Online RN to BSN Programs With No 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.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
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
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org
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.
✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.
✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.
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.
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.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (866) 277-6589
- Email Address: enrollmentonline@asu.edu
>> Explore Arizona State University’s Online RN-to-BSN Program*
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.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (844) 948-4863
- Email Address: iuonline@iu.edu
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
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
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (405) 766-5490
- Email Address: onlinenursing@okcu.edu
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.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (800) 758-3678
- Email Address: slunurse@slu.edu
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.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (402) 354-7000
- Email Address: admissions@methodistcollege.edu
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.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (402) 552-3100
- Email Address: registrarstaff@clarksoncollege.edu
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.
Contact Information:
- Phone Number: (617) 287-5000
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
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
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
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.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
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:
- How to Go From RN to BSN
- Easiest Online RN to BSN Programs to Get Into
- Top 10 Accelerated 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.
