-person experiences, supporting working nurses’ busy schedules effectively.
- Bluefield University provides competitive tuition at $395 per credit hour and no GRE/GMAT requirement, making it an affordable and accessible option for RN to BSN advancement.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $14,423 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $5,798 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Penn State Shenango
- The Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program at Penn State World Campus offers accelerated nursing courses in seven-week sessions, allowing students to complete their degree faster while maintaining flexibility with standard semester options.
- The program is delivered by the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, which is designated a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing, highlighting the pedagogical expertise of its faculty.
- Students benefit from earning a BSN degree with Penn State's nationally recognized reputation and CCNE accreditation, enhancing career mobility and advancement opportunities in the healthcare industry.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- $5,798 Avg. Aid Amount
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Huntsville, ALProgram Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,639 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Alabama in Huntsville
- The Fast-Track RN to BSN Bridge program offers accelerated completion options, allowing registered nurses to earn their BSN efficiently and transition quickly to advancing their careers.
- The program features a direct pathway to a Master’s degree in nursing, enabling students to take graduate courses that count toward an MSN during their BSN studies.
- Students benefit from personalized academic advising and support services designed to tailor their educational plan, helping balance coursework with professional and personal commitments.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- $7,639 Avg. Aid Amount
- 60% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 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 and career counseling 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*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
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 2025
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