19 hours ago
Best Online RN-To-B.S.N. Programs Of 2025
Pro Tip
For RNs with limited work experience, choosing a program that requires a clinical placement can help develop hands-on skills working with patients. This can increase job prospects after graduation.
An RN-to-B.S.N. program can help you take your nursing career to the next level. Choosing the right one requires taking time to consider top priorities. Do you want to study full time or part time? Would synchronous or asynchronous classes work better for you? And of course, you must make sure the program you want to attend is authorized to enroll students in the state where you live.
Consider Your Future Goals
Before you choose a program, it's important to know why you're pursuing a B.S.N.
'This is a very personal decision based on an individual's ultimate goals and what they expect to achieve with the additional education,' says Adriana Glenn, director of the RN-to-B.S.N. program at George Washington University.
For example, do you plan to end your nursing education with a B.S.N., or might you want to pursue a graduate nursing degree to become a nursing administrator or pursue other advanced roles in the field?
If you think you'll pursue graduate education, choose a program that meets common eligibility requirements for Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. It might also be in your benefit to find a school that offers graduate nursing degrees, as well as an RN-to-B.S.N. program.
Also, consider whether the program requires a clinical placement. Many RN-to-B.S.N. programs do, but not all. Some may waive the requirement in recognition of hands-on nursing experience held by many RNs. If you haven't worked as a nurse for long, a program with a clinical placement can help you get more real-world experience with patients.
Pursuing a B.S.N. can provide a lot of value to RNs, especially as it increasingly becomes the standard in the nursing industry.
'I would say based on my experience and reading their narratives (for a course I teach) and having candid discussions, that well over 95% of RN-B.S.N. students are quite happy they went on to obtain their B.S.N.,' Glenn wrote in an email to Forbes Advisor.
She explains, 'RN-B.S.N. students have shared with me that they feel more empowered and fulfilled in their role as a staff RN and they understand much more about healthcare systems and the importance of health promotion, policy and advocacy. I have never had anyone express regret; only feelings on occasion of being overwhelmed with work and school.'
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Per-credit tuition for the programs on our list ranges from $105 to $1,200. Most RN-to-B.S.N. programs require around 30 credits, though the total number of credits required to earn your bachelor's degree can vary based on how many transferrable college credits you already have and whether you need to take electives or other courses to meet your school's graduation requirements.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports average undergraduate tuition and required fees at four-year institutions in the U.S. cost $17,709 in the 2022-23 school year.
Fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible to see if you qualify for federal student aid like loans, grants and scholarships. Schools and nursing departments also frequently provide their own aid to students. RNs can also pursue scholarships from professional organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and you might check whether your employer offers any type of tuition assistance.
