Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing: Online RN-to-BSN Program

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Earn Your Degree as Early as:
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Ways to Save on Tuition
Career Outcomes
18
Total Courses
$315
Cost per Credit
18 Months
Average Completion*
15–18 Hours/Week
Course Effort

Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN) Program Overview

Demand for nurses who possess a bachelor's degree is growing. This is your time. Earn your BSN online and create real opportunities for your nursing career. You're worth it.

  • Take your courses online on your nursing schedule — no mandatory log-in times, seminars, schedule conflicts, or commuting, and no wait lists with continuous start dates.
  • Complete your required clinical practice experience at a time and location of your choice.
  • Customize your online BSN program with nursing elective courses aligned to certifications recognized by Magnet®.
  • Learn from expert nursing professionals who bring you real-world experience from years working in the field.
  • Prepare to deliver exceptional direct or indirect patient care.
  • The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Come Back and Move Your Nursing Career Forward

Our RN-to-BSN was created for nurses, by nurses, so you can:

  • Build strong professional leadership skills with courses in management, research, emerging trends in health care therapies, health assessment, and community nursing.
  • Master subjects such as health promotion, community health, health care information, professional ethics, and diversity.
  • Create a personalized, comprehensive development plan to make your career and life goals a reality.
  • Gain valuable hands-on experience in a series of clinical practice experiences where you’ll apply classroom learning in the real world.

Comeback Story: “You’re Going to Be Unstoppable”

“If you’ve got that feeling of going back to school, just do it,” urges graduate Ira Walter after earning his RN-to-BSN. He didn’t stop there, either — he went on to earn his master’s in nursing (MSN) at Purdue Global.

Review College Scorecard data for this program.

video thumbnail of Purdue Global student
Registered nurse (RN) Ira Walter discusses how graduating with his RN-to-BSN degree motivated him to continue his education in the nursing field.

Note: Residents of TN, IL, IN, and WI may not enroll in this program. In addition, international students are not eligible to enroll in this program.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

CCNE Accredited logo

CCNE Accredited

The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Purdue Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).

DAISY Foundation Accredited logo

Purdue Global School of Nursing proudly partners with The DAISY Foundation™ to recognize and celebrate extraordinary nursing students.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

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Reach Your Career Goals Sooner

Your Experience Counts for Credit

Get the credit you deserve. Transfer up to 135 transfer credits toward your RN-to-BSN for prior learning and experience. You could have up to 75% of your degree already completed.

Accelerate Your Master’s Degree With ExcelTrack®

Forget what you know about earning a degree. ExcelTrack® is personalized learning that gives you more control over your education, getting you to the same degree faster, for less money.

View ExcelTrack® RN-to-BSN

Master’s in Nursing Bridge Program

Shorten your path to a master’s degree. With our accelerated Master of Science in Nursing option, you can complete graduate-level courses in place of open and nursing electives in the BSN program. For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

donut chart with 96% in the middle

Purdue Global Career Outcomes 2020–2021

96% of graduates in Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program were employed or continued their education within 18 months of graduation.

Each year, our Center for Career Advancement sends a NACE First Destination survey to our graduating class to learn more about their career choices and potential income within 18 months of graduation. We’re proud of our recent Purdue Global alumni accomplishments.

“Career Outcomes Rate” is not the same as an “employment rate” — it includes graduates who are: (1) employed (whether full or part time); (2) participating in a program of voluntary service, (3) serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or (4) enrolled in a program of continuing education. This rate may also include graduates employed in jobs unrelated to their degree or who were employed while attending Purdue Global. (9,106 graduates surveyed across associate's, bachelor's, master's, JD, EJD, and DNP programs from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. 7,803 of 9,106 replied.)

What Courses Will I Take?

The RN-to-BSN program features two tracks of study. Your track of study is determined using your original transcripts from your previously completed nursing program.

  • If you have 50 transfer credits from your prior degree/diploma, you will complete the standard track.
  • If you have 90 transfer credits from your prior degree/diploma, you will complete the advanced start track.

Customize your BSN with Magnet-recognized electives in case management, holistic nursing, hospice and palliative care nursing, ambulatory nursing, and transcultural nursing.

Sample Courses

  • Professional Leadership Transitions
  • Evidence-Based Nursing
  • Health Assessment for the Nursing Professional
  • Transforming Leadership and Management in Nursing
  • Public Health Nursing: Evidence for Practice
  • Providing Transition Care: Chronic Disease and Palliative/Hospice Spheres
See Full RN-to-BSN Curriculum

Advanced Start

18
Prior Degree Courses
6
Core Courses
9
Major Courses
3
Elective Courses
36
Total Courses
180
Total Quarter Credits

Standard

10
Prior Degree Courses
9
Core Courses
9
Major Courses
8
Elective Courses
36
Total Courses
180
Total Quarter Credits

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

3-Week Trial

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply. That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

How It Works

Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below.

Admissions Requirements

You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma and pass a criminal background check. You must also complete orientation before you start classes. Additional requirements apply. Refer to the program-specific policy page in the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

View Admissions Requirements

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Earn Credit for Prior Coursework and Experience

The average bachelor's degree student pays $15k and takes 2.3 years to complete their degree.

Get the Credit You Deserve

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

Prior Work Experience Reduction

You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

Financial Aid

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Grants and Loans

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Corporate Partner Benefits

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Military Tuition Reduction

Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.

Prior Military Experience

Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

Career Opportunities

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment of registered nurses in the U.S. is expected to grow from 2022 to 2032. In fact, registered nurse is one of the top 10 occupations expected to add the most new jobs during this time period. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing are expected to have increased opportunities.

A BSN-prepared nurse could pursue roles in areas such as community education and public health, nursing case management, nursing management and leadership, implementation of evidence-based practice, patient care coordination, nonhospital employment opportunities, and health care administration.

Average Salary

Range

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

Prepare yourself for success with a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

View Brochure

Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

Accelerate your nursing career and achieve the BSN credential. Find additional tools and resources on pursuing a bachelor’s in nursing.

The RN’s Guide to Earning a BSN Degree Online

Expand your education in a flexible environment. See how pursuing an online BSN could increase your earning potential and advance your career.

How Do Online Nursing Programs Work at Purdue Global?

If you’re considering enrolling in an online nursing program at Purdue Global, this article explains how our programs work and what you need to know.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

99%

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

54%

Faculty members who hold a doctorate

484

Faculty publications in 2022–2023

More Than 40,000

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2022–2023

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023. 2022–2023 academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Is an RN-to-BSN Program?

    An RN-to-BSN program is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs). The courses within the program build upon the RN’s current knowledge and experience. A BSN degree is considered a standard requirement for RNs seeking to advance their careers.

    Purdue Global’s online RN-to-BSN program, for example, is designed to prepare nurses for new professional opportunities by helping them earn the credentials to qualify for positions in specialized nursing and nursing management.

    Learn More with the RN's Guide to Earning a BSN Online

  • How Long Is an Online RN-to-BSN Program?

    As an RN in this program, you could earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing within 12 to 18 months. That estimate is based on the assumption that you have a prior associate degree, are enrolled as a full-time student, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Fifty percent of 2021–2022 graduates completed the program in 18 months or less.*

    Find Out How Online Nursing Programs Work at Purdue Global

  • Who Is an Online RN-to-BSN Program Right For?

    The online RN-to-BSN program was designed for ASN-prepared RNs who want to advance their careers and/or provide more specialized care. Whether you want to enhance your skills, better meet the complex demands of health care, or pursue employment in one of the numerous nursing management and practice specialties, the RN-to-BSN program can help you get there. The program offers core courses that cover in-depth physical assessment, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, and more.

    Read Our Guide to Nursing Programs, Degrees, and Career Paths

  • Can You Work While Enrolled in an Online RN-to-BSN Program?

    Yes, you can work while enrolled in an online RN-to-BSN program. For example, Purdue Global’s online RN-to-BSN program allows you to complete your coursework around your work schedule. There are no mandatory login times, so you can do your coursework at any time from anywhere.

    Check Out the RN's Guide to Earning a BSN Online

  • What Are the Requirements for Getting Into an Online RN-to-BSN Program?

    To get into an online RN-to-BSN program, all applicants must provide documentation of a current, unencumbered license to practice as an RN in at least one U.S. state or provide evidence of a nursing license comparable to a U.S. registered nurse license from the nation, province, or region where you are employed as a nurse. You must also possess an associate degree, diploma, or certificate in nursing with a minimum of 50 quarter credit hours of eligible credit with a focus in nursing and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (out of 4.0) reflected on the transcript for the applicant's nursing degree. Additionally, you must pass a criminal background check.

    There are alternative admission requirements for nurses with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 from an accredited institution or those who graduated within the past 3 months from an Associate of Science in Nursing program but have not yet taken or passed the NCLEX–RN exam. Alternative admission requirements also apply to applicants who graduated from a foreign nursing program.

  • What Courses Will You Take in an Online RN-to-BSN Program?

    The RN-to-BSN program features two tracks of study: the standard track and the advanced start track. Your track of study is determined using your original transcripts from your previously completed nursing program. Some examples of courses you’d take in either track include:

    • Professional Leadership Transitions
    • Evidence-Based Nursing
    • Health Assessment for the Nursing Professional
    • Transforming Leadership and Management in Nursing
    • Public Health Nursing: Evidence for Practice
    • Providing Transition Care: Chronic Disease and Palliative/Hospice Spheres
    • Regenerative and Restorative Care Spheres: A Wellness and Prevention Focus
    • Four Spheres BSN Capstone and Clinical

    You can also customize your BSN with Magnet®-recognized electives in areas such as:

    • Case management
    • Holistic nursing
    • Hospice and palliative care nursing
    • Ambulatory nursing
    • Transcultural nursing

    Here Are 6 Reasons to Get an Online Nursing Degree With Purdue Global

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Connect with an AdvisorApply Online Today
NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Average BSN Completion Time and Estimated Graduation Date: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time based on a full-time student with a prior associate’s degree. Programs will take longer for part-time students, students who take leaves of absence or drop and return, and students with a prior diploma/certificate vs. an associate's degree to complete. The number of required credits may vary depending on individual state education requirements, which could affect how long it will take to complete the program. Fifty percent of 2021–2022 graduates completed the program in 18 months or less (Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, March 2023).

Certification—Magnet BSN: The Magnet Recognition Program® is a registered trademark of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.  

Completion Time and Average Net Price: Cost and completion times for individual programs may vary. Average institutional completion time for Purdue Global degree students who graduated in the 2022–2023 academic year. Average net price reflects all institutional-level charges for all graduates, including those who transferred to Purdue Global, after application of scholarships, tuition reductions, grants (including federal Pell grants for undergraduate students), employer tuition assistance, and/or military tuition assistance. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023.

Graduate Program Pathways: To start a Graduate Program Pathway, students should consult with their Student Advisor to confirm eligibility. Not all Graduate Program Pathways are available on all tracks, and some may require students to meet academic standards to continue taking graduate courses in their bachelor’s degree program. Visit the University Catalog for more information.

Job Growth for RNs: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm; and Most New Jobs, www.bls.gov/ooh/most-new-jobs.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

RN-to-BSN Clinical Fee Per Course: Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing—RN-to-BSN will pay a $350 clinical fee per course for NU497 and NU498 or NU497M1 and NU498M1.

Testimonial: Testimonials obtained by Purdue Global. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual; student experiences may vary.

Three-Week Trial: Students who inform Purdue Global they do not wish to pursue the program during the 3-week trial will not be charged. Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial, and will need to meet other specific requirements. Classes will be applied toward a degree if satisfactorily completed and students select to continue their studies at Purdue Global. No credits are earned if the student withdraws during the introductory period (3 weeks for new qualifying undergraduate students), which begins day one of the first term. Graduate programs and BS in Professional Flight not included. Additional terms may apply to international and non-U.S. citizen students. For further information, see the University Catalog.

Transfer Credits—BSN: Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.