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A woman in blue scrubs smiles, celebrating the career-ready skills she gained from her rn to bsn degree.

Online RN to BSN Degree

Important note

Online learning with real-world clinical experience: Programs combine online coursework with direct-care clinical experiences that include in-person learning in approved public health settings. Clinicals may be completed in a student’s workplace or local community, with support available throughout the process. Learn about online learning with clinicals.

Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

With an online RN to BSN degree you can take your passion for patient care to the next level. Transfer credits from your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and complete your RN to BSN in as little as 14 months and for 14K.ÌýYou must have an active and unencumbered RN license prior to enrolling.

Job-ready skills for your professional profile

Leadership icon

Leadership: Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

Communications icon

Communications: Integrate patient care communication and information technology systems in healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes.

Leadership icon

Leadership: Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

Communications icon

Communications: Integrate patient care communication and information technology systems in healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes.

Operations and policy icon

Operations and Policy: Incorporate strategies that influence health policy at state, national and international levels for delivering safe, quality patient care.

Operations and policy icon

Operations and Policy:ÌýIncorporate strategies that influence health policy at state, national and international levels for delivering safe, quality patient care.

CCNE Accredited

programmatic accreditation

TheÌýbaccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý

CCNE Accredited
CCNE Accredited

Career-relevant education with real-world value

Program at a glance

A student in a black shirt sitting at a desk and smiling while working on their laptop with their family in the background

The program curriculum is aligned with recommendations by leading nursing organizations, such as:

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN®)
  • Quality & Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)
Healthcare worker in blue scrubs smiling while tending to a patient on a bed

The online RN to BSN degree includes a capstone course that helps you integrate and synthesize the content and experiences from all nursing courses into a final leadership project.

A healthcare worker in blue scrubs smiling while presenting to colleagues

Learn how to implement appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies for diverse individuals, families and populations across the life span.

Program by the numbers

$14K
Cost of tuition & fees[1]

14 months
Average program length with 87 transfer credits

33 credits
Required with an active RN and ADN

87 credits
Eligible transfer credits

[1] Standard track RN to BSN with 87 transfer credits : $350/credit x 3 credits + $170 resource fee = $1,220 per course x 11 courses =Estimated program cost of $14K.

Transfer icon

Time is valuable – don’t spend it repeating coursework. Finish what you started.

Courses for the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Find what you'll learn in a course – look for the skills-aligned trophy cup

Skills-aligned trophy cup

Using labor analytics data, we embed skills you’ll need in the growing nursing field into each course of your online RN to BSN degree. You’ll learn about health information technology for nursing, healthcare policy and professional nursing leadership perspectives.

Skills-aligned trophy cup

Requirements and course details

Your course schedule may vary based on transfer credits or credits earned through the University’sÌýPrior Learning Assessment.

  • Completion of a minimum of 120 credits, including:
  • General education: 47 credits
  • Core courses: 33 credits (includes 90 direct care clinical hours)
  • A minimum of 40 lower division nursing credits
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

Core courses build the bulk of program-specific knowledge. Our online RN to BSN degree curriculum develops on a foundation of biological, physical and social sciences paired with the intellectual, social and cultural aspects of the professional nurse.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Demonstrate evidence-based, holistic patient-centered care that reflects knowledge of the health-illness continuum.
  • Apply models and processes to promote public health and disease prevention strategies for diverse individuals, families and populations across the life span.
  • Demonstrate professional standards of moral, ethical and legal conduct in the healthcare industry.
  • Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

Your RN to BSN degree online has two courses that each require 45 direct care clinical hours. While you complete the instructional portion of these courses 100% online, you can complete the direct care clinical hours in your own community.Ìý

If you reside in California, our BSN degree provides you with coursework that’ll allow you to apply for a Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification in California.

Online learning with real-world clinical experience

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Ìý Flexible onlineÌýlearningÌýthat helps you reach your educational goals.

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Ìý Clinical hands-on experienceÌýwith direct care in-person clinical hours. A clinical coordinator provides support throughout the site and preceptor selection process.

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Ìý Online support is availableÌýup to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week.ÌýFrom day one, you'll have access to an academic support team dedicated to your educational success.

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Flexible onlineÌýlearningÌýthat helps you reach your educational goals.

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Clinical hands-on experienceÌýwith direct care in-person clinical hours. A clinical coordinator provides support throughout the site and preceptor selection process.

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Online support is availableÌýup to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week.ÌýFrom day one, you'll have access to an academic support team dedicated to your educational success.

Susan H. | BSN

Susan H. | BSN

Program purpose statement

The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a post-licensure education program designed for nurses with an active and unencumbered RN license who wish to obtain a bachelor's degree in the professional field of nursing. The program is designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of registered nurses and prepare them as generalists who are able to apply critical thinking, professional skills and knowledge to make clinical decisions that will result in positive patient outcomes and support healthcare systems.​ View the Nursing Student Handbook (PDF) Ìýto learn more about program details.Ìý

Compare Standard RN to BSN track to CBE

Learning styles differ between the competency-based and stardard RN to BSN tracks. Compare tracks and choose your pathway.

Standard RN to BSN

Who is this best for?

RNs who want a structured, predictable scheduleÌý
Ìý

Program length

TypicallyÌý24 monthsÌý( withÌý87 transfer credits)Ìý


Pace

One 5-week course at a timeÌý


Learning style

Structured and faculty ledÌý

Competency-Based RN to BSN

Who is this best for?

Experienced RNs who want a faster completion time and prefer a self-paced formatÌý


Program length

As little as 12 months ( with 87 transfer credits)Ìý


Pace

Flexible pace. Move faster through materials you already know.Ìý
Ìý

Learning style

More flexible with faculty guidanceÌý

Program features Standard RN to BSN Competency-Based RN to BSN
Who is it best for?
Who is it best for?
Who is it best for?
RNs who want a structured, predictable schedule
Who is it best for?
Experienced RNs who want a faster completion time and prefer a self-paced format
Program length
Program length
Program length
Typically 24 months ( with 87 transfer credits)
Program length
As little as 12 months ( with 87 transfer credits)
Pace
Pace
Pace
One 5-week course at a time
Pace
Flexible pace. Move faster through materials you already know.
Learning style
Learning style
Learning style
Structured and faculty led
Learning style
More flexible with faculty guidance
Get started
Get started
Get started
Get started

How skills-aligned learning works

What’s something employers are looking for in job candidates? Skills! That’s why we believe in career-focused education. Our programs are designed to help you demonstrate career-relevant skills and put them into practice within weeks, not years. Here’s how:

Curriculum icon

Curriculum
We work with a labor market analyst to identify skills today’s employers want in job candidates and embed those skills in our program’s curriculum.

Courses icon

Courses
Each course you take teaches specific career-relevant skills – one skill per credit, on average. For a 3-credit course, you can earn 3 career-relevant skills.

Careers icon

Careers
Demonstrate your newly acquired skills, earn badges, build your professional profile and show potential employers what you bring to the table.

Career opportunities with an online RN to BSN degree

Our program isn’t just about earning a nursing degree – it’s about getting ready for your career. Learn practical knowledge and develop skills to prepare for roles as a charge nurse, public health nurse or director of nursing.

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Top skills learned in this program:

  • Business Management for Nursing Professionals
  • Communications
  • Compassion in Population Health
  • Coordinating Safe Care
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An RN to BSN can prepare you to be a:

  • Charge Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse (PHN)
  • Director of Nursing (DON)
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You may work in:

  • Hospitals; state, local and private
  • Ambulatory healthcare services
  • Government
  • Nursing and residential care facilities
  • Educational services; state, local and private

Step: 2 of 7

Have you completed a program with the University?

I am a returning Alumni
I’ve graduated from Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and want to continue my education.

I am continuing my program
I attended previously and was unable to complete my program but I’m ready to finish.

Why we ask this question

Knowing your current status with the University allows us to personalize your scholarship results.

Step: 3 of 7

How long ago did you attend Âé¶¹´«Ã½?

A year ago, or more

Less than a year ago

Why we ask this question

Returning students may be eligible for certain scholarships if they attended during a particular time frame.

Step: 4 of 7

What degree level are you interested in?

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctoral degree

Why we ask this question

Our scholarships are degree level specific.

Step: 5 of 7

How many credits do you expect to transfer?

0 - 9

9 - 12

12 - 60

60 - 102

More than 102

Why we ask this question

An estimate of transfer credits allows us to personalize your possible scholarship results.

Step: 6 of 7

What is your current GPA?

Less than 3.0

3.0 - 3.25

3.25 - 3.75

3.75 - 3.85

More than 3.85

Why we ask this question

Providing your current GPA allows us to determine which scholarships you may be eligible for.

Step: 7 of 7

How many years of work experience do you have?

3 or more years

Less than 3 years

Why we ask this question

Some of our Âé¶¹´«Ã½ scholarships require that you have previous work experience.

Here are your results!

Based on your selections, here's a list of scholarships you may be eligible for.

Results

Questions?

Our dedicated support team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact us

Next steps to consider

We recommend checking out other savings opportunities. Our Savings Explorer® tool has helped bachelor’s students on average save $11,000 & nearly 1 year off their undergraduate degree. It's easy to use and there's no obligation to enroll.

What's next?

Receive a free Scholarships and Savings Guide right to your inbox with more information on scholarships, the application process and other savings opportunities.

A portrait of a smiling nurse in blue scrubs
A portrait of a nurse smiling in blue scrubs
A portrait of a nurse in blue scrubs smiling

Career guide

Charge Nurse

Learn more about the career opportunity as a charge nurse. Our career guide provides deeper insight into salary ranges and in-demand skills.

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Career outlook

5% growth

According to the Ìýjob growth for registered nurses is projected to be faster than averageÌýbetween 2024 and 2034.

The BLS Projected Growth for 2024-2034 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to Âé¶¹´«Ã½ students or graduates.

Your BSN is just the beginning

Explore education goals that can prepare you for additional nursing career opportunities that require master’s level nursing degrees.

MSN programs

Position yourself after your BSN for clinical nurse leadership positions with an online master’s nursing degree.

Nursing Bridge program

Apply an unrelated bachelor’s degree to a nursing master’s degree.

Jessica C. | MSN

Jessica C. | MSN

Raelene Brooks, PhD, RN

“Ìý

We are preparing the next generation of nurses to make a difference in the lives of patients, their families and the community.â€

Ralene Brooks, PhD, RN
Dean, College of Nursing

Cost and savings

Paying for school

Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.

Undergrad cost per course

$1,220Ìý/ course

Cost per creditÌý

Credits per course

Resource fee

$350

x3

+ $170

Estimated cost per course

$1,220

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What affects the overall cost of my program?

Your full program cost can vary by:Ìý

  • Savings opportunities. Your cost could be reduced with eligible transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts and more. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11K and 1 year off their undergraduate degree at Âé¶¹´«Ã½.

With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program.

Discover ways to save time and money on your degree with our Savings Explorer®Ìýtool:

Other ways to save on time and tuition

Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.Ìý

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Budget & borrow

How to pay for college

Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan.

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Faster pathways for ADN students

3+1 transfer pathway

Associate degree in nursing students can take 3 years of general course requirements at a participating community college and complete a bachelor’s degree in a little over one year at Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Transfer up to 87 credits and save $144 on every 3-credit course.

Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)

You can start RN to BSN upper-division nursing courses at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ while finishing your associate degree in nursing with one of our alliance community colleges.

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Why choose us?

Where you earn your degree matters

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Career-relevant skills

Every five weeks, you can develop career-relevant skills, track your progress in each class and showcase your achievements using your personal skills profile.

An instructor explains a concept at a whiteboard, bringing practical knowledge to the classroom with real-world expertise.

Real-world faculty

Your instructors know what works in the real world. As leaders in the field, they bring a hands-on perspective and practical knowledge to the classroom.

A Âé¶¹´«Ã½ representative working at a desk

Flexible learning + support

Balance it all — work, family and school — with a university built for busy adults like you.ÌýPlus, get personal support by phone, chat or email — day or night.

A graduate in cap and gown, signifying the Career Services for Life® commitment from her first class to graduation and beyond.

Career Services for Life® commitment

Because your career never stands still, active students get access to career services and resources, from your first class to graduation and beyond, at no added cost.

Dawn Nolan Kerrigan

“Ìý

There were times when my goal seemed so far off, but I did it.â€

Dawn Nolan Kerrigan (RN to BSN 2014)

Frequently asked questions about online RN to BSN degree

The RN to BSN degree online at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ is a post-licensure education program.Ìý You can also transfer an associate degree in nursing (ADN), if applicable, to complete the program faster.

Our bachelor’s in nursing program includes 11 core courses in topics such as health information technology for nursing, research outcomes management for the practicing nurse, healthcare policy and public health.Ìý

No, a bachelor’s degree in nursing is not the same as a registered nurse (RN). A BSN is an educational degree in nursing. An RN designation may only be used after completing all requirements and obtaining licensure by a state board of nursing as a registered nurse. If you’re an RN, you can pursue a BSN degree for expanded skills and greater career opportunities in your field.Ìý

The length of time to complete your bachelor’s in nursing program varies depending on the nursing program you choose and your educational history.Ìý

  • Our traditional RN to BSN degree online can be completed in as little as 14 months for students who transfer in an associate degree in nursing (ADN). RNs without an ADN transfer will be awarded 40 total credits and may complete their degree in 2.5 years.
  • OurÌýcompetency-based RN to BSN programÌýcan be completed in as little as 12 months but requires at least one year’s experience as an RN and is self-paced, independent learning.

The RN to BSN coursework is completed online and paired with on-site direct-care clinical hours. These in-person clinical experiences take place in approved public health settings, which may include your workplace or in your local community.

These clinical experiences help students apply nursing knowledge in real healthcare and community settings as part of the online RN to BSN program requirements.

Yes, our RN to BSN degree online is designed with the working registered nurse (RN) in mind. You’ll take one course at a time, every five weeks, and all the instructional information is delivered on your schedule. This is important because we understand nurses like you are likely working around the clock and need to be able to complete assignments at a time that’s convenient for you and your schedule.

While internships are not required, direct-care clinical hours are a part of the core nursing curriculum. The online RN to BSN program requires 90 direct-care clinical hours.

The direct-care clinical hours must be completed in person based in community health settings. These are in addition to the indirect care clinical hours completed in other courses.

Students can review the Nursing Student Handbook (PDF) for additional details about course alignment and clinical expectations.

Clinical experiences for the online RN to BSN degree are completed in approved healthcare or community-based settings connected to course requirements. There are many pre-approved sites or students may seek approval of the facility of their own choice.

The clinical experiences in the RN to BSN program focus on health promotion, disease prevention and public health principles for individuals, families, populations and communities.

The online RN to BSN program does not require an on-campus presence.Ìý

Required clinical learning is completed through approved site-based experiences in a student’s local community rather than campus attendance. Other program requirements are completed online.

Many students pursuing the online RN to BSN degree can complete clinical experiences in approved healthcare or community settings within their local community.

A clinical coordinator helps students identify approved placement opportunities that meet program requirements and site availability.

While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.