How to Go From RN to BSN: Complete Guide

A bachelor's degree isn't required to become a registered nurse (RN), but there are several benefits to having a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) degree.

If you've already earned an associate degree and obtained your registered nursing license, it's not too late to earn your bachelor's. Keep reading to learn how to go from RN to BSN.

How to Go From RN to BSN

The most efficient way to go from being an RN to having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is through an RN to BSN program.

These programs are specifically designed for students who have an Associate Degree in Nursing and their registered nursing license but do not yet have a bachelor's degree.

In an RN to BSN program, students take additional nursing classes so they can meet the number of credits required for a bachelor's degree, usually about 120.

Often, these programs give credit for passing the NCLEX and obtaining a license, and as a result, many RN to BSN programs only take a year or so to complete.

For the most part, RN to BSN programs are offered partially or completely online, as they're geared towards students who are already working as nurses.

Even if you're studying online, you may still have a clinical component to your program. Luckily, many programs allow you to complete your clinical hours in the healthcare facility you work at.

Why Go From an RN to a BSN?

While a bachelor's degree isn't a requirement to become a registered nurse, there are a few reasons why finishing out your bachelor's degree is a good idea.

The first is that it can expand your career prospects. Some employers prefer, or even require their nurses to have a bachelor's degree.

Additionally, a bachelor's degree can help you get promoted to a higher role, like head nurse, charge nurse, or other nursing management positions.

A bachelor's degree is also necessary if you want to advance your career by becoming a nurse practitioner. This field requires a master's or doctoral degree, but you'll need a master's first.

Nurses with bachelor's degrees also generally get a higher salary than those with just associate degrees. The amounts can vary, but it often equates to several dollars more per hour.

Featured Online RN to BSN Programs

There are many online RN to BSN programs across the United States. We've listed a few top programs below in alphabetical order and offered a brief explanation of each.

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 requires 30 credits and students can choose a one-year plan, two-year plan, or three-year plan depending on how many hours they can devote to studying per week.

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.

The program takes one year and includes courses in professionalism in nursing, community and family nursing, health care genetics, leadership and management in nursing, and research in nursing.

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.

This flexible program can be completed in as little as 12 months. The university also offers an online RN-BSN-MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) program.

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.

The program is designed to expand knowledge and skills in leadership and critical thinking. It takes three semesters to complete and students can start in fall, spring, or summer.

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.

Students gain a foundation in evidence-based practice, patient safety and health care quality, nursing leadership, and policy. The program is offered in a part-time format that takes four semesters to complete.

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.

The program provides students with knowledge and skills in public health nursing, nursing informatics, evidence-based practice, and more. Students can finish in as little as 12 months and an RN-BSN-MSN program is also available.

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.

This program equips students to work in a variety of healthcare settings, and students can choose from a 12-month or 15-month schedule. This program is not available to students in the state of Tennessee.

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.

Courses are offered in 8-week terms, and the program takes an average of three semesters to complete. Online students at the University of Arkansas are charged the same tuition as in-state students.

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.

Students can complete this program in as little as three semesters, or they can pace themselves and take up to ten semesters. Students also have the chance to take some graduate courses while in this program.

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.

Most students finish within 24 months, but the program is self-paced, so students can complete coursework on their schedule. Tuition is charged per six-month term rather than per credit.

Go From RN to BSN

To go from RN to BSN, you'll need to complete an RN to BSN program. These are typically offered online and can be found at colleges and universities across the country.

By following the information above, you will know how to go from RN to BSN and decide if the program is right for you.