9 Self-Paced RN to BSN Degree Programs for 2025

Self-paced RN to BSN programs allow students to navigate course materials at a pace that suits them.

The goal of self-paced programs is to help students learn as slowly or quickly as necessary to absorb information.

Earning a bachelor's degree via a self-paced RN to BSN is a great option for many. Keep reading to find out which schools offer this type of program.

Featured Self-Paced RN to BSN Programs

This list of schools features some of the top self-paced RN to BSN programs in the nation.

1. Purdue Global

Purdue Global is home to the flexible, 180-credit ExcelTrack Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program.

Enrollees manage their learning pace, course load, and deadlines, helping them complete the program in as few as 12 months.

Students take five- to six-credit courses and self-guided one-credit module courses.

As they navigate through the program, nursing faculty confirms their grasp of the materials.

Courses are taken online, and clinicals are completed in each student's local community.

2. University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin delivers the Nursing Degree (RN to BSN), a competency-based program using the UW Flexible Option format.

Students can complete 100% online courses on their schedule and finish their degree in less than one year.

There are no live classes so students can move through courses as quickly or slowly as they'd like.

Program requirements include 21 core credits and nine advanced nursing electives. Competency-based learning gives students credit for existing knowledge.

3. Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, students can enroll in the online RN to BSN program.

This accelerated degree allows individuals to move through courses as soon as they show their mastery of the material.

Enrollees can take courses whenever they're ready. Courses are available anytime and from any location.

The program consists of 23 courses and also requires field experience.

Students can transfer in up to 90 credits to help them navigate through the program even faster.

4. University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix students can enroll in the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-Based-CB) program.

This self-paced degree consists of 11 courses for a total of 33 earned credits and can be completed in as few as 12 months.

Any competency-based program from the University of Phoenix allows students to navigate course materials as fast or slow as they'd like.

Enrollees can transfer in credits and leverage existing knowledge to finish their studies sooner.

5. Walden University

Walden University students can enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Online Completion Program and earn their degree in as few as 14 months.

This degree offers a Tempo Learning option that lets students control the pace, cost, and length of their program.

With no deadlines, students get to submit assignments when they're ready.

Enrollees can transfer in up to 75% of their prior credits, which equals as many as 135 total credits.

6. University of Toledo

The 100% online RN-BSN Competency-Based program at the University of Toledo lets enrollees advance through coursework at their own pace.

Once students master a subject, they move on to the next. After all course competencies are mastered, students officially pass the course and start a new one.

The program lets enrollees set their schedules and decide their course loads.

Depending on the speed at which students navigate the courses, this program could be completed in just two semesters.

7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs delivers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

This degree offers an RN to BSN option for RNs who are currently licensed and interested in securing a bachelor's degree.

Students set their own pace and have no time limit for earning the degree, though working RNs are encouraged to take a part-time course load of six credits per semester.

At that pace, enrollees can complete their BSN program in 17 months.

8. Carlow University

The RN to BSN Online program from Carlow University offers 100% online coursework and requires limited clinical practicum hours.

Its asynchronous format lets enrollees navigate through the program at their desired pace.

Students can transfer in up to 90 credits and earn 30 credits for their RN license.

Enrollees must complete eight core nursing courses and secure 66 more credits to finish the program � this can be accomplished in as few as 11 months.

9. University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe delivers the RN to BSN fast-track nursing program for students who have passed the NCLEX for RNs.

Students must have also earned their associate degree in nursing from one of the Louisiana Community & Technical College System (LCTCS) campuses and completed the right prerequisites.

Once enrolled, students can complete 30 required hours at their own pace to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

How Do RN to BSN Programs Work?

Most registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are designed to help working nurses secure their bachelor's degree in less time.

Students often gain admission by providing their active RN license and associate degree in nursing along with meeting other admission criteria.

Once admitted, students take a specific number of courses and may be able to transfer in credits or secure credits for prior work experience.

Some programs require students to complete clinical experiences, while others allow enrollees to use work hours as clinical hours.

It's common for students to complete RN to BSN programs in one year or less.

What Is the Fastest I Can Get My BSN?

You might be surprised to learn that some BSN programs can be completed in as few as eight months � just two semesters.

One factor that can impact the timeframe in which you complete your degree is the number of credits you're able to transfer.

Some schools also apply credits to your degree for prior experience or even passing the NCLEX exam.

If you enroll in a competency-based or self-paced RN to BSN program, your ability to work through concepts and master them can help you graduate sooner.

Working with faculty members in your nursing school can give you insight into the best ways to shorten the time you need to complete your degree.

Is the RN to BSN Worth It?

If you're a registered nurse looking to earn your bachelor's degree, enrolling in an RN to BSN program is worth the financial and time commitment.

Many programs allow registered nurses to quickly navigate coursework thanks to flexible learning options and credit granted for prior knowledge and classes.

RN to BSN programs are commonly delivered online, allowing working nurses to take courses wherever most convenient.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing opens doors to new career possibilities for RNs.

You could qualify for positions like informatics nurse, pharmaceutical nurse, surgical nurse, and nurse case manager.

Completing an RN to BSN program could also be a great stepping stone to an advanced degree like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Start a Self-Paced RN to BSN Program Today

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the pace that works for your busy schedule by enrolling in a self-paced RN to BSN.

You could secure your degree and advance your career in less than 12 months.