Best Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online BSN Programs
Bachelor of science in nursing programs prepare you for licensure and help you stand out from nursing candidates who only have associate degrees. Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients, conduct health screenings, and promote wellness in their communities. Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees meet the requirements for RN licensure and careers such as pediatric nurse, acute care nurse, oncology nurse, and public health nurse.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects that from 2023-2033, employment for RNs will continue to grow by 6%, faster than the average for all jobs. RNs earn above-average salaries, with the median RN salary exceeding $86,000 per year. Many employers prefer to hire nurses with bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), making education a valuable investment for prospective nurses.
Our list ranks the best online BSN programs to help aspiring nurses find the right one for their career goals. You’ll find everything you need to know about online BSN degrees, popular nursing careers, and the RN licensure process.
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1963, UCF confers over 17,000 degrees across more than 230 degree programs each year.
The UCF College of Nursing offers a traditional bachelor of science in nursing and an RN-to-BSN program. Traditional BSN students study the fundamentals of nursing through online classes and hands-on clinicals. Students in both tracks take online classes in pathophysiology, community health nursing, and health care policy.
Applicants for the traditional BSN program should apply to the College of Nursing just before their junior year after completing the prerequisite courses. If transferring to UCF, they must apply to undergraduate admissions three months prior to the nursing admissions deadline.
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled67,959
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Miami's only public research university, FIU teaches a student body of nearly 54,000 each year.
FIU's fully online bachelor of science in nursing program builds on the work experience of registered nurses to provide a foundation in evidence-based practice. Coursework covers nursing leadership, health assessment, and psychosocial nursing.
To graduate, students must complete 120 credits and a 120-hour practicum. Students must transfer a minimum 60 credits of lower-division courses, including science prerequisites with a C grade or better, and complete 30 credits of clinical equivalency exams.
Applicants must hold an unencumbered Florida RN license and demonstrate a 2.75 GPA from previous nursing coursework.
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- In-State$911
- Out-of-state$2,003
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled55,687
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
University of Florida-Online
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
Since its origins in 1858, UF has grown to offer more than 300 degree programs, conferring more than 16,000 degrees each year.
UF offers a part-time, online bachelor of science in nursing program for registered nurses. Coursework covers health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology, and legal and ethical issues in nursing.
Applicants should hold an associate degree in nursing with a minimum GPA of 2.8 for all nursing coursework, as well as an unencumbered registered nurse license.
- In-State$3,358
- Out-of-state$15,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled5,168
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
With more than 80 years of experience in educating students, ULM now offers more than 35 fully online degree programs.
ULM's bachelor of science in nursing prepares registered nurses for advanced nursing roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Coursework covers pharmacology, nursing management, and public health nursing. Classes take place fully online and in eight-week sessions.
To graduate, students must complete general education requirements, 30 credits of nursing core classes, and the RN-to-BSN capstone project.
Applicants must hold an associate degree in nursing or nursing diploma with a GPA of at least 2.0, as well as an unencumbered RN license.
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled8,718
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1939, McNeese offers more than 100 undergraduate and 36 graduate programs to its students.
McNeese's nursing program offers an online bachelor of science in nursing degree for registered nurses. The 30-credit curriculum covers informatics, evidence-based practice, and community health nursing, as well as advanced nursing concepts and professionalism in a nursing role.
Students can complete the program in as little as 10 months while continuing to work as a nurse. Each class lasts seven weeks.
Applicants must hold an unencumbered RN license and a nursing diploma or associate degree.
- In-State$5,147
- Out-of-state$13,185
- In-State$5,703
- Out-of-state$13,740
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled6,454
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Online
Since its launch in 1998, Penn State World Campus has grown to offer more than 150 online programs.
Penn State World campus offers an online bachelor of science in nursing degree for currently licensed RNs. The curriculum covers nursing informatics, community health concepts, and advanced health assessment.
The RN-to-BSN program requires 120 credits for graduation. Students may transfer credits from other programs, provided at least 36 credits are completed at World Campus.
Applicants must hold an active RN license in the state in which they will complete their clinical hours.
- In-State$13,484
- Out-of-state$13,484
- In-State$21,682
- Out-of-state$21,682
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled14,458
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- Eau Claire, WI
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1916 as a school for teachers, UWEC now offers nearly 170 graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
UWEC teaches its bachelor of science in nursing completion program in a flexible hybrid format, allowing students to complete courses in seven-week cycles while still working as a registered nurse. Courses cover evidence-based practice, community health nursing, and leadership and management.
Applicants must hold a current Wisconsin RN license and an associate degree in nursing. The applicant's official transcripts should demonstrate at least 30 transfer credits and three science courses, all with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- In-State$9,276
- Out-of-state$17,627
- In-State$8,188
- Out-of-state$18,603
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled9,605
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Southeast Missouri State University
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1873, SEMO offers more than 200 graduate and undergraduate programs. Of these, 60 degree programs focus on the healthcare industry.
SEMO offers an online RN-to-BSN nursing program for working nurses. Students take just six nursing courses, covering research, holisitic assessment, and leadership. Students may complete some general education requirements at SEMO if needed.
Applicants must hold a valid RN license and professional CPR licensure. Previous coursework should demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5. Additionally, applicants must be a resident of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, or Arkansas.
- In-State$7,761
- Out-of-state$14,331
- In-State$6,205
- Out-of-state$11,186
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled9,927
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded on Christmas Day in 1890, OSU now teaches nearly 25,000 students each year.
OSU offers an online bachelor of science in nursing program for registered nurses looking to complete their degree. Courses cover community nursing, leadership and management, and nursing theory. Full-time students who have completed all prerequisite courses can graduate in as little as two semesters.
To graduate, students must complete 32 credits, clinical experiences in community health and management, and a capstone course.
Applicants should hold a current RN license and demonstrate 30 advanced standing credits.
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$4,208
- Out-of-state$15,836
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled25,359
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Permian Basin
- Odessa, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Founded in 1969, UTPB enrolls nearly 6,000 students across 53 graduate and undergraduate degree programs each year.
UTPB's online bachelor of science in nursing degree provides a flexible curriculum for working RNs. Courses emphasize nursing practice in a multicultural setting and leadership and management in the profession. As part of the program, graduates earn a nurse management certificate from Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society.
Applicants should hold an unencumbered RN license from Texas or a Nurse Licensure Compact state and a degree or diploma from an accredited nursing program. Official transcripts should demonstrate a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- In-State$6,692
- Out-of-state$18,962
- In-State$4,948
- Out-of-state$8,194
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled5,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
What Is an Online BSN Program?
An online BSN program offers a flexible route to an RN license and nursing careers. Online nursing enrollees complete coursework requirements through a virtual learning platform. Depending on the program, degree-seekers may also need to join live meetings or watch recorded lectures. Many online nursing programs offer flexible schedules to help healthcare workers balance their studies with work.
In addition to online coursework, distance learners complete clinical requirements in their local areas. For example, enrollees often have clinical rotations at local hospitals, working under the supervision of approved preceptors. The blend of classroom and practical learning builds the skills required for RN jobs.
Earning a BS in nursing online is a great option for busy professionals, RNs seeking bachelor’s degrees, and students who don’t have access to nursing programs locally.
What Is the Difference Between a Diploma of Nursing, a Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing?
A diploma of nursing – also called an RN diploma – is typically awarded after an apprentice-like program at a hospital. However, these programs are relatively rare and getting rarer. It is more common for nurses to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees.
Technically, a bachelor of nursing is a degree only available in Canada. In the United States, what some people call a “bachelor of nursing” is usually shorthand for a bachelor of science in nursing degree – one of the most common pathways for prospective registered nurses.
Both an RN diploma and a bachelor of science in nursing degree prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure as a registered nurse.
Choosing an Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
With many available online BSN nursing programs, prospective nurses may struggle to narrow down their options. Evaluating programs based on accreditation status, specialization options, and placement records can help applicants identify the program that best aligns with their personal and professional goals.
What to Expect When Getting Your Nursing Degree Online
In a BSN degree program, majors study topics including community health nursing, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. These courses strengthen patient care and nursing practice skills. In addition to core nursing classes, undergraduates complete general education requirements and clinical practicums to prepare for nursing licensure. Curricula vary, but a few common courses are explained below.
BS in Nursing Online Curriculum
- Children and Their Families: Nurses learn about caring for children and interacting with their families. The course emphasizes partnering with families to provide care and explore topics related to children and managing their health.
- Community Health Nursing: Students examine the role of community health services, including nursing practice in home and agency settings. Coursework covers health promotion, community health practice, and community wellness.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Learners learn how to interpret nursing research and apply their findings when caring for patients. The course builds critical evaluation skills and trains nurses to integrate research into their practice.
- Health Assessment: RNs conduct health assessments on patients of all ages. In this course, enrollees strengthen their critical thinking and clinical skills while exploring the ethical obligations of nurses when conducting health assessments.
- Pathophysiology: Students learn about disruptions that affect bodily functions in patients. The course covers common health issues and the process for intervention with each.
- Pharmacology: Nursing students study drug classifications, the principles of pharmacology, and the clinical use of drug therapies. Coursework prepares enrollees for related material on the NCLEX-RN exam.
Online BSN Clinicals
Nurses enrolled in online BSN programs complete clinical requirements as part of their training. Practicums, labs, and simulations help build the practical experience nurses need to enter the workforce.
Some requirements, such as simulations, can operate in an online format. Other clinicals must take place in person. For these clinical hours, nursing students usually work at local sites, such as hospitals or community health clinics.
Nursing programs work with students to arrange and approve clinical practicums and preceptors. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can often complete their clinical requirements in their current workplaces. Learners with no prior nursing training must arrange practicum locations with their programs.
Certificates and Licenses
Each RN needs a license to practice, and each state sets its own licensure processes and requirements. While the exact process varies, every state requires nurses to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and complete an accredited nurse training program.
Many BSN programs incorporate the NCLEX-RN in their curricula, often including the exam as part of graduation requirements. The test evaluates nurses on care management, risk reduction, infection control, and basic care skills. After passing the exam, nurses can apply for RN licenses. Some states also require a background check or additional certifications, such as CPR, basic life support, or advanced cardiac life support training.
In addition to an RN license, nurses can earn certificates to demonstrate specialized skills. For example, the American Nurses Credentialing Center offers board certifications in areas such as ambulatory care nursing, cardiac vascular nursing, informatics nursing, and pain management nursing. Other organizations, such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, also offer specialty certifications.
Certification candidates need an active RN license and a minimum number of hours of clinical practice in the relevant specialty area. Maintaining certification requires continuing education coursework. Typically, the certification remains valid for five years.
Nursing Careers
A bachelor’s degree meets the requirements for RN licensure and employment in a variety of specialties, including pediatrics, critical care, and oncology. Across specialties, RNs benefit from strong job growth projections with a median salary of $86,070 per year, according to the BLS — a significant increase over the earning potential of LPNs and LVNs.
Earning a bachelor’s degree also qualifies nurses for master’s programs in nursing. Graduates can pursue employment as advanced practice registered nurses, nurse educators, and nurse administrators.
Nursing Fields
- Critical care
- Community health
- Coronary care
- Emergency room
- Hospice care
- Obstetrics
- Oncology
- Post-anesthesia care
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatric-mental health
| Career | Median Salary | Degree Required |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,730 | Certificate |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | $59,730 | Certificate |
| Registered Nurse | $86,070 | Associate or Bachelor’s |
| Nurse Midwife | $129,480 | Master’s |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,480 | Master’s |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $84,380 | Doctorate |
