Best Online RN To MSN Programs

Delve into the best online RN to MSN programs and take the next step in your nursing career.

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Best Online RN to BSN Badge

The field of nursing is changing. Are you ready? In the past, an RN degree was sufficient for a career in nursing.

But because of demographic realities like an aging population as well as the changing role of nurses themselves, employers are increasingly looking for a BSN as a minimum requirement for employment.

In fact, the BSN is becoming so prominent that the American Association of Colleges of Nursing now recommends it as minimal preparation for professional practice.

And even if you are well into your nursing career, there are many reasons to upgrade your RN to a BSN:

Soon, a BSN will be the standard for all nurses who desire job security and opportunities for career advancement. This reality has led to a huge increase in the number of RN to BSN programs available - many delivered exclusively online, with flexible scheduling and affordable tuition.

The sheer volume of available online programs makes the task of wading through program websites a time-consuming and daunting task - so we at College Choice have done it for you.

What Are the Best RN to BSN Degrees?

Our ranking takes into account a number of factors.

We’ve sifted through the data, weighing program accreditation, national reputation, tuition costs, and early career earnings of graduates—to come up with a composite score that balances academic excellence with the all-important return on investment.

A few things to be aware of as you peruse the list:

Good luck in your search - we hope our list helps you find the best program for you!

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

  1. The Ohio State University
    Location

    Columbus, OH

    Tuition

    $382

    Overview

    One of the largest schools in the country, Ohio State University is located on a sprawling campus in the state capital of Columbus. With a reputation for being one of the public ivies, Ohio State is one of only a few public universities to have been admitted to the prestigious Association of American Universities. The school has a robust online system, and their online Bachelors program ranks among the best in the U.S.

    Features

    For nurses with an associate degree or diploma, Ohio States College of Nursing offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program which provides a foundation for working in a variety of healthcare settings or graduate work. With a focus on evidence-based practice, nurses will be prepared to enter professional nursing practice as a generalist. Courses in the diverse curriculum include:

    Health Care Informatics Interprofessional Concepts Evidence-based Practice: Transforming Healthcare Cultural Competence in Healthcare: US and Global Contexts

    Details

    This flexible 30-credit program is available 100% online, can be completed either part-time or full-time, and has no campus visitation requirements. Ohio States College of Nursing has a global reputation for its level of academic excellence and expertise and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

  2. University of Arkansas
    Location

    Fayetteville, AR

    Tuition

    $284

    Overview

    Situated in the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas is a public research university and the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas system. The school places emphasis on hands-on research for students and is one of the fastest growing research universities in the country. Their online bachelors program ranks among the best in the U.S.

    Program Features

    The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing offers an online, CCNE- accredited RN to BSN program that provides the opportunity for RNs with an associates degree and diploma to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program hones students analytical and reasoning skills, preparing them for career advancement opportunities and well as academic graduate work. Required courses include:

    Informatics for Professional Nursing Teaching and Health Promotion Leading and Managing in Healthcare Micro‐ environments Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning for RNs

    Details

    This flexible, 29-credit program is available 100% online (in asynchronous format), with no campus visitation requirements. Courses are offered year-round, and students can complete the one required, project-based practicum in their geographic area. Students can enroll in the program on a part-time or full-time basis.

  3. West Texas A&M University
    Location

    Canyon, TX

    Tuition

    $347

    Overview

    Located in the small town of Canyon, TX, West Texas AM University is a public university and part of the West Texas AM University System. The school has a reputation for excellence in the areas of agriculture, business, teacher preparation, music and nursing and is also a leader in distance education. Their online bachelors program ranks in the top ten nationally (US News and World Report).

    Program Features

    West Texas AMs College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program for those holding an unencumbered RN license (or receiving licensure within three months of graduating from an associates degree or diploma program). The curriculum focuses on caring, therapeutic nursing intervention, communication, and critical thinking. Courses include:

    Nursing Decisions for Populations Cultural Competence for Health Promotion Legal/Ethical Nursing Issues in Health Care Delivery

    Details

    This 30 credit RN to BSN program is 100% online with three start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 12 months or in approximately two years for the part-time student who needs the flexibility of progressing at a slower pace.

  4. Fort Hays State University
    Location

    Hays, KS

    Tuition

    $207

    Overview

    Situated on a sprawling campus on the plains of western Kansas, Fort Hays State University is a public institution that was founded in 1902 and currently offers hundreds of courses through its four colleges as well as their Virtual College. The school has a reputation as a leader in online learning, and their online bachelors program has been recognized as one of the best nationally for several years.

    Program Features

    Fort Hays State Universitys Department of Nursing is a leader in nursing education and offers an affordable, CCNE accredited online RN to BSN degree which is flexible enough to meet the needs of working professionals. Students may complete this innovative program in as little as a year after all pre-requisite and general education requirements have been met. The curriculum is designed to create opportunities for better career options as well as prepare students for graduate nursing study. Courses include:

    Healthcare Systems, Policy, Cost Health Assessment and Lab Population-Focused Care

    Details

    With this 20-credit, 100% online program, students can receive credit for prior educational experience, and attend the clinical course in their local area. Fort Hays has been offering online courses since 2000, and with tuition in the lowest 2% in the U.S, they also demonstrate their commitment to keeping education accessible.

  5. Florida International University
    Location

    Miami, FL

    Tuition

    $329

    Overview

    Located in the city of Miami, Florida International University is the citys first and only public research university. The school belongs to the 12-campus State University System of Florida and offers almost 200 programs of study with more than 280 majors in 23 colleges and schools. The school has invested heavily in online programs and has a highly ranked online bachelors program for nontraditional students.

    Program Features

    Florida International Universitys Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN degree that helps students boost their marketability, expand their skills, and increase their value to their employers. Graduates of the program will have a strong foundation in evidence-based nursing practices that will prepare them for employment or further graduate study. Courses include:

    Care of Communities: Community Health Professional Nursing Leadership: Concepts Issues Health Assessment Promotion Nursing in Global Health Care Systems

    Details

    Students in FIUs flexible, online RN to BSN program can take courses in any order and can start the program in any semester in either a part-time or full-time capacity. Please note that students are required to have a current, valid Florida RN license before being admitted into the RN to BSN program at FIU.

  6. University of Florida
    Location

    Gainesville, FL

    Tuition

    $500

    Overview

    Situated in the city of Gainesville in North Central Florida, the University of Florida is a public research university and a senior member of the State University System of Florida. The third largest university in Florida, the school ranks among the top universities in the country, having gained accolades for their innovative, hands-on programs. The school also boasts a robust online bachelors program which ranks among the best in the country.

    Program Features

    The University of Floridas College of Nursing offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN degree that provides students with the analytical and information-management skills to go further in the nursing profession. Designed for registered nurses who have earned an Associate Degree in Nursing, graduates from the program will be prepared to enroll in advanced education or progress to leadership roles at their places of employment. Courses include:

    Genetics and Genomics in Nursing Practice Inquiry and Evidence in Professional Nursing Practice Seminar in Professional Nursing

    Details

    The University of Floridas RN to BSN program is a part-time, five semester, 31 credit hour curriculum with classes that are fully online. Students can complete the two courses with a clinical component with either online activities or activities in the students local community.

  7. Pennsylvania State University World Campus
    Location

    State College, PA

    Tuition

    $584

    Overview

    Headquartered in University Park, Pennsylvania, Penn State World Campus is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University. With a mission to extend the schools highly regarded programs to nontraditional students, Penn State -World Campus is home to several online programs that rank among the best in the country (US News and World Report).

    Program Features

    Penn States World Campus offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN degree that can help move your career forward. Building on RN competencies, the RN to BSN program is open to registered nurses with a valid United States RN licensure. The program promises to equip students with the skills they need to lead change and positively affect the health care industry. Graduates from the program will also be ready for advanced studies. Coursework covers:

    Data Management Health Assessment Human Development And Family Studies Human Resources Management

    Details

    Penn State Onlines RN to BSN classes are fully online though students who live near campus can also complete courses in a hybrid format and students can fulfill all clinical requirements in their own geographical region. Additionally, some nursing courses are available in an accelerated seven-and-a-half-week format.

  8. Arizona State University
    Location

    Tempe, AZ

    Tuition

    $435

    Overview

    With programs that have a reputation for being among the most innovative in the country, Arizona State University is a public, research university with five campuses throughout the state of Arizona. The largest university, by enrollment, in the United States, Arizona State has extended the reach of their programs through high-quality online programs that rank among the best in the nation.

    Program Features

    ASU Online offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN degree that prepares students to work as nurse professionals in a changing healthcare landscape. ASU nursing graduates enter the workforce as engaged, innovative professionals who utilize evidence-based practice and demonstrate holistic, population-based perspectives. The curriculum promotes critical thinking, client advocacy, and effective communication. Courses include:

    Nursing Research and Application to Practice Innovation in Nursing The Art of Nursing Public and Global Health in Nursing

    Details

    ASUs 45-credit, online RN to BSN program consists of upperdivision nursing courses (38 credits) and upperdivision general studies requirements (7 credits.) Courses are 7.5 weeks in length, and the program can be completed in as few as 15 months, though students can take up to 24 months if needed.

    Overview

    Located in East Texas lake country, the University of Texas at Tyler is a public university and a member of the University of Texas System. Ranking among the top public, regional schools in the West (US News and World Report), UT Tyler offers over 90 academic programs through its five colleges. The school is also home to a burgeoning online presence, with programs that have garnered national attention.

    Program Features

    UT- Tylers School of Nursing offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program designed to improve your earning power, while increasing your career mobility and professional status. This flexible program places emphasis is on professional role expansion through exploration of contemporary nursing issues students examine professional values and value-based behaviors as a member of the profession. The program covers:

    Issues in Professional Nursing Professional Development for the RN Pathophysiology of Acute Care

    Details

    Students can complete UT Tylers 30-credit online RN to BSN program in a year of full-time study or they can take advantage of the flexible part-time option. The program offers three start times throughout the year in spring, fall, and summer. There are no campus attendance requirements for this online degree.

  9. University of Texas at Tyler
    Location

    Tyler, TX

    Tuition

    $458

    Overview

    Founded in rural New York State in 1913, SUNY (State University of New York) College of Technology at Delhi is a public institution that focuses on providing a seamless, technology- based education. The school has earned a national reputation for their innovative, high-quality programs US News and World Report currently lists their online Bachelors program as one of the top in the country.

    Program Features

    SUNY Delhis School of Nursing offers a flexible, affordable, ACEN-accredited RN to BSN degree that is specifically designed to be manageable for working nurses. The programs emphasis is on attaining the critical thinking and practice skills necessary for clinical management of patients within a constantly changing healthcare environment. Of the 61 credits required for this program, coursework includes:

    Ethics in Healthcare Principles of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Leadership Management

    Details

    Students in the RN to BSN program at SUNY Delhi are required to complete three practicum courses consisting of 45 hours in practicum-related activities. Students typically complete these hours at a hospital or agency near their hometown. Students also have the option of taking courses on a full-time or part-time basis, beginning in the Fall or Spring semesters.

    Overview

    Located in the city of Milledgeville, GA, Georgia College and State University (GCSU) is a historic, public liberal arts university and part of the University System of Georgia. The school ranks highly in several categories and is committed to combining the educational experiences of private liberal arts colleges with the affordability of public higher education. Their online Bachelors program ranks in the top 30 nationally.

    Program Features

    GCSUs College of Health Sciences offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN which is designed to provide the skills necessary for clinical leadership positions in a variety of health care settings. The School of Nursing at GCSU is committed to the formation of nurse leaders that engage in evidence-based practice, lifelong learning, and civic participation. The curriculum emphasizes the development of clinical reasoning, professional nursing skills, and values. Courses include:

    Survey of Health Science Info Legal Ethical Aspects of Professional Nursing Leadership Management in Professional Nursing

    Details

    All classes in GCSUs 30-credit RN to BSN program are available online. Students may attend optional meetings for orientation, exams or presentations but there is no required campus visit. Start dates for newly enrolled students take place in the fall and spring semesters.

  10. SUNY College of Technology - Delhi
    Location

    Delhi, NY

    Tuition

    $323

    Overview

    Part of the University of Illinois System, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a public research university and the principal educator of health service professionals in the state. The school sits among the top 100 public schools in the country, according to US News and World Report, and has one of the top 10 best online Bachelors programs in the US.

    Program Features

    The College of Nursing at the University of Illinois at Chicago offers an online, CCNE-accredited RN to BSN that will help students boost their marketability, expand their skills, and increase their value to their employers. The program extends the mission of the UIC College of Nursing to transform health, healthcare, and policy through knowledge generation and translation, and education of future leaders from diverse backgrounds. Courses include:

    Nursing Leadership and Management in Healthcare Nursing Care of Populations Introduction to Nursing Informatics

    Details

    The University of Illinois at Chicagos 30-credit RN to BSN program is available 100% online and is open to RNs in any part of the United States. Each course is eight weeks in length except for one four-week summer course the typical course load is one course per eight-week term. Students can complete the degree in 16 months by taking courses in back-to-back terms.

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