Fastest RN to BSN Programs [Updated 2025]
- 2026 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.
Auburn, AL - Public 4-Year - auburn.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Auburn University's dynamic online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses an accelerated pathway to bachelor's degree completion. Uniquely structured for working professionals, students can complete the program in just three semesters while potentially transferring up to 37 credits. The curriculum emphasizes holistic nursing practices, evidence-based care, and leadership development. Military-friendly and designed for associate degree holders with an unencumbered RN license, the program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA. With a focus on professional nursing development and population health, graduates are prepared for expanded healthcare roles and enhanced career opportunities. Online & Campus Based - Visit Website Auburn University's innovative hybrid RN to BSN program provides registered nurses a flexible and efficient route to advanced professional education. Designed for working healthcare professionals, this three-semester track allows students to earn a bachelor's degree while maintaining employment. Applicants must hold a current RN license and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. The comprehensive curriculum integrates clinical practice hours, professional skill development, and two potential track options. With opportunities to transfer up to 37 credits, students can expedite their educational journey while gaining advanced nursing competencies focused on evidence-based practice and professional leadership. Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu Online Learning - Visit Website University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN Online program provides a streamlined pathway for working nurses to advance their education efficiently. Distinguished by its accelerated design, the program allows licensed RNs to complete their bachelor's degree in just 9-18 months without traditional clinical requirements. The curriculum features only nine focused nursing courses and offers six annual start dates, enabling maximum flexibility for busy healthcare professionals. Notably, the program's competitive tuition rate of $564 per credit hour, guaranteed for four years, makes it an economically attractive option. CCNE-accredited and featuring an interprofessional approach, this online program supports career progression with minimal disruption to current professional commitments. Concentration: Public Health Nursing - Online Learning - Visit Website The University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN Online program with a Public Health Nursing concentration offers a targeted educational pathway for registered nurses seeking specialized community health expertise. This fully online program allows nurses to develop advanced skills in population health management, epidemiology, and health promotion. With no clinical requirements and just nine comprehensive nursing courses, students can complete the degree in 9-18 months. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and provides a robust foundation for public health leadership. Six annual start dates and flexible scheduling enable working professionals to seamlessly integrate advanced learning into their current career trajectories. Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN Online Nurse Educator concentration provides a strategic pathway for nurses aspiring to transition into academic and instructional roles. Designed for working professionals, this fully online program enables registered nurses to develop advanced teaching competencies in just 9-18 months. The curriculum comprises nine specialized nursing courses without traditional clinical requirements, focusing on pedagogical skills, curriculum development, and educational leadership. With CCNE accreditation and an interprofessional approach, the program prepares nurses for potential graduate studies and leadership positions in nursing education. Affordable tuition and flexible part-time options make this an attractive route for career advancement. West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu Online Learning - Visit Website West Chester University's RN-to-BSN program delivers an accelerated online pathway for registered nurses seeking rapid professional advancement. Through a cutting-edge curriculum, nurses can complete their degree in just two semesters, leveraging flexible asynchronous learning. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes professional development across critical domains including research methodologies, healthcare ethics, leadership strategies, and population health management. Uniquely positioned for working professionals, the program accepts CLEP credits and charges no transfer credit fees. Prospective students must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA and complete 120 total credits, with 30 credits specifically from West Chester University, ensuring comprehensive and specialized nursing education. Online Learning - Visit Website West Chester University's innovative online BSN program transforms registered nurses' career trajectories through a streamlined, technology-driven curriculum. Designed for maximum flexibility, students can complete their degree within two semesters, making it an ideal option for busy healthcare professionals. The CCNE-accredited program provides comprehensive training in professional communication, advanced research techniques, health policy analysis, and transformative leadership skills. By offering asynchronous courses, year-round enrollment, and accepting CLEP credits, the program reduces traditional barriers to advanced nursing education. With no transfer credit charges and a focus on practical, contemporary nursing competencies, graduates emerge prepared for expanded healthcare roles. Online Learning - Visit Website West Chester University's comprehensive RN-to-BSN online program empowers registered nurses to accelerate their professional development through a meticulously crafted curriculum. Designed for maximum efficiency, students can complete their degree in just two semesters, addressing the growing demand for advanced nursing skills. The program meets rigorous AACN baccalaureate standards, integrating advanced coursework in professional communication, ethical practice, health policy, and technological competencies. With a minimum 2.75 GPA requirement, the CCNE-accredited program ensures high-quality educational outcomes. Featuring 7-week course sessions, year-round availability, and no transfer credit fees, this program provides an unparalleled pathway for nurses seeking rapid career progression. Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu Online Learning - Visit Website Northeastern University's online RN-to-BSN program stands out for its exceptional flexibility and accelerated learning pathways. Healthcare professionals can complete this degree in just one year full-time or two years part-time, making it ideal for working nurses seeking rapid career advancement. The curriculum emphasizes critical decision-making through over 200 interactive online learning activities, strategically designed to meet emerging healthcare challenges. As a military-friendly institution, Northeastern supports nurses transitioning from associate to bachelor's level education. The program's comprehensive approach prepares registered nurses for expanded professional roles, aligning with projected industry demands for baccalaureate-prepared nursing professionals. Rochester, NY - Private 4-year - rochester.edu Online Learning - Visit Website The University of Rochester's RN to BSN online program revolutionizes nursing education with its cutting-edge, technology-driven approach. Spanning a concise 16-month timeline, this program uniquely equips registered nurses with advanced clinical knowledge through mobile learning and an optimized iPad platform. Students benefit from comprehensive coursework that emphasizes patient care, population health, and professional development. The program's standout feature is its substantial scholarship opportunities, covering 50-100% of tuition, which enables nurses to advance their careers without financial strain. With expert nursing faculty guidance, flexible online delivery, and a focus on career progression, this program accelerates professional growth for associate's or diploma-prepared nurses seeking bachelor's level education.2026 Top Fast RN to BSN Programs
Auburn University
Bachelor's - Nursing, RN to BSN
Bachelor's - Concurrent BSN
University of Cincinnati
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
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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