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Online RN to BSN Programs With No Clinicals

MSN, RN, BA, CBC

6 Min Read Published April 22, 2024

Online RN to BSN Programs Without Clinicals

Online RN-to-BSN programs are ideal options for RNs looking to further their education. These programs save time and money, allowing nurses to work while they study. However, planning for clinical rotations can deter busy nurses from attending these programs.

Fortunately, several colleges and universities offer fully online RN to BSN programs with no clinicals. Read on to find an online RN to BSN without clinicals that suits your budget, schedule, and professional goals.

Are There RN to BSN Online Programs With No Clinicals?

A select few colleges bypass clinical requirements in their registered nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum. In fact, despite RNs already having bedside experience, most RN to BSN programs still require in-person clinicals. These clinical courses usually focus on community health, health prevention, and leadership.

However, specific clinical components will vary based on your program. Since you will always complete clinicals in person, they're vital points of consideration when choosing a program.

Additionally, not all programs will help students with clinical placement, which may be cumbersome depending on the requirements.

Top RN to BSN Online Programs With No Clinical Requirements

Every RN to BSN program has its own benefits and features, especially for working nurses. The programs on this list are all online programs with no clinical requirements.

1. Arizona State University*

ASU is a top-rated public university offering an affordable RN to BSN online without clinicals. Eligible students can complete this fast-paced program in just 14 months. You can check your eligibility to attend ASU on the university's state authorization page.

Accreditation: CCNE
Annual Tuition: $5,961
Program Length: 14 months
School Type: Public
Contact Information:

>> Explore Arizona State University’s Online RN-to-BSN Program*

2. Indiana University

Indiana University offers an RN to BSN with no clinicals that has six convenient start dates annually. IU’s terms are eight weeks long, and students can access all their coursework online. Full-time students can earn their BSN in 12 months, while part-time attendees often complete the program in 18-24 months.

While IU's RN to BSN bridge is 100% online, in-state students may attend the program in person at one of five campuses. No matter the modality, the university assigns RN to BSN students a "home campus," which oversees all admission documentation.

Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Per Credit: Resident - $350 | Nonresident - $455
Program Length: 12 months
School Type: Public
Contact Information:

3. Oklahoma City University

Students in this fast-track RN to BSN online program can earn a BSN in 12 months. The school boasts an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with an average class size of less than 20 students. Smaller class sizes allow students access to some of the top faculty members in the business.

Oklahoma City University offers three start dates for its online RN to BSN with no clinicals. Students may attend this program full or part-time.

Accreditation: ACEN
Tuition Per Credit: $390
Program Length: 12 months
School Type: Public
Contact Information:

4. Saint Louis University

SLU is well-known for its top MSN-NP programs, and its RN to BSN online program without clinicals strives for that same quality. RN to BSN students follow non-traditional coursework with an emphasis on holistic nursing.

Full-time students can complete this 120-credit program in just 12 months. Notably, they must complete 30 of the final 36 credits at Saint Louis University.

Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Per Credit: $510
Program Length: 12 months
School Type: Private
Contact Information:

5. Nebraska Methodist College

Nebraska Methodist's RN to BSN program focuses on population health with applicable practice experience. The three-semester online program does not require clinicals, which makes it an excellent choice for working nurses.

The college accepts applications on a rolling basis, and students can start immediately upon acceptance. Despite the low tuition, students still have access to several scholarships. In particular, NMC offers a generous tuition discount for Methodist Health System employees.

Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Per Credit: $320
Program Length: 3 semesters
School Type: Private
Contact Information:

6. Clarkson College

Clarkson College's RN to BSN online program is an excellent option for students who want to avoid clinical experiences. In partnership with Nebraska Medicine, the program offers free tuition to students who agree to complete a four-year job placement. Additionally, students can continue their education at Clarkson’s MSN and DNP programs.

Accreditation: ACEN
Semesterly Tuition: Full-time: $5,460 | Part-time: $2,751
Program Length: 3 semesters
School Type: Private
Contact Information:

7. University of Massachusetts Boston

The same faculty that teaches the traditional BSN program at UMass Boston also teaches its online RN to BSN program. While students do not complete clinicals in this program, they participate in a community service learning project.

UMass Boston offers 100% online courses, with optional synchronized classes that allow students to connect with faculty and classmates. Local students can also take courses on campus for a more personalized approach.

Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition Per Credit: $370
Program Length: 12 months
School Type: Private
Contact Information:

About Online RN to BSN Programs

How Do Online RN to BSN Programs Without Clinicals Work?

An online RN to BSN with no clinicals allows students to earn a BSN without in-person requirements. You can attend these courses from anywhere as long as you have access to the school's online learning platform.

Classes may be synchronous or asynchronous. Live-streamed courses connect you with faculty members and classmates in real time, creating a more traditional classroom experience.

What Are the Prerequisites for Online RN to BSN Programs?

RN to BSN prerequisites will vary depending on the program. However, most will require the following:

Current, unencumbered RN licensure
Minimum of 2.5 GPA
All transcripts
Criminal background check
Current BLS for Healthcare Providers CPR certificate
Physical and immunization record
Completion of online application
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program

How Long Are RN to BSN Programs?

RN to BSN programs vary in length. You can complete most online RN to BSN degrees in 12 months of full-time study. Part-time attendees can take between 18 and 24 months to finish the program. 6-month RN to BSN programs are the quickest option but are incredibly intense and fast-paced.

RN to BSN programs take longer when you have to complete clinical rotations. Juggling full-time work and clinical courses can stretch out the total program time.

Pros & Cons of Online RN to BSN Programs

Consider the pros and cons of online RN to BSN programs without clinicals before committing to one:

Pros

Affordability
Attending classes from the convenience of your home
Flexibility
No commute to class or clinical
Short completion time

Cons

Independent coursework
Individual accountability
Self-motivation
Must be able to navigate technology
Less direct access to faculty
Lack of interaction with classmates

Is An Online RN to BSN Program Right for You?

You should consider several factors before deciding whether an online RN to BSN program suits you. Everyone will have different criteria for what works best for themselves, their work life, and their family. Some of the most important things to consider when selecting a program include:

Cost: How much is tuition? Is it in my budget, or will I need to get funding via nursing scholarships, grants, or student loans?
Program Length: How much time can I commit to this program? Do I need a more accelerated track, or can I attend school for longer?
Clinical Components: Do I have time for clinical rotations or should I seek out an RN to BSN without clinicals?
In-State vs Out-of-State: Am I considering an out-of-state school? If so, can I attend an online program from this state based on my state's authorization laws?

Check out Nurse.org’s other RN to BSN resources to learn more about these programs and whether they suit your professional and personal goals:

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