Best Online RN to BSN Programs

1. OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY | PORTLAND, OR

If you’re an Oregon nurse craving an RN to BSN with a hands-on feel, OHSU might be right up your alley. The highly regarded School of Nursing has come up with a clinically-focused Online RNBS Completion program that puts an emphasis on fieldwork.

• Graduates of OCNE Partner Schools can apply for the streamlined 33-credit pathway.
• Non-OCNE students can take part in the traditional 39-credit program.

Everyone pays the same per credit tuition rate. Both pathways offer BSN graduates a guaranteed transition into OHSU’s online master’s program in Nursing Education through dual enrollment.

Online RN to BSN Format

• For the 33-credit RNBS pathway, OCNE students can choose a full-time, 3-term schedule or a part-time, 6-term schedule.
• For the 39-credit RNBS pathway (winter start), traditional students can opt for a full-time, 4-term schedule or a part-time, 7-term schedule. This program includes 6 credits of 300-level coursework in Health Promotion and Chronic Illness/End-of-Life.

Theory courses are 100% online; clinical courses are a mix of online assignments & mentored, face-to-face fieldwork at a site within your community (Oregon and Washington border counties). The RNBS curriculum includes work in a virtual hospital, global opportunities in Thailand, and an independent & integrative practicum that focuses on systems and health issues for local communities.

2. UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE | BALTIMORE, MD

UMB’s customizable Online RN to BSN is a great deal for Maryland RNs (out-of-state tuition rates can be pricey). The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) achieves excellent U.S. News & World Report rankings in leadership and NP disciplines. Employees of partnership hospitals receive on-site benefits, mentoring, and help with practicum placement during the RN to BSN program. And there are plenty of opportunities to take your career further at UMSON through MSN and DNP programs.

Online RN to BSN Format

This 31-credit Online RN to BSN is relatively quick once you’ve fulfilled your prerequisite hours. Beginning in the fall or spring, you can take full-time (e.g. 2 semesters) or part-time courses in a 100% online format. The final semester includes a public health practicum, which you can complete in a convenient site.

The best thing about UMB’s program? It’s made-to-order. In addition to traditional RN to BSN coursework, it allows students to choose 3 electives. Through these electives, you even have the option to select a BSN focus area in Care Coordination with Health IT or Substance Use and Addictions. Focus areas are rare in online bridge programs, so this RN to BSN is well-worth a look.

3. UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER | OMAHA, NE

UNMC’s Online RN to BSN is available in 100% online format, open to out-of-state RNs, and part of an established medical center. Not bad for a Midwest player! The College of Nursing is the largest of UNMC’s six health colleges, so you’ll find plenty of work being done in student & faculty research and clinical practice. In fact, UNMC has relationships with 100+ healthcare institutions across Nebraska and regional states. Better yet, in-state online prices & out-of-state prices are the same—see the tuition section for details.

Online RN to BSN Format

The Online RN to BSN is made up of 20 credits/6 courses. Prerequisites are listed in a separate table. You can start the program in August, January or May. On a full-time schedule, the degree might take 2 semesters (e.g. 3 courses per semester). On a part-time schedule, you can stretch it out to 3-6 semesters (e.g. 1-2 courses per semester).

Clinicals can be completed in your home area—UNMC has plenty of connections, so it’s worth asking Student Services about opportunities. Live in Nebraska? You have the option to select a hybrid version of this degree, with monthly face-to-face groups in North Platte. Keep in mind that Nebraska community college students can also apply for Early Admission to the Online RN to BSN.

4. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA | CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

UVA’s Hybrid RN to BSN is a good fit for Virginians—tuition at the School of Nursing is reasonable for in-state students. If you’re lucky enough to live in the Commonwealth, the benefits are pretty sweet. Qualified Virginia Community College System (VCCS) students are automatically admitted into the program. UVA Health System employees may be eligible for an RN to BSN tuition advance. And RN to BSN graduates are guaranteed a job interview with the UVA Medical Center. We might also point out that the School has top 20 rankings for its nursing graduate programs and a number of alumni scholarships.

Online RN to BSN Format

UVA’s Hybrid RN to BSN is a part-time, 2-year program with a fixed schedule. It’s also hybrid—students attend classes in Charlottesville, Fairfax, or Richmond once a month (all other coursework is online).

The curriculum is a mix of standard RN to BSN coursework (e.g. leadership, healthcare policy, etc.) and clinically-minded classes (e.g. Pathophysiology). Statistics is included in the program and students are expected to participate in direct & indirect care experiences. To speed completion, you’re allowed to take up to 3 RN to BSN courses at Charlottesville before you’re admitted into the program.

5. UNIVERSITY OF IOWA | IOWA CITY, IA

Interested in an Online RN-BSN with unique practicums? Looking for a school with connections to a Magnet-designated tertiary hospital? Want your summers off? Consider UI. The College of Nursing has come up with an intriguing program that’s the same tuition price for in-state and out-of-state students. At UI, you’ll find a College with a big nursing research arm, a reputation for outreach, and great rankings for its graduate nursing programs. The doctoral degree is particularly strong and available in a number of BSN to DNP specialty tracks.

Online RN to BSN Format

UI’s Online RN-BSN is offered in 3 formats. The full-time schedule is 3 semesters (fall/spring/fall); the part-time plan is 4 or 5 semesters. UI students get summers off. Coursework is online, with credits in subjects such as Pathology, Genetics, Healthcare Finance, and the like. During the Leadership course, most students complete a quality improvement project at their place of employment (e.g. healthcare agency in Iowa) or an out-of-state equivalent.

Plus there’s the practicum. As part of the NURS 3655 course, you’ll be expected to complete a Community & Public Health clinical. If you live in Iowa, UI will place you with a preceptor & site close to your address. If you live outside of the state, you can choose to visit Iowa over a 16-week semester or complete an “emersion” practicum in Swaziland (2 weeks on-the-ground).

6. OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY | COLUMBUS, OH

Affordable tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. A fluff-free curriculum with a streamlined schedule. A public university with superb national rankings in online degrees. These are just 3 reasons why OSU’s Online RN to BSN appears in our rankings. The College of Nursing has come up with a bridge program that’s backed by low student-to-instructor ratios and evidence-based practice.

Online RN to BSN Format

OSU’s 30-credit Online RN to BSN is 100% online—clinical work can be done in your home location. It’s available in a full-time format (12 months/3 semesters) or a part-time format (15 months/4 semesters). We especially like the fact that OSU uses open sources & university-provided resources throughout the program. That means you don’t have any textbook costs.

The curriculum is pretty boilerplate for an RN to BSN program: 21 credits are devoted to high-level nursing courses (e.g. leadership, informatics, evidence-based practice, etc.) and 3 credits are reserved for an elective. The remaining 6 credits are prerequisites or General Education credits, which you must complete at OSU. Some courses contain projects with clinical aspects; these will be tailored to your previous RN experience.

Note: Do you have an RN license and a non-nursing bachelor’s degree? You may wish to apply to OSU’s Traditional MSN Program instead.

7. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM | BIRMINGHAM, AL

Nurse leaders take note—UAB’s Online RN to BSN is studded with quality markers! The School of Nursing has a ton of clinical & global partnerships, including close ties to UAB Medicine and Children’s of Alabama. Rankings for UAB’s online bachelor’s degrees, the MSN, and the DNP are outstanding (e.g. top 20). Per credit tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, and scholarships are offered. Best of all, student reviews of UAB’s nursing programs are glowing, both at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Online RN to BSN Format

UAB’s 30-credit Online RN to BSN is available in the fall and spring terms. There are nine online courses, which can usually be completed within 3-5 semesters on a full-time or part-time basis. Students are expected to attend an on-campus orientation.

Leadership is the name of the game at UAB. This bridge program contains a number of relevant courses (e.g. Professional Leadership Development, Systems Leadership,  etc.), one elective, and a course devoted to Quality and Patient Safety. Practicum work isn’t specified on the RN to BSN website—ask the program coordinator for details on clinical requirements.

8. UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH | PITTSBURGH, PA

Pitt’s Online RN-BSN equals respect. The School of Nursing is an academic powerhouse. It often earns top 10 rankings for its MSN & DNP programs, including specialty rankings for PMHNP, PNP, and Nursing Administration. It receives an enormous amount of NIH funding. It’s affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). And it has significant clout in the Northeast—employers will know the name. The only thing holding it back is the price. Online tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students are expensive.

Online RN to BSN Format

Pitt’s RN-BSN is offered online or on-site. Online students can finish the program in 4 terms on a full-time basis or ~6 terms on a part-time basis. Courses are taught by the same faculty as the traditional four-year BSN program. And the RN-BSN starts in any term (fall, spring, or summer). Pitt packs a lot of coursework into those terms, so be prepared for a significant time commitment.

Along with standard upper-level BSN coursework (e.g. leadership, research, informatics, etc.), Pitt’s RN-BSN contains a whole slew of electives, clinicals in Community Health Nursing & Advanced Clinical Problem-Solving, practicums in Professional Development, and a Senior Special Topic. For this topic, you can choose Fundamentals of Disaster & Mass Casualty or Pathophysiology.

Note: If you’re considering graduate work, we recommend the RN-MSN (Online in Informatics or CNL) or RN-DNP (On-Site Only). These RN Options contain bridge coursework that will speed up the pace of your degree.

9. UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON | HOUSTON, TX

This 100% Online RN to BSN earns its spot for a bevy of reasons! It’s available in a full-time or part-time format for Texas residents (most students choose the 3-semester plan). It comes from the highly ranked and well-reviewed Cizik School of Nursing, which has ties to Houston area healthcare institutions. It has a practical curriculum with a focus on community health. It can connect you to UTHealth’s BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia and BSN to DNP Nurse Practitioner pathways. And it gets results—UTHealth graduates tend to achieve respectable earnings.

Online RN to BSN Format

The entire Online RN to BSN program is 31 credits. If you choose the full-time, 2-semester plan, you’ll be expected to take 5 courses per semester. The 3-semester plan consists of 3-4 courses per semester. You can extend your part-time plan even further to 4 or 5 semesters.

As we mentioned, all of the RN to BSN coursework at UTHealth is 100% online—students do not have to attend campus for classes. In your final semester, you will be required to complete a Community Health Project for RNs: Clinical. However, this project can be tackled in your home area. During the practicum, students work together to assess populations at risk, analyze issues, plan interventions, and develop an evaluation plan.

10. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL

UIC’s College of Nursing has developed a cohort-based Online RN to BSN that’s affordable for everyone—all RNs pay the same per credit rate, regardless of their state! Continuously enrolled students receive a tuition promise (rates will not go up each year). And RN to BSN graduates are guaranteed admission to UIC’s Advanced Generalist MSN program. With a 94% RN to BSN completion rate, a solid reputation in AGNP graduate programs, and a top 20 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees, UIC should be on your shortlist.

Online RN to BSN Format

UIC’s 30-credit, 100% Online RN to BSN is designed to guide you through the degree with a group of fellow students. You can start in any season (January, March, June, August, or October), but you’ll only study for 1 course at a time. Fortunately, all 8 courses are 8-weeks long—that means it only takes 16 months to finish.

UIC is a good choice if you’re interested in a personalized feel to your RN to BSN. Because it’s cohort-based, you’ll have the chance to get to know faculty and peers. The curriculum leans toward leadership, skills, and informatics, but there are also nursing courses that deal with the 10,000-foot-view (e.g. Issues in Nursing Practice). Sign up for an informational webinar and/or speak with an RN to BSN Advisor for more info!

11. UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER | ROCHESTER, NY

UR’s Online RN to BS is best-suited to New York residents. The School of Nursing has excellent connections to the University of Rochester Medical Center. It achieves superb NCLEX pass rates. And it offers all kinds of juicy discounts to UR employees, RNs at URMC affiliate organizations, and RNs who live or work in the 18-county Finger Lakes region. If you need to earn a BSN to meet the New York State law requirement, give it a chance. Out-of-state residents are welcome to apply, but the per credit tuition costs will be high.

Online RN to BSN Format

Once you meet all the transfer requirements, UR’s Online RN to BS is a 32-credit program that takes 16 months/4 semesters to complete. It’s run on a fixed “modular” schedule—you’ll be expected to take one course at a time. There are supposed to be 8 courses in total, but we noticed that the curriculum section lists a few extra classes. Ask the program coordinator if any of them are covered by transfers (e.g. statistics).

Compared to some other distance learning options, UR’s RN to BS goes fairly deep. In addition to courses in areas like Genetics and Healthcare Policy, the program includes 140 field hours: 56 of these hours are included in the Nursing Leadership & Management of Care course; 84 field hours are devoted to Population Health. You’ll also be able to tackle a capstone project.

Note: The School of Nursing also offers an RN to BS to MS Program pathway.

12. UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO | ALBUQUERQUE, NM

UNM’s 100% Online RN to BSN is the top program in New Mexico. Within this Carnegie-ranked R1 research university, you’ll find a College of Nursing that’s strong in every aspect. We’re talking about a diverse student base (57% of students are minorities), solid NCLEX results & APRN certification pass rates, and 300+ clinical sites. Tuition is reasonable for in-state and out-of-state students and financial aid is available. If you’re interested in helping rural & underserved populations, put UNM on your shortlist!

Online RN to BSN Format

The Online RN to BSN program website does a good job of outlining coursework & prerequisites. You’ll be required to complete 24 credits in the RN to BSN Completion Track and 6 upper nursing electives. We particularly like the fact that it includes advanced-level coursework (e.g. Genetic Literacy Across the Lifespan) and a capstone practicum with a quality improvement project proposal.

UNM doesn’t specify how long the degree might take, but full-time and part-time plans of study are available. On a full-time basis, with 3 courses per semester, a 30-credit program usually takes a little over a year. You’ll also have a choice of 4 start dates.

13. GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | WASHINGTON, DC

This 100% Online RN to BSN is backed by a private university with a great track record. GW Nursing has achieved superb rankings for its online programs (e.g. top 10 in MSN specialties). It’s known as being veteran-friendly. And it has tight relationships with local institutions & community colleges (e.g. Guaranteed Admission). The best deal is the GW Hospital partnership—hospital employees are guaranteed residency, full tuition coverage and job placement upon graduation from the RN to BSN program. Because it’s private, tuition at GW is pricier than some state alternatives.

Online RN to BSN Format

GW’s part-time Online RN to BSN has a fixed schedule—4 semesters/15 months of online coursework. You can choose from two start dates (fall or spring). The entire program is 36 credits: 21 credits are devoted to courses and fieldwork; 15 credits are reserved for the Nursing Advancement Professional Portfolio. The Portfolio course is designed to help you assess your competencies, skills, and academic achievements. That means it takes place in the last semester.

The online curriculum is short & sweet, with the typical array of leadership and 400-level nursing subjects (Community and Public Health may include practicums). But GW’s RN to BSN also includes 6 credits of 600-level electives. This is unusual for an undergraduate program, and it puts you in an ideal place for GW Nursing graduate programs; elective credits can be transferred to the MSN.

14. WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY | PULLMAN, WA

Pacific Northwest residents take note—WSU’s flexible Online RN-BSN is designed to train savvy RN clinicians. It’s offered by the College of Nursing, which is an NLN Center of Excellence and a hub for research. It’s stacked with opportunities to network with peers and future employers in face-to-face settings. And it can serve as the entry point to a number of MSN, DNP & PhD programs, including PMHNP and FNP tracks.

Online RN to BSN Format

WSU’s 30-credit Online RN-BSN is primarily online—you’ll be expected to attend 1 on-campus meeting per semester. However, you can choose from five College of Nursing sites for this meeting (Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Vancouver, and Walla Walla). Full-time and part-time study plans are available; students arrange their individual schedules with an RN-BSN advisor. Online coursework is managed through the Blackboard system.

If you like convenience, WSU is the place to be. The updated RN-BSN curriculum replaces on-site, precepted clinical hours with practice experience hours gained by completing a community/population health project and an independent capstone project. Feel free to contact an RN-BSN advisor with questions.

15. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON | MADISON, WI

UW-Madison’s 100% Online RN to BSN is part of UW’s statewide [email protected] program. That means it’s convenient, consistent, and coordinated. For example, General Education (GE) requirements may be taken at other UW System schools, including UW Colleges Online. The School of Nursing is part of the state’s only Academic Health Center, with strong ties to hospitals & medical research hubs. It’s working hard to collaborate with local communities. And it encourages professional development (e.g. health summits).

Online RN to BSN Format

[email protected] is designed as a part-time program—you’ll take 6 credits per semester (e.g. fall & spring), with 3 optional credits in the summer. Courses are 7 weeks and 14 weeks in length. On this schedule, you could finish 30 credits in 1.5-2.5 years. There is one required clinical (60 hours) that can be completed at a site that’s convenient to you.

Almost all of the coursework in UW-Madison’s program is 100% online, but two courses will require a half-day meeting on campus or a video call in. The program website has a list of prerequisites & GE requirements. Anyone who is not a graduate of a WI Tech College must take 24 credits of RN to BSN coursework and 6 credits of electives. Fortunately, there are plenty of interesting elective options to choose from!

16. STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY | STONY BROOK, NY

Stony Brook’s Online RN Baccalaureate is a strong pick for New Yorkers—applicants must have a current & unencumbered New York State RN license or be licensed within 6 months of the start of the program. The School of Nursing isn’t as well known as some of its peers (e.g. University of Rochester), but nurses emerge with low BSN debt and high earning power! NCLEX pass rates are sturdy and national rankings for online graduate programs are strong.

Online RN to BSN Format

Prerequisites for the Online RN Baccalaureate are listed on the program website. Stony Brook states that RN to BSN students must complete 60 credits. However, we recommend you talk to the program coordinator to learn how many credits you can transfer from previous coursework, especially in the area of Health Related Sciences (e.g. statistics).

The program begins in May and lasts ~2 years. Most of the coursework is online, but there will be on-site clinical experiences in population health and nursing leadership. Stony Brook’s Office of Clinical Placements can help with arrangements.

17. TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER | LUBBOCK, TX

TTUHSC’s Online RN to BSN is a great choice for first generation university students, veterans, and Texas residents—in-state tuition rates are particularly low. Out-of-state prices are much higher, especially when you factor in the extra Distance Learning fees. The School of Nursing is an NLN Center of Excellence with respectable national rankings and a lot of RN to BSN graduates. We also like the fact that the School has an MSN Expressway, which provides a streamlined path into an MSN in Education or Administration.

Online RN to BSN Format

TTUHSC’s Online RN to BSN is 100% online, with no mandatory log-in times. Courses are 5 weeks long and the degree can take as little as 2 semesters/8 months to finish on a full-time basis. Part-time enrollment options are also available, but the program must be finished within 2 years. TTUHSC also promises to provide 24-hour IT support and a low student-to-faculty ratio.

The RN to BSN curriculum is intriguing. Along with standard subjects (e.g. leadership, healthcare IT, etc.), you’ll take classes in Health Intervention Design and Nursing Jurisprudence. Plus you can choose an elective from a wide range of subjects (e.g. Genetics, Global Health, Infection Prevention & Control, etc.). During fieldwork, you’ll collaborate with mentors on certain projects and visit sites to interview healthcare professionals and observe operations.

Note: TTUHSC has a number of Articulation & Early Decision Agreements with partner schools & Community Colleges in Texas.

18. UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER | KANSAS CITY, KS

Low debt rates. Reasonable tuition for both in-state & out-of-state students. And a School of Nursing that’s an NLN Center of Excellence and a hub for 21st century research (e.g. health informatics). These are just a few of the reasons to consider KUMC’s 100% Online RN to BSN. We also love the fact that Kansas alumni often find work in centers like the Mayo Clinic, University of Kansas Health System, and Children’s Mercy.

Online RN to BSN Format

Prerequisites for this Online RN to BSN are listed in the Eligibility & Requirements section. There is no expiration date on academic credit for transfers. You can start the program in any semester (fall, spring, or summer). On a full-time schedule, the degree might take 1 year. Part-time plans of study are also available.

Have a look at the Curriculum section to see what the coursework is like—you’ll notice that there’s a Senior Project in the final semester. KUMC’s program is 100% online and available 24 hours a day, so scheduling your studies should be fairly easy. It’s 30-36 credits because Pharmacology and Client Assessment for the Practicing Nurse are eligible for credit by portfolio or transfer from approved associate degree programs.

19. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | GAINESVILLE, FL

UF’s 100% Online RN to BSN beat out other Florida schools thanks to low student debt rates, highly affordable tuition for in-state students, and great national rankings. The College of Nursing is a healthcare powerhouse—the BSN graduating class is one of the largest in Florida—and full of intriguing opportunities. It offers DNP & PhD programs to those who want to continue their studies. It’s active in practice (e.g. rural clinics, practice partnerships, etc.). And it receives plenty of funding from the NIH for research.

Online RN to BSN Format

You’ll find a list of program prerequisites on the Online RN to BSN website. Students who don’t have an AA degree or who do not meet UF Transfer Admissions Requirements will have to complete additional General Education courses. On a part-time basis (e.g. 2-3 courses per semester), you can complete your degree in 5 semesters.

The Sample Curriculum Plan contains details on the plan of study. It follows the standard model for many RN to BSN programs. There will be 30 credits of coursework, including 90 clinical hours in Health Assessment and Population Health. Clinicals can be completed in your local community.

20. VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY | RICHMOND, VA

VCU’s Online RN to BS is a sturdy pick for Virginians. In-state tuition rates are reasonable for a public research university and the School of Nursing is well-connected. It has a longstanding partnership with the VCU Medical Center—a Level I Trauma Center & Magnet facility—and ties to many community clinics. Better yet, VCU nursing professors get great reviews from students on independent websites. The School receives solid national rankings for MSN programs, so you may even want to consider graduate studies. Out-of-state students are accepted—just be aware that non-resident tuition rates are expensive.

Online RN to BSN Format

VCU’s 32-credit Online RN to BS is run on a 6-semester, part-time schedule; the program starts in the fall. All coursework is online, with virtual clinical experiences and online team activities. Details are a little slim on the RN to BS program website—ask the program coordinator for details on digital support & typical semester schedules.

The curriculum consists of 11 courses, with the usual blend of leadership, research, and evidence-based practice. To give its program a unique flair, VCU has also made a point of including a Clinical and Management Decision-Making capstone. This final project and a course on Population Health contain labs—you may wish to ask if those labs encompass on-the-ground practicums in your home area. Attend a virtual information session to learn more.

21. UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS – BOSTON | BOSTON, MA

UMass Boston is a well-known name in New England nursing circles. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences has sturdy NCLEX pass rates, well-reviewed programs, and strong ties to regional healthcare systems (e.g. MGH). If you live in the area, be sure to ask about internships & preceptorships and the possibility of partnership scholarships. Keep in mind that graduate pathways are also available for further study.

Online RN to BSN Format

UMass Boston’s Online RN-BS is available in a 100% online version or an on-campus version with face-to-face courses at Cape Cod Community College (CCCC). Prerequisites are listed in the Academic Catalog—the program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, 42 of which are awarded for RN licensure. Choose a full-time plan of study (e.g. 3 semesters) or a part-time schedule (e.g. 4-5 semesters).

The 30-credit curriculum contains only 5 courses (6 credits per course). Community Health contains a service-learning project/practicum. And the degree finishes with a position paper on a health policy issue and a capstone project with an analysis of individual case studies from your professional clinical experiences.

22. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH AT GALVESTON | GALVESTON, TX

UTMB’s streamlined Online RN-BSN hits all the right notes. The School of Nursing has a stunning NCLEX pass rate, a strong employment rate for nursing graduates, solid rankings for its Online MSN programs (especially for veterans), nursing scholarships, and a diverse student population. When you enroll in UTMB, you’ll be part of a public academic health science center with a large endowment and close connections to 4 on-site hospitals.

Online RN to BSN Format

UTMB’s 30-credit Online RN-BSN runs on a fixed calendar: 2 semesters (fall & spring), 10 courses, and one admission date per year. You’ll be expected to take 6 courses in the first semester and 4 courses in the second. 24-hour technical support is available. All students begin with a 2-day, on-campus Orientation and Virtual Live Q&A sessions.

The curriculum focuses on research, career-building, and practical leadership concerns (e.g. Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare). But it also includes Health Assessment and Community & Population Based Care. If you can keep up with the pace, you’ll be done in no time.

23. DREXEL UNIVERSITY | PHILADELPHIA, PA

Drexel has got Online RN to BSN learning down! The College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) earns superb national rankings for its online nursing programs. It receives excellent reviews on independent websites—students praise the caring professors, interactive online elements, and relevant coursework (no “fluff” here!). And it offers major discounts to alumni, military members, and members of its Partner Organizations. If you’re not eligible for any tuition breaks, the per credit rate is similar to Penn State.

Online RN to BSN Format

Drexel’s Online RN to BSN is 45 quarter credits, which is the equivalent of 30 semester credits. It contains 9 courses, all of which are online—there are no on-campus requirements. On an accelerated, full-time schedule, you can complete the program in 12 months. But Drexel also allows you to go at your own pace with a 3-year tuition lock.

The curriculum is a mix of standard 300- and 400-level nursing subjects (e.g. Nursing Research, Transformational Leadership, Health Assessment, etc.) and specialist subjects (e.g. Genetics and Genomics, Issues in Aging and Longevity, etc.). There’s a final capstone project and a course that addresses technology, patient safety & quality. It’s not clear if Population Health includes practicums—it has applications on a local or global level. Ask the program coordinator for full details.

Note: RNs with a non-nursing bachelor degree should check out the streamlined RN-BSN-MSN route.

24. TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY | DENTON, TX

TWU’s Online RN to BSN joins the other Texas contenders in our rankings. The College of Nursing is well-known in the state—TWU’s Houston campus is in the middle of the Texas Medical Center—and it often earns great national rankings for its online graduate programs in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration. The RN to BSN is built to appeal to Texans: per credit tuition rates for in-state residents are fairly low; out-of-state rates are quite pricey.

Online RN to BSN Format

TWU states that the 32-credit Online RN to BSN is 100% online—courses that require clinical components are completed through classwork and a capstone project with a preceptor in your home community. TWU doesn’t provide a sample schedule, but you’ll be able to get through the program in 3 semesters if you commit to taking 3-4 courses per semester. Courses are 7 weeks long and you can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester.

The curriculum is similar to many other RN to BSN programs, with coursework in research, health assessment, informatics, and leadership. However, it does include credits in Community Health Competencies, RN with Families and Groups, and Promoting Wellness in the Aging Family. If you’re interested in primary care practice, these might appeal.

25. PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY | UNIVERSITY PARK, PA

Penn State’s College of Nursing and World Campus have teamed up to offer nurses a customizable Online RN to BSN with an open admissions policy. If you have a piecemeal educational background, with undergraduate credits from a number of institutions, it may be just the ticket. The World Campus is a) huge and b) long-standing. Tuition isn’t super cheap, either for in-state or out-of-state students, but RN to BSN faculty are experienced. And you can burnish your degree even further with a career-focused certificate.

Online RN to BSN Format

At Penn State, you can “build your own” RN to BSN program. You’re welcome to choose the online format (World Campus), a hybrid format, or a campus-based degree at a Penn State location. Coursework in the World Campus degree is online; the final capstone has a 45-hour clinical practicum that can be completed near your home. You can start in any semester (fall, spring, or summer) and decide how fast you want to go. Some 15-week courses are also offered in an accelerated 7.5 week format.

Penn State requires that all RN to BSN students earn 36 credits of their last 60 credits from Penn State. This number will include 22 credits of upper-level courses in nursing and 6 credits of supporting & related nursing courses (i.e. electives). You’ll need to make up the rest with General Education credits or other nursing coursework.

26. MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA | CHARLESTON, SC

Applying to a College of Nursing within a medical university is almost always a smart move! In addition to maintaining an outstanding academic track record, the College has close ties to MUSC Health University Medical Center and MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. It also oversees a large number of faculty-led practices and community outreach programs. Tuition & fees are a little higher than state options, but the quality is tough to beat. Plus there are College of Nursing Scholarships and Online BSN to DNP routes.

Online RN to BSN Format

MUSC’s 100% Online RN-BSN is asynchronous and cohort-based. Have a look at the Plan of Study section to organize your calendar—you can opt for a full-time, 3-semester format (e.g. 3-4 courses per semester) or a part-time, 6-semester plan (e.g. 1-2 courses per semester). All-in-all, you’ll tackle 10 courses/35 credits.

As you might expect, MUSC’s program is rigorous. RN-BSN students must complete clinical practicums in gerontology & vulnerable populations, community & public health, and leadership & quality improvement. These 3 projects make up the overall capstone course.

27. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER/ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS | AURORA, CO

Here’s another great Online RN to BS from an academic health science center to put on your shortlist Thanks to its location on the Anschutz Medical Campus, the College of Nursing has affiliations with four nurse-led practices and a number of leading Colorado hospitals. NCLEX pass rates are sturdy, independent reviews are solid, and faculty are experienced. The College also offers a number of highly ranked graduate degrees.

Online RN to BSN Format

CU’s Anschutz’s 30-credit Online RN to BS is designed to be completed in 4 semesters/16 months. All of the coursework is online, with 60 practicum hours of Population-Based Nursing in a clinical setting. The program is cohort-based and you can begin in the fall or spring.

Have a look at the Plan of Study and course descriptions to see what’s in store. It’s interesting to note that CU Anschutz emphasizes leadership—there are 2 courses/9 credits in Nursing Leadership in Complex Organizations. In the second course, you’ll be able to develop a quality improvement project plan that’s relevant to your workplace.

28. UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI | CINCINNATI, OH

UC’s convenient Online RN to BSN often vies with OSU for the honor of the best program in Ohio. The College of Nursing is part of the UC Academic Health Center and it has plenty of clinical partnerships with local area hospitals (e.g. UC Health). It’s also a strong choice for RNs who are thinking of advancing their education—its nursing graduate programs earn excellent rankings & reviews (e.g. BSN to DNP).

Online RN to BSN Format

UC’s Online RN-BSN is one of the fastest programs in the country! You can opt for a 9-month/2 semester program on a full-time basis (e.g. 4-5 courses per semester) or a more leisurely part-time schedule of 3-5 semesters. See the Schedule Options section for details. Almost all courses are offered every 7 weeks; the final capstone course is 14 weeks and takes one semester to complete.

Prerequisites are listed in the Courses section. Once you’ve transferred all your credits, you’ll tackle 27 credits in standard RN to BSN subjects. Coursework is 100% online; clinical practicums are included in the Community Health course and the capstone.

29. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA | TUSCALOOSA, AL

In the world of undergraduate nursing, public players continue to impress us! UA’s Online RN to BSN is the brainchild of the Capstone College of Nursing. The College has some of the best NCLEX pass rates in Alabama, a strong alumni network for job leads, and all kinds of graduate options. Faculty practice, mentoring programs, and rural health initiatives are prioritized. And in-state and out-of-state tuition rates are the same for all students.

Online RN to BSN Format

If you have all of your prerequisites in hand, UA’s 100% Online RN to BSN can be completed in 1 year/3 semesters (e.g. 2 courses per semester); a part-time plan of study would take 6 semesters (e.g. 1 course per semester). Take a look at the Undergraduate Catalog for sample schedules. Most students are working full-time as RNs.

UA’s curriculum is straightforward—you’ll recognize the usual RN to BSN course titles. But we want to point out that the College also offers an alternative Online RN to BSN/MSN Nurse Administrator for aspiring nurse leaders. This pathway may be more efficient if you’re interested in graduate work.

30. UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI’I AT MĀNOA | HONOLULU, HI

UH Mānoa’s Online ADN to BS earns its spot in our rankings thanks to low debt rates & strong earnings—just bear in mind that Hawaiian hospitals may pay more due to the state’s high cost of living. The School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene is the best in the area and it oversees all kinds of Pacific initiatives, including a Global Health Program and an academic partnership with the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. And faculty are involved in research work on big data, disaster nursing, and maternal health.

Online RN to BSN Format

On a full-time schedule, you can complete UH Mānoa’s Online ADN to BS in 2 semesters: 4 courses/14 credits in the first semester and 4 courses/16 credits in the second semester. Part-time plans of study are also available. Coursework is 100% online, with asynchronous lectures, but there will be 2 in-person clinical practicums (e.g. Population Health). The program begins in the fall or spring.

As you would expect, UH Mānoa is strong choice for Pasifika RNs. For example, the curriculum includes a course that’s devoted to Cultural Aspects of Health Management in Populations Indigenous to Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia. You can even customize your program with a nursing elective of your choice.