8 Best Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs – 2025

Written By: Darby Faubion BSN, RN

Are you a registered nurse considering earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing? Do you like the idea of earning a BSN but don’t want to repeat classes or take unnecessary courses? If so, online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs offer an option worth considering. Perhaps you have heard of this type of program but wonder, “What are the best online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs?”

In this article, I will share the 8 best online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs for 2025. And offer some insight into the advantages and disadvantages and discuss important factors like the cost, curriculum, and key factors to consider. When you finish reading this article, you will have enough information to determine if this type of program is the right choice to help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and take your nursing career to the next level.

What Exactly is the Goal of an Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Program?

The goal of online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs is to help registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing advance to a BSN without taking unnecessary prerequisites. These programs take into account what you learned in your ADN program and clinical experiences you’ve had. They offer opportunities to advance your career to the baccalaureate level and prepare for future graduate studies in less time than a traditional BSN program.

5 Most Important Skills and Abilities You Will Gain in an Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Program

One of the great things about earning a new or higher degree is that with new knowledge comes new skills and abilities. The following is a list of five of the most essential skills and abilities you will gain when choosing the best online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs.

1. Therapeutic Communication:

Whether you are talking with patients, their loved ones, nurses, or other members of the interdisciplinary team, the ability to communicate effectively is vital. Students in online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs learn the value of effective, therapeutic communication and how to demonstrate the skill. Your ability to use therapeutic communication can help reduce the stress or worry of patients and their families, which makes explaining procedures and treatments, and answering questions easier. When you use therapeutic communication, you can promote effective teamwork, which positively impacts patient outcomes and helps build strong team relationships.

2. The Ability to Demonstrate Strong Leadership:

A crucial skill you will develop in online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs is the ability to become a stronger leader. When you develop strong leadership skills, you become even more valuable to employers, your team, and your patients. The ability to lead others in quality, ethical care promotes positive patient and organizational outcomes.

3. Critical Thinking:

Like other baccalaureate nursing programs, RN to BSN programs with no prerequisites will help you hone critical thinking skills, which is vital for effective nursing practice. Critical thinking skills are helpful when you need to make quick judgment calls and determine nursing interventions for clients. It involves analyzing and interpreting information vital for effective patient care.

4. How to Use Evidence-Based Practice Effectively:

Students in online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs gain a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice and its role in patient care. You will learn how to find the most up-to-date information available and use it to implement effective patient care plans, improving health outcomes for clients.

5. Confidence in Your Knowledge and Abilities:

Online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs teach more in-depth courses, helping you develop the necessary skills to provide effective patient care. The more you learn and practice your skills, you will experience higher levels of confidence. There is a difference between being arrogant and having confidence in what you truly know. Nurses need a certain level of confidence to make decisions that benefit patients and their organizations.

3 Main Advantages of Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs

As you consider whether to pursue a new or higher degree, it is important to compare the advantages and disadvantages to determine the best path. The following are three of the main advantages that online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs can offer you.

1. You can make more money in a shorter time:

One of the biggest advantages of online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs is you can see a notable increase in your earning potential. Registered nurses with an associate degree earn an average of $74,120 annually. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you can earn an average annual salary of $83,440. Even better is the fact that, since you do not have to take prerequisites, you can earn your degree faster, which means making more money in a shorter time!

2. With an online no pre-requisites RN to BSN program, you can advance your role faster than traditional BSN graduates:

Another great benefit of online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs is that it will open the door for career advancement. Because these programs are shorter than traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, you can get ahead of the game when applying for BSN-required jobs. Nurses who earn a BSN have more in-depth knowledge and skills, making them great candidates for leadership opportunities. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you may find a job as a director of nursing, nursing unit leader, or nurse manager.

3. You can save money on your degree:

Remember the old saying, “Time is money”? You can certainly say that’s true regarding online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs. These programs are usually shorter and require fewer credits to graduate, which can save you tons of money on your education while still providing you the instruction you need to develop baccalaureate-level nursing knowledge and skills.

2 Main Disadvantages of Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs

Although online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs offer many advantages, it is also important to consider the disadvantages associated with such programs. Here are two main disadvantages you may want to consider when pursuing one of these programs.

1. You still must invest money and time:

Online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs are no different than any other education, as they can be expensive and time-consuming. Before enrolling in one of these programs, consider how much time you can devote to school and how you will pay for the program. Careful planning now may help prevent frustration and reduce the risk of failure in the program later.

2. Little Peer and/or Instruction Interaction:

While some online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs may offer synchronized classes, which promote interaction between students and faculty, many do not. If you are a learner who does better in a classroom setting or when you have open communication with others, you may feel at a disadvantage in an online nursing program.

Who Accredits RN to BSN No Prerequisites Online Programs?

As you research different online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs, verifying that the program is accredited is important. You should look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

S.NO.	Accrediting Agency
1	Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
2	Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

When Do RN to BSN No Prerequisites Online Programs Start?

Start dates for online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs differ from one school to the next. Some schools offer several start dates while others only offer one or two. For example, the following are start dates for some of this article’s featured programs.

• Oklahoma City University’s online RN to BSN no prerequisite program offers two start dates yearly, one in the fall and one in the spring.

• Nebraska Methodist College accepts and admits students on a rolling basis, which means you can apply at any time. The online RN to BSN no prerequisites program offers three start dates annually in the spring, fall, and summer semesters.

• Eastern Michigan University offers candidates seeking admission to the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program six start date options. The program begins two times in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

• Illinois State University accepts applications on a rolling basis and admits students for two start dates yearly, once in the spring and once in the fall.

• National University also accepts and reviews applications year-round, admitting students for start dates monthly.

How Many Credits are There in RN to BSN No Prerequisites Online Programs?

The number of credits needed to graduate from online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs varies from one school to the next. Each school determines its curriculum per state and federal guidelines. Some programs require as few as 30 credits, while the curriculum for others includes 120 credits or more. The following are examples of credit requirements for some of the programs featured in this article.

• The online RN to BSN no prerequisites program at Oklahoma City University features a 124-credit hour curriculum. Credits are earned from core nursing courses, electives, portfolio experiences, and for having an active, unrestricted United States RN license.

• Eastern Michigan University includes 30 credit hours which are earned through 10 courses. 21 credit hours are dedicated to nursing core courses, while six credit hours are earned through elective courses. Finally, there is one three-credit hour capstone course.

• St. John Fisher University has a total of 120 credit hours. Credits are earned through required core/electives, nursing core courses, and up to 30 credits from transferred nursing course credits.

• At Illinois State University, students must first complete any general education credits. The RN to BSN no prerequisites program includes a 31-credit hour curriculum.

• At National University, the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program requires the completion of 180 quarter units. You must complete 76.5 quarter units at the upper-division level.

How Long are RN to BSN No Prerequisites Online Programs?

The time it takes to complete online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs varies among programs and depends on whether you enroll as a part-time or full-time student. Most programs can be completed in 12 to 24 months. The following are a few examples.

• At St. John Fisher University, full-time students can complete the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program in as few as 12 months. Part-time students typically take 18 months.

• Students enrolled in the RN to BSN no prerequisites program at the Nebraska Methodist College can complete the program in as little as one year, with an appropriate transfer of credits. Part-time students may take longer, with some taking up to two years to graduate.

• Oklahoma City University’s online RN to BSN no prerequisites program allows you to choose full-time or part-time enrollment. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months. Part-time students may take 24 months to finish their education.

• You can complete the RN to BSN online no prerequisites program at Illinois State University in one year if you enroll full-time or two years if you pursue the program part-time.

• At Denver College of Nursing, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program in as little as 15 months.

How Much Do RN to BSN No Prerequisites Online Programs Cost?

RN to BSN no prerequisites online programs can cost between $10,000 or more than $60,000 to attend. Your total cost is determined by the number of credits you need, how long you attend, and whether you receive financial assistance such as grants, scholarships, or tuition waivers. The following is a list of the cost for five of our featured programs.

• You can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program at Eastern Michigan University for as low as $9,840. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate.

• St. John Fisher University charges tuition at a rate of $735 per credit. Students complete 30 credits to satisfy program requirements, making the total cost of the program $22,050.

• At the Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing, students in the online RN to BSN program with no prerequisites pay $492 per credit hour. The curriculum includes 31 credit hours making tuition cost approximately $15,252.

• National University's undergraduate nursing tuition is calculated at $388 per quarter-unit. The program requires the completion of 180 quarter units. Without transferable credit, students pay $69,840 for the degree. However, GAP analysis can determine the actual number of quarter units you need, and with transfer credits, your cost could be less.

• At Denver College of Nursing, the total cost for the online RN to MSN no prerequisites program is $15,233. This cost includes $14,183 for tuition, a $100 nonrefundable application fee, and a $950 laptop fee.

What Kind of Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Tuition Waivers are Offered by Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs?

Online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs have costs associated with the program, including tuition, admin fees, books/supplies, and possibly more. As such, it is important to learn more about the financial aid, scholarships, and tuition waivers that may be offered by online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs.

• Northeastern State University offers a variety of scholarship and tuition waiver opportunities. Scholarships are issued under distinct categories based on need, including Incoming Freshman Scholarships, Continuing/Returning Undergraduate Student Scholarships, Transfer Student Scholarships, and International Student Scholarships.

• St. John Fischer University offers several resources to help students meet the financial obligations associated with earning a degree. The school offers Gift Aid, which comes in the form of non-repayable scholarships and grants. A few scholarship options include First Generation Scholarship Programs, Community College Partnership Award, and the Noyce Scholarship Program.
Additionally, students may qualify for work-study programs or veterans and military benefits.

• Illinois State University offers more than 80 private scholarships, including need- and merit-based scholarships. A few available scholarships are the Adkisson-Bourne Endowed Scholarship, Bellas International Transcultural Nursing Scholarship, and the Emily Anne Fredbloom Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

• Students applying for financial assistance at the Nebraska Methodist College have several scholarship opportunities. The Upfront Merit Scholarship is based on previous academic performance. Membership Scholarships are offered to qualified applicants based on club, honor association or church membership and relatives of NMC alumni. The university also accepts external scholarships as well as federal student aid.

• National University gives out several NU-funded scholarships and grants, including a Veterans, Spouses, and Dependents Scholarship that reduces tuition expenses for veterans and their family members. There is also The Opportunity Scholarship which is a need and programs-based award that helps students reduce the cost of undergraduate tuition. The Legacy Scholarship is an award of a 50% reduction in tuition for former students pursuing a new degree.

What is the Minimum GPA Required to Get Into Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs?

Every college or university determines the admission criteria for the programs it offers. Therefore, you will see some variation when you begin to research programs. The best RN to BSN no prerequisites online programs featured in this article have minimum grade point average requirements that range from 2.0 to 3.0 for admission. The following are a few examples.

• Eastern Michigan University requires students to have a GPA of at least 2.5 to qualify for the online RN to BSN No prerequisites program.

• Students seeking admission to the Nebraska Methodist College online RN to BSN no prerequisites program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from their associate degree nursing program.

• Northeastern State University accepts students in the RN to BSN no prerequisites online program with a GPA of at least 2.0. However, it is important to note applicants with higher GPAs are preferred.

• Admission to the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program at Oklahoma City University is contingent upon having a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale for all previous college coursework.

• Illinois State University requires RN to BSN applicants to have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average for all classes that generated college credit.

What are the Admission Requirements For Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs?

In addition to minimum grade point averages, applicants seeking admission to online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs must meet other admission criteria. Most schools require students to provide letters of professional and/or academic recommendation, an admissions essay/statement of intent, current resume/CV. They may ask you to participate in an admissions interview. Examples of the admission requirements for some of the programs featured in this article are the following.

• To gain admission to the Oklahoma City University online RN to BSN no prerequisite program, you must be a graduate of an accredited, state-approved RN program and have an active registered nurse license to practice in the United States. You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale from your previous nursing program. Applicants must apply for admission through NursingCAS application and provide an admissions essay, letters of recommendation, and a copy of a current resume or curriculum vitae.

• For acceptance into Northeastern State University’s online RN to BSN no prerequisite program, you must have an associate degree or diploma from a state-approved program, a current RN license, and a minimum college GPA of 2.0. Additional requirements include documentation of immunizations, a national background check, and a drug test, and a certified signed American Heart Association CPR card is also needed.

• At Nebraska Methodist College, candidates applying to the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program must have a current, unrestricted license to practice as an RN and be a graduate of a state-approved associate or diploma degree nursing program. You must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 and meet the technical standards of nursing practice. Out-of-state students must qualify under the Nebraska Methodist College’s State Authorization requirement.

• Admission to the Illinois State University online RN to BSN no prerequisites program requires meeting the following criteria. You must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing from a state-approved nursing school and a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse. Candidates must meet health and safety compliance requirements, which include passing a drug test and criminal background check, physical examination, and providing proof of immunizations. Applicants must submit official transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative college GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

• At Eastern Michigan University, you must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing and a valid and unencumbered RN license. You must submit all official transcripts from any college attended and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume/CV, and proof of immunization.

What Kind of Courses Will You Take in Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs?

Although the required courses in RN to BSN no prerequisites online programs may vary, the overall content is quite similar. This is especially true when you choose to study through an accredited program. The following are some examples of classes included in the curriculum at five of our featured programs.

• Eastern Michigan University’s program includes classes in three main categories, Nursing Core Course, Electives, and a Capstone Course. Some of the classes you’ll take at EMU include Reading & Writing in Nursing Studies, Health Assessment for RNs, RN Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice: The Professional Role, Community-based Nursing for RNs, Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice: Nurse as Advocate, Nursing Research Concepts for Practice, and RN Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice: The Nurse as a Leader.

• At Nebraska Methodist College, students in the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program take classes including the following: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Population Centered Care in the Community, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Statistics, Humanities and Holism for RN-BSN, Informatics & Healthcare Policy for RNs, and Collaborative Leadership and Management in Nursing.

• The online RN to BSN no prerequisite program at Northeastern State University offers a 30-credit hour curriculum. Some classes you will take in this program include Professional Nursing Role, Transcultural Nursing, Current Trends and Issues in Nursing, Nursing Leadership and Management, Professional Nursing Synthesis, Person & Family Centered Nursing Care, and Fundamentals of Nursing Research.

• At Oklahoma City University, the RN to BSN online no prerequisites program consists of robust nursing classes. Some classes in the program include Professional Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Health Communication, Nursing Research, Humanities Course, Nursing Leadership, and Health Assessment.

• The online RN to BSN no prerequisites program at Denver College of Nursing includes a rigorous curriculum. You will take classes, including Healthcare Informatics, Cultural Dimensions in Nursing, Population-Based Nursing, Pathophysiology for the Registered Nurse, Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Pathophysiology for the Registered Nurse, and Leadership and Management in Nursing.

What Kind of Practical Training Will You Undergo in Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs?

The practical training required in RN to BSN no prerequisites online programs varies and is often different from traditional BSN programs. While some programs incorporate hands-on clinical practicum experiences, others offer experiential learning activities woven into the core nursing curriculum. Students may also complete a Capstone project to earn credit for clinical requirements. The following are examples of practical training requirements for some of our featured programs.

• Oklahoma City University does not require students in the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program to complete clinical hours. Instead, students have experiential learning opportunities through the Population-Based Nursing class and a Capstone experience.

• At Nebraska Methodist College, instead of traditional clinical assignments, students in the online RN to BSN no prerequisites program complete a clinical practicum course as part of the Population-Centered Care in the Community class and develop a Capstone Project.

• Northeastern State University recognizes the hands-on clinical experiences you had in your associate degree nursing program. Therefore, you will participate in field experience hours instead of traditional bedside clinical rotations. These hours are earned through two courses in the curriculum: Community Health Nursing and Professional Nursing Synthesis.

• Eastern Michigan University has no hourly requirement for clinical practical experiences. Instead, you will complete a capstone course at the end of the program, designing your own practice experience. Through this experience, you will work with professors and preceptors to develop BSN proficiencies in community-based nursing settings by applying the knowledge and skills you’ve learned in the program.

• The online RN to BSN no prerequisites program at St. John Fisher University incorporates clinical learning into project-based courses. There are no in-person clinical courses that are part of the program.

What are the Best Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs in the Nation?

(Based on our ranking methodology, the following are the 8 Best Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Programs in the nation for the year 2025.)

1. Oklahoma City University - Oklahoma City, OK

2. Illinois State University - Normal, IL

3. Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha, NE

4. Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti, MI

5. Saint John Fisher University - Rochester, NY

6. National University - San Diego, CA

7. Northeastern State University - Tahlequah, OK

8. Denver College of Nursing - Denver, CO

VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY

What Starting Salary Can New Graduates of This Program Expect?

New graduates of RN to BSN no prerequisites online programs can expect to make $28.82 per hour, $1,153 weekly, or $5,000 monthly. This pay is equal to $59,950 annually.

Hourly	$28.82
Weekly	$1,153
Monthly	$5,000
Annual	$59,950

What Average Salary Can Graduates of RN to BSN No Prerequisites Online Programs Expect?

The average annual salary of online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs graduates is $83,440. This pay is equivalent to $40.12 hourly, $1,605 weekly, $6,950 monthly, or $83,440 annually.

Hourly	$40.12
Weekly	$1,605
Monthly	$6,950
Annual	$83,440
(Source: Salary.com)

10-Year Job Outlook For Graduates of RN to BSN No Prerequisites Online Programs

The 10-year job outlook for graduates of RN to BSN no prerequisites online programs is promising. According to careeronestop.org, graduates can anticipate a 6.24% increase in job opportunities between 2021 and 2031.

2021-31

+6.24%

(Source: Careeronestop.org)

Is the Cost of an Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Program Worth the Return On Investment (ROI)?

The best way to determine whether the Return on Investment for a nursing program is worth it is to compare the cost of earning the degree to your earning potential. The cost of online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs varies and is as low as $10,000 to more than $60,000. The average annual income for graduates of these programs is $83,440. Even if you attend one of the more expensive programs, you can still see a profit quickly.

Additionally, with continued work experience, you can expect to see salary increases, which makes the ROI even better. Factor in the value of benefits packages, which can be worth tens of thousands of dollars, and it is safe to say the cost of online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs is well worth the Return on Investment.

Bonus! 5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Online RN to BSN No Prerequisites Program

Choosing the right nursing program can make all the difference in your success later. As you research RN to BSN no prerequisites online programs, consider these five key factors to help find the best program.

1. Does the program include clinical practicum experiences?

Some online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs include clinical hours in their curriculum, while others do not. You may feel confident in your skills and ability and believe that your ADN program and work experience have prepared you for baccalaureate-level nursing practice. However, if there are areas in your practice that need improving, it may benefit you to find a program that includes clinical hours or preceptorships.

2. Be mindful of the location and whether you must travel to campus or clinicals.

While online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs offer online coursework, some programs require on-campus visits or travel to clinical experiences. While some programs allow students to complete classwork and clinicals anywhere in the U.S., others do not. As such, it is important to determine if travel is necessary so you can choose the right online RN to BSN no prerequisite program for you.

3. How long will it take to complete the program?

Most online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs take 12 to 24 months to complete. However, certain factors can affect how long it takes you to graduate. For example, what is the difference in completion time for part-time vs. full-time enrollment? Knowing how long the program takes will help you decide on one that fits your current schedule and plans.

4. How is communication between faculty and students facilitated?

Online nursing programs are an excellent option for several reasons, but one of the drawbacks can be that communication between faculty and students is limited. Do not be afraid to ask how to communicate with your instructors and what the anticipated turn-around time for a response is. It is better to establish these guidelines ahead of time than to enroll in a program and become frustrated if you do not have an open line of communication when it is needed.

5. Is the program accredited?

If you do not ask any other questions about an online RN to BSN no prerequisites program, ask about accreditation. Accredited nursing programs meet strict guidelines, which are put in place to ensure programs meet common standards necessary to promote safe practices. Graduating from an accredited nursing program makes you more appealing to prospective employers and makes you eligible to pursue graduate studies if you decide to do so later.

My Final Thoughts

Throughout this article, we discussed information designed to answer the question, “What are the best online RN to BSN no prerequisites programs?” You have learned about admissions criteria, curriculum, practical training, and the cost of programs. Additionally, I shared information about key factors to consider when choosing a program. If you feel ready to advance your nursing career from an associate degree to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, I encourage you to consider the 8 best online RN to BSN no prerequisite programs featured in this article. Weigh the pros and cons and decide based on your personal goals and aspirations. Remember, there is no time like the present to pursue your dreams of earning a BSN!