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by
Lauren Thayer, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, there's a growing emphasis on the importance of advanced education for registered nurses (RNs). As the healthcare industry recognizes the value of well-educated nurses, those with higher qualifications often find themselves with better career prospects and enhanced compensation packages.
For RNs who started their journey with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), the next logical step is often to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This transition not only broadens their knowledge base but also opens doors to more specialized roles and leadership positions.
Considering this, we've put together this comprehensive overview to assist RNs in understanding the benefits and requirements of transitioning from an ADN to a BSN. From detailing the top programs available in 2024 to discussing potential salary hikes, we've got you covered.
What Is an RN to BSN Program?
Typically, an ADN degree takes two years to complete, while the Traditional BSN takes four. Both degrees allow students to sit for their NCLEX and practice once passing.
However, healthcare facilities and hospitals prefer BSN-prepared nurses, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting increased employability for those with BSNs, with the addition of a survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing showing that 77% of employers strongly prefer nurses with a BSN, while 41% consider it a requirement. In response, many ADN-prepared nurses return to school to achieve a BSN through bridge programs known as RN to BSNs.
Schools usually offer these programs at convenient times for working nurses, or sometimes they are part-time or entirely online. These programs help students achieve a BSN degree in less time than starting a four-year program from scratch, enabling them to continue working while improving their career outlook and earning potential.
RN to BSN Prerequisites and Requirements
Some of the best online RN to BSN programs will have different prerequisites and admission requirements depending on which program nursing students choose. Each program will require previous coursework, and these prerequisites will vary. Below are some shared core and nursing courses students may need to complete:
- Communication
- Mathematics
- American history
- Social and behavioral science
- Microbiology with lab
- Anatomy and physiology with lab
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Nutrition
Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
Many programs will have a minimum GPA requirement that students must meet before admission, including the applicant having an RN license in good standing.
Some schools will require the student's ADN to be from an accredited institution or nursing program. It is always essential to verify what the specific program you are applying for requires and not make any assumptions.
Best Online RN to BSN Programs in 2024
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools 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. Western Governors University
Based in Millcreek, Utah. Western Governors University allows students to start the program on the first of every month, and students can move through the courses at their own pace, meaning completion times will vary. Student-to-faculty ratios are 42:1, and admission rates are 100% as long as students meet the application and education requirements. This is an exclusive online program that will take 24 months to complete.
- Cost: $7,996 annually; $4,685 per six-month term
- Graduation rate: 89-97%
2. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers a self-paced online RN to BSN program. With low student-to-faculty ratios at 17:1 and an 88% admission rate, the program consists of two, 7.5 weeks sessions (Spring and fall) and 6-week sessions on Summer. The whole program will take 14 months to complete.
- Cost: $5,961 (6+ credits for part-time) for the entire school year; $11,901 (12+ credits for full-time)
- Graduation rate: 66%
3. University of Utah
University of Utah's online RN to BSN program offers a flexible and adaptable curriculum for RNs who need to start anytime within the year. It's 100% online, and there are no semester-to-semester tuition fees; you only pay for the total of the credit hours you'll be taking.
- Cost: $9,000.00; $260 per credit hour for fully online programs
- Graduation rate: 70%
4. Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers a 12-month full-time or 15-month part-time plan for completion of the online RN to BSN program. The program is self-paced, so you complete courses on your own time. Student-to-faculty ratios are low at 8:1. Admission rates sit at 68%.
- Cost: $566.58/credit hour
- Graduation rate: 88%
5. Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA, is home to Drexel University, where students can complete the online RN to BSN program in 12 months. It's known as a reputable university due to its NCLEX pass rate at 96-100%. Admission rates are 77%, and student-to-faculty ratios are low at 9:1. The school encourages qualified RN to BSN students to sub-matriculate into the MSN program.
- Cost: $622 per credit
- Graduation rate: 69%
6. University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida's RN to BSN program offers a hybrid format with primarily online courses and a few face-to-face courses. Admission rates are 45%, and student-to-faculty ratios are 30:1.
- Cost: $212.28/credit hour for in-state students; $748.89/credit hour for out-of-state students
- Graduation rate: 76%
7. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers a part-time and full-time RN to BSN option. You have the option to complete the program in 9,12, or 18 months depending if you choose part-time or full-time. Admission rates are 86%, and student-to-faculty ratios are 19:1.
- Cost: $549/credit hour for in-state students; $1,188 for non-resident students at Uptown Campus
- Graduation rate: 71.4%
8. University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a part-time, online RN to BSN program with fall and Spring start times. Students can expect 19:1 student-to-faculty ratios and admission rates at 31%.
- Cost: $129.18/credit hour for in-state students; $552.62/credit hour for out-of-state students
- Graduation rate: 89%
9. American Sentinel University
American Sentinel, located in Waterbury, CT, offers monthly start dates and two options for course completion: traditional term-based with eight-week classes or self-paced during the 16-week semester. Admission rates are 100%, and student-to-faculty ratios are 10:1.
- Cost: $430/credit hour
- Graduation rate: 66%
10. Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University offers part-time and full-time options for the RN to BSN program. Students can complete the program in as little as one year. Admission rates are 100% if students meet all requirements, and student-to-faculty ratios are 12:1.
- Cost: $590/credit hour
- Graduation rate: 74%
11. Herzing University
Herzing University calls Milwaukee, WI home and is where RN to BSN students can complete the program in as few as 12 months. Students can also use the dual credit option and apply BSN credits towards an MSN degree. Admission rates are 94%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1.
- Cost: $415/credit hour
- Graduation rate: 65%
Salary Expectations of Registered Nurses in 2024
A driving factor for current RNs to pursue an RN to BSN program is the salary increase they may expect after completing the program. With a BSN, students may see an increase in salary of up to $10,000 annually. Salaries vary throughout the country based on cost of living, demand, and more. RNs with a BSN degree can earn a median salary of $89,010, according to the BLS.
The job outlook for RNs is positive, with a growth of 6% expected from 2022 to 2032. Pursuing a BSN will not only boost one's salary, but it will also make them a more desired candidate over an ADN or diploma-prepared candidate as more hospitals and healthcare facilities move towards hiring baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
The top three industries in which RNs worked are as follows:
- Government ($92,310)
- Hospitals ($82,250)
- Ambulatory health care ($78,670)
The top three states where RNs earn the most are:
- California ($133,340)
- Hawaii ($113,220)
- Oregon ($106,610)
San Francisco, Oakland, and Hayward, CA are the top-paying metropolitan areas with an annual mean wage of $164,760.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?
A: The main difference between an RN and a BSN is that a BSN is an educational degree, and an RN is a licensure or job title. A baccalaureate-prepared nurse can expect more career opportunities and growth than a nurse who holds an RN or ADN. BSN-prepared nurses can pursue jobs in nursing management, nursing leadership, nursing research, community health nursing, and more.
Related: 13 Fastest RN to BSN Programs in 2023
Q: Do healthcare systems and hospitals require applicants to have a BSN?
A: Depending on where you apply, some healthcare systems and hospitals require nurses to hold a BSN. According to Franklin University, 49% of employers require nurses to have a BSN, while 83% strongly prefer nurses to hold a BSN.
Q: Is there an additional NCLEX exam that students take after completing a BSN program if they are already licensed RNs?
A: No, once you have successfully passed the NCLEX exam, you do not need to retake it after completing the BSN program as long as your license is in good standing with no limitations or restrictions.
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