How Fast Can I Get My RN to BSN Degree?

Are you an RN looking to complete your BSN degree? Wondering how quickly you can do it? If so, you've come to the right place.

Read on as we discuss how it usually takes anywhere from nine to 24 months to complete an RN to BSN degree, as well as some ways you can speed up the process.

What Is an RN to BSN Degree Program?

An RN to BSN degree is a type of nursing degree completion program. These programs allow registered nurses who hold an associate degree to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in a shortened timeframe.

RN to BSN degrees are extremely popular nursing degree programs. Hundreds of schools throughout the country offer these programs, many of which can be completed entirely online.

More and more employers are starting to prefer nurses who hold a BSN rather than an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). In fact, having a BSN is required to become an RN in some places.

Having a BSN can lead to improved job prospects and security, better pay, and opportunities for career advancement. With this in mind, many RNs holding only an associate degree enter RN to BSN programs to improve their careers.

How Long Is an RN to BSN Degree Program?

Not all RN to BSN programs are created equally; some require more credit hours to graduate than others, and some allow students to progress more quickly than others.

Generally speaking, most RN to BSN programs take anywhere from nine to 24 months to complete. But the exact time it takes you to complete the program of your choice will depend on various factors.

Some schools allow a greater amount of flexibility in how fast you progress through your courses. If you attend one of these schools and manage your time effectively, you may be able to graduate in less than nine months.

That said, if you progress more slowly through your courses or take fewer courses at a time, you may need more than 24 months to graduate.

The general rule of thumb is that, if you are already a Registered Nurse (RN), you can expect to spend one to two years of full-time study on completing your BSN degree.

How Can I Get My RN to BSN Degree Faster?

What if you want to graduate more quickly than one to two years? Fortunately for you, there are several things you can do to progress through your classes and graduate in an accelerated timeframe:

Transfer Credits

All RN to BSN programs are degree-completion programs. Every student entering these programs has at least some college credit, and most hold an associate degree.

Those with a greater number of credits to transfer into their RN to BSN program will have fewer credits to complete; thus, they will be able to graduate more quickly.

Many programs allow students to transfer up to 90 credits toward their 120-credit degree program; these students will have only 30 credits left to obtain, so they will graduate more quickly than a student who has, say, 45 credits to complete.

Heavy Course Load

Full-time students generally complete 12 to 18 credit hours per semester. It is possible to graduate more quickly simply by taking a heavier course load.

For example, if you take 18 credit hours per semester, you will graduate more quickly than if you take 12 credit hours per semester.

It is possible to take an even heavier course load, but be careful not to overload yourself with too many classes. You want to make sure you are learning the material, not just progressing through the courses quickly.

Accelerated Study Plan

Some schools offer accelerated RN to BSN courses designed to help students graduate fast. Other schools allow students a lot of flexibility in setting their own pace, allowing them to move more quickly if desired.

Accelerated study plans often involve taking shorter classes, such as those offered in four- or eight-week sessions. Taking multiple accelerated classes at once will help you finish your courses faster.

You can also speed up your graduation date by taking extra classes through the summer instead of taking time off. Remember: the sooner you complete the required credits, the sooner you'll be able to graduate.

What Schools Offer Fast RN to BSN Programs?

If you're looking to complete your RN to BSN program fast, check out the following schools and the programs they offer:

1. University of Texas - Arlington

The University of Texas - Arlington is a part of the University of Texas System. This large public school was established in 1895 and enrolls nearly 41,000 students.

This school offers a fully online RN to BSN program that can be completed in as little as nine months. The program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing students to progress through their courses as quickly as possible.

Multiple start dates are offered each year so you can get started whenever you're ready. In addition, this school offers some of the lowest tuition rates available among RN to BSN programs.

2. Capella University

Capella University is a private online school. Its headquarters are in Minnesota, but it serves more than 40,000 students throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Capella offers FlexPath and GuidedPath options, allowing students to choose either a self-paced or instructor-led mode of study. Those in the self-paced program often graduate within nine months.

This RN to BSN program offers maximum flexibility and a generous transfer policy, as well as highly affordable tuition rates.

3. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online school based in Utah. With more than 150,000 students, it is one of the largest private schools in the country.

The RN to BSN program is offered in a self-paced, competency-based format. Students can take as many courses at a time as they want and complete them on their own schedule.

Highly motivated students may be able to complete their RN to BSN degree in as little as half a year.

Get Your RN to BSN Degree Fast

If you're hoping to get your RN to BSN degree fast, consider the schools discussed above. Their RN to BSN programs can be completed in as little as six to nine months. In general, most RN to BSN programs require 12 to 24 months to complete.