Nurses are always in demand, and the demand for nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher is growing. Registered nurses who want to advance their education can consider online RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. These programs are aimed at nurses who initially earned their nursing license by completing a nursing diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Programs are structured so that nurses can continue working while earning a higher degree remotely. On average, it takes between nine months to two years to complete an RN-to-BSN degree.

Completing a BSN can help nurses expand their knowledge base. The degree includes coursework in more advanced topics and is a great way to gain a more in-depth understanding of important nursing concepts and skills.

“I think of the RN-to-BSN program as adding a layer to a nurses’ education,” Shelley Hunt, BSN, MSN, RN, RN-to-BSN Coordinator for Stephen F. Austin State University told us. “An ADN program prepares the student to practice as a nurse. The BSN curriculum adds a layer by delving deeper into care of communities, the political process, health care policy, theory, research, leadership and the change process.”

Additionally, earning a BSN online can open doors to new career pathways in the nursing field. It can allow nurses to work at specific hospitals, take on certain types of nursing roles and apply for positions that aren’t options for RNs with a diploma or ADN. Those positions may come with a higher salary and with opportunities to advance your career even further.

What to expect from RN-to-BSN online programs

There are multiple online RN-to-BSN programs available. The exact courses and structure you’ll find depend on the program you choose. However, there are some classes you can count on finding in just about any RN-to-BSN program. For instance, it’s common to take courses in:

• Human growth and development
• Healthcare statistics
• Anatomy and psychology
• Healthcare leadership and communication
• Care planning
• Information technology for nursing practice
• Global health
• Community and family health
• Care of complex patients
• Care of children and adolescents
• Geriatric care planning
• Advanced health assessment
• Pharmacology
• Mental health nursing
• Forensic nursing
• Trauma nursing
• Nursing ethics
• Nursing informatics

Hunt said that RN-to-BSN programs offer courses in specialized nursing areas that can help RNs work with specific groups.

 “[There are] electives focusing on maternity and pediatrics to allow students to gain more knowledge if they are interested in caring for these populations,” Hunt said.

Since you’ll be earning an online bachelor’s degree, you’ll also take core classes. This will include fundamentals in subjects such as writing, social sciences, science, math and arts. The exact course offerings will depend on your school.

Admissions & RN-to-BSN requirements

Each RN-to-BSN program has its own admission requirements. However, as a rule, you can count on being asked for a few common admission items:

• Transcripts from your previous nursing education
• A solid GPA
• A nursing license in good standing
• A criminal background check
• Reference letters

Read our: “How to Apply to College” guide if it’s been a while and you need a refresher on how college admissions work.

Career pathways for graduates of RN-to-BSN programs

A BSN can help advance your nursing career. Hunt said that having a BSN can expand the number of employers available to an RN.

“The BSN can open up positions in teaching hospitals, pediatric nursing facilities, and community-based nursing to name a few,” Hunt explained.

With a BSN, you can apply for a wider range of nursing roles. For instance, sought-after nursing jobs at Veterans Administration facilities and magnet hospitals typically require a BSN. You’ll have the opportunity to look into specific nursing titles that are often reserved for nurses with BSNs. This includes:

• Nurse manager: Nurse managers coordinate daily care on a nursing unit. They take on responsibilities such as staffing, communication with families, crisis management and more.
• Nurse educator: Nurse educators work to help other nurses do their best on the job. Often, nurse educators with BSNs take on tasks such as delivering employee training at hospitals and nursing facilities.
• Health educators: A health coach teaches the public about healthcare topics. They dedicate their days to important projects such as finding ways to provide education to the local community about blood pressure, blood sugar, smoking, cancer screening and other needed information.
• Legal nurse consultant: Legal nurse consultants work with law firms to give expert opinions on legal matters. For instance, they can go over the details of an accident or health-related incident that’s vital to a case and can help the legal team understand the medical aspects. Sometimes, they also serve as expert witnesses during trials.

“Many of the graduates have moved into their desired nursing specialty, including leadership positions,” Hunt told us. “Magnet hospitals are recognized for nursing excellence and superior patient outcomes and require all nurse managers and nurse leaders to have their BSN. Additionally, the BSN gives students the opportunity to advance their education to a master’s degree. A master’s degree can mean achieving their goal of being a Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator.”

Here are the median annual salaries from the BLS for the above roles:

How to succeed in remote RN-to-BSN programs

Online RN-to-BSN degree programs are designed to fit into the lives of busy, working RNs. Classes are structured to help you succeed. However, starting a degree program and managing your courses along with your career and other obligations can still be a challenge.

Some programs offer online resources to students. This can include tutoring, group study sessions, academic advising and career counseling. Online group studying can be a great way to not only master the material but also to connect with other students who are on the same path as you. For some students, that connection can help make the program less stressful.

It’s also a good idea to follow some studying best practices. This includes steps such as:

• Creating a plan for your coursework: Having a plan for each course helps you set your schedule. You’ll be able to keep track of what you need to work on, study for and focus on during each week.
• Eliminating distractions: It can improve focus to study somewhere without the distraction of phone calls, texts, television screens, social media alerts and other interruptions. Finding truly quiet and distraction-free time can be a great way to absorb material.
• Breaking down large tasks: Often, looking at a large project or amount of reading material can seem overwhelming. Breaking the task down into smaller steps can make it easier to manage. This can mean taking scheduled breaks or splitting a long chapter into shorter sections.
• Taking practice tests: Practice tests can be a smart way to challenge yourself and prepare for exams. Some courses might even have pre-made practice tests available that you can use.
• Using flashcards: Flashcards are a popular study aid. For many people, they’re a helpful way to memorize information. You can make classic flashcards by hand, or use online programs to make virtual flashcards.

Resources for students pursuing an RN-to-BSN

Nursing students can find resources in a variety of places. There are nursing organizations and associations all around the country that can help you network, stay on top of trending topics and laws and help fund your education. Plus, many nursing organizations offer learning tools and other support just for students.

• The American Nursing Association (ANA): The ANA is the country’s largest nursing organization. They have a wealth of resources for nursing students, including tips for academic success, guides to multiple nursing career pathways, networking opportunities, a job board and more.
• The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA): The NSNA is dedicated to nursing students. On their website, you’ll find career guides, webinars, study tips and more.
• The American Academy of Nursing (AAN): The AAN strives to promote nursing leadership. They host a job board, publish industry news, have opportunities to make connections with fellow nurses and advocate for policies to advance nursing.
• The National League for Nursing (NLN: The NLN supports nursing education. You can join the NLN and attend events, take virtual courses, earn specialty certifications and more.
• The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA): The NBNA is a professional organization bringing together Black nursing professionals in the United States, Eastern Caribbean and Africa. Their website offers a range of resources such as a podcast, career center, networking opportunities, connections to local chapters, information about conferences and more.
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN is an accrediting body, but it also offers multiple resources for nursing students. You’ll find connections to grants and scholarships, career planning guides, webinars and other valuable information.

How to choose the right online RN-to-BSN program

The right online RN-to-BSN program for you depends on multiple factors. Program features such as cost, time commitment, coursework, student resources and fit with your future nursing goals are all important considerations. It’s a good idea to know what features are most important to you as you begin to look at RN-to-BSN programs. Knowing the features you want most can help you find programs that are good matches for you. For instance, you can search for programs that are 100% online if you know you won’t be able to fit in-person clinical experience hours into your schedule.  

The importance of accreditation

Accreditation is another key factor to keep in mind as you search for RN-to-BSN programs. Accreditation is the best way to be certain national standards and will prepare you for the next steps in your nursing career.

Nursing programs are accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). You can browse the list of AACN-accredited programs on its website. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is another nursing accrediting body. You can search its directory to see schools that have achieved its accreditation.

Browse our vetted RN-to-BSN programs

Take action toward your RN-to-BSN degree

Earning your RN-to-BSN online can help you expand your nursing knowledge and boost your career. Or, as Hunt says, “The BSN-prepared nurse not only makes judgments through the nursing science lens but through the liberal education lens. The BSN nurse can synthesize knowledge from the prerequisites and nursing courses to make decisions. As an ADN, the nurse is already able to judge the evidence, but with the BSN, they will be contributors to the evidence.”

A BSN can open the door to higher-level nursing roles and may lead to an increase in your salary. Plus, it will give you a deeper understanding of important nursing topics. The first step toward your advanced nursing degree is finding the program that best meets your career needs. When you’re ready, our find schools button can help you get started.

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