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13 Best Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor’s Degree Colleges

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: September 3, 2024, Reading time: 25 minutes

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Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor's Degree

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate-level degree for registered nurses. This degree exposes nurses to various fields like research, patient care technology, health promotion, or safety within the whole healthcare system.

Today, Nursing is the biggest and the most in-demand health occupation across the United States. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says nursing provides different career options for registered nurses.

However, most Registered Nurses find BSN more promising as this offers them better career growth opportunities and satisfaction way beyond their RN licensure. An online nursing program provides convenience and flexibility while you earn your degree.

If you are interested in career advancement opportunities, online BSN programs are the way to go!

Quick audio summary:

Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor's Degree

Today’s nurses are hailed as modern heroes and for a good reason! If you’re a Registered Nurse (RN) and looking to advance your career to the next level, enroll in an RN to Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) program.

Today, RN to BSN programs are offered by numerous institutions across America, and many of them enable professionals in the field to pursue further studies without compromising their work obligations and schedules through distance learning programs.

Choose the RN to BSN program that truly stands out! Our list of accredited programs and educational institutions offers top-of-the-line courses and rigorous curricula focused on advancing an RN’s skills and qualifications. Delivered online or using the hybrid format, these RN to BSN programs are taught by a well-credentialed faculty with extensive experience in the medical or healthcare field.

The online programs emphasize a commitment toward advancing professional skills to take an RN’s career to greater heights. Each of them is esteemed among the nursing community and industry organizations and gets stellar reviews from students and alumni.

Because affordability matters to RN to BSN students, we listed the programs that highlight educational quality with reduced tuition programs and financial aid.

For more info, see our Methodology page.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Best Online Nursing RN to BSN Bachelor’s Degree

Texas A&M University-College Station

Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor's Degree

Online RN to BSN

The online RN to BSN program of Texas A&M University is for registered nurses who already hold an Associate Degree in Nursing and are planning to earn the BSN degree via an online 30-semester credit hour program.

This program is offered online, thus giving its students fewer worries about balancing their families, their careers, and other responsibilities as they advance their education.

However, if you’re admitted to the program, you are obliged to attend their mandatory 2-day New Student Conference in the university’s Bryan College Station. 

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College Station, Texas

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University of Central Florida

Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor's Degree

Online RN to BSN

The University of Central Florida allows you to obtain your Nursing degree while still keeping your current job. Because it is offered online, this RN to BSN program is more flexible, more convenient, and now more affordable, thanks to reduced tuition fees via waivers.

The program is a 30-hour curriculum that gears nurses for better career advancement opportunities and leadership roles. 

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Orlando, Florida

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George Washington University

Best Online Nursing - 3

Online RN to BSN

Through GWU’s BSN degree, those who already have completed their Associate in Nursing Degrees (or Associate of Science in Nursing) can smoothly progress through this program while still doing their jobs as professional nurses.

Based on the coursework of an associate degree in nursing, coupled with some specific requirements for courses in general education, this part-time, 4-semester degree program is offered online in a distance-learning asynchronous format. The program strongly supports its students in finding a stable balance between family, life, school, and work.

While this is an online distance learning program, students are still given access to various library resources and other student services. Student communities are also open from across the country. 

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Washington, DC.

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Appalachian State University

Best Online Nursing - 4

Online Nursing RN to BSN

The RN-BSN program of Appalachian State University is one of the few universities that provide an affordable, flexible, and practical pathway for obtaining a degree 100% online.

In just a year, registered nurses holding an associate degree can complete the coursework and plan for their career advancements in the ever-competitive and growing nursing field.

The best part about this RN-BSN program is that it no longer requires the usual clinical prerequisites. The university also awards learning credits for work experience. 

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Boone, North Carolina

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University of Alabama

Best Online Nursing - 5

Online RN to BSN

The University of Alabama’s online RN to BSN program is for registered nurses holding a diploma or Associate in Nursing degree who wish to continue to an advanced degree. They also offer the RN to MSN program, which is available fully online, just like the RN to BSN. To qualify for this program, applicants should complete the university’s core requirements.

Except for the science curriculum, you can complete all the other courses online, making it very convenient, especially if you’re a working student. To complete the RN to BSN program, you need to complete 41 hours of nursing courses. 

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Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Allen College

Best Online Nursing - 6

Online RN to BSN

This private institution, based in Waterloo, Iowa, is very particular with its healthcare education. The school’s solid affiliation with the healthcare system of Iowa has attracted some of the best faculty members. As a result, graduates are led to better employment opportunities following completion of the RN-BSN program.

Those who are enrolled in the program can complete the course online except for the clinical experience. You should earn at least 124 semester hours to earn your BSN degree. For the non-general education courses, you can take them at another regionally accredited school before matriculation.

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Waterloo, Iowa

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Clemson University

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RNBS

Clemson University’s RN to BSN completion program also called the RN-BS Completion Track, gives registered nurses an associate nursing degree to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing. This track is open to qualified nurses and is delivered fully online. Those who enroll full-time can complete the whole course in 12 months.

They also offer part-time plans to meet the demands of working students. Clemson University’s School of Nursing has a solid relationship with many technical colleges in the area. This allows a hassle-free transition for associate degree holders from being RNs to becoming BSN degree holders. 

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Clemson, South Carolina

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East Carolina University

Best Online Nursing - 8

Online RN to BSN

The RN to BSN program at East Carolina University is a four-semester (16 months) online coursework that allows working nurses to advance their careers and education at their convenience.

To qualify for the program, you should be a registered nurse holding a license in North Carolina or an Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact state.  

The program includes coursework in nursing finance, leadership, professional communication, and evidence-based practice. Some courses need practical experience components. The RN to BSN program culminates in a practicum for one semester at a pre-approved healthcare facility.

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Greenville, North Carolina

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University of Arkansas

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Online RN to BSN

The RN to BSN online program of the University of Arkansas is offered by the Eleonor Mann School of Nursing, is accredited by the CCNE, and allows flexible degree options for working nurses. Part-time students can complete the whole program in five semesters, while those who study full-time can finish it in a year.

After meeting all the general prerequisites, you can start your 29-hour program that focuses strongly on professional caregiving in a specific patient population.

You will learn more about behavioral and mental health and critical care. All the programs are delivered online and end in a practicum at a local healthcare facility. 

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Fayetteville, Arkansas

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Florida International University

florida international - childhood education

Online RN to BSN

Florida International University (FIU) is the only public research university in Miami, founded in 1972. With over 45,000 students enrolled and over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university is vast.

The institution features state-of-the-art resources on campus to assist its students, including an eight-story library, an environmental preserve, and a 40-acre research center.

The college has two campuses in the Miami area, with most students from ethnic minority backgrounds. Florida International University offers a comprehensive range of bachelor- to doctoral-level nursing degrees and certificate programs, with over ten from which to select.

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College Station, Texas

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Ohio State University

Ohio State University

Online RN to BSN

The Ohio State University equips nurses with associate’s degrees to further their education through an online RN to BSN program. It doesn’t matter if you just graduated or have had considerable work experience in the field.

Both the part-time and full-time program options are open to all nurses as long as you meet their application requirements. 

Take up comprehensive courses to enhance your skills in patient care and management. Learn relevant healthcare practices that you can apply in your work.

Additionally, the program is taken online, so you can conveniently do your coursework in your free time. OSU’s bachelor’s programs have ranked 7th on the U.S. News & World Report ranking, showing the program’s quality and reliability. 

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Columbus, Ohio

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Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global

Online RN to BSN

Purdue University Global’s RN to BSN program is a big step forward for your nursing career. This online program places emphasis on community health and healthcare information while introducing topics on diversity and ethics.

Aside from these, you’ll also be trained in creating your own career development plan. Depending on your existing transfer credits, you may choose from two available tracks: the standard track and the advanced start track.

On top of your general education courses, finish a total of 90 to 130 credits in as fast as 18 months. Enhance your theoretical knowledge and learn valuable healthcare skills through courses like Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing, Holistic Professional Nursing Practice, and Transcultural Nursing.

Each course takes around ten weeks to finish, with 15-18 hours of coursework weekly. Aside from the core course, you’ll also take up various elective courses. 

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Lafayette, Indianapolis

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Post University

Post University

Online RN to BSN

Advance your nursing career with Post University’s RN to BSN program. This online degree program is designed to enhance your strategic planning and management skills while improving your knowledge of community health.

Take courses like Nursing Management Strategies, Leadership and Strategic Planning, and Community Health.

Be trained by experienced nursing instructors and learn different techniques applicable to the workplace. With this online degree, be in control of your pace and schedule.

The fully online curriculum lets you take up more courses if you have more free time or take fewer courses to manage your workload better. 

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Waterbury, Connecticut

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Frequently Asked Questions

Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor's Degree

RN vs. BSN: What is the Difference?

If you are a practicing RN, with or without a BSN, your primary goal is to provide the utmost patient care.

This includes jotting down health histories, doing physical exams, giving health education and counseling, administering treatments and medications, or coordinating care with your co-health professionals, as stated by the American Nurses Association

Registered nurses holding either an associate’s or bachelor’s in nursing can work on the same medical team, performing the same duties.

The only difference is that BSN-qualified nurses have a better and broader career path. They can hold leadership roles like case managers, nurse managers, and even nurse educators. 

How long and how do you get a BSN?

You can obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing in the usual 4-year college degree program. Another option is to earn an associate in a two- to three-year associate program and, from there, further your education once you start working as a registered nurse.

Regardless of the chosen program, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing requires all graduates to pass the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. To help bridge the gap between ADN and BSN programs, you can find RN to BSN programs to help nurses obtain a bachelor’s degree. 

Although earning a license as a Registered Nurse takes relatively less time than completing the traditional BSN program, you can still complete the bachelor’s program in as little as two years without compromising your already budding career in the health field. 

How much can you make as a BSN degree program graduate?

Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor's Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, registered nurses had a median salary of $81,220, albeit the figures widely vary according to geography, specialty, years of experience, and the type of facility. 

The 2018 Advance Salary Survey for Nurses concluded that those who pursued higher education in nursing were paid better. More than 13,000 respondents answered an inquiry on their highest educational level.

Of this figure, 5,100 had a bachelor’s degree, and 3,500 held an associate degree. The survey further assessed that, on average, those with a bachelor’s degree made roughly $6,000 more than those who only have an associate degree. 

Another study conducted by ACCN reiterated that 49% of hospitals and other healthcare facilities need new hires holding a degree in BSN, while 86% of employers choose nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Below are other examples of nursing careers that prefer a BSN holder:

Online Nursing (RN to BSN) Bachelor's Degree

Is a BSN degree worth it?

Yes, a BSN online nursing degree is worth it. Today, both employers and the nursing profession are encouraging RNs to have a BSN degree to help them gear for more healthcare challenges in the future.

While RN programs usually teach the basics of nursing and focus mainly on clinical practice and nursing theories, the online BSN program goes beyond that. Professional nursing education is invaluable for your future!

Your BSN program builds knowledge in global health nursing, nursing informatics, biological and social sciences, healthcare systems, and healthcare ethics, as well as other professional competencies, and you’ll learn how to improve patient outcomes.

What’s next? Earn your MSN degree!

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