Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing: Online RN-to-BSN Program
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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.
- Earn credits for your experience as a registered nurse (RN).
- 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.
CCNE Accredited
The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Purdue Global is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).
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.
Note: Residents of TN 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.
Calculate Your Time and Cost
Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.
Reach Your Career Goals Sooner
Your Experience Counts for Credit
Current, active registered nurse (RN) licensees are awarded 119 articulation credits, leaving just 12 courses to earn your BSN. Transfer up to 16 additional general education credits for prior comparable coursework. Speak with your Advisor to determine eligibility.
Master’s in Nursing Bridge Program
Shorten your path to a master’s degree. Bridge into our Master of Science in Nursing program by completing one graduate-level course during your BSN. For details and eligibility requirements, speak to an Advisor.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
What Courses Will I Take?
The RN-to-BSN curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials to provide you with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional direct or indirect patient care.
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
Prior Learning Credits
Remaining Program Requirements
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.
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 have a current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse, provide an official transcript of your associate degree, diploma, or certificate in nursing, and pass a criminal background check. You must also complete orientation before you start classes.
Additional requirements apply. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
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.
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.
Possible Behavioral Interview Questions for This Field of Study
- Tell me about a time when you applied evidence-based practice to improve patient care. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
- Share an experience where you mentored or supported a peer or newer nurse. How did you approach it, and what was the result?
- Can you give an example of a time when you worked with a difficult patient or family member? How did you maintain professionalism and ensure quality care?
- In health care, processes are consistently undergoing change. Describe a time when your past or current position was undergoing change. How did that impact you, and how did you adapt?
- Describe a situation where you took the lead on a patient care issue or initiative. What motivated you to act, and how did you influence the outcome?
Sample Skills Developed and Used in This Field
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Nursing Practices
- Writing
- Ethical Standards and Conduct
- Medical Record Entry
- Interpersonal Communication
- Patient Safety
- Patient Education
- Case Management
- Care Coordination
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork
- Preventative Care
- Advocacy
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.
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.
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.
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
Faculty members who have terminal degrees
Faculty publications in 2024–2025
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2024–2025
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, August 2025. 2024–2025 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.
How Long Is an Online RN-to-BSN Program?
With a current RN license, you will be awarded 119 articulation credits, leaving just 12 courses to complete your bachelor’s degree in nursing. With the articulation, the remaining RN-to-BSN program can be completed in five terms or 13 months. That estimate is based on the assumption that you have a current RN license and 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.
If you have completed comparable coursework in your prior degree, you may be eligible to transfer up to 16 additional general education credits, saving additional time in your BSN program. Speak with your Advisor to determine eligibility.
Find Out How Online Nursing Programs Work at Purdue Global
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
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.
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, and pass a criminal background check.
What Courses Will You Take in an Online RN-to-BSN Program?
The RN-to-BSN program features an accelerated track based on prior academic degree and a current RN license. Core nursing major courses 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
Here Are 6 Reasons to Get an Online Nursing Degree With Purdue Global
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.