844-937-8679
844-937-8679
Online RN to BSN Degree
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: Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.
Communications: Integrate patient care communication and information technology systems in healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes.
Leadership: Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.
Communications: Integrate patient care communication and information technology systems in healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes.
Operations and Policy: Incorporate strategies that influence health policy at state, national and international levels for delivering safe, quality patient care.
Operations and Policy:ÌýIncorporate strategies that influence health policy at state, national and international levels for delivering safe, quality patient care.
programmatic accreditation
TheÌýbaccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at °®ÎÛ´«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
Career-relevant education with real-world value
Program at a glance
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)
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Ìý Flexible onlineÌýlearningÌýthat helps you reach your educational goals.
Ìý Clinical hands-on experienceÌýwith direct care in-person clinical hours. A clinical coordinator provides support throughout the site and preceptor selection process.
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.
Flexible onlineÌýlearningÌýthat helps you reach your educational goals.
Clinical hands-on experienceÌýwith direct care in-person clinical hours. A clinical coordinator provides support throughout the site and preceptor selection process.
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
Choose a program track for your online RN to BSN degree
If you have strong time management skills, learn independently and have at least a year of experience as an RN, a competency-based program can help you finish your degree in as little as 12 months. Compare with a traditional RN to BSN degree and choose a learning style that fits you.
Duration:Ìý48 weeks minimum
Pace:ÌýAbout 4 months to complete 4 courses, which can be taken one at a time
Learning style:ÌýSelf-paced, flexible format with faculty guidance to help prepare for competency assessments
Duration:Ìý150 weeks
Pace:ÌýAbout one 5-week course at a time
Learning style:ÌýTraditionally structured format led by instructors with weekly due dates
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
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
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
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.
Top skills learned in this program:
- Business Management for Nursing Professionals
- Communications
- Compassion in Population Health
- Coordinating Safe Care
An RN to BSN can prepare you to be a:
- Charge Nurse
- Public Health Nurse (PHN)
- Director of Nursing (DON)
You may work in:
- Hospitals; state, local and private
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Government
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Educational services; state, local and private
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.
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 °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ students or graduates.
Career story
There were times when my goal seemed so far off, but I did it.â€
Dawn Nolan Kerrigan, RN to BSN 2014
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
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 °®ÎÛ´«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
Transfer credits
Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.Ìý
Employer tuition benefits
Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.ÌýÌý
Credit for life experience
We look at all your relevant experience, from parenting to past jobs, to help you get the college credits you deserve. For every 3 credits earned, shave 5 weeks off your degree.
Alumni savings
Are you a °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ alum? If so, you’re eligible for special tuition rates and can save up to $2,880 on a bachelor’s degree. You can also save with an alumni scholarship.Ìý
Military savings
If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.ÌýÌý
National testing providers
Do you have expertise in a specific subject? Earn college credit based on your performance on national, standardized tests to save time and money on tuition.Ìý
We can help you get started
Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more.
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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.
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 °®ÎÛ´«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 °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ while finishing your associate degree in nursing with one of our alliance community colleges.
Why choose us?
Where you earn your degree matters
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dean spotlight
Learn from accomplished nursing professionals
We are preparing the next generation of nurses to make a difference in the lives of patients, their families and the community.â€
Raelene Brooks, PhD, RN
Dean, College of Nursing
Frequently asked questions about online RN to BSN degree
The RN to BSN degree online at °®ÎÛ´«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.