An RN-to-BSN program is a degree pathway designed for registered nurses who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It builds on the skills you already have as an RN and helps you gain advanced knowledge in areas like leadership, patient care, and healthcare management.
As a working nurse, you need a program that’s flexible enough to fit around your job—and that’s exactly what online RN-to-BSN programs offer. Beyond flexibility, the program you choose matters a lot. Where you earn your degree can affect the skills you gain, the opportunities available to you, and your long-term career growth.
We’ve reviewed all the schools offering online RN-to-BSN programs and selected the very best. The top ten programs for 2025, selected based on coursework, completion time, accreditation, flexibility, and affordability. Take a look, compare the options, and find the one that will help you grow your skills and advance your nursing career without putting your life on hold
Best Online RN-to-BSN Programs 2025
The schools below offer some of the best online RN-BSN programs…
1. The University of Florida- Online
The University of Florida offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers. The program can be completed in about five semesters and builds on your existing RN experience, awarding credit for your licensure and professional portfolio.
Students complete 90 hours of clinical experience, enhanced with virtual simulations, giving practical, hands-on skills in real-world scenarios. The curriculum focuses on advanced nursing practices, leadership, and healthcare innovation.
The program is fully accredited by the CCNE and also boasts high NCLEX pass rates.
2. University of Illinois – Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program designed for working nurses who want to advance their careers without putting life on hold. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months, with seven consecutive 8-week terms, making it both fast and flexible.
Students build on their existing RN experience while earning a total of 120 credit hours, focusing on leadership, evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, and quality and safety in healthcare. UIC holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
3. West Chester University
West Chester University’s RN-to-BSN program is designed for both new registered nurses and those returning to school to complete their bachelor’s degree. The program is fully online, allowing students to study at their own pace, and can be completed in as little as two semesters, depending on prior coursework.
The curriculum focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and holistic nursing care, preparing graduates for advanced roles in a variety of healthcare settings. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the program also provides personalized support from faculty, ensuring students have the guidance they need to succeed.
4. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati offers a flexible, fully online RN-to-BSN program designed for working registered nurses who want to advance their careers. Students can complete the program in as little as two semesters (about eight months) or take up to five semesters (20 months), depending on their schedule.
The program includes nine core nursing courses (27 credit hours) delivered in seven-week sessions, focusing on leadership, evidence-based practice, and inter-professional collaboration. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), UC’s program ensures high-quality training while providing personalized support from faculty and advisors to guide students through their studies.
5. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program designed for registered nurses who want to advance their education and career without disrupting their work or personal life. The program is flexible, allowing students to progress at their own pace, and focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and collaborative healthcare skills.
This curriculum builds on the knowledge and experience of working RNs, preparing them for more advanced roles in nursing and patient care. USF’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
6. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers one of the top online RN-to-BSN programs in the country. The program is designed to be flexible, letting students complete the 30 required credit hours at a pace that works best for them; some finish in as few as three semesters, while others take longer depending on their schedule.
The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), so you can be confident in the quality and recognition of your degree.
7. University of Utah
The University of Utah offers a highly regarded online RN-to-BSN program designed to help nurses advance their careers while completing their degree fully online. The program emphasizes health promotion, public and global health, and strategies to address healthcare disparities, preparing graduates to take on leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings.
Students complete 30 credit hours, with tuition set at $400 per credit (as of Fall 2025). The flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with work and other commitments, while still gaining the skills and knowledge needed to excel in nursing practice.
8. University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers one of the best online RN-to-BSN programs available. It’s suitable for registered nurses who want to advance their education while maintaining flexibility in their schedules.
The program requires 24–30 credit hours, depending on completed coursework, and can typically be finished in 1.5 to 2.5 years. Its curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and public health, equipping students with the skills needed for advanced nursing roles.
9. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa offers one of the best online RN-to-BSN programs available. This program is particularly suitable for nurses who have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and are looking to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a flexible, fully online format.
The curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and community health, preparing graduates to excel in a variety of healthcare settings. Students can choose from three plans of study: full-time (3 semesters), part-time (4 semesters), or part-time (5 semesters), allowing for customization based on individual schedules and goals.
The program requires completion of 30 credit hours, with tuition set at $550 per credit hour, totaling approximately $16,500 for the nursing courses.
10. University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming offers an RN-to-BSN program in an entirely online format. The curriculum focuses on concepts and skills that positively influence patient outcomes, including public/community health, leadership in healthcare, health equity, and innovation in nursing practice.
Students are required to complete 30 credit hours, with tuition set at $452 per credit hour, totaling approximately $13,560 for the nursing courses. The program is delivered entirely online, with no on-campus time required, making it accessible to students nationwide.
The University of Wyoming’s RN-to-BSN program has been recognized as one of the best in the Mountain West region.
Career Opportunities After Completing an RN-to-BSN
Earning a BSN opens doors to more advanced and rewarding roles in nursing.
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Leadership and Management: A BSN can qualify you for positions like nurse manager, charge nurse, or healthcare administrator.
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Specialized Fields: You can pursue specialty areas such as public health, nurse education, research, or clinical specialties.
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Employer Preference: Many hospitals, especially magnet hospitals, prefer or even require nurses to have a BSN. This can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
FAQs About Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Here are some common questions nursing students ask:-
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Can I work full-time while completing an online RN-to-BSN?
Yes. Most programs are designed for flexibility, allowing you to study around your job schedule. -
How long does it take to finish an RN-to-BSN program?
Depending on your pace and transfer credits, it can take anywhere from 12 months to 2–3 years. -
Are online BSN programs respected by employers?
Absolutely. Accredited online programs meet the same standards as on-campus programs and are widely recognized. -
What’s the difference between an RN-to-BSN and a traditional BSN?
An RN-to-BSN is designed for nurses who already hold an RN license, while a traditional BSN is for students starting from scratch.
Picture your nursing career a few years from now, with more confidence, more opportunities, and more ways to make an impact. Choosing the right RN-to-BSN program is the step that can get you there. Look for a program that fits how you live and learn.