Do Online RN to BSN Programs Require Clinicals?

RN to BSN programs are for registered nurses (RNs) who have completed an associate degree in nursing and obtained their nursing license and now want to complete their Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN).

These programs are often offered online. They usually require additional coursework, but do online RN to BSN programs require clinicals?

Nursing clinicals are opportunities for nurses to take what they've used in the classroom or lab and apply it in a clinical setting. Keep reading to learn about clinical requirements for RN to BSN programs.

Do Online RN to BSN Programs Require Clinicals?

Many online RN to BSN programs require clinicals as part of the program. However, they can vary in how they allow students to fulfill these clinical hours.

For students who are currently working in a healthcare facility as an RN, some programs allow them to fulfill their clinical requirements at the place of their employment.

Other schools may partner with specific healthcare providers that students need to go through to complete their clinical hours.

In some cases, students may be required to secure clinical placement on their own, which can sometimes be tricky.

Often, because these programs are online, nurses will be able to fulfill their clinical obligations at a location near them, even if the college or university is in a totally different area of the country.

Featured Online RN to BSN Programs and Clinical Requirements

Below, we've listed some top online RN to BSN programs from across the United States and broken down their clinical requirements to give you an idea of what may be required.

Keep in mind, every college and university is different, so always check what kind of clinical requirements your specific nursing program has.

1. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University is a public university in Boone, North Carolina. Its Department of Nursing offers an online-only RN to BSN program.

The program includes non-traditional clinical requirements built into each course that are meant to be done at your place of employment.

For example, you may be asked to perform a head-to-toe assessment on an adult, complete a community windshield survey, or provide medication education to an older adult.

2. Clemson University

Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, South Carolina. It offers a fully online RN to BSN program through its School of Nursing.

Clinical requirements for this program depend on the specific courses students take; some courses are mandatory while elective options are available for others.

3. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its College of Nursing and Health Professions offers an online RN to BSN program.

Students can complete clinicals in both health care system where they work and the community where they live. The university also provides access to clinical practice environments and simulated healthcare scenarios.

4. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public university in Hays, Kansas. It offers a 100% online RN to BSN through its Department of Nursing.

One course in this program requires clinicals, which must be completed with a preceptor at an approved clinical site. The university works to secure clinical contracts near where students live, though this is not always possible.

5. George Washington University

The George Washington University is a private, federally chartered research university in Washington, D.C. Its School of Nursing offers an online RN to BSN program.

No clinical requirements are listed for this program, but for other programs with clinical requirements, the university works to help students secure clinical rotation sites.

6. Herzing University

Herzing University is a private, non-profit university based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It offers a completely online RN to BSN program through its School of Nursing.

This program does not require traditional clinicals. Instead, students participate in a 45-hour community health project where they use their knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

7. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio. Its College of Nursing offers a 100% online RN to BSN program.

The program doesn't have typical clinicals. Students participate in projects that utilize clinical knowledge, and these can be done from the students' location.

8. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It offers an online RN to BSN program through its Eleanor Mann School of Nursing.

The program includes one clinical immersion course that requires a total of 75 clinical hours. This can be done in the student's geographic area.

9. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research university in Orlando, Florida. Its College of Nursing offers an RN to BSN program that's available completely online.

The program does require some clinical practice, however, these can be completed in the student's home community.

10. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private, non-profit, online university based in Millcreek, Utah. It offers an RN to BSN through its Leavitt School of Health.

The program includes a field experience clinical with hours completed in a variety of community settings that are chosen by the student.

Discover Clinical Requirements for Online RN to BSN Programs

Some online RN to BSN programs require clinicals, but these clinical requirements can look very different between programs. Check with your program to determine what clinical requirements you'll need to meet.