Current registered nurses (RNs) who want to increase their job opportunities and earning potential may want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This degree qualifies students to become nurse educators, health policy nurses, nurse recruiters, nurse informaticists, forensic nurses, clinical research nurses, nurse health coaches, and more. They can also find work outside of nursing with possible occupations such as legal consultants, healthcare marketing consultants, fitness coaches, aesthetic nurses, and pharmaceutical sales or insurance authorization. A BSN also paves the way for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which opens up even more career opportunities in nursing.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual pay for registered nurses was $77,660 in 2021, while nurse practitioners earned a median yearly salary of $123,780. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2021-22, the average yearly tuition for a bachelor’s degree was $7,869 at public universities and $$37,095 at private institutions. It generally takes one to two years of full-time study to complete an RN-to-BSN program.
How to Choose an Online RN-to-BSN Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Since those with a BSN are qualified to work in many different fields, students planning to take this degree should consider what career they plan to pursue after graduation. For example, some programs offer specializations in psychiatric mental health, pain management, informatics, preoperative nursing, critical care, dialysis, neonatal, and more. Additionally, you’ll almost certainly be required to do an on-site clinical experience, so check to see what opportunities are available in your area.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve determined your area of study, set aside time to research different schools and programs thoroughly. Look for those offering specializations that align with your planned career path, and gather as much information as possible. Many universities provide this information on their website, as well as information about the curriculum, learning format, admissions requirements, credit transfer policy, faculty, and more. If the information you’re seeking isn’t available on the school’s website, contact the admissions department directly or request that they send more information electronically or by mail.
While you’re compiling details about the academic aspects of various programs, take note of these factors as well:
- Is the school accredited? Check to ensure the university is accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Proper accreditation directly affects the quality of education you’ll receive, your eligibility for financial aid, graduate programs you can apply for, and job opportunities after graduation. The program should also be accredited by industry-specific organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
- What is the cost of the program? Before you get too far into researching a program, check the cost of tuition. It’s probably not a good fit if it’s outside your budget range. Remember to weigh the cost against academics and other factors on this list; the least expensive option isn’t always the best.
- What is the learning format? Online degree programs are delivered in three forms — synchronous, asynchronous, and a combination. With synchronous learning, you must adhere to the program’s schedule of class times; most of this is live instruction. Some students prefer this, as it facilitates better communication and camaraderie with other students and instructors, and it helps them stick to a schedule. However, if you plan to do most of your studying on evenings and weekends, or if your schedule changes weekly, then an asynchronous format is probably the best choice. Other programs combine synchronous and asynchronous learning, requiring students to be online for certain live classes or lectures. Determine which format is best for you regarding your learning style and life responsibilities.
- Where is the school located? Although you’ll be studying online, you may still have access to on-campus services, events, and amenities, including fitness centers, libraries, student clubs, job fairs, sporting events, and more. Living near your school can make it easier to take advantage of these perks. Additionally, your program may include in-person requirements like labs or practicums, requiring you to visit campus. Therefore, you may want to consider a school’s location when choosing a program.
Prepare for tests and applications
Students who apply for this degree should already have an associate degree in nursing and an active, unencumbered nursing license. It may be necessary to have a valid license in the state where the university is located. Most schools have a minimum GPA requirement, but this varies from school to school. Transcripts are required. You may also be asked to submit a resume demonstrating your nursing work experience. Be sure to check the deadlines for submitting applications and supporting documents. Some schools offer rolling admissions, while others only accept new students during one or more dates throughout the year. Applicants whose native language isn’t English will need to submit test scores showing proficiency in English. Since admissions requirements vary, check the school’s website or talk to an admissions counselor for details.
Select your program
Your research will give you detailed information about quite a few degree programs. From those programs, consider the pros and cons of each, and make a list, in order of preference, of the ones you would apply to. It’s a good idea to apply to them all since you don’t know which ones will accept your application and which won’t. Once you have your acceptance from various schools, select the one that ranks highest on your list.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To determine eligibility for federal student loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many institutions use the information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility for scholarships. Students should also explore other scholarship avenues, including community and religious organizations, nonprofits, and businesses. Many schools offer payment plans that allow students to spread tuition payments out over the term, as well as military discounts for veterans and active-duty service members. Enrolling in a flexible online program can make it easier for students to work full- or part-time, which can help subsidize education costs. In many cases, employers may offer tuition assistance benefits to help students pay for school.
Best 50 Accredited Online RN-to-BSN Degree Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best online RN-to-BSN programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by professional organizations dedicated to quality nursing education like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online RN-to-BSN programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect from an Online RN-to-BSN Degree Program?
An RN-to-BSN program is a completion program for registered nurses who have a diploma or associate degree in nursing from an accredited college and would like to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from previous postsecondary education. It can be quicker to earn a bachelor’s degree than traditional nursing bachelor’s programs. Those with only a high school diploma are not eligible. The program covers research, health promotion, patient care technology, and safety and quality within the healthcare system. It is a way for registered nurses to advance their careers and a stepping stone to earning an MSN.
For online students, universities utilize an online learning management system (LMS) such as Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, or Moodle to give students access to coursework and course information. Via this system, students can view the course syllabus, class schedules, announcements, and grades, as well as access reading and audio-video material and receive and submit assignments. Students can also communicate with faculty and each other through message boards and chat features on the LMS.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online RN-to-BSN degree program
- Care of children and adolescents. This course teaches students how to provide healthcare to children and adolescents in clinical settings. They learn how this differs from adult healthcare, healthcare issues and diagnoses are common among children today and how to manage them.
- Population health. Students learn how to meet the growing challenges of healthcare delivery and management. The course examines how healthcare professionals can better understand the populations they serve and how to achieve meaningful health outcomes for those populations.
- Legal and ethical issues in clinical practice. This course examines the seven core ethical principles that nurses must adhere to accountability, justice, nonmaleficence, autonomy, beneficence, fidelity, and veracity. Students learn what legal challenges and ethical dilemmas they might encounter and what appropriate actions to take.
- Information technology skills for nurses. Because the development and delivery of health care services are inextricably tied to information technology, nurses must be trained to use technology appropriately. This course gives students the basic skills to navigate IT as they advance in their careers.
Online RN-to-BSN Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online RN-to-BSN degree program?
Most schools accept applications electronically via their website, but applications can also be submitted through the mail. Instead of filling out a different application for each university, many schools accept the Common Application, allowing you to apply to multiple institutions simultaneously. Check deadlines and make sure everything is submitted on time. It’s also always good to speak with an admissions counselor before applying.
How much does an online RN-to-BSN degree cost?
The cost of an online RN-to-BSN program will vary based on factors like whether the school you’re attending is public or private and if you reside in the state where the school is located. Public universities may charge different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students, although some schools charge the same tuition for all online students. Additional expenses include technology and software needed for online study, supplies, and books. However, online students can save money on transportation, childcare, and room-and-board fees.
How long does it take to earn an RN-to-BSN degree online?
A bachelor’s degree requires about 120 credits, but students with an associate degree already may have credits to be applied toward the degree. Most RN-to-BSN programs require 30-45 credits, and students can complete the degree in one or two years.