Are you a registered nurse with an associate's degree? If so, it might be time to take the next step in your career with a bachelor's degree to go from RN to BSN.
The push for nurses to earn a bachelor's degree has grown in recent years. When I began my career nearly 15 years ago, the benefits of completing a baccalaureate degree program were already clear, and that hasn't changed.
Today, hospitals and healthcare organizations increasingly prefer or require nurses to complete a BSN program. If you’re wondering why, check out our article, Does a BSN Degree Really Help Nurses Improve Patient Outcomes?
Simply, good RN to BSN programs were built to adapt to the modern working nurses while keeping in mind their work-life balance. A program offering an affordable and supportive path to ensuring your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). If this is you, your scrolling will not be wasted here.
1. How will I find time for this?
Time is a big concern for everyone when considering an RN to BSN online program, so let’s confront it. You’ve already earned your associate degree in nursing, passed the NCLEX-RN® and earned your RN licensure! If you’re anything like I was, you are excited to finally start earning a paycheck and improve patient outcomes.
But now you might be wondering, “How am I supposed to balance work and school—especially if I have to commute to a university?”
The good news for you (and currently enrolled students) is you won’t have to. Rasmussen University’s RN to BSN program allows you to earn a 100% online bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.1
Clinical requirements can often be fulfilled in your local community, and they’re significantly less intensive than those in your prelicensure program.
Even better, there are no set class times. An online RN to BSN program means you can log in and complete your assignments on a schedule that works for you, whether that’s early mornings, between shifts or late at night (as you meet your assignment deadlines).
Let me tell you, as a former night nurse, I know how valuable that flexibility can be.
2. Will this be worth it financially?
Many employers offer benefits that might include tuition assistance or reimbursement to help cover the costs of your education. Your salary will always be dependent on where you work and your employer. There are so many factors at play.
Research job postings in your area, at your healthcare employer and others to get an idea of what BSN nurses are earning. And ask your employer if they have incentives like tuition assistance you can utilize.
3. How does an online nursing degree work?
An online BSN program might sound unconventional, but you're not in this for the basics. Rasmussen University’s RN to BSN program uses a competency-based education model designed to help online students become trusted nurses.
So, what does that mean for you?
It means you can move more quickly through content you already know and spend more time focusing on new concepts that require deeper understanding.
This approach allows you to make the most of your time and build on your existing knowledge through evidence-based practice to stay engaged without repeating what you’ve already mastered in the field.
The hands-on elements of nursing are already with you. An RN BSN program is more about building a deeper understanding of nursing practice. If you hold an unencumbered RN license, you can even keep working as a registered nurse during your program, putting your increased knowledge to use.
4. Do RN to BSN programs start in the fall?
Not at Rasmussen.
With eight start dates per year, you won’t have to wait long to begin investing in yourself. This frequent schedule gives you the flexibility to start your program when the timing is right for you. With a BSN online option, there's no need to wait for a traditional academic calendar.
5. How long do RN to BSN programs take?
You can complete Rasmussen University’s RN to BSN program in as few as 12–18 months5, depending on your course load and transfer credits. That means you won’t have to put your goals on hold for years just to take the next step in your career.
The RN to BSN program is designed to help you make the most of your prerequisite courses, allowing you to transfer up to 134 quarter credits. Plus, if you're like me, timing matters. The sooner you complete your degree, the sooner you can pursue new roles, apply for leadership positions and expand your nursing practice.
6. Are RN to BSN programs just about showing a new credential?
Registered nurses already have a strong foundation in patient care. You’re in the trenches every day, seeing firsthand how healthcare is evolving and what patients and organizations need most. That’s why the RN to BSN program is designed to build on your existing experience, not repeat what you already know.
This isn't just about having BSN on your resume, it's about boosting your nursing skill.
The curriculum focuses on empowering the critical skills BSN-prepared nurses need to advance in their careers. That includes nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, critical thinking and emerging healthcare technologies.
Here are some Rasmussen courses that stand out to me.
- Practice Excellence Through Innovation
- Public Health Nursing
- Professional Identity of the Nurse Leader
- Global Health
We also utilize a model called Empowered Learning® to make the online courses practical and relevant to your work. For more on how that works, take a look at our Empowered Learning page.
7. What should I look for in accredited RN to BSN online programs?
I’ve heard firsthand the stories of students who enrolled in an unaccredited bachelor's degree program.
The short version? Some spent thousands of dollars and months—or even years—only to learn their degree didn’t meet the standards needed for licensure or further education. In one case, students discovered after graduation that they couldn’t even sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam in their state.
Rasmussen University’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).2
If you’re going to invest your time and energy into continuing your education, make sure it’s with a program that’s reputable, recognized and built to support your goals.
8. How will I afford this?
Let’s be honest, cost is a big factor when deciding to go back to school as a BSN student when you have an active RN license.
There are several options to help you reduce costs as you complete a BSN program and earn an online nursing degree. Our team of nurse educators has options to help you make the most of everything from prior coursework to experience to complete a BSN nursing program.
Self-directed assessments
If you already have knowledge in a subject area, you can show you have already achieved aspects for certain general education courses in the RN to BSN program and don’t need to take the courses. These options are called self-directed assessments.
This option helped me save time and money when I completed my nursing diploma so I could focus on learning new material instead of repeating what I already knew.
Rasmussen University grants and financial aid
For those who qualify, you may be eligible for financial aid or Rasmussen University grants to help cover tuition for your RN to BSN degree program.
For example, the Get Started Grant is available for those with an RN license. With this RN to BSN program, you can save up to $1,380 in tuition and fees!3
Tuition grants from employer alliances
If your healthcare employer has an alliance with Rasmussen University, you may qualify for a grant. Be sure to ask if your organization is part of this alliance—it can make a big difference.
One of my personal favorite options is the Professional Achievement Grant.
"The Professional Achievement Grant is your chance to earn your degree with no out-of-pocket expense. When combined with employer benefits, this grant can cover up to 100% of Rasmussen University program costs for eligible employees."4
Up to two graduate-level courses included in your BSN
If you plan to continue on to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) after completing your RN to BSN online, this program can help you get a head start. Rasmussen allows you to take up to two graduate-level courses at no additional cost while completing your BSN curriculum to give you a jump on your next degree.
Master’s degrees may not be offered in all states and may not be offered in the same state in which bachelor’s degrees are offered, so check those details if this option is appealing to you.
9. Will I get the support I need in an RN to BSN program?
Going back to school can feel overwhelming. Honestly, just thinking about it might make you anxious. I remember those feelings myself. But one of the things I appreciate most about Rasmussen is that no one expects you to figure it out by yourself.
Here's how we like to help in the school of nursing.
Dedicated faculty
You may already know from your first experience in nursing education—faculty can make or break your experience.
I know for myself and my colleagues that making the theory of nursing practice relevant and practical is a high priority. We bring our lived nursing experience to our courses with specific examples and lots of different ways to answer your questions.
Reach out to us, network and let our experience benefit you.
Advisors
Taking advantage of advisors can save you a lot of aggravation. With online programs, it's easy for students to get into a mentality of handling everything on their own. But advisors have guided hundreds of students through the exact program and situations you are navigating now.
Rely on these people! They can help you plan your path, stay on track and navigate any challenges you encounter while completing your BSN degree.
Career services coaching
In a similar vein, career services are another valuable resource.
Career Services at Rasmussen offers a variety of on-demand, self-service resources focused on job-search strategies, resume building, interviewing techniques and employer networking. Plus, you can access career services and library resources at any point in your journey—from start to retirement.
10. So, are you ready for a BSN?
“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” I’ve always liked this quote from Earl Nightingale, and I believe it's true. You're going to grow and evolve either way, so why not invest in yourself and add a BSN to open up your nursing career?
The increased scope of possibility could absolutely lead you into a role you love far more than the role you have now.
I would love to see you in the classroom soon pursuing your professional nursing practice!
Head over to Rasmussen's RN to BSN Online Degree page to get all the logistics and submit a request form to hear from an admissions advisor about your specific situation and questions.
NCLEX-RN is a registered trademark of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
1Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission hlcommission.org | 800-621-7440 Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
2The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
3Students who begin the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (RN to BSN) competency-based program in 11-week terms, both new enrollments and transfers on or after November 10, 2021, and prior to April 7, 2025, may be eligible for the following toward their RN to BSN degree at Rasmussen University: A grant, worth up to $1,380 toward tuition of the first course in the program, awarded one time for each student. Students will be billed at the standard tuition rate plus applicable fees before the grant is applied. Student is responsible for all applicable book fees. Eligibility will be verified prior to the grant being awarded.
Additional terms and conditions: Student must maintain continuous enrollment to remain eligible. A student who withdraws and re-enrolls may no longer be eligible for the grant. Students who previously received the Get Started Grant are not eligible for the Get Started Grant a second time. All entrance and acceptance requirements for the RN to BSN program must be met. Grants are nontransferable, and no substitution or cash equivalent/refund is allowed. Grant may not be combined with other grants or scholarships offered by Rasmussen University with the following exceptions: RN to BSN Get Started Grant recipients who also qualify for the Corporate Grant may use both. For new and re-entering students starting on or after February 7, 2024, RN to BSN Get Started Grant recipients who also qualify for the Military Tuition Grant may use both. Alumni of Rasmussen who are enrolling into the RN to BSN program can choose between the RN to BSN Get Started Grant or the Alumni Grant, but cannot use both. Employees of Rasmussen College, LLC and their family members are not eligible for the grants. Rasmussen University reserves the right to add, discontinue or amend scholarship and grant programs at its discretion. Any student currently receiving scholarship or grant funds at the time of the amendment will be notified. Grant value cannot exceed tuition cost.
4Program availability varies by state and campus. Federal, local and state taxes may apply. 100% coverage is subject to employer policies and the student meeting all terms and conditions of the Rasmussen University Professional Achievement Grant.
5Completion time is dependent on the number of transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
