Earning an RN-to-BSN online can help nurses stay competitive. More than 77% of employers prefer to hire registered nurses (RNs) with at least a bachelor's degree, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
RN-to-BSN online programs prepare nurses for in-demand jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for RNs to grow 9% from 2020-2030. An online format means current nurses can keep working while continuing their education.
This guide lists some of the most affordable RN-to-BSN online programs. Read on to learn about costs and common courses.
Explore Featured Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
RN-to-BSN Online Programs
Why Get an RN-to-BSN Degree?
An RN-to-BSN degree may help nurses qualify for leadership roles and raises. Professionals with an associate in nursing earn an average of $72,000 annually, according to Jan. 2022 Payscale data. Nurses with a BSN earn $88,000.
A BSN degree also prepares nurses for graduate studies. Nurses with a BSN can earn a master's degree to become nurse practitioners. These nurses earn a median annual salary of $117,670.
RN-to-BSN programs online provide convenience and flexibility. Degree-seekers can listen to lectures and complete assignments around their work shifts. Learners can also enroll in the most affordable program without relocating.
How Much Does an RN-to-BSN Degree Cost?
Online nursing degree costs vary by program. Online bachelor's degrees cost an average of $51,091, according to EducationData.org. Learners attending public in-state schools pay the most affordable tuition. These students spend an average of $38,496 earning a bachelor's. Out-of-state students spend $54,183 on average.
Students pursuing an online bachelor's at a private college spend an average of $60,593. Some schools charge all online enrollees the same tuition, regardless of residency.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners can save money by not commuting to campus. However, they should budget for other expenses. Some colleges charge extra fees for technical support and online database subscriptions. Learners may also need to pay online classroom platform fees. Online students must buy class supplies and books. They can save money by buying digital or used books.
After graduation, RNs must complete continuing education. Requirements vary by state. Continuing education courses usually cost less than $50.
How Much Do RN-to-BSN Graduates Make?
Salaries for RN-to-BSN graduates vary by nurses' employer and geographic location. RNs earn a median annual salary of $75,330, according to the BLS. RNs in South Dakota earn an annual mean wage of $60,960. The same professionals in California earn $120,560.
Position type also influences salary. Traveling nurses typically make more than traditional nurses. Hospitals often offer higher salaries to nurses who work night shifts or in infectious disease units. Nurses can increase their salary as they gain experience.
Courses in RN-to-BSN Programs
Most RN-to-BSN programs include traditional coursework and clinical hours. Students complete 30-36 credits across 10-12 courses. Online learners must usually arrange clinical rotations locally. On-campus nursing programs connect students with local clinical sites.
Many states waive clinical requirements for full-time RNs pursuing their BSN. This allows learners to finish their RN-to-BSN degree faster.
See below for three common classes in RN-to-BSN online programs. Keep in mind that not every school offers these exact courses.
Pharmacology
Enrollees review how to give medication safely. This class goes beyond the foundational information in associate-level classes. Learners study the science behind medical compounds. They also learn about rare side effects and negative drug interactions. Coursework covers how bodies use drugs and break down their components.Comprehensive Health Assessment
This course provides in-depth information on conducting health assessments. Students learn how to evaluate a patient's personal and family health history. They review best practices for taking temperatures, pulses, and blood pressure. Enrollees also learn how to take notes on physical and psychosocial patient conditions.Ethics in the Nursing Field
This class focuses on protecting patient rights. Learners explore case studies on complicated ethical dilemmas. They use ethical frameworks to choose the best course of action for the situation. The class highlights current laws that influence nursing.
Featured Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
How to Become an RN
Aspiring RNs need at least an associate degree. They must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). RNs can continue working while completing an online RN-to-BSN program. Students may also earn a BSN before entering the workforce.
Prospective RNs learn how to provide care and follow treatment plans. They get hands-on, supervised experience in moving patients and giving medicine. Students also practice inserting tubes and catheters.
Licensure for RN Students
Licensure requirements vary by state. Nurses who change states may need to meet additional requirements. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) makes switching states easier. The NLC provides a multistate license that allows RNs to practice in multiple states with one license. State nursing boards require continuing education for license renewal.
State nursing boards also require the NCLEX for licensure. Test-takers can use up to six hours to answer the test's 75-265 questions. Once test-takers correctly answer 75 questions, the test ends. The test also ends if test-takers fail to answer 75 questions correctly.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing oversees this exam. Learners can prepare by studying the test's four main areas. These areas include health promotion and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About RN-to-BSN Programs
How long does it take to complete an RN-to-BSN program?
Full-time learners can complete an RN-to-BSN program in two years. Part-time students need longer.
Can I complete an RN-to-BSN degree online?
Yes. Many schools offer RN-to-BSN programs online. Most programs require an in-person clinical component.
What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?
RN refers to the state licensure needed to practice nursing. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a degree that takes four years to complete.
