Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have better access to leadership positions and career advancement than those whose highest education level is an associate’s degree or nursing school diploma. However, earning a BSN requires a commitment of time and energy, which can be challenging for those who are currently working or handling other life responsibilities.
To help RNs find an RN-to-BSN degree program that fits into their schedule, Intelligent.com compiled this list of the easiest online RN-to-BSN programs based on factors like flexibility, curriculum and clinical requirements, and transfer credit policies. We also spoke to Blanca Villagomez, a program coordinator and counselor at UC-Irvine, for answers to frequently asked questions about online RN-to-BSN degree programs.
Is an Online RN-to-BSN Degree Program Right For You?
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. Exact parameters vary by program, but in most cases, students can transfer up to 90 credits from previous postsecondary education, allowing them to earn their bachelor’s degree faster than they would in a traditional program.
Before selecting an online RN-to-BSN degree program, students should consider what “easy” means to them. For some students, this may mean a flexible, asynchronous program that allows them to complete assignments and lessons according to their own schedule without regular class meetings. In other cases, students may need the consistent support of faculty and classmates that a synchronous program with virtual class meetings provides.
Students who are seeking an easy program from a curricular perspective should note that RN-to-BSN degree programs typically cover intermediate and advanced nursing skills and practices, including research, health promotion, patient care technology, and safety and quality within the healthcare system. Nurses, especially those who hold a BSN, are expected to be proficient in the technical aspects of nursing, which requires time, energy, and commitment.
How To Find an Easy Online RN-To-BSN Program
Here are some of the factors to take into account when searching for the program that fits your needs:
Transfer credit policies
Ideally, you’ll be able to find a program that accepts as many of your previous classes as possible toward your credit total. This will reduce the number of credits you need to take, making the program both easier and more cost-effective.
Every institution has its own rules regarding the acceptance of previous credits. It’s important to review your transcripts with an admissions counselor who is knowledgeable about transfer policies to get a clear understanding of how many previously earned credits your new school will accept. You can also find out if the school where you earned your ADN or nursing diploma has articulation agreements with any four-year colleges that offer BSN degrees, as this can facilitate a smooth transition.
Many RN-to-BSN degree programs will accept credits from foundational nursing courses, such as anatomy and physiology or nursing leadership. Because bachelor’s degrees also require general education courses, your RN-to-BSN program may also accept credits for courses in areas like the humanities, math, and physical or social sciences.
RN-to-BSN degree programs are designed to get students into advanced nursing courses as quickly as possible, so the more previous coursework you can transfer to a new institution, the easier it will be to complete your BSN degree.
Clinical requirements
Clinical education is an integral part of nursing training. Because RN-to-BSN degree programs acknowledge that students already have nursing licensure and experience, they may have few or no clinical rotation requirements. They may also allow students to complete clinical requirements at their regular nursing jobs.
Keep in mind that the number of clinical hours a student must complete for a BSN is mandated by your school and state licensing board. If you cannot provide proof of past clinical experience, you may need to fulfill this requirement to earn your BSN.
Students in online RN-to-BSN degree programs can typically complete clinical requirements at a local medical facility or hospital, even if your school is not located in the same area. You will work with your professors and other staff members at your school and at possible placement sites to determine the best way for you to complete this requirement.
When researching potential programs, speak to an admissions counselor or program representative to clarify what constitutes clinical experience and what proof you need to submit to show that you have completed it. Programs with low or no clinical experience requirements can make it easier to complete your RN-to-BSN.
Competency-based learning
Many online degree programs follow a competency-based learning model, in which students progress through their program by passing an assessment or test to demonstrate their competency in a subject.
For example, RNs with experience working in a NICU may be able to easily pass a competency-based course on how to care for newborns in intensive care units based on real-life experience. With these types of programs, students don’t need to spend time re-learning skills they already know.
Some RN-to-BSN degree programs are specially set up on a competency-based model, while others may award credit on a case-by-case basis. If you’re unsure about whether you can receive credit for existing competencies, speak to a program representative to determine if this is an option in your program.
Doing so may save you time and money on your program, allowing you to check off required courses without spending hours in the classroom studying a subject with which you are already familiar.
The Pass-Fail Problem
When selecting an easy online RN-to-BSN degree program, it’s important to take note of the kind of grading system the program uses. Many of the easiest RN-to-BSN programs make it simple for students by using a pass-fail grading system rather than a traditional tiered letter system. As long as these programs are offered by an accredited institution, this is an acceptable way to earn your BSN.
However, students who aspire to earn a master’s degree in nursing or a related field should note that advanced nursing degree programs typically do not accept credits from pass-fail courses. These programs usually have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants, and those who can’t demonstrate that they meet the GPA threshold may not be eligible for admission.
If you are considering continuing your education past your BSN, your best option is to choose a program that offers letter grades along with a numerical GPA based on those grades. Maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher in your BSN program is usually a prerequisite for admission into graduate-level nursing programs.
The 50 Easiest Online RN to BSN Programs
How we rank programs
This list features some of the country’s easiest online RN to BSN programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. 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 the easiest online RN to BSN programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
Online RN-to-BSN Degree Programs Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a RN-to-BSN degree online or in person?
Deciding whether to earn an RN-to-BSN degree in-person or online is a personal choice based on preferences and priorities.
“When comparing both types of programs, it can be helpful to weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider factors such as your field of study, learning style, budget, and career goals,” Villagomez says. “Flexibility is one key factor to consider, as online programs can be ideal for students who are balancing multiple commitments, such as work or caregiving, because they often allow students to study at their own pace, according to their own schedule.”
However, online learning may not work for all students. “Students should also consider what environments help them learn best,” Villagomez says. “Those who learn better through group work or hands-on projects may find in-person programs a better fit.”
She adds, “All online degree programs require high self-motivation, effective time management, and structured independent study.” Students should determine if they are prepared for the necessary accountability that comes with online learning before committing to an online RN-to-BSN degree.
How do I apply to an online RN-to-BSN program?
“After researching degree programs and schools, students should have a strong sense of the admission requirements,” Villagomez says. “Because requirements usually vary by school, students need to stay organized with a comprehensive and detailed checklist to track their progress, submit all required materials, and meet deadlines.”
An active RN license is a standard requirement for RN-to-BSN degree programs. Some programs may also require that students have professional nursing experience and a minimum GPA in their ADN or diploma program.
Beyond these eligibility requirements, a standard application for an RN-to-BSN degree includes:
- Completed application and required fees
- Official transcripts from previously attended colleges
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- SAT or ACT scores
Students should also be mindful of application deadlines, especially for programs that only enroll new students once or twice per academic year.
How much does an online RN-to-BSN degree program cost?
The cost of an online RN-to-BSN degree will vary by school and program. The best way to get accurate cost information is by speaking to a financial aid counselor at the schools you’re considering.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), during the 2022-23 academic year, the average annual tuition for undergraduate programs was $9,750 at public institutions and $38,421 at private colleges.
Many factors influence how much students will pay for an online RN-to-BSN degree. For example, students attending a public institution should note whether the school has different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students or if distance learners all pay the same tuition rate. Many schools charge additional fees for virtual classroom technology, labs, background checks, or other resources, which students must factor into their budgets.
However, because these programs are geared towards students who are already working as nurses, it may be easier to maintain a job and steady income while enrolled.
How long does it take to earn an online RN-to-BSN degree?
Program duration for an RN-to-BSN degree varies based on the required number of credits and the student’s enrollment status. Programs that require 120 credits can typically be completed in four years of full-time study or 5-6 years of part-time study.
Students who have previously earned credits from an associate degree or diploma program can typically apply those credits to their BSN, decreasing the overall amount of time it takes to complete their BSN degree. These are commonly known as degree completion programs and can help students earn their BSN faster.
Is an online RN-to-BSN degree worth it?
“Earning an online nursing degree can be a convenient and flexible way to pursue higher education,” Villagomez says. “However, the value of an online degree can depend on various factors, such as the reputation of the school and the program, student support services, the accreditation of the degree, and the specific career or educational path students are pursuing.”
From a career perspective, the demand for nurses is expected to continue steadily through the next decade. This is driven by an increase in the elderly population and a need to replace RNs who retire, switch careers, or move to advanced positions. The BLS reports that there will be an average of 194,500 new openings for RNs every year through 2032.
RNs with a BSN can also expect a higher salary, although this is also determined in part by setting and location. The ANA reports that the average annual salary for RNs with a BSN is $92,000, compared to $75,000 for those with an ADN.
Students should also consider changes in the industry to address pay inequities. In recent years, nurses and healthcare workers throughout the U.S. have taken action, including striking, to demand better pay and working conditions amid changes in the healthcare industry.