Fastest RN to BSN Programs [Updated 2025]
- 2025 Top Fast RN to BSN Programs
- How Long Are RN to BSN Programs?
- Who Needs an Accelerated RN to BSN Program?
- Benefits of Fast RN to BSN Programs
- Online RN to BSN Programs – Can They Save Time?
- 6-Month RN to BSN Programs: Can It Be Done?
- Drawbacks to Fast RN to BSN Programs
- Next Steps for Enrolling in an RN to BSN Program
- Find RN to BSN Degree Programs Near You
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Getting your ADN, ASN, or nursing diploma is a great first step to starting your nursing career. After passing the NCLEX, you're ready to work as a nurse in various settings and roles. However, working nurses who are looking for a more expansive education and more career opportunities may want to consider getting their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
A BSN can help you understand more in-depth nursing concepts and allow you to work in more fast-paced and nuanced environments. It can also increase your chances of becoming more steadily employed or negotiating a higher wage. A BSN is available for students at any level, but nurses already licensed and working in the field have a unique opportunity to get their BSN in a shorter amount of time through an RN to BSN program.
Looking to complete your degree cheaply? Check out these Affordable RN to BSN Programs.
Looking for the fastest way to advance your nursing career? RegisteredNursing.org has ranked the top RN to BSN programs that help you earn your degree quickly without sacrificing quality. These programs are perfect for working nurses who want to move up in their field fast. Online programs play a big role here, offering flexibility to balance work and study. Whether you prefer distance learning or virtual classrooms, there's an option that fits your life. Check out our full list to find the best fit for you. Learn more about how we rank these programs https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/. Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu Online Learning - Visit Website The University of Cincinnati-Main Campus offers an accelerated RN to BSN program entirely online, ideal for working nurses aiming to elevate their qualifications without pausing their careers. This program stands out for its absence of clinical requirements and a streamlined curriculum of just nine nursing courses, enabling completion in 9-18 months. With six start dates annually, CCNE accreditation, and a tuition rate of $564 per credit hour guaranteed for four years, it's a cost-effective and flexible option. The program also offers unique tracks in Public Health Nursing and Nurse Educator, catering to diverse career aspirations. Concentration: Public Health Nursing - Online Learning - Visit Website Focusing on Public Health Nursing, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's online RN to BSN program is tailored for nurses seeking to specialize in community health. This 100% online program requires no clinicals and can be completed in 9-18 months, featuring an interprofessional, evidence-based curriculum. Accredited by CCNE, it offers six start dates per year and accepts transfer credits, making it a practical choice for advancing one's education and career in public health nursing. Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website The Nurse Educator concentration at the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's online RN to BSN program prepares nurses for teaching roles in healthcare education. This fully online program eliminates clinical requirements, allowing students to focus on nine core nursing courses and complete their degree in as little as nine months. With CCNE accreditation, flexible part-time and full-time options, and a tuition rate of $564 per credit hour, it's designed for nurses aiming for leadership and educational positions without sacrificing their current roles. West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu Online Learning - Visit Website West Chester University of Pennsylvania's RN-to-BSN Program stands out for its fully online, accelerated curriculum tailored for working nurses. With no transfer credit charges and acceptance of CLEP credits, students can complete their BSN in as little as two semesters. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes professional development, research, ethics, leadership, and population health, requiring a minimum 2.75 GPA for admission. Its 100% online asynchronous format and year-round course offerings make it a flexible option for nurses aiming to advance their careers without sacrificing their current roles. Online Learning - Visit Website The BSN for the Registered Nurse at West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers a streamlined, 100% online pathway for RNs to elevate their nursing credentials. This CCNE-accredited program can be completed in two semesters, with a curriculum that builds on prior nursing education, requiring only 30 new credits from WCU. It covers essential areas like professional communication, research, health policy, and leadership, preparing nurses for advanced roles in healthcare. The program's flexibility, including asynchronous courses and no transfer credit charges, caters to the busy schedules of working professionals. Online Learning - Visit Website West Chester University of Pennsylvania's RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their education through a 100% online format. The program's accelerated structure allows completion in two semesters, with no fees for transfer credits and acceptance of CLEP credits. Focusing on professional communication, research, ethics, health policy, and leadership, the CCNE-accredited curriculum adheres to AACN baccalaureate standards. With 7-week course sessions and year-round availability, this program offers a practical route for nurses to enhance their skills and career prospects efficiently. Auburn, AL - Public 4-Year - auburn.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Auburn University's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their education efficiently. With a focus on flexibility, the program allows students to complete their degree in just three semesters, making it one of the fastest paths to a BSN. The curriculum emphasizes holistic nursing, evidence-based practice, and leadership, preparing graduates for higher-level roles in healthcare. Notably, the program offers up to 37 transfer credits for those with an unencumbered RN license, significantly reducing completion time. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, streamlining the admission process for busy professionals. Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Auburn University's hybrid Concurrent BSN program is designed for RNs aiming to fast-track their bachelor's degree. Combining online coursework with in-person elements, the program can be completed in three semesters, offering a swift transition to advanced nursing roles. It focuses on holistic care, evidence-based practice, and leadership, with up to 37 transfer credits available to expedite graduation. The program requires a current RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA but does not mandate entrance exams, making it accessible for working nurses. Its hybrid format provides the perfect balance for those seeking flexibility without sacrificing the depth of learning. Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Northeastern University's RN-to-BSN Program stands out for its exceptional flexibility and efficiency, catering specifically to registered nurses aiming to elevate their qualifications without pausing their careers. This online program distinguishes itself with the option to complete studies in as little as one year full-time or two years part-time, making it one of the fastest pathways to a BSN. Unique to Northeastern is the integration of over 200 interactive online activities, designed to sharpen critical decision-making skills in real-world healthcare scenarios. The program's military-friendly approach further underscores its commitment to accessibility, offering a streamlined route for veterans and active-duty personnel to advance in the nursing field. No ACT or SAT is required for admission, emphasizing the program's focus on professional experience and readiness. The curriculum is tailored to meet the increasing demand for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, ensuring graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu Online Learning - Visit Website The University of Rochester's RN to BS Online Program stands out for its accelerated 16-month completion time, making it one of the fastest pathways for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree. This 100% online program is tailored for associate's or diploma-prepared nurses, offering flexibility with mobile technology and an optimized iPad device for learning on the go. Unique to this program are the significant scholarship opportunities, covering 50-100% of tuition, which not only makes it financially accessible but also accelerates the time to degree completion by reducing financial barriers. With expert nursing faculty guiding students through interactive learning experiences focused on patient care and population health, the program is designed for career advancement without the need to pause professional work. The absence of a required entrance exam further streamlines the admission process, allowing nurses to start their educational journey sooner. The combination of online flexibility, financial support, and a focused curriculum enables students to complete their BSN faster than traditional programs.2025 Top Fast RN to BSN Programs
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor's - RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Bachelor's - BSN for the Registered Nurse
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN
Auburn University
Bachelor's - Nursing, RN to BSN
Bachelor's - Concurrent BSN
Northeastern University
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
University of Rochester
Bachelor's - RN to BS Online Program
How Long Are RN to BSN Programs?
RN to BSN programs are accelerated BSN programs that are designed to accommodate working RNs who are trying to earn their BSN on a quicker timeline. RNs with a nursing license already don't require the same introductory courses that traditional BSN students will need to become licensed. This allows them to complete their BSN in under four years.
But how long are RN to BSN programs on average? Typically, RNs can finish their RN to BSN program in under two years and sometimes less than one year, depending on the school, whether the program is self-paced or offered online, the number of credits required, and whether the student chooses to attend full-time or part-time.
Who Needs an Accelerated RN to BSN Program?
Any RN who wants to save time and money! Registered nurses who are already licensed and have experience in the field don't need the same level of education as regular BSN students. An RN to BSN program essentially gives these students credit for the nursing education they already completed in their associate's degree or nursing diploma program.
But why might a registered nurse want to continue their education with a BSN degree? When an RN completes a BSN program, it offers them more opportunities in the job market and allows them to draft a more attractive resume. Hospital systems and medical employers increasingly prefer to hire BSN-educated RNs. The faster this can be accomplished, the faster these nurses can leverage their new degree to take advantage of higher-paid positions and use their new education to become more accomplished RNs. In addition to this, holding a BSN is often a requirement for traditional graduate nursing degree programs, so if you plan to continue your education, earning a BSN at some point in your career is a significant foundational step.
Benefits of Fast RN to BSN Programs
The benefits of fast RN to BSN programs are fairly obvious – you can obtain a higher-level nursing degree in a very short amount of time. This not only allows you to re-enter the workforce with more credentials and a more rounded education, but it also allows you to save money on a degree that you would typically pay twice as much for. As opposed to ADN or diploma-educated RNs, BSN-educated nurses enjoy:
- Higher salaries
- Better and broader employment options
- More room for career advancement
- Increased eligibility for higher nursing education, such as a master's or doctoral degree in nursing
The faster an RN earns a BSN degree, the faster they can take advantage of these perks and opportunities.
Online RN to BSN Programs – Can They Save Time?
Students looking to complete their RN to BSN education in the shortest amount of time possible may wish to consider online programs. Online RN to BSN options can save students both money and time. Here are a few reasons why:
Flexible Scheduling – Many online RN to BSN programs offer courses in an asynchronous format, meaning students can access them at any time. This means that the student can work through coursework at their own pace. Those wishing to complete their program in a shorter timeframe can simply move through the courses at a faster pace.
Accelerated Program Options – Some online RN to BSN programs offer accelerated tracks for students who wish to complete their education in an expedient manner. If you want to pursue this pathway, it’s a good idea to inquire about whether it’s offered at your prospective school before you enroll.
Credit for Prior Courses – Most RN to BSN programs give students credit for certain courses they have already completed in their prior nursing program. Depending on how many credits a program allows students to transfer in, they may be able to skip certain RN to BSN courses, helping them complete even faster.
Year-Round Enrollment – Some online RN to BSN programs offer enrollment on a rolling basis or a year-round basis, meaning students can begin the program at more frequent points throughout the year and can complete coursework even during the summer.
6-Month RN to BSN Programs: Can It Be Done?
Technically, yes, a 6-month RN to BSN program is possible – though you won't find them advertised as such, and you'll have to meet a very specific set of circumstances. Some self-paced RN to BSN programs allow you to transfer enough credits so that you could conceivably graduate with your BSN in as little as 6 months. However, you'll need to have at least an ADN or ASN, your nursing license, and likely, a large bundle of additional nursing credits. You'll also need to find a nursing program that allows you to transfer the full amount of available credits.
Drawbacks to Fast RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs come with many benefits, but before you start applying to RN to BSN programs, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. The main thing to realize before you enroll in an RN to BSN program is that even though you'll be receiving your BSN degree considerably faster, you'll still need to commit a significant amount of time and energy to your schooling.
If you're already working full-time as an RN (which most RN to BSN students are), you're in for a major transition. You'll have to balance a 40-60 hour work week with 5-10 hour (or more) class hours. Consider the burnout rates of RNs – you'll have to be eating, sleeping, and breathing everything that is nursing. If you're up for the challenge, you're likely to be handsomely rewarded when it comes time to leverage that wage increase or look for new jobs.
Next Steps for Enrolling in an RN to BSN Program
Enrolling in an RN to BSN bridge program involves several steps, but it’s a manageable process. Here’s a general guide to help you through it:
Research Programs: Start by researching RN to BSN programs offered by different universities or colleges. Look for programs accredited by recognized accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Check Prerequisites: Make sure you meet the prerequisites for the program. These may include having an active RN license, completing specific college-level courses (like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, etc.), and having a certain amount of clinical experience.
Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your application, which may include transcripts from previous schools, your RN license, letters of recommendation, and a resume.
Submit Application: Fill out the application form for your chosen RN to BSN program. Be sure to provide all required information accurately and completely. Some programs may have specific application deadlines, so be mindful of those.
Financial Aid: Explore financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Many schools offer financial aid specifically for nursing students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
We have curated 300+ RN to BSN program listings across the country. See options near you by selecting your state below.
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