Easiest Online RN-to-BSN Programs to Get Into

8 Min Read Published August 7, 2024
Easiest Online RN-to-BSN Programs to Get Into

As a registered nurse (RN) with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can access significant growth opportunities and increase your earning potential with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Hundreds of accredited RN-to-BSN programs are available to help you accomplish that goal. But if you’re looking for an RN-to-BSN program that’s relatively easy to get into, this article is for you. We’ve compiled the RN-to-BSN programs with the highest acceptance rates to help you find the perfect program for you. 

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

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 nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Arizona State University - Online

When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

RN-to-BSN Program Benefits

There are very real differences between the skills taught in an RN vs BSN program. ADN education focuses primarily on hands-on skills, while BSN programs build on foundational nursing theory. BSN curriculum also emphasizes evidence-based practice and healthcare policy.

A more in-depth education translates to 20% higher nursing salaries1 and better job opportunities2. RN-to-BSN programs help bridge the gap between an ADN and a BSN education quickly and easily. These programs allow nurses to continue working while completing their coursework.

Fast Facts

Salary

  • The median annual BSN nurse salary is $95,000 (Payscale)
  • Comparatively, ADN nurses earn $77,000 a year

Program Length

  • One to two years (~ 30 credits)
  • Actual program time varies by school and individual

Requirements

  • Unencumbered registered nursing license
  • Official transcripts
  • Completion of additional prerequisite courses

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10 Easiest RN-to-BSN Programs to Get Into

  1. Western Governors University
  2. Aspen University
  3. Galen College of Nursing
  4. Grand Canyon University
  5. Mississippi University for Women
  6. Baker University
  7. Liberty University
  8. University of Texas at Tyler
  9. D’Youville University
  10. Indiana Wesleyan University

In assembling this list, we’ve taken several factors into our ranking methodology. We only include accredited institutions to ensure that we exclusively reference degree programs that meet professional standards. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) has accredited every school in this article.

We then looked at which programs offer the highest acceptance rates to find the RN-to-BSN programs that will be easiest to get into. 

1. Western Governors University

Tuition
$4,085 per semester 
Program Length
24 months (23 courses)
Acceptance Rate
100%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

The BSN bridge program* at Western Governors University has a 100% acceptance rate, making it one of the easiest RN to BSN online programs to get into. In addition to an already low, flat-rate tuition, WGU offers every student a $2,500 scholarship. In 2022 alone, the university graduated 7,000 new BSN nurses. WGU also recently updated its program to align with the 2021 AACN Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.

The university offers its RN to BSN program online, making it a great choice for working nurses who need flexibility. Upon application, students who have attended an accredited program may transfer up to 80 credits. The university will then evaluate their transcripts for an additional ten transfer credits. 

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (Start dates the 1st of every month) 
  • Contact Information: (866) 225-5948 
  • Website*

>> Explore WGU's Online RN-BSN Program*

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Arizona State University - Online

When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

2. Aspen University 

Tuition
$11,624 
Program Length
One year (10 courses)
Acceptance Rate
100%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Aspen University offers ADN or diploma-trained RNs the ability to earn a BSN entirely online. Aspen provides interactive, flexible, facilitated courses students can take on their own schedules. Despite the self-paced nature of the program, students are given 1:1 support from faculty and local nurse leaders who are specifically trained in online learning. 

Classes start every two weeks and are only eight weeks long. Students can complete the entire program in as little as 12 months. The school offers access to one-on-one support from nursing leaders and instructors.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (Start dates every two weeks)
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone number: (800) 373-7814
    • Email: enrollment@aspen.edu  
  • Website

3. Galen College of Nursing 

Tuition

$424 per credit hour 

Program Length
12 Months
Acceptance Rate
100%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

The RN to BSN program at Galen College of Nursing strives to meet the needs of working nurses. With only a few requirements, Galen offers an RN to BSN with the least prerequisites. This bridge is for ADN or diploma-trained RNs who attended an accredited nursing program and hold an active RN license. 

Coursework begins six times yearly in January, March, May, July, September, and October. Based on credit transfer, most students can complete the program in just one year. The BSN bridge includes on-demand, interactive content with 3D animations and video presentations to facilitate flexibility and enhance learning outcomes.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (Start dates every other month)
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone number: (844) 848-1515
    • Email: admissions@galencollege.edu 
  • Website

>> Related: Top RN to BSN Online Programs

4. Grand Canyon University

Tuition

$340 per credit hour

Program Length
14 Months
Acceptance Rate
100%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

RNs with an ADN can earn a  BSN degree in as little as 14 months at Grand Canyon University.  Students can transfer up to 90 credits before the start of the program. The 100% online program offers both asynchronous and synchronous communication. In order to be eligible for graduation, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at GCU. 

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone number: (855) GCU-LOPE
  • Website*

>> Explore Grand Canyon University's Online RN-BSN Program*

5. Mississippi University for Women 

Tuition

$10,000 

Program Length

Full time: 12 months
Part-time: 18 months 

Acceptance Rate
99%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Ranked as one of the best value programs in the South according to the U.S. News & World Report, Mississippi University for Women offers a fully online, accredited RN to BSN Advanced Placement program. Students may attend this bridge on a full or part-time schedule and complete it in 12 or 18 months, respectively.

Both options are fully online and have clinical time built into the program. Whether students attend the program full or part-time, the tuition is a flat rate of $10,000. There is no additional fee for out-of-state students.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadlines: 
    • Full-time: June 21st
    • Part-time: April 26th
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone number: (662) 620-5380
    • Email: tupelo@muw.edu
  • Website

6. Baker University 

Tuition

$225 per credit hour 

Program Length

One year

Acceptance Rate
99%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

With a 12-month timeline and a 99% acceptance rate, Baker University offers one of the easiest RN-to-BSN programs online. Students in the Baker BSN bridge can take classes from anywhere and complete the required leadership capstone in their communities. Each term lasts eight weeks, allowing students to remain working full-time while completing the program in a timely manner. 

Students must complete an Associate's Degree in Nursing from an accredited program to become eligible for this ADN to BSN bridge. Classes begin in January, May, and August and include health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology coursework. However, students may be able to test out of some of these requirements.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information: Marlene Eicher, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs 
    • Phone number: (785) 354-5873
    • Email: Marlene.eicher@bakerU.edu 
  • Website

7. Liberty University 

Tuition

$330 per credit hour

Program Length

12 Months

Acceptance Rate
96%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Liberty University’s 100% online RN to BSN program allows nurses to transfer in up to 75% of their required 120 credit hours, including 39 for RN licensure. A unique aspect of the program at Liberty University is the ability to continue directly into the MSN program making it one of the quickest RN to MSN programs in the nation. In fact, nurses can earn their MSN in as little as 24 months. 

Liberty University delivers its courses through asynchronous, 8-week classes with eight start dates year-round, offering maximum flexibility. The school even provides all textbooks for free online, making it one of the easiest RN to BSN programs in the US.  

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadline: Rolling (eight start dates per year)
  • Contact Information: (888) 223-4614
  • Website*

>> Explore Liberty's Online RN-BSN Program*

8. University of Texas at Tyler 

Tuition

$9,895 

Program Length

12 months (30 credits)

Acceptance Rate
94%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

The same full-time nursing faculty teaching UT Tyler's traditional, on-campus BSN program also teaches its online RN-BSN path. Motivated students with associate's degrees and RN licenses can complete the program in as little as 12 months. However, they may also choose a more leisurely approach on a part-time schedule.

The university arranges clinical experience at student workplaces or sites in their community. Before starting this RN to BSN program, students must complete six prerequisite courses, including Intro to Psychology, Statistics, and Microbiology.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadlines: 
    • Fall semester: August 15th 
    • Spring semester: January 1st 
    • Summer semester: May 1st
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone number: (903) 566-7000 
    • Email: enroll@uttyler.edu
  • Website

9. D’Youville University 

Tuition

$1,080 per credit hour 

Program Length

2 Years

Acceptance Rate
92%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

D’Youville University’s Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. The online RN-to-BSN program is for current registered nurses with an ADN or nursing diploma who wish to earn a BSN degree. The program builds upon students' professional clinical experiences as well as foundational knowledge from previous education.

The program requires 122 credits for completion, with a minimum of 30 credits from D’Youville University. Students can complete the program in two years of full-time work.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (716) 829-8000
    • Email:  contactus@dyc.edu
  • Website

10. Indiana Wesleyan University 

Tuition

$455 per credit hour  

Program Length

4 terms (30 credits)

Acceptance Rate
92%
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a post-licensure BSN program in both a fully online format and an online/onsite hybrid. Students can complete either program in approximately 13 to 15 months. With multiple start dates throughout the year, a 92% acceptance rate, and flexible coursework, IWU offers one of the country's easiest RN to BSN programs. 

 The program includes seven required core courses that address the foundations of the nursing process and evidence-based practice. Additionally, BSN students choose two nursing electives in subjects ranging from Cross-Cultural Experience to Ethics to Complementary and Alternative Therapies.  

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone number: (866) 498-4968
    • Email: iwuenroll@indwes.edu 
  • Website

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Grand Canyon University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

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.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Western Governors University

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 nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Arizona State University - Online

When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Next Steps

As a practicing RN, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a worthwhile investment. Not only will you be able to compete for better job opportunities, but your advanced education may warrant a higher salary. And with fully online degree pathways at schools with high acceptance rates, going from RN to BSN has never been easier!

ADN nurses can choose from in-person, online, casual-paced, and accelerated 6-month RN to BSN programs to suit their needs and career goals. This list presents the RN to BSN programs with the highest acceptance rates. Many also offer online courses, as well as other benefits.

If you're seeking flexible distance learning options on a budget, check out our guide to the cheapest online RN to BSN programs.

 

*Indicates an affiliate link. At no additional cost to you, Nurse.org may earn a commission if you click through and use this service.

  1. Payscale
  2. Forbes
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Nurse.org Contributor

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is a freelance writer and editor who is driven by details. She loves to dive into research, ensuring that the information she provides educates, engages and illuminates. Before starting her own business she spent years working in advertising and raising three kids. Today she lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where her she and her husband enjoy travel, the Jersey Shore, and spoiling their grandchildren.

Education:
Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in English, William & Mary

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