Programs That Help Nurses Advance Careers

Graduates with an online BSN degree can pursue leadership roles like nursing director, nurse manager, and nurse case manager. A BSN degree also helps graduates pursue a variety of specialties, including pediatric nurse, ICU nurse, emergency nurse, and surgical nurse. 

This page ranks the best online RN-to-BSN programs to help prospective students find the right program for their schedule and career goals. It also covers the steps required to earn an online BSN degree, common admission requirements, and what to expect during an online BSN program. 

Online RN-to-BSN programs help registered nurses (RNs) advance their careers. Nurses with a BSN typically make more than RNs with only an associate degree or diploma. For example, PayScale reports that nurses with a BSN earn an average of $83,000 per year while nurses with an associate degree earn $69,000 per year. 

While many nursing jobs only require an associate degree or diploma in nursing, roles with added responsibilities often require a BSN degree. For example, administrative positions, like lead nurse or nursing director, typically require a BSN. The BSN curriculum incorporates leadership coursework to train students in managing nursing teams, collaborating effectively with other healthcare providers, and supervising nursing departments. 

Nursing positions in research, consulting, and teaching also often require a bachelor's degree. In these roles, nurses help develop and implement new policies, research practices designed to improve patient outcomes, and educate other nurses in healthcare settings. They may also advise organizations on ways to improve community health outcomes or educate groups about wellness. 

A BSN degree also prepares nurses for graduate programs in nursing. After earning an online RN-to-BSN degree, nurses can enroll in MSN programs to become nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, or nurse midwives. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced practice RNs earned a median annual salary of $115,800 in 2019. MSN programs also train students for nurse educator roles. 

Common Online RN-to-BSN Courses

• Evidence-Based Practice

  This class examines research-backed healthcare policies and how to implement evidence-based improvements. Nurses also explore the relationship between research and healthcare quality. Additionally, they may examine safety measures and their relationship to evidence-based practice. Students gain strong analytical and research skills in this class.

• Community Nursing

  This course explores the nurse's role in healthcare delivery within a community setting. Students learn about the relationship between clients and client systems within a community while studying community wellness. Many community nursing classes take an interdisciplinary approach, combining public health, social science, and behavioral science methods. Nurses learn how to assess communities, implement community health policies, and evaluate health services.

• Population-Based Health

  Classes on population-based health explore methods that promote public health. Learners may study disease prevention on a global scale, local health promotion, and family health nursing. Nursing students also learn about the roles that factors like lifestyle, genetics, environment, and culture play in determining health.

• Leadership in Nursing

  This course introduces students to nursing leadership theories and practices. Students may learn about management of care, ethical practice, and resource management in nursing. Learners also study the delegation process and schedule management. The course may include practicum hours where students research a problem in the field and apply an evidence-based solution.

• RN-to-BSN

  Online nursing students complete practicum requirements to strengthen their professional skills. During the practicum, students may complete onsite training in areas like nursing leadership, community health nursing, and public health nursing. Depending on the program, the practicum may also incorporate an evidence-based project. Because RNs already bring clinical training to their BSN degree, many online RN-to-BSN programs require fewer than 100 practicum hours.

Online RN-to-BSN Program Concentrations

Many online RN-to-BSN programs include concentrations that allow students to specialize their skills. Offerings vary by program, but we cover several common concentrations below. 

• Nursing Leadership

  During a nursing leadership concentration, students complete courses on healthcare management, preparing for leadership roles in the field. They may also manage a leadership project to build hands-on skills.

• Pediatrics

  A pediatrics concentration prepares nurses for roles in pediatric nursing in primary and acute-care settings. The program may include clinical rotations in pediatric care settings.

• Primary Care

  Primary care concentrations may include courses on nursing practice across the lifespan and a family systems approach to nursing. The concentration prepares nurses for roles in primary care settings.

• Gerontology

  A concentration in gerontology provides training in caring for elderly patients, including end-of-life and hospice care. Learners study topics like acute care, chronic illnesses, and palliative care. Graduates may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitative care centers.

• Health

  This concentration trains nurses to incorporate evidence-based practice in caring for population health. Nurses learn to promote immunizations, prevent infection, and evaluate environmental health.

Online RN-to-BSN Program Requirements

Online RN-to-BSN programs often set several requirements for admission. Most of these programs require an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited nursing program. RN-to-BSN programs may also require a minimum GPA for admission, which typically ranges from 2.5-3.0. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may apply for provisional admission, depending on the program. 

Before entering an online RN-to-BSN program, nurses typically need a state-issued RN license, which requires passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Nursing students must hold a valid RN license in the state in which they plan to complete the BSN program's clinical requirements. 

Online RN-to-BSN programs may also require at least one year of professional experience in nursing for admission. However, other programs admit students directly from an RN program. Because admission requirements vary by program, nurses should carefully research the requirements for each prospective program. 

Steps to Earn a BSN

Before enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program, RNs must meet several requirements, including holding a current RN license in the state in which they plan to complete the program's clinical requirements.

Nursing students may also need to submit a portfolio demonstrating their educational and professional experience. Many RN-to-BSN programs grant credit for this portfolio, which saves students time and money on a BSN degree.

RNs earning a BSN degree typically complete around 30 credits of nursing coursework, divided between classroom-based instruction and clinical requirements. The curriculum often includes courses on topics like evidence-based practice, nursing leadership, and community nursing. Depending on the program, online nursing students may watch pre-recorded lectures, attend virtual classes, and participate in online discussions with fellow students. Many nursing programs use an asynchronous format, which does not require set meeting times.

Most RN-to-BSN programs include clinical requirements. Clinical hours may emphasize areas like public health nursing, community nursing, and nursing leadership. Students pursuing a specific concentration may complete additional clinical hours in that field. Online nursing students can typically complete clinical requirements at an approved local site. Working nurses may be able to meet this requirement at their current workplace.

Many online BSN programs incorporate a capstone project at the conclusion of the degree. Students may design a project to improve patient health outcomes or implement a new policy in a healthcare setting. A faculty member or praeceptor may supervise the capstone project. Like the clinical requirement, the capstone project applies classroom training in a real-world setting. Nurses expand their professional practice while building leadership skills. After completing the capstone project and meeting all other graduation requirements, online nursing students earn their BSN degree.

Five Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs

With several universities offering online RN-to-BSN programs, finding the right program seems complicated. Here, we have researched, organized, and assembled a list of the best online RN-to-BSN programs of 2021.

Each program holds regional or industry-specific accreditation or both, holding it to the highest standards. Accreditations for these top five RN-to-BSN programs include:

1. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
2. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
3. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
4. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
5. National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

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1. Southeast Missouri State University

   Location

   Cape Girardeau, MO

   Tuition

   $12468

   Graduation Rate

   49%

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   Located in Cape Girardeau, SEMO focuses on staying ahead of changing market demands. With nearly 12,000 students, it offers internship and experiential learning opportunities in all of the majors the institution offers.

   SEMO offers a bachelor of science in nursing (RN-BSN) to registered nurses (RNs) entirely online with flexibility for each student. Students choose from four-, eight-, and 16-week courses, offered year round for quicker program completion. Experience and prior knowledge provide students with the option of advanced placement into the program. The university claims 97% of department graduates obtained employment or enrolled in graduate school.

   Students obtain field experience in their chosen areas and graduate prepared to work in these fields. Graduates work in private practices, hospitals, schools, and government areas. Graduates of the program may apply to any MSN program.

   To apply, prospective students must hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 and reside in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, or Arkansas. Students must hold a valid nursing license and meet background check requirements. Students with a native language other than English must submit TOEFL scores.

   School Type: Public
   Accreditation: CCNE, HLC
   Tuition: $318/credit

2. The University of North Alabama

   Location

   Florence, AL

   Tuition

   $12121

   Graduation Rate

   46%

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   Home to a live lion mascot and located in Florence, Alabama, UNA offers more than 170 majors and concentrations. Twenty-four students make up the average class size, and 76% of classes are taught by full-time instructors. Established in 1830, UNA remains Alabama's oldest public four-year university.

   The RN-to-BSN program at UNA offers students affordable, flexible learning, all online, with no in-person requirements. Students choose between full-time and part-time coursework, and all courses are approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Students complete the 30-credit program in as little as three semesters if completed full-time. Transfer students must complete general education courses after transferring to UNA. Out-of-state fees are waived for students in the online RN-to-BSN program.

   Courses include community health in nursing, health and physical assessment online, leadership and management in nursing online, and health policy, social issues, and theory.

   Applicants must submit an online application and official college transcripts. Once accepted into the program, students receive further instructions on enrollment.

   School Type: Public
   Accreditation: CCNE, SACSCOC
   Tuition: $300/credit

3. Eastern New Mexico University

   Location

   Portales, NM

   Tuition

   $10918

   Graduation Rate

   35%

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   The 433-acre campus at ENMU in Portales holds a place in the top 10 most affordable four-year universities in the Southwest. ENMU offers small class sizes with a 97% student satisfaction rate. Students at ENMU choose from more than 60 associate, bachelor's, and master's degree options.

   ENMU offers a bachelor of science in nursing completion program fully online. Upon completion of the program, graduates base their clinical practice with scientific, evidence-based practices. Graduates have skills to meet the needs of clients and communities based on concepts of nursing theory, cultural competencies, research, science, and humanities.

   Completion of the program takes an average of 4.4 years, fully online. Students choose between full-time and part-time courses. The BSN completion program offers eight-week courses, allowing full-time students to complete the program in 16 months. Graduates become members of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society of nursing, and the American Nurses Association.

   Applicants must hold an RN degree and a minimum GPA of 2.0 for admission into the program.

   School Type: Public
   Accreditation: ACEN, HLC
   Tuition: $187/credit (in state); $272/credit (out of state)

4. Fayetteville State University

   Location

   Fayetteville, NC

   Tuition

   $5685

   Graduation Rate

   35%

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   A historically Black university in North Carolina, FSU aspires to meet the aspirations of students with diverse backgrounds. The second-oldest public university in the state, FSU offers affordable tuition, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid to students who qualify.

   The registered nurse (RN) to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program develops the communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills of RNs. The program, completed online, allows graduates to move away from basic clinical care, advance in nursing, and earn a higher income. The science-based coursework teaches health assessment, current issues and trends in nursing, and emergency care.

   Students at FSU receive support and mentoring from the Student Nursing Association. The program includes a senior practicum as an opportunity for students to experience new roles. The program offers virtual and project-based experiences. Full-time students complete the program in 2.5 semesters.

   To apply, students must submit an online application with the $50 application fee and official college transcripts.

   School Type: Public
   Accreditation: SACSCOC, NCSBN, CCNE
   Tuition: $124/credit (in state); $311/credit (out of state)

5. The University of Louisiana at Monroe

   Location

   Monroe, LA

   Tuition

   $9455

   Graduation Rate

   44%

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   ULM offers more than 35 degree programs, entirely online, including eight-week courses to accelerate learning. With a 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, ULM provides 96 majors and minors for students to choose from, with multiple scholarship opportunities.

   The RN-to-BSN program at ULM is completed entirely online. Students complete the 30-credit program in as little as 14 months. The program prepares graduates for advanced nursing roles or entry into a graduate nursing program. Students study evidence-based basic healthcare techniques and how to utilize data to monitor patient care processes.

   Courses for the program include nursing research, health assessment, professional nursing concepts, and public health nursing. The program's capstone course teaches students to apply clinical knowledge with concepts and theories used in nursing care.

   For admission into the program, students must hold a current nursing license and a GPA of at least 2.0. Students must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.

   School Type: Public
   Accreditation: SACSCOC, CCNE
   Tuition: $292/credit

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