smiling female nurse wearing stethoscope in medical hallway

RN to BSN Online

Bachelor's Degree

Online Program

Next Start Date
January 06, 2025

CCNE accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1

Empowered Learning® project-based courses with flexible pacing

12–18 months estimated time to completion with full-time study2

RN to BSN Online

You’ve already gained so much experience in the field. Your Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree program should honor that. Pursue your BSN in a program that allows you to transfer up to 134 credits—nearly 75% of program requirements. In our RN to BSN program, you can take courses online along with in-person clinicals (and we’ll help you find them). Along with support from faculty and advisors, you’ll also have 24/7 tech support.

Our CCNE-accredited1RN to BSN program with online Empowered Learning® courses, where you:

  • Access online courses anytime, from almost anywhere
  • Go faster when you can, and slower when you need to
  • Learn at your pace while staying connected with faculty and peers

Plus, take up to two Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) courses as part of your RN to BSN through our accelerated Master's pathway. Gain advanced skills and get a head start on your Master's at no extra tuition cost, in case you decide to pursue grad school later on.4

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Online RN to BSN for Under $15K

As a licensed nurse, you can pursue the RN to BSN for an estimated $14,610 when you qualify for our Get Started Grant and successfully complete six self-directed assessments. The Get Started Grant saves you up to $1,380 in tuition for your first semester. You can also save up to $8,460 if you take and pass six self-directed assessments. These online, interactive assessments are a way to show that you have already achieved the skills and knowledge for a particular course and don't need to take it. Leverage your previous experience, and demonstrate your skills on your schedule and at your own pace. Each successful assessment saves you time and money.

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What RN to BSN Classes Will I Take?

You will take most of your classes online. Clinicals will be in-person, and we can help you look for options in your area. Here are some of the online courses you’ll take. 
  • Practice Excellence Through Innovation

    Study innovative processes, and develop creative ideas that may transform healthcare.

  • Clinical Reasoning & Clinical Judgment

    Examine the process of transforming new knowledge and methods into active nursing practice.

  • Genetics & Genomics

    Design an evidence-based plan of care inclusive of findings from a focused genetic and genomic assessment.

  • Emerging Healthcare Technologies and Innovation

    Integrate principles of quality and safety with innovative technology. Learn how to inform data-driven, valid decisions based on technology, social, legal and ethical components.

  • Nursing Elective

    Choose from three elective courses:

    • Integrative Nursing (content needed for Holistic Nursing certification)
    • Contemporary Issues in Nursing
    • Scholarly Communication in Nursing

What Skills Will I Gain?

Leadership Qualities

Gain leadership and management skills and methods that will serve you well as you advance your nursing career.

Baccalaureate Essentials and QSEN Competencies

Gain a solid theoretical foundation of nursing according to industry standards and competencies.

Evidence-Based Practice

Study the science and evidence influencing healthcare practices to improve patient outcomes.

Emerging Technology and Practices

Develop data-based decision-making skills for patient care, and understand the impact of local and global population health.

Student Story

RU Ready to Be Inspired?

Veteran, entrepreneur, father and husband—Arnold knew that his heart was meant to serve others. This time, he was inspired by the nurses as he conquered cancer and changed his career path to nursing.

“The facilities were amazing. They made me comfortable. You weren’t just a number. I knew before I left that that was the school that I was going to.”

Arnold B. :30 video

View transcript(Scroll to see full transcript)

Speaker 1:

I was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer. It was really a turning point. I decided to become a nurse because of the care that was provided for me.

I was recommended to Rasmussen by a former student, and she said she loved the culture. She said it was a family atmosphere. I went to visit the campus; the facilities were amazing, they made me comfortable—you weren’t just a number.

I knew before I left that that was the school I was going to.

"The higher you go academically, the more opportunities in expanding your career you achieve: better job opportunities and better pay, which is everyone’s dream. As soon as I began my BSN, I was offered a promotion at work."

Lilian A.
BSN Graduate

Built for Working Nurses

Our program is designed for busy nurses, so you can continue to work while you earn your degree. Choose from eight start dates per year. Online courses with in-person clinicals (often in your area) give you more control over your schedule.

RN to BSN on Your Time

Online Empowered Learning courses allow you to learn by doing, focusing on projects rather than exams. You’ll log into the course at least every 14 days to stay on track as you adjust your weekly schedule to match your needs. Use the skills you've already developed as a nurse to move faster at times, and slow down with new material.

Set Up to Advance

Through our accelerated Master’s pathway, you can take up to two Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) courses as a part of the online RN to BSN program. If you decide to continue with your MSN, you'll start your program two courses ahead of schedule and save up to $2,600 on tuition.

Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!

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Fill out the form for more RN to BSN program details, including:

  • Program-Specific Coursework
  • Application Process
  • Financial Aid (for those who qualify)
  • Customized Support
  • Detailed Program Plans

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Your Nursing Career Path

With the many Nursing programs at Rasmussen University, you can complete your program and easily transfer credits from one level to the next, saving you time and money. Since you’re already an RN, our affordable online RN to BSN program puts you on a clear path to your BSN. If you have goals of continuing to your MSN or DNP, your BSN sets you up perfectly to pursue your Nursing education with us at the graduate level.

  • Diploma: Practical Nursing (PN/LPN)

    Start here if:

    You’re interested in patient care and want a quick entry into the field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with opportunities for career advancement.

    Finish in as few as:

    12 months2

    Career Opportunities:

    • Hospitals
    • Long-term care facilities
    • Assisted living centers
    • Rehabilitation centers
    • Outpatient/ambulatory care centers
    • Home health care services
    • Clinics
    • Physician's offices
  • Associate’s Degree: Nursing (ADN/RN)

    Next step if:

    You want to become a registered nurse (RN) and leverage your practical nursing diploma through the LPN to RN Bridge.

    Or start here if:

    You want to begin your nursing career as a registered nurse by earning your ADN.

    View Associate’s degree details >

    Finish in as few as:

    12 months (LPN to RN Bridge) 
    Or in as few as 21 months (ADN/RN)2

    Career Opportunities:

    • Hospitals
    • Long-term care facilities
    • Rehabilitation centers
    • Clinics
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Nursing (RN to BSN or BSN)

    Next step if:

    You’re ready to earn your BSN, want to become a Bachelor-prepared registered nurse and are looking for opportunities to advance your career.

    View RN to BSN details >

    Or start here if:

    You want to begin your nursing career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Choose from two pre-licensure entry tracks—standard and second degree.

    View BSN details >

    Finish in as few as:

    12 to 18 months (RN to BSN)2
    33 months (BSN Standard Degree)*
    18 months (BSN Second Degree)

    *Already an LPN? Our LPN to RN Bridge helps LPNs become RNs faster, further decreasing your time to program completion.

    Career Opportunities:

    • Hospitals
    • Clinical Practice
    • Administration
    • Nursing Education
    • Nursing Leadership
  • Graduate Degrees: Nursing (MSN & DNP)

    Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

    You want to influence present and future healthcare as a nursing leader. You have the choice of three MSN specializations that allow you to define your career course:

    • Nursing Leadership and Administration
    • Nursing Education
    • Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics

    We also offer an online MSN Nurse Practitioner (NP) program if you're interested in making a positive impact as a nurse practitioner with the choice of four specializations:

    • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
    • Family NP
    • Pediatric Primary Care NP
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

    Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

    A program for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy—the definitive terminal degree for nurse leaders.

    Choose the specialization that best aligns with your interests and career goals:

    • Executive Leadership
    • Public Health and Policy

    View DNP details >

    Career Opportunities:

    MSN:

    • Director of Nursing
    • Director of Education
    • Clinical Nursing Informatics Officer
    • Chief Nursing Officer
    • Nurse Practitioner

    DNP:

    • Chief Nursing Officer
    • Nursing Administrator
    • Director of Public Health and Policy
    • Government or Policy Activist

Tuition & Savings

Do the Math

With eight start dates a year, 11-week terms and a total of 17 courses, full-time students can finish in as few as 12 months for an estimated $24,450.2If you earn the RN to BSN Get Started Grant and successfully complete six self-directed assessments, you could complete your degree for an estimated $14,610.5

$345 cost per credit
x 70 total credits
_______________________
$24,150 total tuition
+ $300 total fees
_______________________
$24,450 estimated total program cost
- $9,840 potential savings with the Get Started Grant ($1,380) and 6 successful self-directed assessments ($8,460)
_______________________
$14,610 estimated total program cost with grant

Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).

Explore Our Tuition Estimator Tool

Other Ways to Save

Get Started with Savings
Advance your education with confidence by saving up to $1,340 on tuition and fees. Learn more about the RN to BSN Get Started Grant.

Already a Rasmussen Alum? Save on Tuition
Rasmussen alumni have an exclusive opportunity to save up to $3,000. Learn more about the Alumni Grant.

Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor or find more about:

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Entrance Requirements

Applicants to this program must have a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the U.S.

This program is not available to residents of all states. Speak with an admissions advisor regarding additional entrance requirements and to determine your eligibility for enrollment.

Talk to an admissions advisor

School of Nursing Blog

What Are RN to BSN Online Courses Like?

You may have already decided that a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN degree) is the next step you want to take in your career, but how can you choose the nursing program that will work for you?

Read more
A Woman with ear pods works through an RN to BSN online course at her kitchen table at night

What Should I Know Before I Enroll?

Help Paying for College

You're not alone figuring out how to pay for college. Your admissions advisor can help you find ways to save through self-directed assessments, loans, scholarships and more.

Transfer Student

We believe in giving credit where it’s due. You can get an estimate of your transfer credits without an official transcript in one business day (on average). Talk to an admissions advisor today, or explore our Transfer Policy page for our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.

Support at Every Turn

You’ll find the support you need to grow as a nurse from mentors and faculty in this program. Our library services, academic support and career planning teams are ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this RN to BSN program aligned with nursing standards?

    Our RN to BSN program curriculum is aligned with the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), and National League for Nursing (NLN) competencies.

  • My ADN program was a lot to manage. How is the RN to BSN program different?

    Unlike your ADN program, there are no on-campus classes. And the clinicals are often done in your own community.

  • How do clinicals work in an online program?

    We have two clinicals in our RN to BSN program. One of the clinicals is in public health and the other is in nursing leadership. Clinical experiences allow you to synthesize and apply your classroom learning and work experience. If needed, we can help you find clinicals in your community under the supervision of a qualified nurse preceptor.

  • What can I do with a BSN?

    Going from an RN with an Associate’s to one with a Bachelor’s can help you prepare for leadership-focused roles and a wider variety of nursing roles and work environments. You can set yourself up for success in roles such as:

    • Nurse supervisor
    • School nurse
    • Flight nurse
    • Public health nurse
    • Nurse case manager
    • Nursing education
    • Administration

    You’ll also be prepared for other nursing roles working in emergency rooms, home healthcare services or nursing care facilities.

    When you're ready to advance your nursing education, we offer both Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs designed for busy, working nurses.

  • How long does it take to earn a BSN?

    You can finish the program in as few as 12 months—though typically, depending on your schedule, you’ll finish in as few as 18 months.2

  • Do I have time to work as a nurse and earn my degree?

    Working as a nurse while juggling family and school isn't easy, but we've made it easier with our online RN to BSN program. With online Empowered Learning courses, you use your previous knowledge to move faster at times, and slow down to work with new material. You have control over how you move through online Empowered Learning courses, including the ability to complete course projects within the term when you're ready.

  • Is the RN to BSN program accredited?

    Rasmussen University has programmatic accreditation at select campus locations. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. And our Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

  • Where is the RN to BSN program offered?

    Our RN to BSN degree program is offered online. This program is not available to residents of all states. Please speak with an admissions advisor to determine your eligibility for enrollment.

    Looking for in-person support? Our 23 campuses are here for you if you need them. See which location is near you.

Don't See Your Question Here?

Our dedicated team of admissions advisors can help you answer questions related to tuition, financial aid, admissions and more.

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Call: 877-308-9946

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (aacnnursing.org/CCNE).

Logo: CCNE accreditationCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW
Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791