75 Best Shortest RN to BSN Online Programs – 2024

TYPICALLY, ON AN AVERAGE, HOW LONG ARE ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS?

The typical online RN to BSN program takes 18 to 24 months to complete. That completion time depends upon three things: whether you enroll as a full-time or part-time student, whether a school offers core nursing classes during the summer, and how many credits you can transfer over from your previous college-level work.

If you can take three to five courses per semester as a full-time student, you’ll be able to complete your studies more quickly. But stay realistic about your educational goals. If you have significant work and family commitments, enrolling as a part-time student is smarter, even if that prolongs the amount of time it will take you to earn your degree. Going to school full-time while working full-time can be enormously stressful.

In a typical BSN undergraduate program, approximately half your required credits will be general education credits earned outside the nursing major in subjects like history, literature, science, and mathematics. Another 25 percent will be credits for nursing classes you took while pursuing your ADN or diploma degree. But the fastest RN to BSN online programs can be very picky about credit for previously completed nursing courses. Before you enroll in one of the fastest online RN to BSN programs, make sure the program you choose will give you a full acknowledgment for the nursing classes you’ve already taken. Keep in mind, as well, that there’s often a time factor involved with transferring credits; if you took a course more than five years ago, the RN to BSN program might not give you credit for it even if it meets their transfer requirements.

Finally, remember that not all fast-track RN to BSN online programs offer core nursing classes during the summer. If you can’t take courses during the summer, you’ll have to take them during the fall or spring semester, which will likely add months to your timeline.

WHAT ARE THE TOP 3 BENEFITS OF ENROLLING IN THE SHORTEST RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAMS?

There’s really only one significant benefit to enrolling in one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs: You’ll earn your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree more quickly! However, there are many reasons why you may want to get that degree as fast as possible:

1. You’ll have access to better professional opportunities almost immediately:

Healthcare employers have a strong preference for BSN-educated nurses. In fact, according to research conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), more than 80 percent of prospective employers would prefer to hire a BSN program graduate.

This is particularly true when those employers hire into niche specialties like the ICU, surgery, oncology, or management. After you earn your BSN, you’ll be better equipped to follow your nursing passion; you won’t have to settle for whatever registered nursing job you can manage to snag.

2. You’ll start earning more money:

Many hospitals hire BSN-educated RNs at a higher step on their payscale than ADN-educated nurses. You’ll be eligible for this pay raise as soon as you get your BSN degree.

3. Your BSN education will make you a better nurse:

Reams of research support the contention that BSN-educated RNs provide better patient care. They make significantly fewer medication errors, and their training in evidence-based practice means they can better assess the protocol interventions to which patients are most likely to respond positively. A 2022 article in the journal Nursing Outlook found, for example, that for every 10 percent increase in the number of BSN-educated RNs, surgical mortalities dropped by 5.5 percent.

HOW MANY CREDITS ARE THERE IN THE SHORTEST RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAMS?

The fastest online RN to BSN programs vary in the number of core nursing credits they require you to take. The standard online RN to BSN curriculum is more or less equivalent to the final year of classes in a traditional campus BSN program and typically consists of 30 credits. But some of the fastest online RN to BSN programs require fewer core nursing credits, while others require more. And some schools don’t use traditional methods of assigning class credits but rely on semester credits or quarter credits instead.

Remember, too, that if an RN to BSN program has a 30-credit residency requirement, you’ll end up having to take 30 credits no matter how few core nursing credits the program itself may require. Additionally, if your school does not accept all your prior general education and prerequisite nursing classes, you’ll probably end up having to take extra credits.

At the University of Central Florida, if you take 10 core nursing classes for 30 credits, you should be able to graduate in three semesters. Grand Canyon University’s curriculum, on the other hand, entails 36 credits (11 core nursing classes), while Chamberlain University’s curriculum entails 24 credits (seven core nursing classes.) If you enroll at Drexel University in Philadelphia, you’ll be expected to take nine core nursing classes, but Drexel uses a semester credit system, so you’ll end up earning 45-semester credits.

HOW MUCH DO THE SHORTEST RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAMS COST?

The cost of quick online RN to BSN programs is another variable that fluctuates widely. Generally speaking, even though these are distance learning programs, students who live outside the state where the school offering the program is located will pay more than residents of that state. For example, the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, which offers a 12-month BSN completion program, charges North Carolina residents $209.97 per credit hour and out-of-state residents $796.01 per credit hour. But you’ll pay the same amount at Arkansas State University-Jonesboro whether you’re an Arkansas resident or live out of state: just $269 per credit hour.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SHORTEST RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAMS?

The fastest RN to BSN online programs have standard admission requirements:

• You must have an active, unencumbered RN license

• You must have a nursing degree from either an associate or a diploma program.

• Most of the fastest online RN to BSN programs have a cumulative past GPA requirement ranging from 2.0 to 3.0.

• Some RN to BSN programs will also admit students in their final year of an ADN program, but they stipulate that these students must attain their RN licenses before they will be eligible to take courses with clinical components.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL COURSES YOU’LL TAKE IN THE SHORTEST RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAMS?

The core RN to BSN curriculum consists of upper-division nursing classes that reflect the scope and standards outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s 2021 publication, THE ESSENTIALS: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. This publication described 10 core competencies for baccalaureate-educated RNs: information technology, interprofessional partnerships, nursing practice, patient-centered care, leadership and management development, population health, scholarship and research, quality assurance, professionalism, and evidence-based practice.

The typical curriculum in the fastest RN to BSN online programs addresses subjects like:

• Role transition (the differences between nursing at the ADN level and nursing at the BSN level
• Community and public health nursing
• Nursing management
• Systems-based practice in nursing
• Nursing informatics
• Public policy and ethics in nursing
• Health assessment across the lifespan

Many fastest RN to BSN online programs also include a capstone project.

WHAT ARE THE BEST SHORTEST RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAMS IN THE NATION FOR 2024?

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 75 Best Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs in the nation for the year 2024.)

1. The Ohio State University - Columbus, OH

Program Length:

12 Months or 15 Months

Program Details:

Want to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in less than a year and a half? Ohio State University’s RN to BSN program consists of 21 credits of core nursing classes, but since you have to complete at least 30 credits to complete the residency requirement for OSU graduation, you’ll have to take a few electives. Or you could enroll in coursework that would enable you to earn one of two undergraduate nursing certificates OSU offers, the Primary Care Academic Certificate and Nursing in School Health Services Certificate. Note that the tuition and fees you pay will be assessed each semester based on the number of credits you enroll for.

The core nursing curriculum includes classes like “Foundations and Contemporary Issues for Registered Nurses,” “Evolving Concepts in Leadership and Management,” and “Cultural Competence in Health Care: US and Global Contexts.” The program has some clinical components, but these can be completed in the geographical location where you live. Except for clinical experiences, the entire program is delivered online. This program admits students in the spring, summer, and fall.

How Fast is The Ohio State University's Online RN to BSN:

As a full-time student at Ohio State University’s fast RN to BSN online program, you can earn this professional nursing degree in 12 months, but you’ll have the option of pursuing a part-time track that will take you 15 months to complete, too. If you transfer fewer than 90 general education credits from your ADN studies, then you’ll need to complete additional courses to satisfy the BSN program’s 120-credit requirement, and that will extend the amount of time you’ll need to finish this fast-track RN to BSN online program.

Admission Requirements:

OSU’s BSN completion program is only open to students who’ve completed an accredited associate degree or hospital diploma in nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. You’ll also need an active, unrestricted license. The program is not available to residents of Washington State, Idaho, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Alabama, or Georgia.

2. Drexel University - Philadelphia, PA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Drexel University offers a career-focused RN to BSN program that you can finish in a single year, provided you’re able to get credit for a sufficient number of the classes you’ve previously taken. You’ll be required to take nine core nursing classes for 45-semester credits—the equivalent of 30 credit hours (see below for an in-depth explanation.) You’ll enroll in courses like “Transformational Leadership,” “Health Assessment,” and “Genetics and Genomics: Application to Nursing Practice.” For your senior capstone project, you’ll prepare a plan that addresses a challenge you encountered during one of your interactive clinical experiences. You can schedule your interactive experiences at a healthcare facility close to your home.

Apart from such practicums, all your learning will take place via Drexel’s sophisticated collaborative distance learning platform. Classes are taught using a mix of asynchronous and synchronous technology. Discounted tuition rates are available to active military members.

How Fast is Drexel University's Online RN to BSN:

How is it possible to finish the required coursework in a single year? Because Drexel University is unique among the best fastest RN to BSN online programs in that it doesn’t use semesters. Instead, the academic year is divided into four ten-week quarters, allowing you to take more classes in a shorter period. One semester unit is the equivalent of 1.5 quarter units. Additionally, you can transfer up to 135 quarter units from an accredited college or university, which will apply to your general education requirements.

Admission Requirements:

This fast online RN to BSN program is available to RNs from accredited associate degree and diploma nursing programs. You’ll need a current, unencumbered RN license from a U.S. state, and you must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in your previous nursing classes.

3. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston - Houston, TX

Program Length:

Three Semesters and Two Semesters

Program Details:

If you’re looking for a speedy way to earn your nursing bachelor’s, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston should be on your list. This RN to BSN program, administered by the Cizik School of Nursing, focuses on a concept-based curriculum that aims to sharpen your critical thinking skills with courses like “Health Assessment,” “Issues in Professional Practice,” and “Role Transition for RNs.”

The curriculum consists of 10 classes (31 credits.) You can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer. As with many of the fastest RN to BSN online programs, some classes entail clinical elements, and you’ll be tasked with performing a final project that applies the nursing theory you’ve learned to a real-life situation. You can choose a healthcare setting close to where you live and work for your clinical experience. The remainder of your learning will take place online.

How Fast is The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston's Online RN to BSN:

Full-time students will be able to complete this fast-track RN to BSN program in two semesters, taking five classes in the fall semester and five in the spring. The Cizik School of Nursing’s RN to BSN program also offers two part-time tracks: a three-semester option and a five-semester option. You’ll need to complete all your general education courses as well as 60 credit hours of prerequisite nursing requirements before you can begin taking your BSN core curriculum.

Admission Requirements:

To enroll in this program, you’ll need an active, unrestricted Texas RN license and either an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. Your cumulative grade point average in your nursing prerequisites must be 3.0 or higher. This program has an Early Decision program for eligible ADN students currently enrolled at Lone Star Community College or Houston Community College.

4. University Of Central Florida - Orlando, FL

Program Length:

Three Semesters

Program Details:

The University of Central Florida’s flexibility makes this fast RN to BSN program ideal for ADN-prepared RNs who want to earn their nursing bachelor’s degree in a hurry. You can begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall. The 30-credit curriculum includes 10 core nursing classes such as “Nursing Leadership, Management and Role Transition,” “Nursing Research,” and “Community & Public Health Practicum for RNs,” and you can fulfill the clinical component required for that last course at a healthcare facility within the community where you live and work. Aside from that clinical component, all courses are taught online.

You’ll also have the opportunity to get a headstart on your Master’s of Science in Nursing by taking elective graduate courses while you’re pursuing your BSN. This is one of the fast-track RN to BSN online programs that offers a concurrent ADN enrollment program, enabling nursing students enrolled in community college programs to take RN to BSN classes before they attain registered nursing licensure.

How Fast is University Of Central Florida's Online RN to BSN:

You can complete this BSN completion program in as few as three 16-week semesters if you enroll full-time. Most students complete the program in five semesters by taking six credits each semester. If it suits competing demands on your time, however, the school will give you as long as 10 semesters to complete the curriculum. Before you begin the program, though, you’ll need to finish all your general education classes, core course requirements, and core course prerequisites.

Admission Requirements:

This RN to BSN program is only available to RNs licensed in Florida or a state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact. It is not available to RNs who are licensed in California or Colorado. You must have earned an ADN from a school accredited in the State of Florida.

5. Arizona State University-Tempe - Tempe, AZ

Program Length:

14 to 24 months

Program Details:

If you want to prepare yourself to tackle nursing’s most formidable challenges as quickly as possible, the online RN to BSN program at Arizona State University is worth your time. U.S. News & World Report ranks the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation among the top 30 nursing schools in the U.S. Your instructors will be the same award-winning faculty members who teach traditional campus-based nursing programs. The 39-credit curriculum is streamlined to give you a clear understanding of the significance that evidence-based practice plays in contemporary healthcare delivery.

You can complete the coursework entirely online. The distance learning platform incorporates asynchronous technology so that you can study at your own pace. Classes include “Health Promotion Across the Lifespan,” “Innovation in Nursing,” and “Nursing Management in Healthcare.” A senior capstone project will require you to synthesize professional nursing theories emphasizing role transition.

How Fast is Arizona State University's Online RN to BSN:

Courses are taught over 7.5-week sessions, and there are two sessions in a single semester. Full-time students can complete this RN to BSN program in 14 months, while part-time students should be able to complete it in 24 months. You can start the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

Admission Requirements:

To begin this fast RN to BSN online program, you must have an active RN license in good standing and an associate degree or a hospital diploma from an accredited nursing program. This is one of the shortest RN to BSN online programs that accepts concurrent enrollment, so if you’re currently in an ADN program, you may also apply. However, California residents cannot be considered for entry into this program.

6. Georgia Southern University - Statesboro, GA

Program Length:

Less Than 12 Months

Program Details:

If you’re willing to put your nose to the grindstone, you can complete Georgia Southern University’s 28-credit RN to BSN program in under a year. The curriculum comprises eight core nursing classes, and two of those courses each require 60 hours of clinical time. Apart from those experiential requirements, though, the program is delivered entirely online, using asynchronous technology that enables you to access class materials 24/7, whenever it’s most convenient.

This RN to BSN program participates in the Georgia RN-BSN Articulation Model for RNs, an initiative designed to streamline BSN completion programs. You’ll take classes like “Health Assessment,” “Complex Nursing Concepts,” and “Critical Analysis of Nursing Concepts.” GSU’s curriculum is one of the best fast-track RN to BSN online programs for introducing you to healing concepts that fall outside the allopathic healthcare model: Its course “Complementary Therapeutic Modalities” examines non-traditional therapeutic modalities and the nurse’s responsibilities when working with them.

How Fast is Georgia Southern University's Online RN to BSN:

If you enroll in this fast-track RN to BSN online program full-time, taking four classes a semester, you can complete the program in just two semesters. GSU realizes this may not be an option for many students juggling work and family obligations while they go to school, so you’ll have as long as five years to complete the course.

Admission Requirements:

Georgia Southern University and its School of Nursing require separate admission applications. To make the cut, you’ll need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in your ADN or hospital nursing diploma studies. You’ll also need a registered nursing license from Georgia or a compact nursing state.

7. University of Louisville - Louisville, KY

Program Length:

20 Months

Program Details:

Hoping to earn a BSN in less than two years? The University of Louisville’s 31-credit program consists of 10 core nursing classes, but if you complete a nursing portfolio based on the work you did while earning your ADN, you’ll earn an additional tuition-free 30 credits, which you can apply to the University’s BSN graduation requirements.

Classes include “Foundations for Evidence-based Professional Nursing,” “Global Health: Disparities and Social Determinants,” and “Community Health Nursing.” You’ll also be required to complete a community health practicum that entails 84 hours of clinical service, which you can complete at a healthcare agency of your choice in your community. Apart from that practicum, all your coursework will be delivered via a distance learning platform that utilizes asynchronous technology.

How Fast is University of Louisville's Online RN to BSN:

Each semester is divided into two eight-week terms. If you take a full-time load of two classes per term, you’ll be able to complete all required coursework in five semesters or approximately 20 months. But the administrators of this fast-track RN to BSN program realize that many students are dealing with jobs and family obligations while furthering their educational goals, so you can take as long as 36 months to complete the program if you need to.

Admission Requirements:

The program admits students in the summer, fall, and spring. This fast RN to BSN online program was designed for ADN graduates. However, you can start it if you’re still studying for your associate degree so long as you pass the NCLEX and are licensed by the end of your first semester at the University of Louisville.

ADN-prepared nurses need an active, unencumbered license and a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all prior undergraduate work. Students enrolled in Jefferson Community & Technical College’s ADN program can take classes at the University of Louisville over the summer, thereby giving them a jump start on their BSN.

8. University of South Florida-Main Campus - Tampa, FL

Program Length:

5 Semesters

Program Details:

Looking for a speedy way to earn your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree? The fast RN to BSN online program offered by the University of South Florida (main campus) is a 30-credit curriculum that will give you the credibility you need to land coveted nursing jobs. USF’s program is one of the few fast-track RN to BSN online programs that offers you the opportunity to participate in nursing research, although this research will not impact your degree requirements.

You’ll take required classes like “Essentials of Healthcare Leadership and Management,” “Educational Role of the Nurse in Healthcare,” and “Population Health.” You’ll also have the opportunity to augment core nursing classes with electives such as “Substance Abuse Across the Lifespan,” “Healthy Aging: Nursing Care of Older Adults,” and “Introduction to Military and Veteran Healthcare” that hone in on areas of more specific interest. The final class in this fast-track RN to BSN online program is a capstone project in which you’ll display your knowledge of practices, policies, and laws in relation to global healthcare issues.

How Fast is University of South Florida's Online RN to BSN:

USF’s RN to BSN program only offers a single completion track, and the track extends over five semesters. You’ll start the program in the fall of Year 1 and complete it in the spring of Year 2, taking two classes each semester.

Admission Requirements:

Admission into the University of South Florida’s RN to BSN program is highly competitive. You’ll need to be a graduate of an accredited associate nursing degree program, and you’ll also need to be a Florida resident with a current, unencumbered RN license from the Sunshine State. General education and prerequisite coursework should be completed before you apply to this program, and while an epidemiology class is not a requirement, it’s highly recommended.

9. Capella University - Minneapolis, MN

Program Length:

9 Months

Program Details:

Capella University’s FlexPath approach to nursing education is unusual among the best fast-track RN to BSN programs online because it lets you complete its eight core nursing classes in its RN to BSN curriculum as quickly or slowly as you like. Capella uses its own proprietary quarter credit system where a single quarter credit equals 2/3 of a semester credit; the entire RN to BSN sequence entails 42 quarter credits. Your core nursing classes will include “Improving Quality of Care and Patient Safety,” “Managing Health Information and Technology,” and “Practicing in the Community to Improve Population Health.” You’ll also be responsible for completing a capstone project.

All courses are taught online. Capella’s Flexpath track uses a distance learning platform with asynchronous technology. The university’s GuidedPath track is more structured and combines asynchronous and synchronous technology.

How Fast is Capella University's Online RN to BSN:

Capella University’s FlexPath program is entirely self-paced: You’re billed for tuition every 12 weeks, and theoretically, at least, you could complete all eight courses in that amount of time. Approximately 25 percent of Capella University’s RN to BSN students who use the FlexPath option complete the program in nine months (and a few highly dedicated students have finished the program in half that time), but most take longer.

Capella University also offers a more traditional GuidedPath program based on a 10-week quarter system for students who want to pursue their educational goals part-time. Students who choose to enroll in the GuidedPath track have the option of participating in an Undergrad Honors Pathway.

Admission Requirements:

Capella University is extremely lenient in its general education and prerequisite requirements. To be accepted into this fast online RN to BSN program, you’ll need a hospital diploma or a nursing associate degree from an accredited institution and a valid, unrestricted RN license. Your cumulative undergraduate GPA must be 2.0 or higher. This fast RN to BSN online program is not open to residents of Washington State.

10. University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s RN to BSN program can give you access to a broader range of career options in just a single year of study. The 31-credit program consists of nine core nursing classes and one elective. Required courses include “Professional Nursing Practice for the Baccalaureate Nurse,” “Leadership and Management in Nursing,” and “Pathophysiologic and Pharmacological Evidence-Based Nursing Care.” While some of your classes include experiential learning elements, these experiences won’t require a preceptor, and you can pursue them at the place where you work.

UNC Wilmington’s distance learning platform utilizes asynchronous technology so that you can fit your schoolwork around the other obligations in your life. Courses are structured as week-long learning modules, and teaching materials include required reading, PowerPoint slides, and case studies. Most students put in 12 to 15 hours of weekly study time per class. You can start this fast-track RN to BSN program in the spring, summer, or fall.

How Fast is University of North Carolina Wilmington's Online RN to BSN:

Every course is taught over a seven-week session, and there are two sessions per semester. If you take 12 credit hours a semester (four classes), you should be able to graduate in 12 months. You may even be able to shorten the time it takes you to finish the program by testing out of some of your core nursing requirements through the College Level Examination Program.

Admission Requirements:

If you want to be accepted into this fast RN to BSN online program, you’ll need to be a graduate of an accredited hospital diploma or nursing associate degree program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and an active, unrestricted RN license.

11. University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, AR

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

If you want to live up to your full potential as a nurse so that you can land your dream job, you’ll want to earn your Bachelor’s of Nursing degree as quickly as possible. The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville has a 30-credit RN to BSN program with five start dates every year: two in the fall, two in the spring, and one in the summer. This fast RN to BSN program consists of 11 core nursing classes. One of those classes includes a 75-hour clinical component, during which you’ll work on a plan for improving care delivery in an area of nursing that’s particularly interesting to you at a healthcare facility near your home.

Apart from that clinical component, you’ll be able to complete all your coursework online, utilizing an asynchronous platform so you can structure your studies around the other commitments in your life. Courses include “Informatics for the Professional Nurse,” “Scientific Foundation for Professional Nursing Practice,” and “Health Promotion Across the Lifespan.”

How Fast is University of Arkansas Online RN to BSN:

Classes are taught in eight-week sessions, and there are two eight-week sessions in one semester. Full-time students may be able to complete this fast RN to BSN online program in three semesters, but most students complete their required classwork in four semesters. A five-semester track is also available.

Admission Requirements:

You’re eligible to apply to this program if you’re a registered nurse with a current, unrestricted license who’s graduated from an accredited nursing program. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing requires such prospective students either to have 1,000 hours of work experience or to pass a clinical proficiency exam. You may also be eligible for admission into this program if you’re a student in the final semester of an accredited nursing program, so long as you qualify for RN licensure within one semester after enrollment.

12. The University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington, TX

Program Length:

9 Months

Program Details:

Looking for a quick, reliable way to climb the nursing career ladder? The 32-credit BSN curriculum at the University of Texas at Arlington consists of nine classes that emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare delivery. Required coursework includes classes like “Holistic Health Assessment Across the Lifespan,” “RN to BSN Promoting Healthy Lifestyles,” and “Population and Community Health Nursing.” This fast-track RN to BSN online program includes a real-world practice experience, which you’re free to do at a healthcare facility of your own choosing, as well as a capstone project.

With 14 start dates throughout the spring, summer, and fall, UT Arlington is one of the more flexible among the best fastest RN to BSN programs online. Required courses vary in length between five and 14 weeks, and you can expect to spend between 10 to 15 hours a week per class on your schoolwork.

How Fast is The University of Texas at Arlington's Online RN to BSN:

If you don’t need to take any general education, prerequisite, or corequisite classes, you should be able to finish this BSN completion program in nine months. Keep in mind, too, that UT Arlington will allow you to take corequisite classes at the same time as your core nursing classes. UTA also has part-time tracks for students whose hectic schedules mean they must take fewer classes per semester.

Admission Requirements:

Students must hold active, unencumbered RN licenses that can be verified by Nursys or State Boards of Nursing. UT Arlington’s RN to BSN program is not available to students who live in Washington State, Tennessee, or Alabama. UT Arlington partners with a number of Texas community colleges to make the transition between their ADN programs and the University’s fast RN to BSN online program as seamless as possible.

13. Appalachian State University - Boone, NC

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Appalachian State University may be just the ticket for RNs who want a flexible RN to BSN program that will allow them to pursue their educational goals as quickly as they need to. The 30-credit curriculum utilizes an asynchronous distance learning platform so that you’ll be able to fit your studies around your work and family commitments. You’ll be responsible for completing eight core nursing classes.

This fast RN to BSN online program is cohort-based and begins in the fall. Courses include “Health Assessment” and “Nursing Care of Communities.” Clinical elements are built into each core nursing class, but none require a preceptorship.

How Fast is Appalachian State University's Online RN to BSN:

Appalachian State University has three completion tracks. The one-year track, which involves between 15 and 20 hours of weekly coursework, entails three courses in the fall, three in the spring, and two in the summer. The two-year track, for which you can expect to put in eight to 10 hours of coursework every week, entails two courses in the fall and spring of your first year and one course per semester in your remaining time. If you enroll in the three-year track, you’ll only take one class per semester and spend five to eight hours on schoolwork.

Admission Requirements:

You must complete all prerequisite classes, including general education courses, before applying to this program. For admission, you’ll need to hold either an ADN degree, an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) degree, or a hospital diploma, and you’ll need to have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all previously completed college-level work. You’ll also need a current, unrestricted RN license from North Carolina or a compact state. Appalachian State University participates in a collaborative agreement with Wilkes Community College that allows ADN students to transition seamlessly into its BSN completion program.

14. University of Alabama in Huntsville - Huntsville, AL

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Searching for a fast online RN to BSN program that you can finish in just one year? Check out the RN to BSN program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The 26-credit curriculum core nursing consists of just seven courses, but you’ll need 30 credits to establish the university’s residency requirement for graduation, so you may want to take some of your corequisites here.

Courses include “Information Management in Healthcare,” “Nursing Care of Vulnerable Populations,” and “Leadership in Professional Practice.” Coursework is taught entirely in an online format. Your instructors will be the same faculty members who teach in the university’s more traditional campus nursing programs.

How Fast is University of Alabama in Huntsville's Online RN to BSN:

This is another one of the fastest online RN to BSN programs that offers start dates in the spring, summer, and fall. Each class is taught over a seven-week term, with two seven-week terms per semester. If you take three classes in the fall, three in the spring, and one in the summer (plus an elective to make up the residency requirement), you can easily graduate in just one year.

Admission Requirements:

To be accepted into this program, you’ll need a current unencumbered RN license and an associate degree or diploma from an accredited nursing program. You’ll need to have completed all lower division prerequisites and corequisites with a grade of “C” or higher. This is one of the fast-track RN to BSN programs online that requires you to submit to a criminal background check and a blood test and to carry your own liability insurance.

15. Post University - Aurora, CO

Program Length:

10 Months

Program Details:

The American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University offers one of the fastest RN to BSN programs online: You may be able to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in less than a year, provided you complete all your general education classes and prerequisites before you enroll. This 30-credit RN to BSN program offers monthly start dates. Your courses will include “Reflective Practice, Issues and Trends,” “Healthcare Delivery and Quality Outcomes,” and “Case Management.”

This fast RN to BSN program is oriented toward teaching practical solutions to the challenges you’ll face as a BSN-prepared RN. Two of the required classes have clinical components that total 60 hours of practice experience activities, which you’ll draw upon to complete a final capstone project.

How Fast is Post University's Online RN to BSN:

Post University’s RN to BSN program offers two completion tracks. The traditional track has eight-week terms, and you’ll take one or two classes each term. Your learning progress will be assessed through term paper assignments. This track is designed for students who prefer a structured learning environment. The traditional path is intended to be completed in 10 months.

In contrast, the SimPath track is designed for students who prefer learning at their own pace. Classes extend over a 16-week period, and assignments have no due dates as such though they must be completed by the end of the 16-week term. Learning is assessed through digital interactions involving the creation of PowerPoint presentations and videos. You can proceed as quickly or as slowly as you like on the SimPath track. If you’re sufficiently self-directed, it may even be possible to complete the curriculum in as little as seven or eight months.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need an ASN/ADN or a nursing diploma and an active, unencumbered RN license for entry into this program. You’ll also need to submit some form of state identification that proves your residence. The American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University has an early admissions program for ASN/ADN/Diploma students who are still pursuing their studies, but you can only take six credits before you earn your RN license.

16. Chamberlain University - Chicago, IL

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Chamberlain University is the largest online nursing school in the United States. Its RN to BSN program is streamlined to help you earn your nursing bachelor’s degree as efficiently as possible. The 24-credit RN to BSN curriculum includes seven core nursing classes. This fast online RN to BSN program has a residency requirement of 30 credits, so you’ll need to take at least two other courses in addition to your core nursing classes.

Clinical experiences are woven throughout your coursework but won’t require a preceptor. You can fulfill your clinical requirements at the healthcare facility where you’re employed. Except for these clinical experiences, all your coursework will be offered online using asynchronous technology. All exams are open book, and you can expect to spend between eight and 10 hours a week per class studying. With a few exceptions, Chamberlain offers most required classes every session.

How Fast is Chamberlain University's Online RN to BSN:

Chamberlain lets you move as quickly or slowly through your studies as you like. Classes are taught in eight-week sessions, and there are two eight-week sessions per semester. If you take two to three courses per eight-week session, you can earn your nursing bachelor’s degree in just a single year. But you can also attend school part-time if your schedule is so hectic that you can only take one class per eight-week session; with this track, you’ll graduate in two years.

You’ll need 122 credits in total to graduate from Chamberlain with a BSN, and the university will award you 77 credits for your previous educational experience. Chamberlain will evaluate your remaining credits to see what’s transferable, and the university has a liberal transfer policy.

Admission Requirements:

This program is only open to RNs with a nursing diploma or associate degree who graduated from an accredited institution. Your minimum cumulative GPA must be 2.0 or higher. You’ll need to have an active, unrestricted RN license, too.

17. Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

If time is of the essence for completing your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Degree, Grand Canyon University offers a fast solution. GCU’s 36-credit curriculum consists of 11 core nursing classes. Courses in this fast-track RN to BSN online program’s core sequence include “Applied Statistics for Health Care Professionals,” “Pathophysiology and Nursing Management of Clients' Health,” and “Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in Health Care.” Grand Canyon University is a Christian university, and while it welcomes students from all religious backgrounds, Christian tenets may be subtly incorporated into many of its instructional materials.

Although the final course in the required sequence, “Professional Capstone and Practicum,” involves a clinical practicum with hands-on experience, you can choose to perform your practicum at a local healthcare facility. All your other classwork will be entirely online.

How Fast is Grand Canyon University's Online RN to BSN:

Most core nursing classes are taught over five-week sessions, although a few extend over ten weeks. If you double up on ten-week nursing classes one at a time and have no other general education or nursing prerequisite classes to take, you should be able to finish your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in just over one year.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need to be an RN with an active, unencumbered license and an associate degree or a diploma certificate in nursing to be accepted into this program.

18. Texas A & M University-College Station - College Station, TX

Program Length:

1 Year (3 Semesters)

Program Details:

Texas A&M University-College Station makes it possible to earn your BSN degree in just one calendar year. This fast online RN to BSN program consists of nine core nursing courses (30-semester credits.) Classes include “Nursing Dimensions and Informatics for the RN,” “Application of Evidence-Based Practice for the RN,” and “Community Health for the RN.” Some of the required classes have clinical components, which are typically scheduled at CHI St. Joseph Regional Health, CHI St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital, Baylor Scott & White Clinic in College Station, and Texas Children’s Hospital.

This is one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs to have two starting times in the spring and the summer. This fast-track RN to BSN online program has a very strict residency policy, though, so you will not be able to transfer core nursing coursework from any previous RN to BSN program you may have attended.

How Fast is Texas A & M University-College Station's Online RN to BSN:

TAMU has three completion tracks for RNs seeking a nursing bachelor’s degree. You can finish your degree in just 12 months (three semesters) if you take two classes in the summer semester, three in the fall, and four in the spring.

Should you prefer to stretch your studies over 18 months (four semesters), you’ll take two classes in the spring of Year 1, three in the spring of Year 2, and two in both the summer and the fall. You also have the option of completing the program in five semesters by spreading your coursework out even more. Keep in mind, however, that students pursuing the five-semester completion option may not be eligible for federal financial aid, which requires students to be enrolled for at least six-semester credits.

Admission Requirements:

TAMU’s RN to BSN program is only available to RNs with an associate degree in nursing who hold current, unrestricted licenses. Admission into this program is highly competitive, and applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher stand the best chance of being admitted. Texas A&M University-College Station has a collaborative articulation agreement with South Texas College, allowing students who graduate from that institution’s ADN program to transition seamlessly into the RN to BSN program.

19. University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati, OH

Program Length:

9 Months (2 Semesters)

Program Details:

Two semesters! That’s all it takes to complete the University of Cincinnati’s online RN to BSN program if you enroll full-time. Note, however, that the amount of time it will take you to earn your degree will depend upon whether you’ve completed general education and prerequisite requirements as well as a statistics course.

The 27-credit curriculum consists of nine core nursing classes and involves no clinical elements. You’ll take courses like “Health Issues of Vulnerable & Marginalized Populations,” “Transitions to Baccalaureate Education in Nursing,” and “Focus on Community.” The course sequence requires a capstone project during which you’ll demonstrate the enhanced role that BSN-prepared RNs play in delivering evidence-based, client-centered care.

Cincinnati’s program is unique among the shortest RN to BSN programs online in that it offers RNs the option of minoring in Public Health Nursing. If you choose this option, you’ll be required to take an additional 18 credits, which will lengthen the time you spend pursuing your BSN educational goals.

How Fast is University of Cincinnati's Online RN to BSN:

Your capstone project will extend over 14 weeks (an entire semester), but all other classes are taught in seven-week sessions. All courses are offered every session.

If you take five classes in your first semester and four courses in your second semester, you can graduate in nine months. Cincinnati’s fast RN to BSN online program also offers two part-time options: a three-semester option in which you take three classes every semester and a five-semester option in which you take two classes over four semesters and participate in your capstone project during the fifth semester.

Admission Requirements:

You must be a graduate of an accredited associate or diploma nursing program with an active, unencumbered nursing license for admission into this program. Cincinnati’s RN to BSN program cannot accept applicants from Louisiana, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, or Washington State.

20. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock, TX

Program Length:

2-3 Semesters

Program Details:

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is one of the best fast-track RN to BSN online programs. Its academic offerings are of high quality, and you can complete this fast RN to BSN program in nine months if you really put your mind to it. The program consists of eleven core nursing classes (30 credits), such as “Foundations of Nursing Science,” “Management & Leadership: Bedside to Boardroom,” and “Incorporation of Evidence into Practice.” Some of your classes will include clinical elements, but you’ll be able to choose your preceptor and your location.

Apart from those clinical components, the entire syllabus is offered online. The program’s distance learning platform combines synchronous and asynchronous technology.

How Fast is Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Online RN to BSN:

Full-time students should be able to finish this RN to BSN program in two semesters by taking six classes per semester, provided they’ve completed all their general education requirements and nursing prerequisites beforehand. (The 12th class will be a nursing elective; TTUHSC offers some interesting ones.) Part-time students should be able to finish the program in three semesters by taking four courses per semester.

Admission Requirements:

To enroll in this program, you’ll have to have an RN license that’s current and in good standing. You’ll need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in previous college-level coursework. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s RN to BSN program maintains a concurrent enrollment initiative with the ADN program at Tarrant County Community College.

21. The University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, TX

Program Length:

8 Months

Program Details:

The University of Texas Medical Branch RN to BSN program has one starting date in the fall. Its 30-credit curriculum consists of 10 classes, such as “Contemporary Professional Nursing,” “Evidence-Based Practice & Research,” and “Clinical Reasoning in Health Assessment.” Some of your classes will have clinical elements, which you can complete at the healthcare facility where you work.

This program includes a capstone project: You’ll design a solution to a challenge in nursing management, nursing education, or clinical nursing that showcases the transition of professional nursing in diverse practice settings. UTMB’s RN to BSN program also has an option for RNs who want to earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree while earning their BSN.

How Fast is The University of Texas Medical Branch Online RN to BSN:

The University of Texas Medical Branch’s RN to BSN program is one of the best fastest RN to BSN online programs, but you have to be sure you’re prepared for it. It only offers one eight-month completion option during which you’ll take six courses (15 credits) during your first semester and four courses (15 credits) during your second. That means all general education and prerequisite courses must be completed before you start taking your core nursing classes.

Admission Requirements:

If you want to enroll in this fast online RN to BSN program, you’ll need an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where you intend to participate in required clinical learning experiences. You’ll also need to have earned a cumulative grade point average in all prerequisite courses.

22. University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

Want to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree quickly from the privacy of your own home? The University of Utah’s 30-credit RN to BSN program can be completed in two, three, or four semesters. Your eight core nursing classes will include courses like “Health Promotion,” “Systems and Populations,” and “Physical Assessment.” You’ll also have to take one approved elective for three credits to meet U of U’s residency requirement.

You can start U of U’s RN to BSN program in the spring, summer, or fall. This fast-track RN to BSN online program entails two clinical experiences—45 hours partnering with a nurse leader and 68 hours working on a project that will improve healthcare delivery in some measurable fashion. The University of Utah is one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs that requires you to do some traveling: Your nurse leader practicum experience must be completed in Utah. But you can carry out your healthcare delivery improvement project at the healthcare facility where you work. Apart from these two clinical experiences, all courses are taught via a distance learning platform that utilizes asynchronous technology.

How Fast is University of Utah's Online RN to BSN:

The University of Utah offers three completion tracks to students enrolled in its RN to BSN program. By taking four core nursing classes and an approved elective your first semester and four core nursing classes your second semester, you can graduate in two semesters.

You also have the option of taking three core nursing classes your first semester, three classes plus your approved elective the second semester, and two classes your third semester and graduating in three semesters. Finally, if you take two classes each semester (and your approved elective in the third semester), you’ll graduate in four semesters.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll have to apply separately to the University of Utah and its College of Nursing. To be considered for this program, you must be a licensed RN with an associate degree in nursing whose cumulative GPA in all undergraduate classes is 3.0 or higher. The University of Utah participates in an Express Pathway program that allows ADN students at Salt Lake City Community College a seamless transition into its RN to BSN program.

23. Pennsylvania State University - University Park, PA

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Are you an RN with an associate degree who aspires to administrative and leadership positions? Pennsylvania State University offers a quick way to earn the proper qualifications through its Penn State World Campus’s RN to BSN. The program consists of 28 credits of core nursing classes: 22 credits of required theory and clinical coursework, plus six credits of Nursing Supporting coursework. But since Penn State has a 36-credit residency requirement, you’ll also have the opportunity to take interesting electives.

This fast RN to BSN online program has start dates in the spring, summer, and fall. Your coursework will include “Principles of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice,” “Introduction to Nursing Informatics,” and “Family and Community Health Concepts.” Courses are typically offered over one semester, but some courses are offered in a seven-week accelerated format, which will decrease the time you have to spend in school. Two of your classes will include clinical experiences. You can fulfill your clinical requirements near your home, but Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing will have to vet the site you choose for these clinical experiences beforehand.

How Fast is Pennsylvania State University's Online RN to BSN:

Penn State’s RN to BSN program is flexible. Since you complete your online coursework at your own pace, you’re free to take as many courses at a time as you like—or as few. Some students earn their BSNs in a single year; others take two or three years to graduate.

Admission Requirements:

This fast-track RN to BSN online program is designed for RNs who’ve earned an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited school. You can start taking classes before you pass your NCLEX exam, but you must have an active, unrestricted RN license by the time you complete the program.

24. Texas State University - Round Rock, TX

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

If you finish all your general education courses and nursing prerequisites, you may be able to graduate from St. David School of Nursing’s RN to BSN program at Texas State University in just nine months (two semesters.) Your 30-credit nursing core curriculum will consist of classes like “Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses,” “Leadership and Management in Nursing Care,” and “Safety and Quality in an Interprofessional Environment.”

Coursework is primarily delivered online, but two of the required courses have clinical components; your clinical placement will be arranged by the school but will coordinate as closely as possible with your wishes. This fast RN to BSN online program may not be offered in years when enrollment numbers are not sufficiently high to justify operational expenses.

How Fast is Texas State University's Online RN to BSN:

St. David School of Nursing will work closely with you to customize a completion track that will fit your needs. Most students can complete the curriculum in two semesters, but some take as long as six semesters.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need to apply separately to Texas State University and the RN to BSN program. You’ll need to be a graduate of a state-approved ADN program with an unencumbered RN license from the state where you reside. Your minimum cumulative GPA in all nursing prerequisites must be 2.5 or higher.

25. West Coast University - Los Angeles, CA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Are you impatient to begin expanding your professional nursing horizons? West Coast University’s RN to BSN program has start dates every eight weeks so that you can finish your nursing bachelor’s degree in just three trimesters if you’ve completed all your general education classes and prerequisites. The 36-credit curriculum includes courses like “Issues and Trends in Nursing,” “Health Promotion and Disease Prevention,” and “Policy, Organization, and Financing in Healthcare.” This program is unusual among the best fastest RN to BSN online programs in that it includes two capstone projects.

This fast-track RN to BSN program also includes 135 hours of hands-on practice experience. Graduates of this RN to BSN program will have met the academic requirements for certification as a Public Health Nurse in California.

How Fast is West Coast University's Online RN to BSN:

West Coast University’s RN to BSN program offers two completion tracks. The Accelerated Pace track takes one year to complete, provided you are eligible to transfer at least 84-credit hours in general education and nursing prerequisites. The university also offers a Working Professional Pace track, which you should be able to complete in 19 to 24 months.

Admission Requirements:

You must be a licensed RN or have completed an associate degree of nursing to apply to this program.

26. Herzing University - Menomonee Falls, WI

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Looking for a way to go from ADN to BSN in just one year? Herzing University’s 26-credit RN to BSN program may be just what you’re looking for. This fast online RN to BSN program entails the completion of just seven core nursing classes like “Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing,” “Nursing Informatics,” and “Health Assessment and Promotion Across the Lifespan.” You’ll be asked to complete a capstone project that shows your mastery of core nursing concepts.

To meet Herzing University’s residency requirements, you’ll have to complete at least 30 class credits, which means you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a dynamic assortment of nursing electives. While you’ll need to complete a 45-hour project with some experiential components, Herzing University’s curriculum is another one of the fastest online RN to BSN programs that has no conventional clinical requirements as such. All of your coursework will be taught via a distance learning platform.

How Fast is Herzing University's Online RN to BSN:

This program offers multiple start dates throughout the year and eight-week class sessions. Full-time students should be able to complete their BSN studies in 12 months if they’ve fulfilled all their general education requirements and nursing prerequisites before starting the program. If you prefer to work at a slower rate, Herzing University will help you customize a slower schedule.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need an active, unrestricted license to enter this RN to BSN program as well as an associate degree or diploma from an accredited nursing program. Herzing University is not authorized to offer its RN to BSN program in all states, so check with your state board of nursing before you apply.

27. Cleveland State University - Cleveland, OH

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Cleveland State University can help you get your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in just three consecutive semesters of classwork. The curriculum for this fast RN to BSN online program consists of 10 core nursing classes (30 credits) that include “Applied Informatics and Clinical Data Analytics for Healthcare Professionals,” “Genetic and Genomic Technology to Delivery of Nursing Care Across the Lifespan,” and “Preventative Strategies for Communities.” The program admits students in the spring and fall, but once admitted, you must take courses in a proscribed sequence.

All nursing theory courses are taught entirely online with a BSN capstone requirement in the final semester. All general education courses and nursing prerequisites must be completed before you can be admitted into the program.

How Fast is Cleveland State University's Online RN to BSN:

Cleveland State University offers two completion tracks. Most students opt to enroll full-time and get their BSN degrees in a single year (three semesters.) But the school also offers a Blended Delivery option, which allows students to take up to six semesters to earn their degrees.

Admission Requirements:

For admission into this RN to BSN program, you must have a valid, unrestricted RN license and be a graduate of either an associate degree or diploma nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Cleveland State University participates in the Northeast Ohio Access in Nursing articulation model.

28. Western Governors University - Salt Lake City, UT

Program Length:

18 Months

Program Details:

Ready to join the upper echelon of nursing professionalism? With Western Governors University’s fast RN to BSN online program, you can complete your nursing bachelor’s degree in as few as 18 months. Unlike many of the fastest online RN to BSN programs, WGU doesn’t award degrees based on the number of credit hours you complete; instead, your progress will be measured by the competencies and knowledge you possess. This means you may get some credit for work experience.

WGU design a customized syllabus for each student. Classes you may be required to take include “Intrapersonal Leadership and Professional Growth,” “Scholarship in Nursing Practice,” and “Information Technology in Nursing Practice.” You must attain a satisfactory score on a course assessment to get credit for a particular class.

You’ll be responsible for completing a field experience clinical in a variety of community settings that you can choose yourself, pending WGU approval. You’ll also participate in a capstone project. The program is taught via a synchronous distance learning platform that utilizes webcam technology.

How Fast is Western Governors University's Online RN to BSN:

Since WGU’s curriculum is customized to meet the strengths and weaknesses of each individual student, the school doesn’t offer any set completion tracks as such. However, most Western Governors University’s RN to BSN students graduate in 18 months.

Admission Requirements:

For acceptance into this program, you’ll need an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution and a current, unrestricted registered nursing license. All applicants must submit to a criminal background check.

29. University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Lafayette, LA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Dedicated students should be able to complete the 30-credit RN to BSN program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in just one year. Your classes will include “Interprofessional Community Health Care with Diverse Populations,” “Transition to Professional Nursing for RN to BSN,” and “Trends in Genetics and Genomics.” The program uses an accelerated format, and classes are taught over eight-week sessions. This fast RN to BSN online program is taught entirely online and includes no clinical components that must be conducted in the field. It does, however, include a capstone project that will require you to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the nursing theories and concepts you have learned.

How Fast is University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Online RN to BSN:

Full-time students will be able to complete UL Lafayette’s RN to BSN program in just one year. The university offers three start dates: one in the fall and two in the spring.

Admission Requirements:

This program is only open to students who’ve completed either an associate degree in nursing or a diploma program in nursing from an accredited institution. You’ll also need to possess a current, unencumbered RN license.

30. Pace University - New York, NY

Program Length:

12 Months (3 Semesters)

Program Details:

Pace University’s RN to BSN program is designed to give ADN-prepared nurses the knowledge and skills they need to take their professional careers to the next level. You’ll take seven core nursing classes for 27 credits, but since Pace has a 30-credit residency requirement, you’ll also have the opportunity to take three elective courses (nine credits) more closely aligned with your specific interests in the nursing field. Coursework includes “Core Competencies for Multidimensional Care,” “Community and Public Health,” and “Spirit of Inquiry: Nursing Research and Evidence-based Practice.”

As with many of the other fastest RN to BSN programs online, clinical components are incorporated into your community public health course, but most of your learning will be done online. While you won’t have to complete a formal capstone project, you will be expected to become comfortable with synthesizing and evaluating research as it applies to clinical practice challenges.

How Fast is Pace University's Online RN to BSN:

This fast-track RN to BSN online program can be finished in three semesters if you’ve completed all your general education and nursing prerequisites before you enroll and if you’ve taken previous classes through Pace University that qualify to be applied toward the university’s residency requirement. Most students, however, take five semesters to complete the program by enrolling in two classes per semester.

Admission Requirements:

If you’re interested in enrolling in Pace University’s RN to BSN program, you should be a licensed registered nurse with an associate degree or a diploma whose cumulative grade point average in prior college-level work is 2.5 or higher. You’ll also need to submit a resume.

31. Saint John Fisher College - Rochester, NY

Program Length:

12-18 Months

Program Details:

The RN to BSN program at Saint John Fisher College utilizes an accelerated format, allowing you to earn your degree in a single year if you’ve completed all prerequisites before enrolling. This 30-credit fast-track RN to BSN program includes classes like “Genomics in Nursing Practice,” “Pathology and Applied Pharmacology,” and “Nursing as a Profession.” Though most of your coursework will be delivered online, project-based experiential learning components are embedded in several of the classes. Classes primarily use asynchronous technology, which means you can tackle assignments whenever it’s most convenient.

The Wegmans School of Nursing at Saint John Fisher College has a special commitment to educating nurses in the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disorders. Note that in the State of New York, the degree you will earn is a Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in nursing and not a conventional BSN.

How Fast is Saint John Fisher College's Online RN to BSN:

Classes are taught over seven-week sessions, and there are two seven-week sessions per semester. RN to BSN candidates must complete 60 credits of nursing classes, so the time it takes you to complete this RN to BSN program will depend on the number of nursing classes you’re able to transfer. Most full-time students complete the program in 12 to 18 months, but the college will work with you if your work or family commitments mean you can only enroll part-time.

Admission Requirements:

Successful applicants will have completed the coursework for an associate degree in nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Additionally, you’ll need to have an active, unencumbered RN license. This is one of the best fastest RN to BSN programs online that requires you to have up-to-date immunizations (including COVID immunizations.)

32. Maryville University of Saint Louis - Saint Louis, MO

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

Are you an RN ready to take on management jobs within the healthcare industry but being held back because of your lack of a BSN degree? Maryville University of Saint Louis offers a fast RN to BSN online program that can help you earn that degree in just one year. The 25-credit curriculum consists of seven classes such as “Leadership in Contemporary Health Care,” “Nursing Research,” and “Family Assessment.” Maryville University has a 30-credit residency requirement, so you’ll also have to take at least one nursing elective.

Some of your classes will have experiential components such as laboratory experiences and interviews with professionals in the field. You must also participate in a public health capstone demonstrating your understanding of the role prevention plays in the care of individuals, families, and communities.

How Fast is Maryville University of Saint Louis Online RN to BSN:

Maryville University offers six different start dates a year in the fall, spring, and summer. Classes are taught in eight-week sessions, and there are two eight-week sessions per semester. Most full-time students complete this RN to BSN pathway in three semesters.

Admission Requirements:

This program is designed for registered nurses with associate or diploma nursing degrees. You’ll need to have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all previous coursework and a valid RN license by the end of your first semester.

33. California State University-Fullerton – Fullerton, CA

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

California State University-Fullerton is committed to making your transition from ADN to BSN as seamless as possible. The 24-credit curriculum, comprised of classes such as “Nursing Research/Evidence-Based Practice,” “Health Assessment,” and “Population Health Nursing,” and also includes laboratory experiences designed to build hands-on skills. Lab facilities are available to students in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.

CSUF’s RN to BSN has start dates in the fall and spring. Like most of the other best fastest RN to BSN online programs, CSUF has a residency requirement, so you’ll have to complete at least six credits of upper-division general education courses to graduate.

How Fast is California State University-Fullerton’s Online RN to BSN:

This fast RN to BSN program offers both a full-time and a part-time completion track. The full-time track allows you to graduate in just two semesters, provided you’ve completed all general education and prerequisite requirements (including your residency credit requirements.) You’ll take 12 of your core nursing credits your first semester and 12 credits your second semester.

The part-time track will take four semesters to complete. You’ll take six of your core nursing credits in your first and second semesters, eight credits in your third semester, and four credits in your fourth semester.

Admission Requirements:

This fast-track RN to BSN online program only admits students with active, unencumbered California RN licenses. You’ll need an associate degree in nursing or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 in all your transferable credits.

California State University-Fullerton partners with Golden West College, Riverside City College, Saddleback College, and Santa Ana College to help ADN students prepare to transfer to the RN to BSN pathway. The university also offers a Jump Start Option that allows students enrolled in ADN programs to enroll in certain RN to BSN classes.

34. University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Are you an ADN-prepared nurse who wants to be prepared for more lucrative and prestigious professional opportunities? The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing at the University of Wyoming offers a 27-credit RN to BSN pathway that can be completed in just three semesters. You’ll take classes like “Application of Evidence in Nursing Practice,” “Community as Client,” and “Healthcare Systems and Policy.” Several of these classes include practicum elements, which you’ll be responsible for completing within the community at large.

Apart from practicum elements, you’ll do all your coursework online. This is one of the best fastest RN to BSN programs online that uses asynchronous technology, so you’ll be able to complete the required coursework at your own pace. You’ll also get to choose the order in which you take the required courses.

How Fast is University of Wyoming's Online RN to BSN:

Classes are taught over eight-week terms, and there are two eight-week terms in an academic semester. The speed with which you’ll be able to progress through this program depends on the number of prerequisite nursing classes and general education classes the University of Wyoming accepts for transfer. However, most students can complete the program in one calendar year by taking classes in the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll have to apply separately to the University of Wyoming and the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing if you want to enroll in this fast online RN to BSN program. This BSN completion program is open to RNs with associate degrees or diplomas in nursing who hold active, unrestricted RN licenses. Students currently enrolled in ADN programs at Wyoming community colleges should look into the ReNEW program if they’re interested in simultaneously taking BSN-level coursework.

35. George Mason University - Fairfax, VA

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Looking for a way to upgrade your nursing acumen in just a single year? Full-time students may be able to graduate from George Mason University’s fast RN to BSN program in just 12 months. You’ll take eight core nursing classes, such as “Concepts in Professional Nursing as a Discipline,” “Community Health and Epidemiology,” and “Introduction to Nursing Informatics,” for a total of 24 credits. Mason is one of the few fastest RN to BSN online programs that require you to complete coursework related to the university’s own core requirements—in this case, an English composition class (three credits.) To meet the 30-credit residency requirement, you’ll also have to take one nursing elective.

The program is delivered entirely online; no clinical experiences are necessary as such. Mason’s RN to BSN program emphasizes the BSN-prepared nurse’s role in disease prevention and wellness promotion.

How Fast is George Mason University's Online RN to BSN:

The program has start dates in the fall and spring terms. Most classes are offered in a seven-week format, and there are two seven-week terms in a semester. Full-time students may be able to complete the program in as few as two semesters, depending on how many of their prior nursing classes GMU accepts for transfer. Part-time completion tracks are also available for students juggling family and work commitments.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need a diploma or associate degree in nursing and an active, unrestricted RN license for admission into this program. All nursing prerequisites must be completed before you begin your coursework.

36. University of South Dakota - Vermillion, SD

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

South Dakota’s shortage of BSN-educated nurses is one of the most critical in the U.S., so the University of South Dakota is trying to make it as simple as possible for you to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The University of South Dakota’s BSN completion program has a 27-credit core nursing curriculum, but you’ll have to take at least one elective to meet the university’s 30-credit residency requirement.

You’ll take classes like “Research & Evidence-Based Practice,” “Optimizing Health of Populations,” and “Baccalaureate Nursing Roles Synthesis,” and your course instructors will be the same faculty members who teach at the University of South Dakota’s Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree program on campus. Though most of your coursework will be delivered using an online platform, this fast RN to BSN program also entails a practicum experience and a capstone project. You’ll be able to do this fieldwork in a healthcare facility close to your home.

How Fast is University of South Dakota's Online RN to BSN:

You’ll have two options for completing this program: If you enroll as a full-time student, you should be able to complete this BSN completion program in three semesters (12 months); if you enroll in the program part-time, you should be able to complete the program in four semesters (16 months.)

Admission Requirements:

The University of South Dakota and its School of Health Sciences require separate applications. You must have a current, unrestricted RN license, and you must be a graduate of an accredited ADN program with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in all your nursing prerequisites. The University of South Dakota may be limited in its ability to offer this program to Colorado residents.

37. University of South Alabama - Mobile, AL

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

The University of South Alabama’s RN to BSN track is a short RN to BSN online program designed to fit your busy lifestyle. Professional component coursework consists of only six classes for a total of 24 credits. Courses include “Leadership & Management Roles for Professional Nursing Practice,” “Clinical Prevention and Population Health,” and “Concepts of Interprofessional Practice.” None of these classes have clinical elements, and the program does not require a capstone project.

One of the things that makes this one of the best fastest RN to BSN online programs is the fact that the program has multiple start dates: You can start in either the spring, summer, or fall semesters. And your coursework is entirely online, delivered via asynchronous technology, which means you can access your coursework from anywhere and complete it at your own pace.

How Fast is University of South Alabama's Online RN to BSN:

This RN to BSN program offers two completion tracks. If you take three courses a semester (12 credits), you should be able to graduate in two semesters. If you take two courses a semester (eight credits), you should be able to graduate in three semesters.

Admission Requirements:

All undergraduate prerequisite coursework must be completed before applying to this program. The program is only open to U.S. citizens with current, unrestricted RN licenses who’ve graduated with an accredited diploma or associate degree in nursing and whose cumulative GPA was 2.5 or higher.

38. Radford University - Radford, VA

Program Length:

10 Months

Program Details:

Radford University prides itself on a workforce-relevant curriculum that can be completed in just 12 months. This short RN to BSN program has 10 core nursing courses (30 credits). Representative coursework includes “RN Healthcare Informatics and Technology,” “RN Holistic Nursing,” and “RN Nursing Leadership and Management.”

While several classes integrate experiential elements, you won’t participate in a formal practicum. There is a capstone project for which you’ll be expected to demonstrate the relevance of the nursing theories you’ve learned to nurse practice in an area of particular interest to you. Apart from that, your coursework will be entirely online, and you’ll have access to free 24/7 tutoring if you need it.

How Fast is Radford University's Online RN to BSN:

Classes are taught over seven-week terms, and there are two seven-week terms in a semester. This fast-track RN to BSN online program has six start dates per year: two in the fall, two in the spring, and two in the summer. Full-time students may be able to graduate in as little as 10 months. Part-time enrollment options are available, too, for students who need more flexibility to accommodate pre-existing work and family commitments.

Admission Requirements:

Radford accepts students currently enrolled in Virginia community college Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) programs and whose cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher, as well as registered nurses with current, unrestricted licenses who’ve graduated from accredited ADN or diploma nursing programs.

39. Waynesburg University - Waynesburg, PA

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Want to earn your Bachelor of Nursing Science degree quickly while successfully balancing the demands of work and family, as well as your educational goals? Check out Waynesburg University’s 33-credit RN to BSN program. This short RN to BSN online program consists of 11 core nursing classes like “Communication Skills in Nursing,” “Computer applications in Nursing,” and “Physical Assessment and Clinical Reasoning.” The curriculum includes 60 hours of practice experience with a preceptor.

The program’s instructors are part-time faculty who are experts in their professional nursing specialties, all of whom are employed in local healthcare facilities. Apart from clinical practice experiences, Waynesburg’s RN to BSN program is taught entirely online.

How Fast is Waynesburg University's Online RN to BSN:

This fast RN to BSN online program can be completed in 12 to 16 months if you enroll full-time, depending upon how much of your previous college nursing coursework you can transfer. Courses are taught over eight-week sessions, and there are two eight-week sessions per semester.

Admission Requirements:

To be admitted to this program, you must have a current, unrestricted U.S. registered nursing license and have graduated from an accredited nursing program with an average GPA of 2.5 or high. Waynesburg University also requires you to submit a professional resume and two professional reference letters.

40. Marian University - Fond Du Lac, WI

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Looking for a quick way to get the education that will help you achieve the next step forward in your professional nursing career? Marian University’s RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as 12 months. The core nursing curriculum consists of 27 credits (eight classes), but since Marian University has a 30-credit residency requirement, plan on taking a three-credit general education class as well. Classes include “Management in Nursing,” “Healthcare Economics and Policy,” and “Leadership and Healthcare Systems.”

You must complete 180 hours of hands-on experience when you enroll in this short RN to BSN program. These hours will be divided between direct clinical community experiences and indirect experiences. However, you’ll be able to schedule your direct clinical hours at a healthcare facility close to where you live.

How Fast is Marian University's Online RN to BSN:

Most of the classes Marian University requires you to take for its RN to BSN program are seven weeks long (half a semester.) Two classes, however, extend over a 15-week period (an entire semester.). The program has six start dates a year in the spring, summer, and fall. Full-time students can complete this fast RN to BSN online program in three semesters (12 months) by taking two classes in their first semester and three classes in their second and third semesters. Part-time options are also available, which students can complete in either five or eight semesters.

Admission Requirements:

Successful admission candidates will have an active, unencumbered RN license from their state of residency. The program is only open to graduates of accredited ADN and diploma nursing programs with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. While Marian University’s RN to BSN program welcomes RNs from across the U.S., the curriculum may not meet the BSN requirements established by the nursing boards of some states, so check with your BON before applying.

41. Fort Hays State University - Hays, KS

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

If you finish all your general education classes and nursing prerequisites before you enroll, you can complete Fort Hays State University’s short RN to BSN online program in just one year. The core nursing curriculum consists of 10 classes (30 credits), such as “Nursing Inquiry for the RN,” “Trends Facing Healthcare,” and “Healthcare Policy & Cost for the RN.” Note that you can take two classes—"Informatics for the RN” and “Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare”—before you’re officially admitted into the program.

You’ll be required to complete 32 hours of direct clinical care as part of your course requirements for this program. You’ll be allowed to choose your own clinical site, pending approval from the Fort Hays State University’s Department of Nursing. If the site you choose is not approved, you may have to travel to Kansas to do your practicum (which will mean getting a Kansas RN license.) Apart from this practicum, all coursework is taught online.

How Fast is Fort Hays State University's Online RN to BSN:

Like many of the fastest RN to BSN online programs, every course in Fort Hays State University’s RN to BSN program is taught over an eight-week session. There are two eight-week sessions each semester. If you take three core nursing classes throughout your first two semesters and four nursing classes throughout your last semester, you may be able to graduate in three semesters.

Admission Requirements:

The program is open to RNs with valid U.S. nursing licenses. You’ll need to submit separate applications to Fort Hays State University and its Department of Nursing. Residents of Tennessee, Alabama, Washington State, and California cannot apply to this program. To participate in preceptor-led clinicals, you’ll need to carry your own liability insurance and submit to a background check and a drug screen.

42. The State University of New York at Delhi - Delhi, NY

Program Length:

5 Semesters

Program Details:

Why should you enroll in the short RN to BSN online program at the State University of New York in Delhi? Because SUNY Delhi’s nursing program is the only program in the State University of New York system to win commendation from the prestigious National League for Nursing. This program is also one of the few fastest online RN to BSN programs that awards credits for work experience since you you can get up to 12 academic credits toward general requirements if you’ve worked as an RN for a year.

The 33-credit curriculum consists of 11 classes that include “Principles of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice,” “Health Promotion,” and “Population and Community Health Nursing.” (Note that some of the required classes are not taught through SUNY Delhi’s School of Nursing.) You’ll be responsible for arranging 90 practicum hours at a healthcare facility near your hometown, but the School of Nursing must approve your choice.

How Fast is The State University of New York at Delhi's Online RN to BSN:

SUNY Delhi’s RN to BSN has five start dates in August, October, January, March, and May of every year. A semester consists of two seven-week terms, and every class lasts one term. This fast RN to BSN online program can be completed in four semesters (two years) if you commit to taking classes in both summer sessions. However, if you can only enroll part-time, you’ll have up to five years to complete the degree from the time you’re first accepted into the program.

Admission Requirements:

To enroll in this program, you’ll need an associate degree in nursing from an accredited school with a minimum GPA of 2.6. You’ll also need to have an RN license.

43. University Of Central Missouri - Warrensburg, MO

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

You could have a Bachelor of Science degree by this time next year if you enroll in the University of Central Missouri’s fast RN to BSN program. The 30-credit program includes core nursing courses like “Concepts of Nursing Leadership in Management,” “Professional Nursing Dimensions and Perspectives,” and “Evidence-Based Practice Research.” UCM’s School of Nursing is particularly well known for its focus on the differences in nurse practice between smaller, rural healthcare facilities and larger urban healthcare facilities.

You’ll gain first-hand experience by participating in clinical practicums (which you’ll take on a pass/fail basis), but aside from these, the entire program is delivered online. To continue in the program, students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all core nursing classes. The tuition for this RN to BSN program is comparatively low, and the University of Central Missouri charges out-of-state residents the same tuition that Missouri residents pay.

How Fast is University Of Central Missouri's Online RN to BSN:

Courses are taught in eight-week sessions, and there are two eight-week sessions to a semester. Once you’ve been admitted into the program, you can start at the beginning of any session. Full-time students should be able to complete this short RN to BSN online program in two semesters; part-time students generally complete it in between one and three years.

Admission Requirements:

To enroll in this program, you must have a current, valid RN license and eligibility for licensure in the State of Missouri. Additionally, you must be a graduate of an accredited associate nursing program whose cumulative GPA was 2.5 or higher.

44. University Of Central Oklahoma - Edmond, OK

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

If you’re an ADN-educated nurse looking for a fast way to take your career to the next level, look into the short RN to BSN program at the University of Central Oklahoma at Edmond. Although the curriculum entails only 24 credits, UCO has a 30-credit residency credit, so you’ll have to take at least two three-credit courses in addition to your core nursing classes. If you’re interested in advancing into UCO’s MSN program, you can choose to take upper-level classes that can be applied toward that MSN degree.

Your core nursing classes will include “Civic Engagement in Health,” “Community & Systems Health,” and “Leadership for Career Advancement.” Your final course will focus on a capstone project, but your classes will be taught entirely online.

How Fast is University Of Central Oklahoma's Online RN to BSN:

As a full-time student, you should be able to complete the 24-credit core nursing curriculum in two semesters, but keep in mind that you will need 30 credits to graduate. Realistically, it’s likely to take you a year to graduate. In addition to being among the fastest RN to BSN online programs, UCO also allows you to pursue your educational goals part-time if that fits better with your other commitments.

Admission Requirements:

You’re eligible to apply to this program if you have an associate degree from an accredited nursing program where your cumulative GPA was 2.5 or higher. You also need a current unencumbered registered nursing license.

45. Laboure College - Milton, MA

Program Length:

16 months (or less)

Program Details:

Looking for a speedy way to open more doors as a nursing professional? Laboure College offers a quick way to earn your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. Laboure College specializes in nursing and healthcare education. This fast RN to BSN online program consists of eight core nursing classes (24 credits) and one nursing elective (three credits.) Your final core nursing class will contain a mentor experience, but it will be very different from the clinical rotations you did when you earned your ADN. Apart from this mentor experience, your BSN education will be delivered entirely online.

This program is among the most competitively priced in the Greater Boston Metropolitan Area. Since tuition is assessed on a per-credit basis, the more credits you’re able to transfer, the less you’ll pay.

How Fast is Laboure College's Online RN to BSN:

Classes run over a seven-week term, and there are two seven-week terms per semester. This is one of the best fastest RN to BSN online programs with multiple start dates throughout the year: two in the summer, two in the fall, and two in the spring. Full-time students should be able to earn their BSN degrees in just 16 months.

Admission Requirements:

You must have an RN license in good standing to be admitted into this program. You’ll also need to have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all your previous undergraduate college-level work.

46. Spalding University - Louisville, KY

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Just one year is all it takes to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree at Spalding University if you’re already an RN. This short RN to BSN program consists of 30 credits and was one of the first RN to BSN programs to be offered in Kentucky. Though Spalding University is a Catholic institution, the school admits students of all faiths, and religious tenets are not reflected in its nursing coursework.

Spalding’s RN to BSN program has rolling admissions and seven start dates throughout the year, which helps you complete the required curriculum as quickly as possible. Coursework is offered entirely online. Classes start every six weeks, and if you decide you want to continue your education, you’ll have preferred admission into Spalding’s highly-ranked MSN program. RNs who work for Baptist Health Systems Inc. or Humana Inc. will get a 15 percent discount on tuition.

How Fast is Spalding University's Online RN to BSN:

Spalding University uses a six-block schedule that’s unique among the best fastest RN to BSN programs online: All classes are taught over a six-week period, after which students enjoy a one-week break from their studies. There are three six-week sessions per semester. Most of Spalding’s RN to BSN students take one class every six weeks and graduate in a single year.

Admission Requirements:

Students with an active, unrestricted RN license and an associate’s degree or a diploma from an accredited nursing program are granted automatic admission into Spalding University’s RN to BSN program.

47. Delta State University - Cleveland, MS

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

Delta State University’s 27-credit BSN completion program can be completed in as few as two semesters. The core nursing curriculum contains classes such as “Nursing Research/Evidence Based Practice,” “Transition to Professional Nursing,” and “Health Policy and Ethical Decision Making.” Two of the required courses have clinical components, which students will be able to schedule in the geographical location where they live and work.

This fast-track RN to BSN online program also lets RNs who are not taking degrees take BSN-level classes in comprehensive health assessment, basic pathophysiology, and nursing informatics. Upon successfully completing these classes, these students may apply to Delta State University’s Robert E. Smith School of Nursing for course credit toward the RN to BSN program.

How Fast is Delta State University's Online RN to BSN:

While this short RN to BSN program accepts students all year round, students can only enroll in the program at the beginning of the fall semester every year. By taking five nursing classes plus one practicum in the fall semester and four classes plus one practicum in the spring semester, students will be able to graduate in two semesters.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need to apply separately to Delta State University and the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing. Students must be graduates of an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program. You must have an active, unrestricted nursing license, and you must also submit to a criminal background check. Additionally, you must carry your own healthcare and liability insurance.

48. University of West Florida - Pensacola, FL

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

If you’re looking for a BSN completion track you can finish in a year, the University of West Florida’s short RN to BSN online program has a lot to recommend it. The 32-credit core curriculum includes 10 advanced nursing classes and two courses that focus on academic writing in nursing. Your core nursing classes will include “Systems-Based Nursing Leadership,” “Population-Based Public Health Nursing,” and “Health Education in the Community.”

Though the curriculum includes a capstone project, there are no clinical requirements as such: The entire program is delivered online. As an online student, you’ll have access to the University’s research resources, including databases and online journals, tutoring services; and a writing lab. This RN to BSN program requires 21 credits of state-mandated nursing prerequisites in subjects like anatomy, physiology, and human development across the lifespan that must be completed before you can be admitted. This BSN completion program offers significant tuition discounts to active military members as well as to veterans.

How Fast is University of West Florida's Online RN to BSN:

Courses are taught in eight-week sessions, and there are two eight-week sessions to a semester. The program takes most students three to five semesters to complete; full-time students should be able to complete the program in 12 months, provided they get credit for the maximum number of transferable credits for general education classes and nursing prerequisites.

Admission Requirements:

The University of West Florida’s RN to BSN program is open to RNs with active, unrestricted licenses who’ve graduated with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from a community college. You must have completed an upper-division statistics course with a grade of “C” or higher. Note that this program was designed to meet the professional licensure requirements of the State of Florida; if you live outside the state and have questions about whether this curriculum meets professional licensure requirements in your state, check with your state board of nursing.

49. Southern New Hampshire University - Manchester, NH

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

If you want to learn critical BSN competencies in a comparatively short period of time, Southern New Hampshire University’s BSN completion program is worth investigating. The 24-credit core nursing curriculum consists of eight classes, such as “Information Management and Patient Care Technologies,” “Research & Evidence-Based Practice,” and “Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare.” Since the graduation residency requirement at SNHU is 30 credits, you’ll also have to take two three-credit electives.

In this RN to BSN program, you’ll have to complete 135 hours of practicum experience and participate in a capstone project demonstrating your ability to synthesize the new knowledge and skills you’ve learned during your studies. Apart from practicum requirements, your classes will be taught entirely online using asynchronous technology so that you can learn on your own schedule.

How Fast is Southern New Hampshire University's Online RN to BSN:

Southern New Hampshire University has one of the most generous transfer policies of all the best fastest RN to BSN online programs: You can transfer up to 90 credits plus an unencumbered, active RN license is automatically worth 45 credits. There are six undergraduate terms every year. You should be able to finish your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in just one year.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need a diploma or associate degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program and a 2.5 cumulative GPA for admission into this program. Additionally, you’ll need an active, unencumbered RN license. The program does not accept applicants from Washington State.

50. Franklin University - Columbus, OH

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Franklin University is another one of the fastest RN to BSN programs online with a liberal transfer policy that helps cut down on the time it takes to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. And new students in Franklin’s program also qualify automatically for a $3,000 scholarship! The RN to BSN curriculum is 34 credits, and students have some choice in the nine courses they must take. Courses that all students must take include “Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice,” “Health Assessment and Promotion,” and “Community Health Nursing.”

This program doesn’t have any required textbooks; your learning materials will include videos, research results, and ebooks, which will be provided for you at no extra cost. Online classes integrate virtual scenarios, video, audio, and live classroom activities that use synchronous technology to optimize your learning experience. All baccalaureate students at Franklin U must participate in a capstone project: The BSN capstone involves integrating theories from art and science with RN practice.

How Fast is Franklin University's Online RN to BSN:

Courses are taught over six-week sessions. Depending upon the number of credits you’re able to transfer, you may be able to complete Franklin University’s RN to BSN program in a single year.

Admission Requirements:

To be accepted into this program, you must be a registered nurse with an active, unrestricted license who’s a graduate of an accredited ADN or nursing diploma program. Franklin University’s RN to BSN program cannot accept applicants from Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington State, or Wyoming.

51. The University of Toledo - Toledo, Ohio

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

Are you looking for a self-paced RN to BSN program that will help you earn your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree quickly? The University of Toledo’s fast RN to BSN online program is the only one among the fastest RN to BSN online programs to use a Competency-Based Education track. This educational model supports you in reaching your learning goals as quickly—or slowly—as you need to.

UToledo’s minimum core requirement is 36 credit hours, but the core nursing curriculum is 30 credits, so you’ll need to pick up additional electives or general education classes. You’ll take courses like “Applied Health Assessment Across the Lifespan,” “Theory and Collaborative Practice,” and “Pathopharmacology for the Practicing RN.” One of your classes has a 60-hour practicum requirement, but apart from that, this RN to BSN program is offered 100 percent online. Out-of-state students only pay $5 per credit more than Ohio residents for this program.

How Fast is The University of Toledo's Online RN to BSN:

You can enroll in a class under specified terms throughout the first nine weeks of each semester, but you must complete your classwork for your courses by the end of the semester. If you can transfer over the maximum number of credits, it’s possible to complete UToledo’s RN to BSN program in two semesters.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need an active, unencumbered RN license from the state where you plan to do your clinical experience and a degree from an accredited associate or RN diploma program. Your cumulative GPA in all prior college-level coursework must be 2.0 or higher. UToledo offers ADN students at Owens Community College and Saddleback College dual admission.

52. Mississippi University for Women - Columbus, MS

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

The RN to BSN program at the Mississippi University for Women is designed to be completed in a single year. The 42-credit program consists of 10 classes, which are set up to be taken in a specific order. Your coursework will include courses like “Theory, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice for the Professional Nurse,” “Professional Perspectives: Dimensions of Community Nursing Practice,” and “Comprehensive Health Assessment Across the Lifespan.” Three of the required classes have clinical elements built into them.

This RN to BSN program stands out among the best fastest RN to BSN programs online because Mississippi University for Women charges a flat tuition rate for the entire educational experience.

How Fast is Mississippi University for Women's Online RN to BSN:

This fast-track RN to BSN online program admits students once a year in the fall. Students must take four courses in the fall semester, three courses in the spring semester, and three classes in the summer semester.

Admission Requirements:

This program only accepts RNs with active, unencumbered licenses from Mississippi or a compact state. You’ll need to submit to a criminal background check and a drug screen. Despite its name, the Mississippi University for Women does admit male students.

53. University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Charlotte, NC

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

The 31-credit RN to BSN program offered by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is an ideal solution for any ADN who wants a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing education delivered quickly. Courses include “Issues in Cultural Health,” “Enhancing Clinical Judgment,” and “Design and Coordination of Care.”

Experiential elements are integrated into some of the courses, but there’s no prescribed number of practicum hours, and these experiences can be completed at your place of employment. Except for those practicum experiences, classes are taught entirely online using an asynchronous distance learning platform that relies upon reading and audio-visual materials. Students typically spend between 12 and 15 hours a week studying for each class.

How Fast is University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Online RN to BSN:

This short RN to BSN online program has start dates in the fall and spring. The learning year is divided into fall, spring, and summer semesters, and each semester is divided into two seven-week sessions. You can complete this fast online RN to BSN program in as few as 12 months, provided you can transfer the maximum number of general education and nursing prerequisite credits. Most students, however, take longer.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need an associate degree from an accredited nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all eligible transferable credits. You’ll also need an active, unrestricted RN license. UNC-Charlotte requires you to have completed all pertinent general education courses and nursing prerequisites before you apply to this program.

54. University of Maryland - Baltimore, MD

Program Length:

2 Semesters

Program Details:

The University of Maryland’s fast RN to BSN program is ranked among the top ten in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The 31-credit program consists of six core nursing classes (22 credits) and three nursing electives (nine credits.) You’ll take courses like “Pathophysiologic Implications to Patient Assessment,” “Public Health Nursing Essentials for the Registered Nurse,” and “Health Informatics for the Registered Nurse.” Your course load will include 90 hours of clinical experience, but most of this fast RN to BSN program is delivered online.

This is one of the few fast online RN to BSN programs that allows you the opportunity to advance your career by specializing in an area of specific interest while you’re pursuing your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. Two focus areas are available: Care Coordination with Health IT and Substance Use and Addictions; neither of these specialties involves taking additional courses outside the RN to BSN curriculum. This program is also one of the few that allows you to test out of some of your general education class requirements.

How Fast is University of Maryland's Online RN to BSN:

This program has start dates in the fall and spring. If you enroll full-time and can transfer the maximum number of credits, you should be able to graduate from this program in two semesters. Part-time students will graduate in three or more semesters.

Admission Requirements:

The University of Maryland’s program is one of the most competitive of the best fastest RN to BSN online programs in terms of admissions. You must have an active, unrestricted Maryland license or an active, unrestricted license from a Maryland Board of Nursing compact state. You must have completed all previous college-level work with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. You’ll also have to submit a resume, one professional reference letter, and a 300-word essay on how earning a BSN degree will help you better achieve your professional goals.

55. Ohio University - Athens, OH

Program Length:

4 Semesters

Program Details:

You can test Ohio University’s fast RN to BSN online program out before you officially enroll because they’ll let you try the first course in their 31-credit nursing core curriculum for free. There are nine courses in the RN to BSN sequence; they include “Health Assessment and Promotion,” “Gerontologic Nursing Care,” and “Nursing Excellence.”

You’ll participate in a capstone project that has some clinical elements, but you’ll be able to complete those clinical experiences close to your own home. Apart from these clinical requirements, all your coursework will be offered online using asynchronous technology, and you’ll have access to it 24/7. Public health nurse certification (PHNC) coursework is also available though it’s not a part of the core nursing sequence; this PNHC coursework meets the mandated requirements for Public Health Certification in California.

How Fast is Ohio University's Online RN to BSN:

Ohio University’s BSN completion program has eight start dates a year: three in the fall semester, three in the spring semester, and two in the summer semester. The time it will take you to complete this program will depend upon the number of courses you take each semester and the number of previous credits you can transfer. It is possible to complete the course in one year (three semesters), but 50 percent of Ohio University’s RN to BSN students complete the program in two years, while 70 percent complete it within five years.

Admission Requirements:

For admission consideration, you’ll need an active, unencumbered RN license from Ohio or one of the 25 states that Ohio University accepts. (Check with Ohio University to see if your state is among these.) You’ll also need an associate degree or diploma from a nursing program approved by a state board of nursing. Your cumulative grade point average for all post-secondary academic work must be 2.0 or higher.

56. University of Maine - Fort Kent, ME

Program Length:

10 Months

Program Details:

The University of Maine’s fast-track RN to BSN online program comprises 10 core nursing classes (30 credits) that many students can complete in just three semesters (10 months.) Your courses will include “Transcultural Care in Nursing,” “Health Care Ethics & the Law,” and “Leadership & Management in Healthcare.” Your courses will utilize an asynchronous distance learning format, but some of the classes do include experiential elements, and one of your classes will have a portfolio requirement.

One of the areas where UMaine Fort Kent really stands out is the transparency of its fee schedule: In-state and out-of-state residents pay the same per-credit rate, so it’s almost as though the university is charging an affordable flat fee for its RN to BSN program. And should you have to make up some general education requirements, you’ll be charged at the RN to BSN rate.

How Fast is University of Maine's Online RN to BSN:

UMaine Fort Kent’s RN to BSN program has two start dates in the fall, two start dates in the spring, and two start dates in the summer. Classes extend over a seven-week term, and there are two seven-week sessions to a term. If you take three core classes during two semesters and four in your third semester, you’ll graduate in three semesters (10 months), provided you have no additional general education requirements to make up.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need an ADN, an ASN, or a diploma from an accredited nursing program if you want UMaine Fort Kent to accept you into its RN to BSN track. Your cumulative GPA in all college-level work must be 2.5 or higher. You’ll also need an active, unrestricted RN license.

57. Texas A & M International University - Laredo, TX

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

In just one year, you could be working as a BSN-prepared RN if you enroll in Texas A&M International University’s fast RN to BSN online program. Students must take 10 core nursing classes (32 credits,) including “Cultural Determinants of Health Behavior,” “Nurse Leadership and Management,” and “The History of Nursing.”

Four of the required classes have practicum elements for a total of 126 hours of experiential learning: You’ll spend 14 of those hours participating in virtual online simulations and 42 of those hours putting together a professional nursing portfolio; you’ll spend the remainder of your clinical hours interacting with a preceptor at a clinical site, but you’ll get to choose the preceptor and the clinical site (pending TAMIU approval.) Aside from the required clinical experiences, this RN to BSN program is taught entirely online.

How Fast is Texas A & M International University's Online RN to BSN:

This fast RN to BSN program features six start dates a year: two in the spring, two in the summer, and two in the fall. Semesters are divided into two seven-week sessions, and each class is taught over the length of a session. Depending on how many credits you can transfer, it’s possible to finish TAMIU’s RN to BSN program in three semesters (one year); most students take between one and two years.

Admission Requirements:

This program is only open to registered nurses with active, unencumbered Texas licenses who have graduated from an associate degree or diploma nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

58. Benedictine University - Lisle, IL

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

You may be able to turn your professional nursing career around in a single year if you enroll in Benedictine University’s fast RN to BSN online program. The 10 courses in this 34-credit curriculum are designed to build on one another and must be taken in sequence.

You’ll start with “Perspectives of Professional Nursing Practice,” a course that explores the societal and cultural foundations of baccalaureate nursing, and you’ll end with “Professional Practice in Leadership and Interprofessional Collaboration,” a class that calls for you to demonstrate the leadership skills you’ve learned. The curriculum requires 70 hours of clinical experience, which you may be able to complete at the healthcare facility where you’re employed.

Benedictine University is a Catholic university, and while it accepts students of all faiths, Roman Catholic traditions play an essential role in its educational philosophy. As a student in the school’s RN to BSN program, you’ll participate in an interdisciplinary seminar focused on the way various religious and philosophical traditions can impact healthcare delivery.

How Fast is Benedictine University's Online RN to BSN:

As a full-time student, you should be able to complete Benedictine University’s fast RN to BSN program in a single year.

Admission Requirements:

For acceptance into this program, you must be an RN with an AAS or an AND or have completed the first year of an accredited ADN/AAS program. Your cumulative GPA must be 2.5 or higher.

59. Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, MI

Program Length:

1-3 Years

Program Details:

Searching for a quick efficient way to maximize your nursing career opportunities? Central Michigan University offers a 30-credit RN to BSN program that consists of 10 classes and can be completed in a single year if you pursue your educational goals full-time. You’ll take seven core nursing classes (24 credits) and two electives (six credits.) Required courses include “Introduction to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice,” “Concepts of Culture and Diversity,” and “Research and Evidence-Based Practice.” For your final class in the core nursing sequence, you’ll participate in a capstone project that will focus on applying the knowledge you’ve acquired to practical challenges in the field.

Several of your classes will have clinical components. You can satisfy these at a healthcare facility close to where you live, pending approval from Central Michigan University.

How Fast is Central Michigan University's Online RN to BSN:

This is another one of the best fast-track RN to BSN programs online that offers rolling admissions throughout the year. You can begin your studies in the fall, spring, or summer. Full-time students may be able to complete this program in just a single year. Part-time students will have up to three years to complete the curriculum.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need to be a graduate of an associate nursing degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher if you want to be admitted into this program. Most successful applicants will have current, unrestricted RN licenses from their state of residence. However, CMU also grants provisional acceptance to applicants who haven’t yet passed their NCLEX exams so long as they pass after taking 12 credits.

60. University of Louisiana - Monroe, LA

Program Length:

14 Months

Program Details:

The University of Louisiana’s fast RN to BSN online program is designed to help you master BSN-level skills effectively and efficiently. ULM’s 30-credit RN to BSN program is structured differently from the programs of many of the other fastest RN to BSN programs online. You’ll only have to take five core nursing classes (13 credits), but you’ll also have to take six pre-professional nursing courses (17 credits), and you have to take them at the University of Louisiana-Monroe—there’s no way to transfer those credits.

Core nursing classes include “Nursing Management,” “Public Health Nursing,” and a senior capstone project. Two of the core nursing classes have practicum elements. Apart from these, all your courses will be presented online using asynchronous technology so that you can study at your own pace.

How Fast is University of Louisiana's Online RN to BSN:

The University of Louisiana-Monroe’s RN to BSN program has five start dates per year. Every semester is divided into two eight-week sessions, and each class is taught over one session. Full-time students may be able to graduate in 14 months; the university also offers part-time enrollment options for students whose extracurricular commitments incline them to spread out their classes more.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from an accredited nursing associate or diploma program for admission into this program. You’ll also need a current, unrestricted RN license.

61. University of Massachusetts Amherst - Amherst, MA

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s short RN to BSN online program is designed for working nurses. The 30-credit, 10-class curriculum includes courses like “Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness,” “Vulnerable and Underserved Populations,” and “Writing in Nursing Ethics.” Apart from a required practicum, your classes will be taught online using asynchronous technology that gives you 24-hour access to your virtual classroom.

UMass Amherst nursing instructors are specifically trained in understanding the needs of distance learners and accommodating their diverse learning styles. You will have full access to UMass Amherst’s huge electronic research holdings and libraries. The University of Massachusetts Amherst charges out-of-state residents the same tuition it charges Massachusetts residents. You’ll need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout your time in this program.

How Fast is University of Massachusetts Amherst's Online RN to BSN:

UMass Amherst divides its academic year into fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters. The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing admits students into its RN to BSN program in the spring and summer. The program has two completion tracks. The full-time track can be completed in one year if you take three classes in the spring, three in the summer, three in the fall, and one in winter. The part-time track can be completed in two years if you alternate each quarter between taking two classes and one class.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must be graduates of accredited associate or diploma programs with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. All nursing prerequisites must be completed before you apply to UMass Amherst. You’ll also need to possess an active, unencumbered RN license.

62. University of Memphis - Memphis, TN

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Are you looking for an accessible RN to BSN program that you may be able to complete in just a single year? The Loewenberg College of Nursing at the University of Memphis offers a fast-track RN to BSN online program that consists of 31 credits. You’ll take classes like “Professional Nursing/Seminar,” “Evidence-Based Nursing,” and “Transitions into Professional Nursing/Practicum.” Special arrangements will have to be made to accommodate practicums done outside healthcare facilities in Tennessee, Mississippi, or Arkansas. Apart from your practicums, your coursework will be delivered entirely online.

Loewenberg College’s RN to BSN program is unusual among the best fastest RN to BSN online programs in that it allows you the opportunity to test out of some of your core nursing classes. You may also be able to earn additional credits toward your degree if you have a national nursing certification or you’ve provided preceptor experiences for nursing students and new RN graduates.

How Fast is University of Memphis Online RN to BSN:

Students are accepted into this short RN to BSN program during the fall, spring, and summer of each year. There are two seven-week sessions per semester, and each course is taught over a seven-week session. If you can transfer over the maximum number of general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, and take two core nursing classes during the first three semesters and one in the fourth, you’ll be able to graduate in four semesters—or approximately one year.

Admission Requirements:

For admission into this fast RN to BSN program, you must have an accredited ADN degree. Your minimum cumulative college GPA must be 2.5 or higher. Either you must have an active, unrestricted RN license, or you must be eligible for licensure. California residents may not apply. While the Loewenberg College of Nursing accepts residents of states other than Tennessee into its RN to BSN program, it’s the student’s responsibility to determine whether this educational experience meets their state board of nursing’s requirements.

63. Mercer University - Macon, GA

Program Length:

3 Semesters

Program Details:

Mercer University offers a solution for ADNs in the Peach State who are looking for a quick way to earn their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. Mercer’s 32-credit RN to BSN curriculum consists of 13 core nursing classes. You’ll enroll in courses like “Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacological Principles,” “Informatics for Quality and Safety,” and “Population and Global Health.”

During your academic journey, you’ll complete 90 hours of practicum experience. Your online classwork will be offered in an asynchronous format, allowing you to access it from anywhere at any time. Mercer University’s program is one of the rare BSN completion tracks that doesn’t require you to have finished your general education requirements before you enroll. General education requirements can be in progress at the time of your application, or you can complete them while you’re enrolled in the RN to BSN program.

How Fast is Mercer University's Online RN to BSN:

This fast online RN to BSN program offers two completion tracks. If you enroll full-time, you can earn your BSN in a single year (three semesters) by taking five classes during the fall semester, five during the spring semester, and three during the summer. Part-time students can complete this RN to BSN program in a year and 10 months by alternating between taking two, three, and four classes each fall and spring semester and two classes in the summer semester. (There is no second summer semester.) Students may begin their studies in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.

Admission Requirements:

This program only accepts students who hold Georgia RN licenses and are graduates of an accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program.

64. Northern Kentucky University - Highland Heights, KY

Program Length:

10 Months

Program Details:

If you’re an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing, Northern Kentucky University can teach you the professional skills you need to move up the career ladder in as few as 10 months. Its 30-credit curriculum consists of 10 core nursing classes such as “Quality Care,” “Models of Care Delivery,” and “Genetics.” You’ll also complete a practicum where you’ll design and implement an interdisciplinary team project focused on issues identified in a specific healthcare setting.

Apart from the practicum, your coursework will be delivered through a distance learning platform that utilizes synchronous and asynchronous technology. Many of your classes will be taught using modules that incorporate notes, slide presentations, and video chat. Plan upon spending 12 to 15 hours a week per course on study time. Out-of-state students will be charged the same tuition as Kentucky residents.

How Fast is Northern Kentucky University's Online RN to BSN:

This fast online RN to BSN program has six start dates throughout the year. Classes are taught over seven-week sessions, and there are two sessions per semester. If you can transfer over the maximum number of credits for general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, you may be able to complete Northern Kentucky University’s short RN to BSN online program in just two semesters (10 months.)

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need an active, unrestricted RN license within the first semester of admission into this fast RN to BSN online program. You’ll also need to be a graduate of an associate degree or diploma program in nursing from an accredited institution.

65. East Carolina University - Greenville, NC

Program Length:

16 Months

Program Details:

Want to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree in just 16 months? Then take a look at the fast online RN to BSN program East Carolina University has to offer. What places this one among the best fastest RN to BSN online programs is that it was designed for working nurses by working nurses; it’s based on feedback from prospective program students.

The curriculum consists of 33 credits (eight classes.) You’ll take courses like “Professionalism in Baccalaureate Nursing Practice,” “Nursing Leadership and Finance,” and “Critical Thinking to Facilitate Role Transition: RN to BSN.” You’ll be required to complete a capstone project and practice experiences, which you’ll have to complete away from the computer. Courses must be taken in a certain sequence.

How Fast is East Carolina University's Online RN to BSN:

This program accepts students in the spring and fall. Only one 16-month completion track is available. You’ll take three courses in your first semester, two courses in your second and third semesters, and your capstone requirement in your final semester. You’ll graduate in four semesters (16 months.)

Admission Requirements:

To be accepted into this program, you must have a valid, unencumbered license from North Carolina or a compact state. Additionally, you must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited educational institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

66. California State University - San Marcos, CA

Program Length:

14 Months

Program Details:

The RN to BSN program that California State University-San Marcos offers is different from many of the other fastest RN to BSN online programs in that it deliberately restricts the size of its entering classes so that students will have more access to their online instructors. Core nursing classes consist of 29 credits; however, you must take 30 credits at CSUSM to graduate from that school. Among the 13 courses, you must take are classes like “Pathophysiology and Pharmacology,” “Health Promotion and Patient Education Strategies,” and “Family Nursing: Theory and Practice.” This fast RN to BSN online program emphasizes the delivery of culturally sensitive nursing care using the self-care deficit theory of nursing.

Two of the required classes have clinical components. Leadership clinical hours can usually be completed at your place of employment, but community health clinical hours must be completed at a public health agency or community clinic.

How Fast is California State University's Online RN to BSN:

This program has two start dates in the fall semester and two start dates in the spring semester. The fall and spring semesters are divided into two eight-week blocks, while the summer semester is ten weeks long. CSUSM offers only one completion track: If you take six courses in your first semester, four in your second semester, three in your third semester, and three during the summer semester, you’ll graduate in 14 months.

Admission Requirements:

CSUSM’s short RN to BSN online program is one of the more competitive fastest RN to BSN online programs. You’ll need to be a graduate of an accredited associate degree or hospital diploma nursing program with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all core nursing prerequisites. You’ll also need to hold an RN license. Note that CSUMB is not approved to offer distance learning classes in every state. Before applying, check with your local board of nursing to ensure your state is on CSUSM’s list.

67. Oakland University - Rochester Hills, MI

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Are you looking for a quick way to secure your professional future as a BSN-educated RN? Oakland University’s fast online RN to BSN program can be completed in just 12 months. The 32-credit curriculum consists of eight core nursing classes and one nursing elective. Your courses will include “Research Basis of Nursing Practice,” “Informatics for Nursing Practice,” and “Contemporary Nursing Professional and Ethical Issues.” In your final class, you’ll participate in a capstone project that may involve supervised clinical work or community outreach. But the majority of your coursework will be taught online.

Your courses will be taught by the same instructors who teach Oakland University’s campus-based nursing classes. And Oakland University will assign you 30 additional credits toward the overall graduation credits you need simply for passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

How Fast is Oakland University's Online RN to BSN:

Oakland University has two tracks for BSN completion. Full-time students can complete the curriculum in one year by taking four core nursing classes in their first semester, three core nursing classes plus one elective in their second semester, and the capstone course in their final semester. Part-time students can complete the curriculum in 20 months by taking two core nursing courses in the first four semesters and the capstone course in their last semester.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need to be a graduate of an accredited associate degree program in nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. You’ll also need an active, unencumbered RN license.

68. Western Carolina University - Cullowhee, NC

Program Length:

4 Semesters

Program Details:

If you’re an ADN looking for a way to broaden your scope of practice as quickly as possible, Western Carolina University’s fast RN to BSN online program is worth looking in. The 30-credit curriculum is taught in subject blocks; you’ll take 24 credits of core nursing blocks and six credits of general education electives. You’ll be required to complete clinical experiences for the Community Health and Leadership blocks, but your practicums won’t involve a formal preceptorship.

Western Carolina University participates in the NC Promise Tuition Plan, which undergraduates who are North Carolina residents and undergraduate international students can take advantage of. This results in tuition costs significantly below the tuition rate charged by practically every other one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs.

How Fast is Western Carolina University's Online RN to BSN:

Students can be admitted twice a year—in the fall and the spring—into Western Carolina University’s RN to BSN program. The school only offers a single four-semester completion track. You’ll take the “Professional Transitions in Nursing Block” your first semester, two nursing blocks and one elective your second and third semesters, and the “Research Block” your final semester.

Admission Requirements:

You must have an associate degree or a nursing diploma from an accredited nursing program. (Note that if you have an ADN rather than a North Carolina Community College Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree, you may find it difficult to transfer credits relevant to general education requirements.) You’ll also need a valid, unrestricted license to practice as an RN.

69. Arkansas State University - Jonesboro, AR

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Arkansas State University-Jonesboro’s quick 30-credit RN to BSN program is designed to help you broaden your career opportunities in healthcare systems, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and other healthcare settings. The program is particularly well-regarded when it comes to educating RNs to take on healthcare management roles.

The curriculum consists of eight core nursing classes (24 credits) and two nursing electives (six credits.) Courses you take will include “Introduction to Nursing Informatics,” “Principles of Nursing Research,” and “Nursing Leadership.” Your final course will involve a capstone project during which you identify a nursing challenge and plan an implementation in a nursing area of particular interest to you. Before taking the capstone class, you must have logged at least 1,000 hours as a working RN.

How Fast is Arkansas State University's Online RN to BSN:

You can start this RN to BSN program in the fall, spring, or summer. Classes are taught over seven-week sessions, and there are two seven-week sessions per semester. Full-time students may graduate in a year if they can transfer over the maximum number of credits from general education and nursing prerequisite courses.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need to submit separate applications to Arkansas State University-Jonesboro and its School of Nursing. You’ll also need to have a valid, unencumbered RN license. This program is only available to graduates of accredited associate nursing degree programs who’ve maintained a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher.

70. Baptist Health Sciences University - Memphis, TN

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Baptist Health Sciences University’s 31-credit RN to BSN program is set up to allow students to customize their own learning—which means you can complete it as quickly or as slowly as you want. The program consists of nine core nursing classes, two practicums, and a “Writing for the Health Care Profession” class, as well as a “Baptist College Online/Completion” class that are both unique to Baptist Health Sciences University. Core nursing classes include “Introduction to Nursing Informatics,” “Population Health Nursing,” and “Perspectives on Healthy Aging.”

While the university admits students of all faiths, its educational philosophy is grounded in Christian principles, and you can expect to see those principles reflected in your coursework. Nursing is regarded as a “calling.” The Baptist Memorial Health Care system operates the school.

How Fast is Baptist Health Sciences University's Online RN to BSN:

This fast RN to BSN online program has three start dates a year. If you’ve completed all your general education requirements and nursing prerequisites, you can complete this RN to BSN program in a single year.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must be graduates of an accredited nursing program who’ve maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Either they must hold an active, unrestricted RN license or be eligible to apply for RN licensure.

71. Bethel University - Mishawaka, IN

Program Length:

1 Year

Program Details:

Bethel University is another of the shortest RN to BSN online programs that integrates Christian ethics into its educational offerings. Bethel’s 29-credit curriculum consists of 10 core nursing classes such as “Role Transition in Professional Nursing,” “Contemporary Issues in Nursing,” and “Global Health.” “Role Transition in Professional Nursing” must be taken first, but other than that, you are free to choose your coursework sequence.

Two of its classes have clinical components, and these clinicals are scheduled earlier in the course sequence than at many other RN to BSN programs. You can complete these clinical experiences at a local healthcare facility, so you won’t have to spend any time away from home. Apart from those two clinical experiences, all your coursework will be delivered online using a distance learning platform that combines synchronous and asynchronous technologies.

How Fast is Bethel University's Online RN to BSN:

Courses are taught over seven-week terms, and there are two terms each semester. Bethel offers two completion tracks. If you take two courses per term in the fall and spring semesters and one in the summer, you should be able to complete the degree in three semesters (one year.) If you take one course per term, you should be able to complete the degree in five semesters (20 months.)

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need a current, unencumbered RN license from the state where you plan to complete your clinical coursework. Your cumulative GPA on all prior coursework needs to be 2.5 or higher.

72. SUNY College at Brockport - Brockport, NY

Program Length:

12 Months

Program Details:

Isn’t it time to take the next step in advancing your professional nursing career? SUNY College at Brockport offers a fast RN to BSN online program that could be just what you’ve been looking for. The curriculum required to graduate entails between 30 and 36 credits. You’ll take classes like “Pharmacotherapeutics for the RN,” “Health Assessment Clinical for the RN,” and “Research: Process and Critique.”

Two of your classes will include clinical components that you satisfy in a community close to your home. SUNY-Brockport’s RN to BSN track is the only one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs offering international options for students who want to complete their clinical experiences in Peru or Costa Rica. Apart from these clinical requirements, the entire RN to BSN program is delivered online.

How Fast is SUNY College at Brockport's Online RN to BSN:

SUNY-Brockport’s RN to BSN program admits students in the fall, spring, and summer. Full-time students will graduate in two semesters (12 months) by taking five courses in their first semester and five courses in their second semester. Part-time students can graduate in either 18 or 24 months.

Admission Requirements:

You’ll need a valid, unencumbered RN license in New York State for acceptance into this program, or you’ll need to have earned an RN license by your second semester of enrollment. This program is designed for RNs with an associate degree in nursing from an accredited program.

73. Carlow University - Pittsburgh, PA

Program Length:

11-16 Months

Program Details:

Carlow University’s 22-credit RN to BSN program offers a quick way to take your professional healthcare career in new directions. (Remember, though, that Carlow has a 30-credit residency requirement, so you’ll have to take an additional eight credits before you can graduate.) The core curriculum consists of only eight nursing classes, including “Nursing Leadership and Management for the RN,” “Research/Informatics/Decision-Making,” and “Legal, Ethical and Political Considerations for the RN.” You’ll participate in a capstone project that focuses on quality assurance and safety education for registered nurses.

Apart from limited practicum hours, Carlow University’s program is delivered 100 percent online using asynchronous technology. Most courses are taught by full-time faculty members who are experts in adult education.

How Fast is Carlow University's Online RN to BSN:

Classes are taught over eight-week terms, and there are two eight-week terms per semester. Full-time students can graduate in just eleven months by taking two courses per session. Part-time students can graduate in 16 months by taking one class per session.

Admission Requirements:

Applicants must have a valid, unrestricted license in the state where they will complete their practicum requirements. This RN to BSN program is only open to graduates from an accredited diploma or associate degree nursing program. Carlow’s online RN to BSN program may not satisfy BSN requirements in every state, so check with your state board of nursing before applying.

74. Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs, CO

Program Length:

9 Months

Program Details:

Colorado Technical University’s bachelor’s degree programs are consistently ranked among the nation’s top online bachelor’s degree programs by U.S. News & World Report, and its RN to BSN online program is no exception. CTU is the only fast RN to BSN online program that uses an adaptive learning technology that allows you to skip over information that you already know so that you can focus on acquiring knowledge in new, unfamiliar nursing fields.

Colorado Technical University operates on a quarter system rather than a semester system, so your core nursing curriculum will comprise 48 quarter credits. You’ll take classes like “Challenges and Trends in Contemporary Nursing,” “Population-Based Nursing,” and “Leadership and Nursing Systems Management.” Two of your classes will have clinical components, which you can satisfy in a community agency close to your home. You’ll also participate in a capstone project that requires applying the principles you’ve learned throughout the course to a practical nursing challenge.

How Fast is Colorado Technical University's Online RN to BSN:

Classes are taught over five week-sessions, and there are two five-week sessions to an academic quarter. CTU offers three RN to BSN tracks. If you enroll full-time and take two courses per five-week session, you can graduate in nine months. You also have the option of enrolling part-time and taking either an alternating pattern of one course/two courses per session, or one course per session.

Admission Requirements:

Successful applicants will have graduated from an associate nursing degree or a diploma RN program, or they must be close to graduating. They must also possess an active, unencumbered RN license.

75. Lamar University - Beaumont, TX

Program Length:

13 Months

Program Details:

The Joanne Dishman School at Lamar University has a fast RN to BSN program that’s designed for career-minded RNs who want to jump-start the professional opportunities that await them as BSN-educated nurses. The curriculum consists of seven classes for 30 credits. You’ll take courses like “Nursing Theories and Online Education,” “Holistic Health Assessment,” and “Care of Communities.”

Three of your classes will include clinical components in accordance with Lamar University’s RN to BSN Community-Based Service Learning Policy. You’ll also be required to complete a capstone project for your final core nursing course. Apart from practicums, your classes will be taught using a collaborative online learning tool using asynchronous technology.

How Fast is Lamar University's Online RN to BSN:

Lamar University’s fast online RN to BSN program has four start dates every year: two in the fall and two in the spring. The program offers a single 13-month completion track.

Admission Requirements:

This program is only available to students with AAS degrees, ADN degrees, or diplomas from an accredited nursing program. You must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. You must also possess a valid, unencumbered RN license.

WHAT STARTING SALARY CAN NEW GRADUATES OF THE SHORTEST ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS EXPECT?

New graduates of the fastest online RN to BSN programs can expect to make $28.58 an hour, $1,143 a week, $4,950 a month, or $59,450 a year.

Hourly	$28.58
Weekly	$1,143
Monthly	$4,950
Annual	$59,450
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

WHAT AVERAGE SALARY CAN EXPERIENCED GRADUATES OF THE SHORTEST ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS EXPECT?

The average salary that experienced graduates of the fastest online RN to BSN can expect to make is $82,750 a year, which works out to $39.78 an hour, $1,591 a week, or $6,900 a month.

Hourly	$39.78
Weekly	$1,591
Monthly	$6,900
Annual	$82,750
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

BONUS! 5 TIPS TO FURTHER ACCELERATE YOUR FAST-TRACK RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAM EVEN MORE

In 2010, the highly influential Institute of Medicine published a report recommending that 80 percent of the nursing workforce attain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree by 2020. That goal has not yet been reached, but it’s one of the reasons why RN to BSN programs have become so competitive for your money and time.

One of the promises many of the fastest RN to BSN programs make is that their program will allow you to complete your BSN in record time. But is that really true? Well, it is in most cases—but with certain caveats. Here are five tips that will help you accelerate your fast-track online BSN education even more.

1. Verify that your prior education credits meet the program’s requirements for general education credits:

When you enroll in an online RN to BSN program, what you’re really doing is becoming an undergraduate bachelor’s degree transfer student. Most bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credits for graduation. If you haven’t earned 120 credits by the time you’ve completed an RN to BSN program, then you’ll have to take additional credits at that school—and that significantly can slow down the process of attaining a BSN.

RN to BSN programs differ widely in the degree to which they will accept prior learning credits, so it is always worthwhile to set up a phone call or a Zoom meeting with an admissions counselor to see how many of your general education credits and nursing prerequisites will transfer over before you enroll in one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs.

2. Choose one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs that offers an asynchronous learning platform:

Synchronous classes are classes that are scheduled in real time; they are exactly like conventional classrooms except that you access them via a computer. Asynchronous classes, on the other hand, allow you to access learning materials at your own pace.

Asynchronous classes compel you to be disciplined, but they are far more efficient because they allow you to complete your coursework at your own pace and on your own schedule. And if you want that pace to be fast, you can make it fast.

3. Choose a program where the summer semester counts:

In some fast RN to BSN programs, summer semesters are shortened, which means you have to cram more classes into the fall and spring semesters. The more classes you take at a single time, the more divided your study efforts will be. A far more efficient (and successful) way to study is to spread out your classes evenly throughout the year—which you can only do if the summer semester is weighted as evenly as the fall and spring semesters.

4. Build on what you already know:

Look for a fast-track RN to BSN program that offers some kind of introductory class on the differences between ADN- and BSN-educated nurses. It will prepare you to make the transition into more complex nursing concepts more quickly.

5. Shorter semesters mean faster courses:

Semesters range in length between 14 and 18 weeks, and you’ll be able to take more courses per year at a school where semesters are on the short side. The more quickly you can complete classes, the sooner you’ll be able to graduate from your fast-track RN to BSN program.

ARE FAST-TRACK RN TO BSN ONLINE PROGRAMS WORTH IT – MY FINAL THOUGHTS

This article has provided you with an answer to the question, “What are the shortest RN to BSN programs?” by offering you a look at the 75 best shortest RN to BSN online programs in 2024.

Getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is definitely worth it! And doing it as quickly as possible may pay off provided you are willing to make the sacrifices going back to school will entail. It is likely that you will not be able to work full-time if you pursue one of the shortest RN to BSN online programs, and you will not be as present for the family and friends you love.

This situation will not be permanent, though. Remember that when you graduate, you’ll make a higher salary, have better opportunities for career advancement, and will almost certainly find your work more engaging—which will make you a happier, more fulfilled person.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY OUR EXPERT

1. What Is The Best Fastest Online RN to BSN Program In The Nation?

The RN to BSN program at the State University of New York at Delhi is our number one choice as the best fastest online RN to BSN program because it’s the only one of the fastest RN to BSN online programs to win a commendation from the National League for Nursing.

2. How Credible Are Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Programs?

Fast-track RN to BSN programs are perfectly legitimate so long as the program is accredited.

3. Do Employers Respect Fast-Track Online RN to BSN Degrees?

The majority of prospective employers do not distinguish between online BSN completion programs and campus RN to BSN programs. Similarly, these employers are not concerned with how quickly you earned your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree.

4. Does Accreditation Matter For Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Programs?

Yes! Accreditation is very important for the fastest RN to BSN online programs.

5. Are The Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs Hard To Complete?

The fastest RN to BSN programs can be difficult to complete depending upon the student RN’s time management skills. An extraordinarily large amount of information is being packed into a comparatively short period of time. Students must be up to this challenge.

6. Do The Fastest RN to BSN Online Degree Programs Allow Work-Life Balance?

As noted above, you will be asked to learn a great deal of new information in a comparatively short period of time when you enroll in a fast-track RN to BSN program. You’ll probably have to spend between 12 and 15 hours of study time per class each week. That study time has got to come from somewhere, most likely from the hours you now spend socializing.

7. How Fast Can I Finish A Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Program?

It’s possible to complete a fast-track RN to BSN program in 10 months (two semesters) if you take the maximum number of classes and are able to transfer over the maximum number of general education credits. However, a more realistic estimate is that it will take you one year.

8. Is It Hard To Get Into The Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs?

Many of the fastest RN to BSN programs have a rolling admissions policy and multiple program start dates throughout the year. If you meet their entrance requirements, you can count on a place in their entering class. Certain fast RN to BSN online programs, though, are highly competitive. You can usually distinguish these because they require a higher cumulative GPA on past college-level work.

9. Do Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Programs Offer The Same Quality Education As Regular RN to BSN Online Programs?

Generally speaking, yes. ALL RN to BSN programs, quick or traditional, strive to offer curricula that adhere to the AANC’s 10 core competencies for baccalaureate-educated RNs.

10. Typically, When Do The Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs Start?

The majority of the fastest RN to BSN online programs offer start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

11. What Is The Minimum GPA Required To Get Into The Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs?

The minimum cumulative GPA required to get into the fastest RN to BSN programs varies between 2.0 and 3.0. It’s most commonly 2.5.

12. Do the Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs Allow Late Applications?

For the most part, the fastest RN to BSN online programs discourage late applications. If you apply after the application cut-off date, you are generally asked to reapply.

13. Do The Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs Have Lesser Credits?

No. As an RN to BSN student, you will be treated like any other baccalaureate degree transfer student, which means you will need at least 120 credits to graduate.

The fastest RN to BSN online programs do vary in the number of core nursing credits you’re required to take. This number can vary between 24 credits and 36 credits. Keep in mind that most universities and colleges that offer RN to BSN programs have a 30-credit residency requirement, so if you do enroll in a program that’s only 24 credits, you’ll have to make up that additional six credits by taking nursing electives or general education classes.

14. Are The Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs Part-Time Or Full-Time?

Most of the fastest RN to BSN online programs offer full-time and part-time tracks. Of course, if you opt to enroll in a part-time track, the program will take longer to complete.

15. Can I Work Part-Time And Successfully Complete Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Programs?

Many nurses do work part-time while completing fast-track RN to BSN online programs.

16. Can I Work Full-Time And Successfully Complete Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Programs?

You can work full-time while completing a fast-track RN to BSN online, but it’s not advisable: You’ll have very little time in your life left over for anything that isn’t work or school.

17. Are Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs Cheaper Than The Regular RN to BSN Online Programs?

No, the fastest RN to BSN online programs are priced equivalently with regular RN to BSN online programs.

18. Do Fastest RN to BSN Online Programs Offer Scholarships?

Some of the fastest RN to BSN online programs offer scholarships. Check with the admissions counselor before you enroll.

19. Are Fastest RN to BSN Online Degree Graduates Paid Well?

Most graduates of fast RN to BSN programs make salaries comparable to what graduates of regular RN to BSN programs are paid.

20. Can I Apply for Financial Aid as a Student at One of the Fastest RN to BSN Online Degree Programs?

Fast RN to BSN online programs are undergraduate programs, so as long as you take at least six credits per semester, you may be eligible for grants and loans under the guidelines of the federal Title IX program. Keep in mind, though, that if your income is too high, you may not qualify.

Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH
Pattie Trumble is a nurse who worked in both California and New York for many years as an emergency room nurse. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from the Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing. After 10 years of providing direct care, she went back to school and earned concurrent Master’s degrees in both public policy and public health from the University of California, Berkeley. Thereafter, she worked for various public health agencies in California at both the community and state levels providing economic and legislative analysis.