Can I Get a BSN Without Being an RN?

To become a nurse, you need a nursing degree, to pass a national exam, and to obtain your nursing license.

Many nurses choose to get an associate degree and then return to school for their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

You may be wondering, can I skip RN and go to BSN instead?

Yes, there are programs that allow you to get a BSN without being an RN.

Keep reading to learn more about BSN programs and the options offered.

Can I Skip RN and Go to BSN?

There are many BSN programs designed specifically for students who do not yet have their registered nursing license.

There are two types of degrees that can help you gain your nursing license: associate degrees and bachelor's degrees.

Some students choose to earn their associate degrees, obtain their RN license, and then return to school to finish their bachelor's degree in an RN to BSN program.

However, this is not a requirement, and you can choose to complete your bachelor's program before obtaining your RN license.

Requirements to Get a BSN

The requirements to get a BSN vary depending on the specific program you select.

To get into a BSN program, you'll typically need to apply to the school and submit your high school transcripts or GED equivalent.

Some colleges and universities may also require you to submit things like standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and application fees.

Depending on your school, you may be able to enter the nursing program as a freshman. Others require you to complete your general education courses first.

Every program has its own requirements, so it's best to check with each specific program you're interested in to find out what you need to do.

Featured BSN Programs

Students can earn their BSN through several excellent colleges and universities across the country. We've listed some of the top BSN programs below in alphabetical order and offered a brief explanation of each.

All programs listed are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Note that nursing requirements vary between states and it's important to check that the program you choose meets the requirements of the state you plan to practice in.

1. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio. It offers a BSN program through its Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.

The program includes hands-on learning in the skills lab and simulation center as well as over 1000 clinical hours.

Students can start taking nursing courses in their first semester and clinical placements and patient contact begin the first semester on campus.

2. Emory University

Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. Its Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing offers a BSN program.

Students in this program receive a solid foundation for becoming registered nurses and will be prepared to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

This program is open to students who have already completed their prerequisite courses. Students must also submit their resumes and an application fee.

3. Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a private Jesuit research university in Washington, D.C. It offers a BSN program through its School of Nursing.

The program provides access to diverse health systems and community-based organizations around the Washington, DC, region, and gives students over 800 hours in clinical, lab, and simulated settings.

This is a direct entry program, so students do not need to complete prerequisites and can start nursing experiences in their first year of study.

4. New York University

New York University is a private research university in New York City. Its Rory Meyers College of Nursing offers a BSN program.

Students take courses that cover adult and elder nursing, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric mental health nursing, as well as overall professional nursing courses.

The program begins in junior year after students have completed the required liberal arts and science classes required by the university.

5. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio. It offers a BSN through its College of Nursing.

This program trains students in health promotion and health restoration of individuals who are experiencing illness and/or disabilities throughout their lifespan.

Students without any prior college credits enroll in the pre-nursing program and then move to the nursing program after completing their prerequisite courses.

6. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university in Los Angeles, California. Its School of Nursing offers a BSN program.

This program is a traditional, four-year program that starts during freshman year, with no prerequisite courses required.

During the final year, students plan and implement a clinically-based scholarly project that is designed to improve the system of care for patients and families.

7. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. It offers a BSN program through its College of Nursing.

The program is located on the health sciences campus and combines in-depth learning with extensive patient contact.

Both direct admission, for high-achieving students, and standard admission, for those who have completed their prerequisites, are available for this program.

8. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Its School of Nursing offers a BSN program.

Students in the program receive more than 1,000 hours of hands-on clinical experiences and courses led by internationally recognized scientists and practitioners.

The program begins freshman year with a nursing seminar and courses that cover nursing basics, although a sophomore transfer program is also available.

9. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It offers a BSN program through its School of Nursing.

The program uses time-tested, innovative approaches and provides caring faculty, opportunities for student research, and a curriculum dedicated to interprofessional education.

Students can begin this program when they have completed their nursing prerequisite courses, after which they will need to complete 60 credits in the nursing program.

10. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia is a public research university in Charlottesville, Virginia. Its School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN program.

Students take courses in anatomy and physiology, growth and development, pharmacology, pathophysiology, leadership, and nursing practice.

This program is open to freshman students and offers nursing courses in the first year, with clinical experiences in the second, third, and fourth years.

The program also offers an exchange program in Australia and New Zealand.

Skip RN and Go to BSN Today

Can I skip RN and go to BSN? You don't need to be an RN to get your BSN, there are plenty of BSN programs for students who aren't nurses yet.

Refer to the guide above to find the right BSN program for you today.