Explore the Best Online RN to BSN Programs with Rolling Admissions

Herzing University

Working nurses interested in a straightforward path to a BSN degree will find a lot to like at Herzing University’s online RN-to-BSN program. Program features include:

• Eight-week courses with full-time and part-time schedule options
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)-accredited curriculum that includes 26 nursing credits and a 45-hour community health project, with no traditional clinical rotations
• Students can complete the degree in as little as 12 months
• Rolling admissions, with no fixed application deadline and six start dates each year
• Nurses still awaiting an NCLEX test date may qualify for conditional admission, but must document active licensure by the end of their first 8-week session

Admissions Requirements:

• Live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the program
• A current, active, unrestricted RN license in the state where you practice
• An associate degree or nursing diploma from an accredited institution

Utah Tech University

A flexible online format and a flat tuition rate regardless of residency are some of the perks you’ll find with Utah Tech University’s online RN-to-BSN program. Program features include:

• A 25-credit, fully online curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Program completion in an average of two to three semesters
• Rolling admissions, with priority consideration for applications submitted four weeks before the semester
• Consideration for a second-block start when an application arrives near the beginning of a semester

Admissions Requirements:

• Complete an RN associate-degree program at an approved or regionally accredited institution
• At least a 2.7 GPA in nursing coursework
• Provide a copy of a current RN license by the beginning of the second semester

Western Governors University (WGU)

For self-motivated nurses who want control over their academic pace, the online RN-to-BSN program at Western Governors University uses a competency-based format. You can complete coursework as fast as you can demonstrate mastery, rather than on a fixed schedule. Program features include:

• A CCNE-accredited curriculum developed around the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials
• Up to 90 transfer credits and 35 clinical hours
• Program completion in as little as one year
• Tuition charged per six-month term instead of per credit
• Start dates on the first of every month

Admissions Requirements:

• An associate degree or nursing diploma from an accredited institution
• An active, unencumbered RN license in your state of residence or employment
• Complete WGU’s required criminal background check

Application Materials

Because RN-to-BSN applicants are geared toward licensed nurses, schools focus heavily on verifying nursing education and professional eligibility. Required materials generally include:

• Official transcripts from colleges attended
• A current, unrestricted RN license
• An application and fee, when required

Some programs also require a résumé or background check. Rolling review generally begins only after your file is complete, so missing documents can delay your admission decision and potentially move your enrollment to a later start date.

Decision Timeline

Decisions from rolling-admission programs may take several days or a few weeks, depending on the school.

The transfer-credit evaluation can take the most time because it determines which nursing and general education courses are still outstanding. License verification, state authorization, and missing transcripts may also delay the decision.

Applying early helps, but submitting a complete application is even more important to get you started as soon as you prefer.

Start Dates

As discussed above, RN-to-BSN programs with rolling admissions often offer multiple start dates throughout the year, commonly monthly, every six to eight weeks, or several times per semester.

Even without a fixed application deadline, applying close to an upcoming session start date may leave too little time for document review, advising, and registration. You could be moved to the following session.

An admissions counselor can tell you when your completed application must arrive so you can plan accordingly and realistically.

Enrollment After Acceptance

Your next steps after acceptance depend partly on how many credits transfer. An enrollment counselor or academic advisor will explain which requirements remain, help map out your course sequence, and prepare you to register for your first term.

After acceptance, you may also need to:

• Formally accept your admission offer
• Arrange tuition payment or complete financial aid requirements
• Complete online orientation
• Submit outstanding health or background documents
• Verify and maintain an active, unrestricted RN license throughout the program