Nursing

smiling female nurse with stethoscope in medical hallway

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Bachelor's Degree

Next Start Dates
January 06, 2025
February 12, 2025

CCNE accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1

93% of our BSN students in Minnesota passed the NCLEX-RN® in 20237

85.7% of our BSN students in Florida passed the NCLEX-RN® in 20238

Pursue a BSN Degree Designed for Every Nursing Student

You have the passion to pursue nursing—as a national leader in nursing education, we’ll give you the support to earn your BSN degree. In your online and on-campus Nursing courses, you’ll work alongside experienced faculty and motivated peers with the same goal: a faster timeline to becoming a registered nurse (RN) with a BSN degree.

ccne-coloredNo matter where you’re starting, our CCNE-accredited1 BSN program is designed to help every nurse at every level. Choose your entry track:

  • BSN Standard Degree: students who haven’t yet earned a nursing diploma or degree and finish in as few as 33 months2
  • Accelerated BSN Second Degree: students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree can switch to nursing and finish in as few as 18 months2
  • RN to BSN Program: registered nurses interested in earning their online BSN degree in as few as 12–18 months2

At Rasmussen, there are no confusing admissions requirements, rubrics or hidden entrance criteria—we’ll help you prep everything you need and there is no need to apply twice. With eight start dates a year, you can get started soon on your Bachelor’s degree. Once you’ve successfully completed your admissions requirements, you’re admitted directly into the BSN program—there is no need to apply twice.

Learn More at a Nursing Information Session

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On This Page:

What Types of Nursing Classes Will I Take?

In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you’ll take online and on-campus courses, as well as participate in on-site clinicals. As a BSN student, you’ll collaborate with experienced nursing faculty and other BSN students in state-of-the-art simulation centers and updated labs. How small are our small classes? Our average BSN class size is around 23 students. You’ll feel prepared for the NCLEX-RN®3 exam and be on your way to becoming a confident RN.

  • Professional Nursing Skills II
    • Discover higher-level nursing skills for diverse patients across the lifespan
    • Learn to care for patients with respiratory, gastrointestinal, hematological and fluid balance disorders
    • Practice skills during an on-campus, supervised lab setting, including newborn and pediatric nursing care
  • Integration of Genetics and Genomics into Ethical Nursing Practice
    • Study multidimensional components of genetics and genomics in nursing practice
    • Examine influences of legal and governmental policies on ethical advocacy for at-risk patients and populations
    • Design evidence-based plan for care inclusive of findings from a focused genetic and genomic assessment
  • Emerging Healthcare Technologies and Innovation
    • Compare strategies to integrate principles of quality and safety with innovative patient care technology
    • Explore the numerous roles of the nurse informaticist, including social, legal and ethical components
    • Use technology to inform data-driven decisions and integrate into healthcare based on technology life cycle
  • Transition to Practice
    • Integrate components of nursing leadership to promote quality improvement and safety
    • Collaborate within professional nursing teams to design innovative solutions
    • Apply knowledge and skills in healthcare settings and prepares students for clinical experiences
  • 43 Courses to Complete // 180 Credit Hours Maximum

View Full Course Listing: BSN Standard Degree

View Full Course Listing: BSN Second Degree

What Nursing Program Skills Will I Gain?

Patient Care

Learn patient-centered skills with a focus on caring for the whole person through on-campus simulations and clinical experiences at healthcare facilities in a variety of healthcare settings.

Evidence-Based Practice and Treatment

Search and critique published research. Propose creative, innovative and evidence-based solutions to clinical practice problems.

Leadership and Professional Identity

Examine the core values needed to create a professional identity that reflects leadership and management attributes.

Baccalaureate Essentials, QSEN and NLN Competencies

Gain a solid theoretical foundation of nursing according to the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), and National League for Nursing (NLN) competencies.

"Since starting out at Rasmussen, I would say I’ve grown a lot as a person. That family atmosphere, that caring atmosphere that they have; it’s made me a better person."

Arnold B.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Student

What Will I Be Prepared to Do When I’m Done with My BSN Degree Program?

Take the NCLEX-RN Exam

Preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, begins the minute the program does. From in-person practice and peer support to library and learning services, you’ll have the resources to pursue RN licensure.

BSN Program Outcomes

Advance to Your Master's Degree

Through our accelerated Master’s pathway, you can take up to two Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) courses as a part of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. If you decide to continue with your MSN, you’ll start your program two courses ahead of schedule and save up to $2,600 on tuition.4

Pursue Potential Job Growth

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth potential between 2022 and 2032 for registered nurses is 6%.5 A BSN degree from Rasmussen University's Nursing School, with hybrid online and on-campus courses, can help set you up for success in the growing nursing field.

Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!

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  • Program Details and Applying for Classes
  • Financial Aid (for those who qualify)
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Your Nursing Career Path

With the many Nursing degree options at Rasmussen University, you can complete your program and easily transfer credits from one level to the next, saving you time and money. Now that you’re ready to continue your passion for nursing as a BSN student—we have the entry tracks and advanced higher education to help you reach your goals. If you also have goals of continuing to your MSN or DNP, the BSN program sets you up perfectly to pursue your higher education with us at the graduate level.

  • Diploma: Practical Nursing (PN/LPN)

    Start here if:

    You’re interested in patient care and want a quick entry into the field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with opportunities for career advancement.

    Finish in as few as:

    12 months2

    Licensed Practical Nursing

    Prepares you for career opportunities in:

    • Hospitals
    • Clinics
    • Rehabilitation centers
    • Long-term care facilities
    • Assisted living centers
    • Outpatient/Ambulatory care centers
    • Home health care services
    • Physician’s office
  • Associate’s Degree: Nursing (ADN/RN)

    Start here if:

    You want to become a registered nurse (RN) and are looking for ways to leverage your LPN license, or want RN to be your first nursing credential.

    Finish in as few as:

    12 months (LPN to RN Bridge) 
    Or in as few as 21 months (ADN/RN)2

    Registered Nurse

    Prepares you for career opportunities in: 

    • Hospitals
    • Clinics
    • Rehabilitation centers
    • Long-term care facilities
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Nursing (RN to BSN or BSN)

    Start here if:

    You want to begin your nursing career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Choose from two pre-licensure entry tracks—standard or second degree.

    Or next step if:

    You're already a registered nurse and are ready to earn your BSN. You're looking for opportunities to help advance your career.

    View RN to BSN details >

    Finish in as few as:

    12 to 18 months (RN to BSN)2
    33 months (BSN Standard Degree)*
    18 months (BSN Second Degree)

    *Already an LPN? Our LPN to RN Bridge helps LPNs become RNs faster, further decreasing your time to program completion.

    Registered Nurse

    Prepares you for career opportunities in:

    • Hospitals
    • Clinical practice
    • Administration
    • Nursing education
    • Nursing leadership
  • Graduate Degrees: Nursing (MSN & DNP)

    Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

    You want to influence present and future healthcare as a nursing leader. You have the choice of three MSN specializations that allow you to define your career course:

    • Nursing Leadership and Administration
    • Nursing Education
    • Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics

    We also offer an online MSN Nurse Practitioner (NP) program if you're interested in making a positive impact as a nurse practitioner with the choice of four specializations:

    • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
    • Family NP
    • Pediatric Primary Care NP
    • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP

    Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

    A program for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in the healthcare system, public health care and policy—the definitive terminal degree for nurse leaders.

    Choose the specialization that best aligns with your interests and career goals:

    • Executive Leadership
    • Public Health and Policy

    View DNP details >

    Career Opportunities:

    MSN:

    • Director of Nursing
    • Director of Education
    • Clinical Nursing Informatics Officer
    • Chief Nursing Officer
    • Nurse Practitioner

    DNP:

    • Chief Nursing Officer
    • Nursing Administrator
    • Director of Public Health and Policy
    • Government or Policy Activist

Tuition & Savings

Do the Math

BSN Standard Degree

A BSN could be more affordable than you think. With eight start dates6 a year at most campuses and a total of 43 total courses required, full-time students can finish in as few as 33 months2 for an estimated $76,740. With transfer credits and self-directed assessments, you could earn your BSN for under $60,000.11

$359 cost per credit
x 180 total credits
_______________________

$64,620 total tuition
+ $12,120 total fees
_______________________
$76,740 estimated total program cost

Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).


Explore our Tuition Estimator Tool

Do the Math

Accelerated BSN Second Degree

Education is an important investment—getting an idea of your program costs shouldn’t be a struggle. With eight start dates6 a year at most campuses and a total of 25 total courses required, full-time students can finish in as few as 18 months2 for an estimated $46,124.

$359 cost per credit
x 106 total credits
_______________________

$38,054 total tuition
+ $8,070 total fees
_______________________
$46,124 estimated total program cost

Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).


Explore our Tuition Estimator Tool

Other Ways to Save

Higher education should be a manageable investment. Talk to an admissions advisor and learn how our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed to be more affordable with transfer credits, self-directed assessments, loans and grants, scholarship opportunities, corporate grants and military discounts for those who qualify.

Find more about:

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Student Story

RU Ready to Be Inspired?

Crissy believed in a better life for her and her four-year-old son, as well as a career helping others. She got the support and resources she needed at Rasmussen to know she was on the right path to a future in nursing.

“I want [my son] to come out of this as not only being proud of me as his mother, but also knowing that the impossible is possible for him.”

Crissy B. :30 video

View transcript(Scroll to see full transcript)

Speaker 1:

I'm a single mom of a four-year-old, I'm working a full-time job, I have to go back into the Navy, I'm on a timeline.

Rasmussen made it so, ‘Hey, yes, we can do this. We have a program that you can accelerate and if you put in the work, we're going to be there on the other side for you.’

I've done this for my son. I want him to come out of this as not only being proud of me as his mother, but also knowing that the impossible is possible.

What Is an Accelerated BSN? Your Fast Track to an Advanced Nursing Education
Learn first hand from an experienced nurse and get her expertise on an inspirational career path. You’ll also discover what to expect and the benefits of an accelerated BSN program. Read more

Entrance Requirements

At Rasmussen University Nursing school, there are no prerequisite courses and there are no wait lists at many campuses. High school verification documentation may be required.10

Students for the standard and second degree Accelerated BSN tracks will need to pass the TEAS entrance exam or have a conferred Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree with a GPA of 2.25 or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning as recognized by the US Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

You only need to apply once, and you can begin your BSN classes when it’s convenient for you with our eight start dates a year. Speak to an admissions advisor for requirements related to your specific entry track.

Talk to an Admissions Advisor

Enrollment

What Should I Know Before I Enroll?

Nursing Information Sessions

To learn more about entrance requirements and receive help planning your career path, attend a Nursing Information Session where you’ll learn about:

  • TEAS scores
  • Background checks
  • Immunizations

Already an RN? Our RN to BSN program is a post-licensure track that can be completed in as few as 12-18 months.2 Students interested in this option must possess a current unencumbered RN license.

Talk to an admissions advisor

BSN Program Outcomes

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

View Student Achievement Data below, which includes each campus' NCLEX-RN Pass Rate.

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

    BSN Program Outcomes Rates at Rasmussen University campuses
    Campus and ProgramNCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a
    Campus and Program: Rasmussen University - Central Pasco Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program 9 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a : 87.10%
    Campus and Program: Rasmussen University - Fort Myers Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program 9 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a : 87.23%
    Campus and Program: Rasmussen University - Ocala Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program 9 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a : 86.52%
    Campus and Program: Rasmussen University - Tampa Bay Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program 9 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a : 82.35%
    Campus and Program: Rasmussen University - Overland Park Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program 9 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a : 91.67%
    Campus and Program: Rasmussen University - Bloomington Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program 9 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a : 93.08%
    Campus and Program: Rasmussen University - Fargo Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program 9 NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 1a : 84.38%
    • 1a NCLEX Pass Rate is based on First-Time Candidates taking the licensure exam in 2023.

Class Locations

Where Can I Find a Nursing School Near Me?

At Rasmussen University, we want our courses to be available for your schedule; not the other way around. Many of our programs are available on campus or online. Select programs are available for enrollment through a specific campus, but students complete the courses online and are able to utilize online and on-campus support and resources. Click below to find a hybrid on-campus and online BSN program near you.

Still have questions? Connect with an admissions advisor

You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the meaning of BSN for a degree?

    BSN is an undergraduate degree which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A BSN degree is one way to pursue your RN licensure or gain more advanced skills if you’re already an RN.

  • Is BSN considered a higher qualification than RN?

    RN is a licensed credential that individuals earn and maintain (as well as a job title), while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree that many registered nurses obtain.

    While you can still become an RN without earning a BSN degree, the major difference is the path and time commitment required. You can go straight to the job market as an RN with your associate degree, or you can opt to begin at a more advanced level of education with a BSN degree. Having a BSN under your belt may open the door to a greater variety of job options in specialized nursing units as well as nursing management and leadership roles.

  • Can one obtain a BSN without prior RN certification?

    Yes, you can earn your BSN degree without being a certified RN! That’s why we offer multiple entry tracks to help BSN students at every level get started— whether it’s your first time in nursing and you're looking for a traditional BSN program or you’re adding on to your experience as a second degree program.

  • Will I have to complete a nursing entrance exam to get into the BSN program?

    That depends! Students for the standard and second degree Accelerated BSN tracks will need to pass the TEAS entrance exam.

    You may be able to let your previous degree do the work for you. If you have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you may be able to skip the TEAS exam.12

  • How do online nursing degrees function, particularly in terms of structure and delivery?

    Our BSN degree program is a hybrid of online and on-campus classes. It also includes self-directed assessments to help you save time and money. The flexible online courses still give you the knowledge and skills you need through expert instruction and real-life examples. The campus-based classes let you dive into campus life and gain hands-on clinical practice as a future BSN nurse.

  • Are online nursing programs considered reliable and credible?

    Many nursing schools these days include a combination of online and on-campus courses. Online courses give you the flexibility you need, as well as valuable knowledge to apply in clinical practice. To give you further confidence, our BSN program is CCNE accredited,1 meaning that we meet the requirements set forth by CCNE to ensure the quality and integrity of programs.

  • If I complete my BSN degree online, will hospitals accept me?

    Employment conditions will vary, but you can feel confident in our CCNE-accredited BSN degree program. Accreditation means that our nursing curriculum is built to CCNE standards—qualifications that hospitals and clinics are looking for.

    In addition, all Rasmussen programs are developed with a “backward design” mindset, meaning we prioritize the intended learning outcomes rather than just basic topics to be covered. It’s about how you’ll apply your skills throughout your career. You’ll gain advanced skills in leadership, critical thinking, health promotion and more.

  • How are online RN to BSN programs perceived in terms of reputation?

    Our online RN to BSN program helps RNs earn their BSN degree faster. Since these students are already an RN, they are equipped with vast hands-on experience. The remaining classes needed to earn their BSN degree are online, with additional in-person clinicals to ensure full skills advancement. Plus, our RN to BSN program is CCNE accredited1 for student and employer confidence.

  • Does a background in public health lead to a career in nursing?

    A background in public health can be helpful but is not required to pursue a nursing career. You’ll gain experience throughout your education, whether you stop at your BSN or continue to your MSN or DNP.

Don't See Your Question Here?

Our dedicated team of admissions advisors can help you answer questions related to nursing courses, tuition, financial aid, nursing information sessions, admissions and more.

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Call: 877-308-9946

Accreditation and Licensing Information

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Logo: CCNE accreditationCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791

Additional accreditation details

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Licensing Information

The ABSN meets the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Other eligibility requirements may apply; please verify your eligibility against your state’s board of nursing rules. This program may not meet the educational requirements for licensure as a nurse in states not listed above.

Related Programs

RN to BSN

  • Online
  • Field Experience
RN to BSN

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

  • Online
  • Field Experience
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Master of Science - Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP)

  • Online
  • Field Experience
Master of Science - Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP)