Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Most registered nurses (RN) hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. In fact, as of 2022, about 72% of RNs held a BSN degree or higher, according to data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

With this statistic in mind, it should come as no surprise that many employers opt for BSN-trained nurses. About 28% of employers require a BSN, while 72% prefer BSN training, AACN data showed.

Online RN-to-BSN bridge programs help nurses advance their careers. Bridge programs build on the knowledge and skills gained during an associate degree or nursing diploma program, allowing nurses to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years or less.

Earning your BSN online helps you balance your academic, professional, and personal lives. This guide ranks the best online RN-to-BSN programs so you find the right program for your needs. We also offer detailed overviews of program requirements and a career and salary outlook.

An online RN-to-BSN program typically takes 1-2 years. During this time, nursing students expand their skills in areas including health assessment, community health, and evidence-based practice. Learners also learn about leadership and management skills, advanced research competencies, and emerging trends and practices in nursing.

Earning a BSN can mean higher earning potential, more job opportunities, and a broader scope of practice. According to 2024 Payscale data, nurses with a BSN earn a median pay of $95,000, compared to a median pay of $77,000 for nurses with an associate degree.

Many top-ranked nursing schools offer online RN-to-BSN programs. Which program is the best fit for you? Consider the following factors during your search.

During an RN-to-BSN program, you’ll take courses in population health, nursing research, health assessment, and nursing leadership. These courses emphasize the communication and leadership roles required for BSN-educated nurses. While each program sets its own curriculum, many offer the following courses:

Most online RN-to-BSN programs also incorporate a practicum or field experience to strengthen nursing skills. For example, nursing students may complete a community health practicum in their local area, working with their program to identify an appropriate site and preceptor. Other programs use virtual or digital clinicals which do not require in-person work. 

After earning a BSN, nurses can pursue certifications to demonstrate specialized expertise and pursue advanced roles. Here are some of the most common nursing certifications:

Oncology Certified Nurse: Candidates for this credential need at least two years of RN experience, at least 2,000 hours of oncology nursing practice, and a minimum of 10 hours of oncology nursing continuing education. They must also pass a three-hour, 165-question exam.

Certified Emergency Nurse: Candidates for this credential need at least two years of relevant experience. They must also pass the certification exam, which comprises 175 peer-reviewed questions.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification: Successful candidates need two years of full-time nursing experience, 2,000 hours of psychiatric-mental health clinical practice, and 30 hours of psychiatric-mental health continuing education credits. They must also pass a three-hour, 150-question exam.

Critical Care Registered Nurse: RNs and advanced practice nurses with at least 1,750 hours of acute/critical care nursing practice can apply for this credential. 

Pediatric Nursing Certification: Candidates for this credential need at least two years of full-time RN experience, 2,000 hours of clinical pediatric nursing practice, and 30 continuing education credits in pediatric nursing. The exam comprises 50 questions and takes about three hours to complete.

Most online RN-to-BSN programs take 1-2 years to complete, a number that is influenced in part by whether students pursue accelerated or part-time options. Students with lots of personal and professional obligations may benefit from the lower course load of a part-time program, while learners seeking to complete the degree as quickly as possible benefit from accelerated programs.

An online RN-to-BSN program’s delivery format can also impact the length of a degree. For example, programs with asynchronous courses allow students to access course materials and lectures on their own schedule, while synchronous programs require students to log in at specific times.

When researching prospective programs, students should look for accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, academic rigor, and student learning outcomes. Only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, nurses need an accredited degree to qualify for professional credentials.

Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. Programs within a school may also receive accreditation. For example, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredit nursing programs.

Students can verify a school’s accreditation status through the Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

After earning a BSN, nurses can pursue certifications to demonstrate specialized expertise and pursue advanced roles. Here are some of the most common nursing certifications:

Oncology Certified Nurse: Candidates for this credential need at least two years of RN experience, at least 2,000 hours of oncology nursing practice, and a minimum of 10 hours of oncology nursing continuing education. They must also pass a three-hour, 165-question exam.

Certified Emergency Nurse: Candidates for this credential need at least two years of relevant experience. They must also pass the certification exam, which comprises 175 peer-reviewed questions.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification: Successful candidates need two years of full-time nursing experience, 2,000 hours of psychiatric-mental health clinical practice, and 30 hours of psychiatric-mental health continuing education credits. They must also pass a three-hour, 150-question exam.

Critical Care Registered Nurse: RNs and advanced practice nurses with at least 1,750 hours of acute/critical care nursing practice can apply for this credential.

Pediatric Nursing Certification: Candidates for this credential need at least two years of full-time RN experience, 2,000 hours of clinical pediatric nursing practice, and 30 continuing education credits in pediatric nursing. The exam comprises 50 questions and takes about three hours to complete.

A BSN helps nurses move into leadership roles, including as team leader, RN supervisor, or charge nurse. In addition, many nursing specialties prefer to hire RNs with a BSN. Here are a few examples of potential career paths and approximate salaries.