Registered nurses are the backbone of the medical field, providing supportive care while tending to the needs of patients. While some nurses attend accredited nursing programs to earn a diploma or associate degree, going back to school to acquire a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can open up even more job opportunities. Nurses holding a BSN degree can go on to leadership roles within a hospital or medical practice, and they can also find work in administrative positions.
The best online RN to BSN programs are designed with the working nurse in mind and make completing the undergraduate work easy through flexible scheduling. For nurses who want to continue advancing their nursing careers, a BSN is a smart option.
In most cases, nurses looking to enroll in an RN-to-BSN program must hold a current RN license without any restrictions. Work in the nursing field is required by some schools, but not all. Minimum cumulative GPA requirements are set by each individual school, but they often require at least a minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
The demand for qualified, talented nurses remains high. It’s estimated that the nation will need at least 1.2 million new nurses by the year 2022. Take a closer look at the nursing outlook for the United States to learn more about how much demand there is for nursing jobs.
Whether you’re looking for an RN to BSN program in NY, an RN to BSN program in Iowa, or somewhere else, you’ll be sure to advance your career with these programs.
Sam Houston State University provides on-campus support at both The Woodlands Center and SHSU main campus, but all courses are held online for flexible scheduling options. Degrees in healthcare administration, public health, and bilingual healthcare studies are just some of the many other options available for students looking to add to their educational experiences at SHSU.
West Texas A&M University has a lot to offer RN-to-BSN students. A special tuition rebate can apply to qualified in-state students enrolled at the school, and even out-of-state students enjoy extremely affordable tuition rates. WTAMU offers flexible course options, and students can graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as one academic year.
The Joseph and Nancy Fail School of Nursing at William Carey University offers a hybrid-learning format, combining RN classes online with on-campus courses held on Saturdays. This program is tailored for working nurses seeking a BSN quickly. This school’s beautiful campus is situated in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and it offers some of the most affordable tuition rates for an RN-BSN program.
Northwest Florida State College has a top-ranked A.S. program for nurses, and its RN-to-BSN program builds on that tradition of excellence. Registered nurses looking to complete an undergraduate degree can choose between full- and part-time studies.
Fort Hays State University offers an online rn to bsn program, and it gives nurses who can successfully complete the NCLEX-RN exam advanced standing credits. These credits can be used toward courses such as maternal/infant practicum, pediatrics, and mental health nursing.
The University of Delaware offers an excellent BSN program for current nurses, as well as several options for advanced nursing degrees. The school is ranked 45 in National Institutes of Health funding, which means students at this school get the unique chance to participate in hands-on research during their schooling.
Eastern Illinois University offers a flexible online degree for working nurses working towards a BSN. Because it is a state school, tuition is lower than other large universities, even for out-of-state students. EIU also has the distinction of preparing more undergraduates who go on to earn doctoral degrees than any other similar university in the state. One of the best rn to bsn online programs in the state of Illinois.
The University of Central Arkansas offers full- and part-time options for their online rn to bsn programs. Courses are 100% online for flexible scheduling. Direct contact with program coordinators helps distance-learning students stay on track with educational goals.
Arkansas Tech University, one of the best online RN to BSN programs in Arkansas offers online courses for working nurses with just one on-campus orientation day to begin the program.
Boise State University offers a flexible RN-to-BS program online. Students still working on an ADN can apply for dual/concurrent enrollment to complete a bachelor’s degree faster, and all students enjoy low tuition, as the program does not charge out-of-state rates.
The prestigious University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers online, in-person and hybrid learning options. Graduates of the Wisconsin Technical College System can earn a minimum of 60 credits applied toward their RN-to-BSN degree program. The school also offers advanced degree programs and certifications for post-baccalaureate studies.
Dakota Wesleyan University provides working nurses with the opportunity to complete an online rn to bsn program in as little as 14 months. The school also offers several other programs in addition to its online RN BSN program, including an LPN-to-BSN option.
Lakeview College of Nursing is a smaller school, yet it offers two different campuses for students to choose from. Some courses are taught on the Eastern Illinois University campus, giving RN-to-BSN students the big college campus experience without the large lecture halls.
Wichita State University’s online RN-to-BSN programs allow students to finish their online degree program in as little as one year. Credit for prior coursework and easy credit transfers are hallmarks of the school’s program. Low tuition rates—even for out-of-state students—make WSU popular with working nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree.
Mercy College of Health Sciences is one of many nursing schools on this list offering 100% online nursing courses for its online rn bsn programs. Individualized curriculums and three start times throughout the year make going back to school easy, and specialty seminar offerings let you customize your health care field of study.
Fitchburg State University offers an RN-to-BSN program designed to provide the knowledge base needed for nurses to take on leadership roles. The program consists of online courses that let students continue working while seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Goshen College prides itself on its high pass rates for nurses in its nursing programs, and it also aims to give students an affordable, quality college education. This small school offers online, in-person, and hybrid courses for nurses completing their bachelor in nursing so they can find the right course schedule to meet their needs.
San Francisco State University offers flexible scheduling options to help working nurses complete their RN-to-BSN program in California, and it also offers generous course transfer options as well. The school also offers a unique patient care simulation program designed to provide hands-on clinical experience in a stress-free, supervised setting.
San Diego State University School of Nursing was established in 1953 and has been serving students in California ever since. The RN-to-BSN program meets weekly, with clinicals being assigned separately. All students are required to take a minimum of 6 credit hours in the first semester.
The University of Detroit Mercy offers its RN-to-BSN in a hybrid format, mixing flexible online nursing courses with in-person classes to help working nurses learn while still being able to earn a living. This university is the largest Catholic Jesuit university in the state of Michigan, and it offers more than 100 degrees and programs.
Ferris State, located in scenic Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a combination of online and in-person courses that make it easy for nurses to schedule classes around their current work hours. The school is also home to the Michigan College of Optometry, the Institute for Mobile Health and Technology, and several other facilities for education and research.
Allen College, located in Waterloo, Iowa, offers undergraduate and graduate opportunities for nurses. The school offers online courses, making it easy for RN-to-BSN students to continue working while earning a bachelor’s degree. The very first graduating nursing class at Allen College back in 1928 had just 10 students, and it has evolved into a first-class program.
The University of Illinois at Chicago nursing school works directly with UIC Medical Center, providing nursing students with hands-on training at a first-class hospital. The school boasts a 94% graduation rate and gives students a chance to attend classes in the heart of Chicago’s largest college campus.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers online RN-to-BSN programs taught by Masters and Ph.D. faculty. The school also offers a host of other options, including BSN transfers, master degree programs, and Associate of Science in Respiratory Care programs.
East Carolina University provides a host of nursing programs, including the RN-to-BSN degree track. The RN/BSN option is offered in a distance education forum. Courses are set up in 5.5- and 7-week blocks so students can focus on one or two courses at a time while still working in the health care field. Students also get unique training opportunities, such as professional nursing leadership, community health education, and evidence-based nursing practice and learning.
Waynesburg University, located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, offers both face-to-face and RN BSN online programs. Students wishing to attend onsite classes can choose from four convenient locations. The school recently announced NCLEX-RN pass rates of 100% for 7 years in a row.
Rhode Island College is a historic institution first founded in 1854. It currently offers a host of programs for nurses, including RN-to-BSN programs, master’s programs, and several specialty concentrations. Flexible scheduling options make it easy for nurses to pursue advanced degree programs while still working in a nursing practice.
Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing offers flexible scheduling for its RN-to-BSN students, allowing nurses to start during any semester of the school year. Courses are offered at both the Boca Raton and Davie campuses. With 100% pass rates for the NCLEX-RN exam and FNP certification, this school offers excellence in education for all students.
Midway University offers a 100% online RN-BSN program, providing flexibility for working nurses looking to earn a bachelor’s degree. Students also have the option for face-to-face communication with faculty. Students attending courses or lectures at the school’s campus in Midway, Kentucky, can see the working horse farm that makes Midway unique.
Northern Arizona University offers three RN-to-BSN programs, including a mid-AAS transfer program, concurrent enrollment, and the traditional RN-to-BSN track. Courses are offered at five campuses throughout Northern Arizona, making it easy for students to find the most convenient option.
Bethel College, located in Mishawaka, Indiana, is affiliated with the Missionary Church, and it combines faith-based learning and evidence-based practice with modern nursing education programs. This school is ranked in the top 16th percentile of all baccalaureate colleges in the U.S., giving students access to a quality collegiate nursing education in a supportive environment.
Georgia College & State University offers rn to bsn programs online for nursing students. They are required to create an E-portfolio to help them document career goals and professional nurse development, creating a roadmap for success. The portfolio is the equivalent of taking the pre-licensure BSN exit exam.
Roberts Wesleyan College offers coursework designed to meet New York State regulations for RN-to-BSN programs. Courses are offered completely online or through once-weekly in-person classes. Multiple start dates throughout the year and exciting opportunities for hands-on clinical experience make this school an excellent option for those seeking a higher degree program in nursing.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers two distinct RN-to-BSN programs; one for those with less than 2 years of RN experience and an executive program for those with more than 2 years of experience. Courses are offered in-person, rn-bsn online, and in hybrid formats.
California Baptist University’s RN-BSN online programs start every 8 weeks for flexible scheduling options, and students can choose 100% online coursework, in-person night classes, or a hybrid of both options. The school also assigns a personal student advisor to help RN-to-BSN enrollees on their path to an undergraduate degree program as well as any post-graduate studies.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) offers a unique partnership between two esteemed Indiana schools, and its online RN-to-BSN program provides students with flexible course options. Nurses looking for a bachelor’s degree program can choose to spread the 36 credit hours needed for graduation out over 2 years or choose an accelerated track.
Drexel University’s online RN-to-BSN program is ranked among the top 50 programs of its kind in the United States. Students enjoy a unique type of learning with the school’s Health Assessment Lab, which provides distance-learning opportunities working with virtual patients.
Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health in Garden City, New York, offers customized options for RN-to-BSN students, including in-person and online courses. Unlike some schools, Adelphi also welcomes nurses who have acquired their associate degree or diploma but have not yet become licensed.
The University of Mobile offers an RN-to-BSN program with a summer start date for working nurses looking to earn their BSN. The school also offers additional programs, including advanced degrees for nurse practitioners and administrators.
Regis University is among the growing number of schools offering online and hybrid course options for working nurses. Students can attend courses at the Denver, Colorado, campus if a more traditional approach is preferred. Regis also offers a unique 5-week hybrid semester for students looking for an accelerated BSN program. Enrollees in the hybrid semester option can attain a BSN in as little as 13 months.
Curry College provides several options for RN-to-BS students, including 15-week in-class courses, 7-week online classes, or 7-week hybrid options to meet the needs of working nurses. While the tuition tends to be on the higher side, the school does offer tuition assistance for students registering for 6 or more credit hours.
Sacred Heart University gives nurse professionals flexible scheduling options through online coursework and six different start dates throughout the year. Students can also transfer up to 96 credit hours to create a fast track toward a bachelor’s degree.
Colby-Sawyer College offers an online RN-to-BSN program for working nurses, offering flexible scheduling that lets students continue their work while learning. The school is affiliated with Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, giving students access to hands-on clinicals in a local hospital setting.
Oregon Health & Science University offers in-person or online tracks for working nurses. Those attending in-person classes meet at the Portland, Oregon, campus. Nurses can graduate from this program with a Bachelor of Science with a major in nursing.
The University of Rochester School of Nursing in Rochester, New York offers a host of different programs for nurses, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as online continuing education courses. This university’s School of Nursing was ranked 36th in the nation for master’s programs, providing excellent opportunities for advancement and knowledge growth. The RN to BS program is offered as a hybrid online program, allowing you to complete coursework online, with some classroom time in the evenings for in-person support, to accommodate full-time work schedules. Individuals who work or live in New York’s Finger Lakes 18-county region may be eligible for a 50 percent scholarship.
All schools have been ranked by estimated tuition. Totals come from estimates involving the number of credit hours required and each school’s per-credit-hour cost. Wherever possible, tuition has been reported without the cost of room and board, which is not applicable to many RN-to-BSN students. State schools have been reported by their out-of-state tuition fees. All numbers are estimates; please contact each school directly for additional information about tuition, fees, degree program (best online bsn programs) and scholarships. See our methodology page for more detail.
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