All RN to BSN Online Programs
(found programs from 211 schools)

Below you’ll find a list containing every nationally accredited distance learning / online RN to BSN program. These programs can be an excellent option for working adults with families.

According to a recent study done for the US Department of Education, students who do part or all of their coursework online perform slightly better than students who do all their work in a face to face classroom setting.

As a rule of thumb, you should contact multiple schools during the course of your research. There are significant differences between the programs in terms of cost, admissions requirements, and other characteristics. As with many things in life, the way to find the best RN to BSN program is to spend some time shopping around.

What Does "Online RN to BSN" Really Mean?

All "Online" BSN programs are not created equal. You may still have to regularly visit the campus or other specific class locations during the program. You may only have to do this occasionally - once or twice a semester, or at the end of the program, etc. Or you may never have to - "Online" for some schools means 100% online.

At some schools, the start dates for the online program are the same as the academic term start dates for the campus based program. At other schools, there are a broader range of start dates available for the online program, which means more flexibility for you.

Generally, the "Featured" online programs on this website require less time spent on campus than the other online programs listed, and have a wider variety of start dates, because they’re offered by schools that have a much greater focus on delivering online programs.

That’s worth thinking about as you choose a school. If you decide to enroll in an online program, you may get better results by choosing a school that’s got a lot of experience offering online programs, and has worked out a lot of the kinks already (technology issues, curriculum, how to handle clinicals, etc.).

It’s a good idea to contact multiple schools, and to ask about specific requirements such as time spent on campus (many online programs will also require some visits to the actual campus), GPA requirements, and transfer credits.

Are Clinicals Part of Doing an RN to BSN Online?

You should expect clinicals to be a part of the program. A typical program might require 50-70 hours of clinical time during the program. For most RN to BSN online programs, the clinical time can be completed in any state you’re licensed in.

This often means you’ll be able to complete them right at your workplace, but it’s important to keep in mind that the allowed clinical settings may vary. For example, if the course that requires the clinicals is a public health nursing course, then you may be required to complete those clinicals at a school clinic, a public health clinic, or a similar site, but you may not be allowed to complete them in a hospital.

It’s just another question to put on your list for when you talk to the schools. You can read more about these issues here: choosing an online RN to BSN program.