Top 10 RN to BSN Programs With No Prerequisites
RN to BSN programs are excellent options for registered nurses (RNs) to further their education and prepare for advanced nursing training.
Finding an RN to BSN bridge can be difficult enough, and completing prerequisites may make your path more challenging. Fortunately, several excellent universities have programs that allow you to go from RN to BSN with no prerequisite courses.
We've compiled a list of the top 10 RN to BSN programs without prerequisites, including tuition, program length, accreditation, and more.
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
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
Nurse.org's Top 10 RN to BSN Programs With No Prerequisites
Our ranking criteria are based on factors such as tuition, acceptance rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and accreditation, and we use the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the College Scorecard.
Note that despite not having prerequisites, these programs do have admission requirements. Namely, applicants for all the programs on this list must have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or RN Diploma.
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As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and programs for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.
✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
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| School | Tuition | Program Length | Accreditation |
| West Coast University | $15,950 - $17,600 | 8 - 20 months | CCNE |
| Sumner College | $14,660 | 13 months | CCNE |
| Liberty University | $11,880 | Varies | CCNE |
| Arizona State University | $19,944 | 14 - 24 months | CCNE |
| William Patterson University | $9,930 | 10 months | CCNE |
| Chamberlain University | Less than $14,000 | 12 months | CCNE |
| Capella University | $14,120 - $22,250 | 9 months | CCNE |
| Western Governors University | $11,050 - $44,200 | 18 - 36 months | CCNE |
| University of Phoenix | $19,881 | 1 - 4 years | CCNE |
| Grand Canyon University | $20,800 | 14 months | CCNE |
- Accelerated Plus: $15,950
- Accelerated: $16,500
- Working Professional: $17,600
Why We Picked This School
West Coast University offers an impressive RN to BSN without prerequisites. It focuses on evidence-based practice, leadership and ethics, population and community health, technology, informatics, and healthcare policy and quality improvement. The university also offers three pacing options, maximizing students' flexibility.
Program Highlights
- 24/7 access to coursework from anywhere with a computer and internet access
- Hands-on practice through 135 community experience hours (90 direct, 45 indirect)
- Access to the WCU career support team for career planning, interview preparation, resume writing, and more
Requirements
- Completed university application
- Completed university-specific admission requirements
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited university with a 2.25 CGPA or higher
- Official transcripts from ADN or diploma program
- Official transcripts from any other courses to be considered for transfer
- Active, unencumbered RN license in any U.S. state or territory
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 508-2684
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
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
$14,660
Why We Picked This School
This 13-month program is offered entirely online except for 120 in-person clinical hours completed in your local community. Courses begin every 10 weeks, allowing students to start the program quickly. Additionally, the program doesn't have mandatory logins, allowing students to study whenever they want from wherever they want.
Program Highlights
- Go from RN to BSN online with no prerequisites
- Class size limited to 25 people for personalized attention
- 88.23% graduation rate
Requirements
- Completed online application
- Active, unrestricted RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (503) 972-6230
Why We Picked This School
Liberty offers an excellent pathway for RNs to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online. While students may take every didactic course online, they also have the option to attend two intensive courses offered in the spring and fall semesters. Students can still experience the flexibility of an online education, but also the personal experience associated with an in-person experience.
Program Highlights
- 8-week class formats with no set login times
- Classes taught with a Christian perspective
- Significant discounts to military veterans and first responders
Requirements
- Completed online application
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores
- Official college transcripts
- Proof of RN license
- Documentation of completion of an accredited ADN or RN diploma program
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (800) 424-9595
- Email Address: luoadvising@liberty.edu
$19,944
Why We Picked This School
U.S. News & World Report recognizes ASU as one of the top nursing programs in the country. The university offers a 100% online RN to BSN program without prerequisites that students can complete in 14 to 24 months. The total program length varies depending on transfer credits.
Students residing in Tennessee or Washington are unfortunately not eligible to enroll in the online RN to BSN program.
Program Highlights
- 10 classes lasting 7.5 weeks each
- Curriculum based on leadership and management skills, evidence-based practice, community and global health, health innovation, and research
- Designed to help students adapt to ongoing changes in nursing
Requirements
- Active RN license in good standing.
- Reside in the U.S. (including some state restrictions).
- Minimum 2.50 transfer GPA.
- Grade of C or higher in the following prerequisite courses: ENG 101, ENG 102, and an approved college mathematics (MA) course.
- Application fee.
- Online application.
Program Information
- Application Deadline: November 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 277-6589
- Email Address: enrollmentonline@asu.edu
Why We Picked This School
Among the best state schools in New Jersey, WPU offers an affordable, online, 10-month RN to BSN program. Incoming students can select from four start dates, increasing the number of students who can enroll each year. In addition to having no prerequisites, this increased flexibility sets WPU’s program apart from other RN to BSN options.
Program Highlights
- 30 total credit hours: 27 credits of core courses and a three-credit elective
- Pay by course tuition, resulting in lower overall costs
Requirements
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited institution
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- RN license, valid and unencumbered
- Online application and $50 application fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
Program Information
- Application Deadlines:
- Fall 1: August 17th
- Fall 2: October 12th
- Spring 1: January 4th
- Spring 2: March 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (833) 960-0139
- Email Address: admissions@wpunj.edu
Why We Picked This School
While Chamberlain University does not have specific prerequisite course requirements for incoming students, it does have some entry standards. Primarily, students must hold an active, unencumbered RN license and have a minimum CGPA of 2.0. The program is entirely online and customizable with the guidance of an academic advisor. This flexible learning environment is ideal for the working nurse.
Program Highlights
- Zero tests - skills learned through assignments and experiential learning
- Ability to transfer up to 75% of required credits
Requirements
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited institution
- Minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- A current and unrestricted RN license
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (877) 571-9263
- FlexPath: $14,120 - $21,180
- GuidedPath: $18,000 - $22,250
Why We Picked This School
Designed by nurses, Capella's RN to BSN courses are 10 weeks long. In addition to a traditional guided completion option, the university also offers FlexPath. FlexPath is a competency-based, self-guided study option that is ideal for self-motivated students who desire flexibility.
Capella does not accept students from Washington state. However, it offers ample opportunities for all other applicants to join this 100% online RN to BSN program with no prerequisites.
Program Highlights
- FlexPath and GuidedPath options with different completion timelines and tuition
- Seamless transition into the Accelerated Master’s Pathway if interested
- Students receive an academic coach to guide them through the program
Requirements
- ADN from an accredited nursing school
- Minimum 2.0 CGPA on a 4.0 scale
- All official transcripts for transfer
- A valid, government-issued photo ID
- Work experience acknowledgement form verifying the applicant has a current, unrestricted RN license or its equivalent
- Admission application (no application fee required)
- Background check and additional core compliance requirements
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 679-9682
- Email Address: info@capella.edu
$11,050 - $44,200
18 - 36 months
Why We Picked This School
With a 100% acceptance rate, anyone who meets the admission criteria is accepted into the program. WGU's online RN-to-BSN program builds on students' previous nursing education and clinical experience. The curriculum focuses on research, theory, leadership, and healthcare trends.
Program Highlights
- Tuition based on individual students’ program completion time
- Largest RN to BSN program in the country
- Only 35 clinical hours are required to earn a BSN
Requirements
- ADN or RN diploma from an accredited nursing school
- Active, unencumbered RN license in the student’s state of residence or employment
- Criminal background check through American Databank
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (866) 225-5948
- Email Address: admissions@wgu.edu
Why We Picked This School
University of Phoenix offers a mostly online RN to BSN program with minimal admission requirements. Two courses in this program require face-to-face direct care clinical hours.
ADN-educated students can complete the traditional RN to BSN curriculum online in as little as 14 months. If they attend the competency-based RN to BSN program, they can cut their program length to 12 months. However, this option requires at least one year of experience as an RN and is self-paced, independent learning.
Program Highlights
- 45 direct care clinical hours completed in students’ own community
- Two completion tracks - Competency-Based and Traditional
- Complete one course at a time every five weeks
Requirements
- Active and unencumbered RN license
- Online application
- Transcripts
- Relevant work and coursework experience
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (844) 937-8679
Why We Picked This School
Students can go from RN to BSN with no prerequisites in just 14 months at GCU. They can transfer up to 90 credit hours, significantly streamlining the program length. The program caters to adult learners to maximize the strengths that working RNs already possess.
Program Highlights
- 30% more affordable than other colleges offering the same degree
- 5-week course length structure
- Transfer up to 90 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree
Requirements
- Associate’s degree from an accredited institution
- Current, unrestricted RN license
- Transcript with a minimum 2.8 GPA
Program Information
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) GCU - LOPE
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
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
What to Expect in an RN to BSN Program With No Prerequisites
Despite not having prerequisite course requirements, all the RN to BSN programs on this list have specific standards that you must meet to enroll. Most significant among these is a registered nursing license. Schools also require a minimum GPA score and an ADN or RN diploma from an accredited nursing school.
You can also expect plenty of online learning in any of the RN to BSN programs on this list. While most of the didactic curriculum is online, these programs also require in-person clinicals. To accommodate the dispersion of learners, universities may allow you to complete clinicals locally at an approved site.
Additional Resources
- Top Online RN to BSN Programs
- Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs
- Top Online RN to BSN Programs With No Clinicals
- Easiest Online RN-to-BSN Programs to Get Into
