Many current registered nurses are looking to pursue higher education and earn their BSN. And an online BSN program can be ideal for many of these nurses. An online program allows current registered nurses to continue to work full-time while pursuing their degree. They can utilize their experience and knowledge to transfer credits and accelerate their courses to graduate even faster.
In an RN to BSN program you will learn about nursing theories and practice, evidence-based practice, leadership, and more. A BSN is wanted by more hospitals looking to meet Magnet status, and makes nurses more valuable and credible in the workforce.
But not all online BSN programs are created equal. It's vital to research carefully when comparing BSN programs to determine which one is really the best fit for you.
Research is critical as you compare online RN to BSN degree programs. The cost of the program, course offerings, graduation times, and more are all important when doing your research. Additionally, it's valuable to understand the ROI of a degree and if a school is prepared to do online education at scale. Compare top RN to BSN programs here to decide which one will meet all of your needs.
Our goal in this ranking is to objectively look at how many online university programs compare to one another. This is why we have used third-party data to help us reach our conclusions about programs we rank.
Data sources:
Explanation and requirements for ranking:
Our goal in this ranking is to objectively look at how many online university programs compare to one another. This is why we have used third-party data to help us reach our conclusions about programs we rank.
Data sources:
Explanation and requirements for ranking:
If you're an RN looking to earn your BSN, WGU's program could be the perfect fit for you. Our online program is designed to work within your busy schedule and give you opportunities to implement what you're learning into your work immediately. You'll be able to utilize your credentials to help your hospital obtain Magnet status, get a promotion or a raise, and better care for the patients you interact with. Learn more about the specifics of our program to see if it's the best fit for you.
Health & NursingNursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
MORE DETAILSSkills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
This guide is designed to give you information about common nursing terms RN and BSN, and help you determine if an RN to BSN degree program is a good option for your education.
An RN is a certification that states you are licensed and registered with your state and can practice nursing. Nurses obtain their RN status by attending an associate degree or bachelor's degree program, as well as passing specific tests and meeting state certification requirements. Registered nurses work in doctors offices, hospitals, clinics, public health centers, schools, and more. RNs can also specialize, gaining more credentials and skills to work with certain types of patients.
A BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a bachelor's degree program that can help those who are wanting to become a registered nurse, or give current nurses additional credentials. BSNs are increasingly becoming more necessary for registered nurses as more hospitals are looking to hire nurses who have a BSN. A BSN for those who are not yet nurses takes about 4 years to complete and will help you obtain your nursing license. For current nurses a BSN may only take 2-3 years to complete.
The difference between RN and BSN is the level of education received. Someone who is a registered nurse may not have a bachelor's degree—they may have gotten a nursing diploma or associate degree that allowed them to become licensed. A BSN is a registered nurse who also has a bachelor's degree—this higher level of education can lead to more job opportunities, higher salary, and more.
Does BSN Go before RN?
When writing your name and credentials, BSN can come before or after your RN designation. For example, it may look like “Jane Doe, RN, BSN” or “Jane Doe, BSN, RN.” In most instances, both options are accurate, professional ways to display your nursing education and credentials. In the world of academia, however, the college degree is used first and the licensure and other credentials would follow. So, in academic settings, the most appropriate version would be, “Jane Doe, BSN, RN.”
A BSN, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is an undergraduate-level degree program that can help individuals become a registered nurse or that can help registered nurses advance their career. A BSN program teaches topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety, and quality within the healthcare system. In a BSN degree program, students can expect to deepen the knowledge and skills required to provide excellent care to those in need. This entails taking comprehensive courses in a combination of nursing program core and general education subjects.
WGU’s BSN degree curriculum includes:
Nursing Core Interprofessional Communication and Leadership in HealthcareInterprofessional Communication and Leadership in Healthcare is designed to help students prepare for success in the online environment at Western Governors University and beyond. Student success starts with the social support and self-reflective awareness that will prepare them to handle the challenges of all academic programs. In this course, students will complete several individual assignments that are intended to give the student an opportunity to reflect on where they are and where they would like to be. The activities in the course are designed to give students several tools they can use to achieve success. This course is designed as a four-part intensive learning experience. Students will engage in activities that will help them understand their own educational journey and find support and inspiration in the journey of others. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Information Technology in Nursing PracticeInformation Technology in Nursing Practice provides a basic overview of information technology as it relates to the baccalaureate-prepared nurse. It is a foundational overview of nursing informatics with an emphasis on developing basic competency. This course teaches students that nursing informatics synthesizes nursing science, information science, and computer science through health applications to support decision-making in a dynamic healthcare environment. All prior courses in the sequence for this program serve as prerequisites for this course.
Organizational Systems and Healthcare TransformationCourse Description Organizational Systems and Healthcare Transformation covers foundational knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward organizational leadership within healthcare systems that can help students be successful. This course focuses on the concepts of patient safety, improvement science, fiscal responsiveness, quality of care, value-based care, and patient-centered care. Additional topics of quality science and innovation, systems redesign, and interprofessional roles assist the student in building necessary skills for healthcare transformation. All prior courses in the sequence for this program serve as prerequisites for this course.
Emerging Professional PracticeEmerging Professional Practice presents a variety of professional nursing specialty areas. Students explore various practice specialties, including palliative care, genetics and genomics, and others. The course provides pathways to specialized nursing practice. All prior courses in the sequence for this program serve as prerequisites for this course.
Global and Population HealthGlobal and Population Health prepares students for the role of the nurse in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations. Additionally, basic principles of epidemiology, social determinants of health (SDOH), and resource allocation through value-based care are outlined. The course introduces planning, organization, and delivery of services for diverse populations in community settings, including illness prevention, disaster preparedness, and environmental health. All prior courses in the sequence for this program serve as prerequisites for this course. This course is eligible for an In Progress grade. Please see the Grading Scale Policy for more information.
Scholarship in Nursing PracticeScholarship in Nursing Practice teaches students how to design and conduct research to answer important questions about improving nursing practice and patient care delivery outcomes. This course introduces the basics of evidence-based practice, which students are expected to implement throughout their clinical experiences. Students of this course will graduate with more competence and confidence to become leaders in the healing environment.
Comprehensive Health AssessmentComprehensive Health Assessment builds upon students’ existing knowledge of nursing assessment. The course presents current and innovative assessment techniques of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of patients. Use of assessment data and shared decision-making are discussed throughout the course. This course also outlines the concepts of a head-to-toe assessment, providing students with an understanding of how to critically think about the different aspects of the assessment and analyze patient cues to determine the implications of findings. Students will also analyze lifestyle and cultural implications of health. All prior courses in the sequence for this program serve as prerequisites for this course.
BSNU CapstoneThe BSNU capstone is a synthesis of previously acquired knowledge, skills, and attitudes and requires students to demonstrate competency in the program outcomes. Emphasis is placed on change facilitation in a healthcare setting, based in evidence and incorporating value-based care. This course provides students with an opportunity to engage in a project that is actionable, relevant, highly collaborative, and based on innovative thinking.
Advanced Standing for RN LicenseAdvanced Standing for RN License
Intrapersonal Leadership and Professional GrowthIntrapersonal Leadership and Professional Growth fosters the development of professional identity. Building on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes gained through nursing practice, students in this course will explore the relationship of theories, professional competencies, standards of leadership, education, and professionalism. The course content will cover development of a nurse as a leader who is proficient in asserting control, influence, and power in professional and personal contexts.
Healthcare Policy and EconomicsHealthcare Policy and Economics is a foundational course that introduces the concepts of value-based care and the role of the nurse. This course includes concepts related to financial responsiveness, shared decision-making, preference-sensitive care, leveraging data. In this course, students learn about cost and fee-for-service in terms of value to the client and patient rather than value to the healthcare system. All prior courses in the sequence for this program serve as prerequisites for this course.
General Education Anatomy and Physiology I with LabMicrobiology with Lab: A Fundamental Approach explores the science that microorganisms are everywhere, and they have positive and negative effects on the community. The course examines the structure and function of microorganisms, disease transmission and progression, and immune responses and other interventions, and it identifies key global diseases. The course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities for students to check their learning, practice, and show how well they understand course content. To assist students in developing an applied, evidence-based understanding of microbiology, this course integrates several lab experiments to help determine the specific characteristic of an unknown microbial sample and a treatment plan. Because the course is self-paced, students may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as needed to gain proficiency in the four competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. Students who have no prior knowledge of or experience with this topic can expect to spend 48–60 hours on the course content. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Introduction to Communication: Connecting with OthersWelcome to Introduction to Communication: Connecting with Others! It may seem like common knowledge that communication skills are important, and that communicating with others is inescapable in our everyday lives. While this may appear simplistic, the study of communication is actually complex, dynamic, and multifaceted. Strong communication skills are invaluable to strengthening a multitude of aspects of life. Specifically, this course will focus on communication in the professional setting, and present material from multiple vantage points, including communicating with others in a variety of contexts, across situations, and with diverse populations. Upon completion, you will have a deeper understanding of both your own and others’ communication behaviors, and a toolbox of effective behaviors to enhance your experience in the workplace.
Global Arts and HumanitiesThis is a Global Arts and Humanities course that contains three modules with corresponding lessons. This course is an invitation to see the world through the humanities, examine the humanities during the Information Age, and explore the global origins of music—essentially questioning what makes us human, and how people are connected across culture and time. Each module includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to practice and check learning. With no prior knowledge or experience, a learner can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Composition: Writing with a StrategyWelcome to Composition: Writing with a Strategy! In this course, you will focus on three main topics: understanding purpose, context, and audience, writing strategies and techniques, and editing and revising. In addition, the first section, will offer review on core elements of the writing process, cross-cultural communication, as well as working with words and common standards and practices. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Anatomy and Physiology II with LabThis is Anatomy and Physiology II, a six section, four CEU course that enables students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and lymphatic systems in the human body. This course will involve laboratory activities, simulated dissections, textbook material, models, and diagrams. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the four competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 40–60 hours on the course content.
Human Growth and DevelopmentThis is Human Growth and Development, a three-module course that examines the entire human lifetime, from conception to death. Presented chronologically, the course focuses on three key areas: physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth, along with other important issues such as cultural influences, emotions, and resilience. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the four competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Applied Healthcare StatisticsApplied Healthcare Probability and Statistics is designed to help develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic mathematics, introductory algebra, and statistics and probability. These concepts include basic arithmetic with fractions and signed numbers; introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are now commonplace in the healthcare field. This course will help candidates make informed decisions about which studies and results are valid, which are not, and how those results affect your decisions. This course will give candidates background in what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, this course guides candidates in calculating simple probabilities based on events which occur in the healthcare profession. This course will prepare candidates for studies at WGU, as well as in the healthcare profession.
Introduction to PsychologyIn this course, students will develop an understanding of psychology and how it helps them better understand others and themselves. Students will learn general theories about psychological development, the structure of the brain, and how psychologists study behavior. They will gain an understanding of both normal and disordered psychological behaviors, as well as general applications of the science of psychology in society (such as personality typing and counseling).
Introduction to SociologyThis course teaches students to think like sociologists, or, in other words, to see and understand the hidden rules, or norms, by which people live, and how they free or restrain behavior. Students will learn about socializing institutions, such as schools and families, as well as workplace organizations and governments. Participants will also learn how people deviate from the rules by challenging norms and how such behavior may result in social change, either on a large scale or within small groups.
PathophysiologyPathophysiology is a course designed for nursing students, providing an overview of the pathology and treatment of diseases in the human body, tissues, glands and membranes, the integumentary system, the sensory system, skeletal and muscular systems, the digestive system, blood, vessels and circulation, lymphatic system, immunity and disease, heart and respiratory system, nervous, urinary and endocrine systems, and male and female reproductive systems. Prerequisites include all prior courses in this programmatic sequence.
Microbiology with Lab: A Fundamental ApproachMicrobiology with Lab: A Fundamental Approach explores the science that microorganisms are everywhere, and they have positive and negative effects on the community. The course examines the structure and function of microorganisms, disease transmission and progression, and immune responses and other interventions, and it identifies key global diseases. The course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities for students to check their learning, practice, and show how well they understand course content. To assist students in developing an applied, evidence-based understanding of microbiology, this course integrates several lab experiments to help determine the specific characteristic of an unknown microbial sample and a treatment plan. Because the course is self-paced, students may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as needed to gain proficiency in the four competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. Students who have no prior knowledge of or experience with this topic can expect to spend 48–60 hours on the course content. There are no prerequisites for this course.
World History: Diverse Cultures and Global ConnectionsThis is World History: Diverse Cultures and Global Connections. In this course, you will focus on three main topics—cultural and religious diversity; pandemics; and the relationship of empires and nation states—as well as the skills of identifying root causes, explaining causes and effects, and analyzing complex systems. This course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through reading, images, videos, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to practice and check how well you understand the content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the four competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
What Is BSN vs. RN?
There are different designations in nursing, each with their own specific education requirements and job responsibilities. “BSN” means “Bachelor of Science in Nursing” and “RN” means “registered nurse.” To become a licensed RN, an aspiring nurse must pursue an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). They must also meet clinical nursing program requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn licensure in their state. In other words, an RN isn’t always a BSN, but a BSN is always an RN. RNs that hold a BSN degree have received a broader education and likely have more responsibility than RNs that only hold an ADN.
While you only need to have your RN license to practice as a professional nurse, most employers now prefer or even require new hires to hold a BSN degree. RNs who pursue their bachelor’s degree are eligible for higher-paying positions, career advancement, employment at top hospitals, and greater career fulfillment. In a BSN program, you’ll deepen your knowledge in the nursing field so that you can better care for patients and achieve greater career fulfillment.
Reasons aspiring nurses and RNs should seek their BSN:
Are you a nurse with your RN license, ready to take your career to the next level? The RN to BSN program at WGU is designed for nurses like you—a completely online RN to BSN program that allows you to continue working and keep up with your other responsibilities while going to school, flexible with no set class times or due-dates, with a focused curriculum designed for current nurses. Boost your résumé with the help of the online RN to BSN program at WGU.
An RN to BSN degree program is designed to help current RNs further their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Current RNs have important skills and experience, and a BSN just helps boost their résumé and can help them get needed credentials to be qualified for additional nursing positions.
The online RN to BSN program at WGU is focused on helping current nurses pursue higher education. This nursing program is focused on helping expand on a nurse's experience and skills through evidence-based practice and additional courses. An online bachelor's degree program is a great option to help RNs receive collegiate nursing education in a way that is doable for their lifestyle.
A BSN is a nursing program designed to help nurses stand out and enhance their résumé. Some nursing positions and specialties require a BSN as proof that a nurse has credentials and experience. An online RN to BSN program or a traditional nursing program both include evidence-based practice and other collegiate nursing education skills that enhance an RNs ability to perform their work.
Registered nurses with a BSN can be qualified for many nursing positions including:
Hospitals across the country are working toward Magnet status, and part of the requirements of Magnet status involve having a nursing workforce with bachelor's degrees. Earning your RN-BSN degree enables you to add to your hospital numbers for Magnet status. Traditional or online RN programs both can give you the credentials needed to help your hospital reach this designation.
Additionally, an RN-BSN degree gives you valuable credentials that can help you stand out, boosting your résumé and giving you important experience. Traditional and online RN to BSN programs both stand out on a résumé. This can make you eligible for raises, promotions, and opportunities in the nursing field.
Today more than 60% of nurses still enter the workforce with an associate's degree or diploma in nursing. Because of increasing desire for hospitals and clinics to add BSN educated nurses to their workforce, there are now more than 700 RN to BSN programs in the United States. Because of the accessibility of these options, growing numbers of BSN graduates are earning RN to BSN degrees. Nearly 50% of BSN graduates today have earned an RN to BSN degree.
So what can you expect in an RN to BSN degree program? In an online RN to BSN program you can expect to take general education courses required for a bachelor's degree, as well as some nursing courses that will help you gain additional skills. In many online RN to BSN programs, your experience and RN license will allow you to waive many of the courses, accelerating your program. Many RNs choose this kind of online program because they are able to continue working while they attend school—they don't have to log in to classes at a certain time to listen to lectures. Instead they have the ability to be in charge of their degree program,
It's important to research and find a school that is recognized and accredited for your RN-BSN program. For example, WGU is CCNE accredited, demonstrating that it is a school that is recognized in the United States as qualified to teach healthcare professionals. This accreditation will validate your online bachelor's degree, and is vital to showing employers and peers that your online RN to BSN program credentials are reputable.
RN to BSN Careers
As more hospitals work to achieve Magnet status, they may be looking to only hire nurses who have a bachelor's degree. In fact, some job listings may explicitly state not to apply unless you have a bachelor's degree. A BSN is becoming increasingly important for nurses who want to stand out from the competition and be considered for positions. BSN nurses often have many more options and opportunities in the nursing field.
Similarly, nurses who earn a BSN through a traditional or online program can expect a pay raise. This may vary by facility, but the industry standard is that nurses who earn a traditional or online bachelor's degree can expect a percentage pay raise to accompany their new credential. Hospitals see great value in BSN nurses, and want to reward RNs who work to earn their degree. The average annual salary for a registered nurse is around $75,000 per year, and nurses can usually expect a 3-5% pay raise when they earn their degree. Research shows that RNs with an associate's degree can expect to earn around $75,000, RNs with a diploma can expect to earn around $78,000, and RNs with a BSN can expect to earn around $80,000 per year.
Additionally, a traditional or online RN to BSN can help prepare nurses for additional certifications and job opportunities. Many specialized nursing positions will prefer a nurse with a BSN. While it may not be required to become a critical care nurse or a trauma nurse, your degree can help you stand out from the competition for these positions. There are also many nursing positions that require a BSN nurse, including pharmaceutical RNs, public health nurse, case management, and more.
A RN to BSN degree is an important step in furthering your education, and many nurses may want to continue their education and earn an MSN to help propel their career. A BSN is required to earn an MSN degree, and an MSN can open doors to nurse management, nurse education, and other important leadership positions in the field.
If you're ready to earn a raise, promotion, or prepare for your future, a traditional or online RN to BSN program is a critical first step.