10 Fastest Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs in 2023

Prospective students consider many things when seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). To some, the most important consideration is cost. To others, it may be the program's quality, graduation rates, or how quickly it can be completed.

For those most concerned with accelerated education and kickstarting their careers, we've compiled a list of the 10 fastest BSN programs available in 2023.

What Is a BSN?

To become a registered nurse (RN), you must complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a two-year program for nurses, or a BSN, a four-year program for nurses. There are three methods for obtaining this degree: a Traditional BSN program, an Accelerated BSN program, or an RN to BSN program.

A Traditional BSN program lasts four years. In some schools, the application process begins out of high school, encompassing pre-nursing and the actual BSN program coursework. In other schools, the program requires prerequisite coursework before applying to the nursing school, followed by the BSN coursework. Students complete clinical experiences in which they learn patient care concomitantly with the didactic coursework. Many of these programs provide on-campus learning.

An Accelerated BSN program is precisely that, a fast-track BSN program. Some schools of nursing call it a second-degree BSN. They contain the same classes as the Traditional BSN program but in a much shorter period. Instead of offering courses by the semester, the program provides them in shortened five to ten-week spans. Students must also complete hands-on clinical hours for completion of this program. Ideal students are individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees or those who've completed the prerequisites to enroll.

Finally, RN to BSN programs are for practicing RNs who have completed an ADN, gained licensure as an RN, and are returning to school to earn their BSN. The nursing students in these programs complete their didactic portion and clinical hours and typically work full-time jobs. They can complete the program at their own pace in as few as eight months.

BSN Prerequisites and Requirements

This article will focus on ABSN and RN to BSN programs as they are shorter than Traditional BSN programs but require previous education and experience.

For ABSN students, programs require roughly 60 hours of prerequisite courses or a non-nursing degree with specific science classes completed. 

Sciences required for admission into BSN Programs:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• General Chemistry I
• General Chemistry II
• Microbiology (with lab) 

It's important to note that prospective students should research the programs of interest for their admission requirements. 

Other BSN program admission requirements:

• A GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Current immunizations
• Official transcripts of completed coursework
• A completed background check
• A resume with references
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• The Health Education Systems Inc. (HESI) or Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which are standardized tests for nursing schools 

RN to BSN programs require an active RN license and completion of an ADN program. They also require a minimum GPA for the ADN program, official transcripts, and the HESI or TEAS. Additionally, some require a personal statement and interview. 

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Related: 10 Fastest Registered Nurse (RN) Programs in 2023

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Classes offered in BSN programs: 

• Adult Health: Med/Surg, Critical Care 
• Intro to Nursing
• Health Assessment
• Pathophysiology
• Mental Health Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Informatics 
• Community Health
• OB
• Pediatrics
• Evidence-Based Practice 
• Leadership 

10 Fastest BSN Programs in 2023

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 NCLEX pass rates, 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 Cincinnati - Main Campus 

The University of Cincinnati's main campus, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, has one of the fastest BSN programs. Prospective nursing students can earn their RN to BSN degree in eight months. 

• Price: $13,852 - $17,197
• Offered as a Hybrid degree program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)  

2. National University College 

National University College in California offers a hybrid RN to BSN program that prospective nurses can complete in as little as eight months.

• Price: $277.50 per quarter unit
• Offered as a Hybrid degree program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education  

3. Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is home to an eight-month, entirely online Accelerated BSN program. 

• Price: $43,100 to $49,865
• Offered as a fully Online Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

4. Capella University

Capella University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and offers online programs. Nurses can complete their RN to BSN program in as quickly as nine months.

• Price: $6,590 to $13,180
• Offered as a fully Online Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 

5. University of North Carolina at Wilmington

The University of North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina, offers an online 12-month RN to BSN program. Admission is continuous, meaning there are six start dates throughout the year.

• Price: $6,089.13
• Offered as a fully Online Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

6. Maryville University of Saint Louis 

Maryville University of Saint Louis, located in Saint Louis, Missouri, offers a fully online 12-month RN to BSN program and does not require campus visits. Students can complete clinical rotations based on location.

• Price: $24,766
• Offered as a Hybrid Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

7. Galen College of Nursing - Louisville

Galen College of Nursing, located in Louisville, Kentucky, offers a 12-month hybrid RN to BSN program. They enroll students from across the United States. 

• Price: $46,591
• Offered as a Hybrid Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 

8. Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale

Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, offers an Accelerated BSN program that nurses can complete in as quickly as 12 months. The minimum GPA required is 3.0, and the program requires the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). 

• Price: $23,248
• Offered as a Hybrid Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

9. The University of Texas at Arlington 

Healthcare professionals recognize The University of Texas at Arlington for its online RN to BSN program. This 12-month program offers 5 to 10-week courses. 

• Price: $23,248
• Offered as a Hybrid Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 

10. Aspen University

Aspen University, located in Phoenix, Arizona, offers an online RN to BSN program that nurses can complete in as quickly as 12 months while taking eight-week courses.

• Price: $12,149
• Offered as a fully Online Program
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

BSN Salary Expectations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2021, the median pay for nurses was $77,600 per year or $37.31 per hour. This salary varies based on geographical location, as the cost of living depends on where you live. 

There are many different fields a BSN-prepared nurse can work in, and they will see various salary ranges depending on the field. Some other areas to look into include public health nursing; school nursing; and insurance, pharmaceutical, and medical supply companies. 

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: Is getting a BSN degree worth it? 

A: Obtaining a BSN degree is worth it. However, it is possible to gain employment with an ADN. Employers may offer incentives to go back for a BSN with tuition reimbursement. It isn't easy, but it is worth it.

Q: Is it possible to work while in school for my BSN? 

A: Regarding an Accelerated BSN program, they do not recommend working while in school. These programs require quite a bit of time and personal commitment. There will be plenty of time to work after the program. 

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Related: Top 11 Factors Nursing Students Consider When Applying to Programs

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Working while completing this program is possible with an RN to BSN program. It is the expectation that the ADN completing the RN to BSN program is working while completing the program. Managing the clinical portion while working may become difficult, but it is entirely doable.

Q: Is nursing a good field to go into? 

Nursing may not be for everyone, but there is a place in nursing for everyone. Bedside nursing fields include ER, ICU, med/surg, specialty, OB, Pediatrics, Pediatric ICU, OB critical care, NICU, burns, and more.

In the community, there are nursing positions such as school nurse, clinic nursing, and home health. Nurses work in research, life flight, fixed-wing air transport, or cruise ships. Big corporations and industrial plants also hire nurses.