10 Shortest Online RN to BSN Programs (2025)

Registered nurses will discover where to earn their bachelor's degree in nursing in a year or less with this list of the shortest RN to BSN online programs.

Many credible, well-known colleges nationwide provide online accelerated options for their Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) programs.

Individuals can engage in intensive class formats to obtain some of the shortest RN to BSN degrees in one year or even less.

Keep reading to learn about RN to BSN fast-track programs that nursing students can earn quickly through the flexibility and convenience of distance education.

10 Shortest RN to BSN Online Programs

The following list describes ten nationwide accredited institutions with the shortest RN to BSN degrees.

1. Delta State University

Delta State University is a public school in Cleveland, Mississippi, that offers an online RN to BSN degree.

Those enrolled in full-time studies can finish it in two semesters. Part-time students take four semesters to complete.

It ranks highly among the top nursing programs and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Graduates pursue nursing careers in various work environments, including critical care or emergency room nurses.

2. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a public research institution with flexible distance learning. It is designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

Students can choose to finish their online RN to BSN in just two semesters (eight months) or three semesters (12 months).

They can also opt for five semesters (20 months).

The degree is CCNE-accredited and ranks among Ohio's top three best online nursing programs.

3. Purdue Global

Purdue Global in Indiana offers an RN to BSN degree for one flat rate per term through its ExcelTrack program.

It enables students to progress as quickly as they want at their own pace.

This CCNE-accredited degree features real-world learning by experienced nurses.

Topics covered include nursing research and emerging trends in healthcare therapies.

Students can choose from various focus areas, such as hospice and palliative care nursing or case management nursing.

4. University of Oklahoma

The flexible RN to BSN program at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City allows full-time students to complete it within two semesters.

Part-time enrollment takes around four semesters to finish.

Courses through the school's Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing cover research topics and subjects such as health assessment and community-focused nursing.

Graduates pursue entry-level roles in the healthcare industry, providing safe patient care across various settings and populations.

5. Ohio University

The online RN to BSN degree at Ohio University is CCNE-accredited. Students work at their own pace and can finish it in one year, taking five-week courses.

Located in Athens, this research university is the oldest public institution in Ohio.

It ranks highly for its affordable distance education, specifically its bachelor's in nursing programs, according to US News and World Report.

This degree is ideal for students seeking careers as nurse advocates or medical-surgical nurses.

6. The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington delivers one of the shortest RN to BSN degrees through its College of Nursing and Innovation.

It is an accelerated online program that full-time students can finish in just nine months. Part-time options are also available and take longer to complete.

This bachelor's degree is CCNE-accredited. It greatly improves the skills of registered nurses and includes coursework in nursing microbiology and human anatomy and physiology.

7. Capella University

At Capella University, a private institution in Minneapolis, MN, registered nurses can complete their CCNE-accredited RN to BSN degree in as few as nine months.

Their FlexPath program format encourages self-paced learning through distance education, where students take courses quickly, helping them finish faster.

The curriculum for this nursing degree includes topics like managing health information and technology or improving the quality of care and patient safety.

8. King University

King University is a private institution in Bristol, Tennessee, that provides a faith-based education based on Christian values.

It has an RN to BSN available through remote learning. Registered nurses can complete it in just three semesters by taking two classes per term.

Individuals completing this program are guaranteed admission to their Master of Science in Nursing upon meeting certain criteria, such as having a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA.

9. William Paterson University

William Paterson University is a public institution in Wayne, New Jersey, that offers an online CCNE-accredited RN to BSN.

This bachelor's in nursing program is delivered in an accelerated format designed to help students finish it faster in around 10 months.

It includes core coursework covering subjects like healthcare economics, nursing leadership, and professional practice.

Graduates with this degree pursue essential job roles such as nurse case managers or critical care nurses.

10. Radford University

Radford University is a public institution in Virginia that delivers an RN to BSN through distance education.

It offers a liberal transfer policy and credit for previous learning, enabling individuals to finish this program in 10 months.

Core courses include subjects like community health nursing or healthcare informatics and technology.

Students can choose from six start dates a year, giving working professionals the flexibility to earn a degree around busy schedules.

How Long Are RN to BSN Programs?

How long it takes to finish an RN to BSN varies depending on the program and certain factors.

This includes the number of credits transferred and whether an individual enrolls part-time or full-time.

A traditional RN to BSN program generally takes nursing students around one to two years to complete.

Many accredited institutions nationwide offer accelerated online degrees that can be completed within a year.

Some offer fast tracks that can be done in as few as six or nine months.

The shortest RN to BSN programs can be more intensive and require extra effort but are worthwhile for registered nurses interested in earning their bachelor's degree quickly.

What Do I Need To Apply to an RN to BSN Program?

The application requirements for an RN to BSN program typically necessitate individuals to have an associate degree in nursing or a diploma from an accredited institution and a current unrestricted RN license.

Applying for an RN to BSN usually requires a completed application form and fee, a personal statement, and a resume.

Sometimes, letters of recommendation may be needed.

In addition, many colleges also request a minimum GPA and previous transcripts or provide a list of prerequisite courses for students.

Individuals should research their school of choice about specific requirements.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing?

Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing opens up a wide variety of choices in healthcare across various roles.

Examples of jobs to pursue with an RN to BSN degree include:

Students should research degree requirements around their desired job roles to ensure they meet the necessary conditions.

Discover the Shortest RN to BSN Programs Today

This list helps registered nurses find the shortest RN to BSN programs that are available online, allowing them to finish their bachelor's degree in nursing in a year or less.