Best Online RN to BSN Programs Without Chemistry | 2024

In the ever-evolving world of nursing, education plays a pivotal role in enhancing the skills and knowledge of Registered Nurses (RNs).

While many RNs aspire to elevate their qualifications with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the traditional academic route can sometimes pose challenges, especially when it comes to subjects like chemistry. Recognizing this, several institutions now offer RN to BSN programs without the chemistry prerequisite, making the journey to a BSN more accessible and tailored to the needs of today's nurses.

Discover these unique programs below as we highlight their structure, benefits, and potential drawbacks. Whether you're an RN looking to bypass the chemistry hurdle or simply exploring options for further studies, you've come to the right place.

What Is an RN to BSN Without Chemistry?

An RN to BSN without chemistry refers to a BSN program tailored for RNs that does not require chemistry as a prerequisite or part of the curriculum. This type of program is designed to accommodate RNs who may not have taken chemistry during their initial nursing education or those who prefer not to take chemistry as part of their BSN program.

Coursework

In an RN to BSN program without chemistry, the coursework primarily focuses on advanced nursing concepts, leadership, and management skills. Some of the typical courses you might encounter include:

• Advanced Nursing Practice: Delves deeper into the skills and knowledge RNs have acquired, expanding on them to ensure they are equipped for more advanced roles in the healthcare setting.
• Nursing Leadership and Management: Prepares nurses to take on leadership roles, teaching them about healthcare systems, team management, and decision-making processes.
• Community and Public Health Nursing: Emphasizes the role of nurses in community settings, teaching them about health promotion, disease prevention, and community health assessments.
• Nursing Research: Students learn about the importance of evidence-based practice, how to conduct research, and how to apply research findings to their nursing practice.
• Healthcare Ethics: Covers the ethical considerations and dilemmas nurses may face in their practice.

Clinicals

Clinical experiences in an RN to BSN program without chemistry are designed to provide RNs with hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. These clinicals often focus on:

• Advanced Patient Care: Building on the RN's existing clinical experience, these sessions might involve more complex patient care scenarios or specialized settings.
• Leadership and Management: Some clinical experiences might be geared towards exposing the RN to leadership roles, allowing them to shadow nurse managers or take on leadership tasks.
• Community Health: Clinicals might also involve community settings, where RNs can practice health assessments, health education, and other community health nursing roles.
• Specialized Settings: Depending on the program, RNs might have clinical experiences in settings like pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health facilities.

It's important to note that while these programs don't require chemistry, they might have other prerequisites or recommended courses. Always check with the specific program for their requirements.

Best Online RN to BSN Programs Without Chemistry

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. University of Texas at Arlington

The RN to BSN program at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is tailored to enhance the nursing practice of RNs by building upon their existing skills and abilities.

Program Highlights:

• The program is designed to provide research-based leadership training, ensuring that students are equipped with advanced leadership skills in the nursing field.
• It offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership, and other essential nursing competencies.
• The program is structured to cater to the needs of working registered nurses, offering flexibility in course delivery.
• UTA's RN-BSN Pathways program provides an efficient pathway for students, maximizing course selection that transfers into the program.

2. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University's RN to BSN online program is specifically designed for working nurses, offering flexibility while they achieve their educational goals.

Program Highlights:

• The program is 100% online, offering flexibility and convenience for students.
• It is designed by nurses, ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and tailored to the real-world challenges faced by nursing professionals.
• The coursework is comprehensive, focusing on enhancing the skills and knowledge of registered nurses.
• Chamberlain's approach emphasizes a student-centric learning experience, ensuring that each student receives the support and resources they need to succeed.

3. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University's RN to BSN program is designed to enhance the nursing practice of registered nurses by building upon their existing skills and experiences.

Program Highlights:

• The program offers flexibility, allowing students to start in the fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
• Students have the option to complete the RN to BSN nursing major on a full-time or part-time basis.
• While a two-year, part-time completion of nursing courses is typical, students have the flexibility to proceed at a slower pace if desired.
• The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring a comprehensive nursing education.
• Registered Nurses receive 33 of the 66 nursing credits as experiential credits, recognizing their prior learning and experiences.

4. Oklahoma City University

The RN-BSN program at Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that students are well-equipped with advanced nursing knowledge.

Program Highlights:

• It offers flexibility in terms of course delivery, making it suitable for working professionals.
• The curriculum encompasses 18 credits of core nursing courses, providing a robust foundation in the field.
• The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring a holistic nursing education.
• With a low student-to-faculty ratio, the program ensures personalized attention, enhancing the learning experience.

5. Cal State University Dominguez Hills

The RN to BSN program at California State University Dominguez Hills is designed for RNs seeking to advance their education with a relevant and up-to-date curriculum, reflecting the current trends and best practices in the nursing field.

Program Highlights:

• The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that builds on the foundational knowledge of RNs.
• It provides students with the opportunity for the application of basic knowledge and the practice of skills related to performing a complete nursing health assessment.
• The program is structured to cater to the unique needs of working registered nurses, ensuring that they can balance their professional commitments with their academic pursuits.

6. University of Mass Boston

The RN to BSN program at the University of Massachusetts Boston is an online program designed to be completed in as few as three semesters, making it a fast-track option for working professionals.

Program Highlights:

• The program is structured to maximize accessibility and convenience, ensuring that students can balance their professional commitments with their academic pursuits.
• UMass Boston's approach emphasizes a student-centric learning experience, ensuring that each student receives the support and resources they need to succeed.

7. Chatham University

Chatham University's online RN to BSN program aims to provide nurses with knowledge and skills that can be immediately implemented into their nursing practice.

Program Highlights:

• The program is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility and convenience for students.
• Each course in the program is 7.5 weeks in length, allowing for an accelerated pace of learning.
• The curriculum is designed to be relevant and up-to-date, reflecting the current trends and best practices in the nursing field.
• There are no residency requirements throughout the program, ensuring that students can complete their studies without any disruptions to their professional commitments.

Prerequisites & Requirements

Although the prerequisites and requirements will vary, the following are typical of online RN to BSN programs without chemistry.

Prerequisites

• Current RN License: Most RN to BSN programs require applicants to have a current and unencumbered RN license.
• ADN or Diploma: Applicants typically need to have completed an ADN program or a diploma from a hospital school program.
• GPA Requirement: Some programs may have a minimum GPA requirement for admission, which can range from 2.5 to 3.0 or higher.
• General Education Courses: While chemistry might not be required, other general education courses such as biology, anatomy, physiology, Microbiology, and statistics might be prerequisites.
• Clinical Experience: Some programs might require a certain number of clinical hours or work experience as an RN.

Requirements

• Letters of Recommendation: Some programs might ask for letters of recommendation from employers, faculty, or other professionals who can attest to the applicant's potential for success in the program.
• Personal Statement or Essay: Applicants might be asked to submit a personal statement or essay detailing their reasons for pursuing a BSN, their career goals, and other relevant information.
• Background Check and Drug Screening: Some programs might require a criminal background check and drug screening as part of the admission process.
• Proof of Immunizations: Depending on the program, applicants might need to provide proof of certain immunizations.
• English Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, proof of English proficiency might be required, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores.

It's important to note that the specific prerequisites and requirements can vary widely between institutions. If you're considering a specific RN to BSN program without chemistry, it's essential to check with that institution's admissions office or website for detailed and up-to-date information.

Pros & Cons of an RN to BSN Without Chemistry

While RN to BSN programs without chemistry offer several advantages, especially in terms of accessibility and reduced academic stress, they might also come with potential drawbacks, especially for those considering further studies or specific specializations in nursing. It's essential to weigh these pros and cons based on individual career goals and preferences.

Pros

1. Accessibility: For RNs who did not take chemistry during their initial nursing education or those who struggled with the subject, such programs offer an accessible path to obtaining a BSN degree.
2. Faster Completion: Without the need to complete chemistry prerequisites, students might be able to finish the program more quickly.
3. Focus on Core Nursing Subjects: By eliminating chemistry from the curriculum, the program can place more emphasis on core nursing subjects, allowing students to delve deeper into areas directly relevant to their profession.
4. Reduced Academic Stress: Chemistry can be challenging for some students. By not having it as a requirement, students might experience reduced academic stress.
5. Broader Appeal: Programs without chemistry requirements might appeal to a broader range of students, including those who have been out of school for a while or those who have a different educational background.

Cons

1. Limited Foundational Knowledge: Chemistry provides foundational knowledge that can be beneficial in understanding certain aspects of nursing, such as pharmacology. Without it, there might be gaps in understanding.
2. Potential Limitations for Further Studies: If a nurse decides to pursue further studies, such as a Master's or Doctorate in Nursing, some programs might require chemistry as a prerequisite.
3. Perception of Rigor: Some employers or academic institutions might perceive programs without chemistry as less rigorous or comprehensive.
4. Missed Opportunities for Skill Development: Studying chemistry can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are valuable in the nursing profession.
5. Limited Scope for Specializations: Certain nursing specializations, such as anesthesia or certain research roles, might require a strong foundation in chemistry.

Costs of an RN to BSN Without Chemistry

The specific costs of an RN to BSN without chemistry can vary widely between institutions and programs. If considering a specific program, it's recommended to check with that institution's admissions office or website for detailed and up-to-date information on costs.

General Costs

• Tuition Fees: This is the primary cost associated with any educational program. The tuition for RN to BSN programs can vary widely based on factors such as the institution's reputation, location, and the program's duration.
• Lab Fees: Some programs might have associated lab fees, especially if there are practical components to the course.
• Books and Materials: Students will need to purchase textbooks and other study materials. Some programs might include e-books or online resources, while others might require physical textbooks.
• Online Program Fees: For online RN to BSN programs, there might be additional fees associated with the online delivery of the course, such as technology fees or platform access fees.
• General Education Courses: While the program might not require chemistry, there could be costs associated with other general education courses that are prerequisites.
• Application and Enrollment Fees: Some institutions might charge a fee for processing the application or for enrolling in the program.
• Graduation Fees: There might be fees associated with graduation, such as gown rental, ceremony participation, or diploma processing.
• Miscellaneous Costs: These could include costs for background checks, drug screenings, immunizations, or other requirements for clinical placements.
• Potential Travel or Residency Costs: If the program has any in-person components or residencies, there might be associated travel and accommodation costs.

Salary Expectations

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for RNs stands at $89,010. While the lower 10% earn around $61,250, those in the top 10% can make up to $129,400. Given that the BLS doesn't differentiate between RNs with an ADN or BSN, it's plausible that BSN-prepared RNs are on the higher end of the salary spectrum due to the enhanced earning potential that comes with advanced education.

Highest-Paying States for RNs:

• California: $133,340
• Hawaii: $113,220
• Oregon: $106,610
• Massachusetts: $104,150
• Alaska: $103,310

However, it's crucial to understand that a nurse's earnings can be influenced by various factors. These include their educational background, geographic location, the healthcare facility they work in, their years of professional experience, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the role of informatics in the RN to BSN coursework?

• Informatics plays a crucial role in modern nursing, helping nurses manage and analyze patient data, improve patient care, and streamline operations. While not explicitly mentioned in the article, many RN to BSN programs incorporate nursing informatics into their curriculum to prepare nurses for the digital age of healthcare.

Q: Can I pursue a nurse practitioner role after completing my BSN?

• After obtaining a BSN, you can pursue further education to become a nurse practitioner. This typically involves enrolling in a Master's or Doctorate (DNP) program and meeting additional clinical and education requirements. It's important to note that taking an RN to BSN without chemistry may require that students update their chemistry credentials in order to apply to post-graduate studies.

Q: Are there on-campus requirements for these online RN to BSN programs?

• Some online RN to BSN programs might have on-campus requirements, such as orientations, labs, or residencies. However, many are designed to be fully online to cater to working professionals. It's essential to check with the specific program for any on-campus commitments.

Q: Are out-of-state students eligible for these programs?

• Many online RN to BSN programs accept out-of-state students. However, tuition rates might differ for out-of-state students, and there could be specific licensure or clinical placement considerations based on the student's location. It's recommended to check with the College of Nursing or the program's admissions office for specific eligibility criteria.