Are There 3-Month RN to BSN Programs?
RN to BSN programs allow nurses with a diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) quickly by taking only the courses required for the degree.
Although RN to BSN programs accelerate the time it takes to earn a BSN, there are currently no accredited 3-month RN to BSN programs in the US. The shortest programs available take at least four months to complete, depending on transfer credits.
Still, completing a BSN degree in an accelerated program has many benefits. By earning a degree quickly, nurses can:
- Apply to graduate school programs
- Increase their salary potential
- Save on the overall cost of the program
- Apply to positions at Magnet hospitals
RN to BSN programs recognize prior education and experience, allowing students to bypass specific courses that a typical BSN program requires. Students focus on classes in leadership, ethics, and other advanced nursing topics.
Are There 3-Month RN to BSN Programs?
Currently, there are no accredited three-month RN to BSN programs available in the country. Although you may not be able to go from RN to BSN in 3 months, there are a handful of programs that you can complete in as little as four to five months. However, this timeframe heavily depends on various factors.
The total length of an RN to BSN program depends on:
- Transfer credits
- Dedicated focus
- Choosing self-paced programs
- Minimal prerequisites
- Commitment availability
3-month RN to BSN programs are very difficult because of the progression of courses. Ideally, students will need to maximize their transfer credits and potentially choose a program that awards credits based on bedside experience.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With 23 nursing school campuses across 14 states, AZCN provides convenient scheduling with general education night classes and in-person, online, and blended nursing courses. New BSN sessions start about every 8 weeks, giving you flexibility when beginning your nursing degree. Our program features small class sizes and NCLEX-RN exam preparation built-in. You’ll experience hands-on clinical practice, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support, to prepare you for your nursing career.
CCNE, ABHES
Hybrid
RN Not Required
Enrollment: 23 Campuses in 14 States (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI)
How Long Do RN to BSN Programs Typically Take?
RN to BSN programs typically take 9 to 18 months to complete, including any required clinicals. You can complete certain programs in as little as 6 months or two to three semesters, although they are very challenging and highly competitive.
Some 6-month RN to BSN programs include:
- University of Texas Health - Houston
- University of Utah
- Georgia Southern University
- George Mason University
- University of South Alabama
- Delta State University
How to Choose an RN to BSN Program
Attending an RN to BSN bridge is ideal because they’re flexible and allow students to finish at a much faster pace than a traditional BSN degree. Earning a BSN is important for nurses interested in advancing their education and attending graduate school. Although a true 3-month RN to BSN program doesn’t exist, these bridges allow nurses to earn their BSN as quickly as possible.
The number one consideration you should make when selecting a program is national accreditation. You might also consider your distance learning needs — working RNs may want to attend online RN to BSN programs. While some require in-person clinicals, you can find online RN to BSN programs with no clinicals, depending on your nursing experience. Cost, transfer credit policy, program length, and clinical requirements are also factors that will affect your decision.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE-accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing, with the additional distinction of being named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing. Join a trusted, accredited online university to accelerate your nursing career on your schedule. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) offers a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With 23 nursing school campuses across 14 states, AZCN provides convenient scheduling with general education night classes and in-person, online, and blended nursing courses. New BSN sessions start about every 8 weeks, giving you flexibility when beginning your nursing degree. Our program features small class sizes and NCLEX-RN exam preparation built-in. You’ll experience hands-on clinical practice, advanced simulation labs, and personalized support, to prepare you for your nursing career.
CCNE, ABHES
Hybrid
RN Not Required
Enrollment: 23 Campuses in 14 States (AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, MI, MO, NV, OH, SC, TX, UT, VA, WI)
FAQs
Additional Resources
- Top 6-Month RN to BSN Programs
- Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs
- Top 10 Online RN to BSN Programs
