[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Typical Program Length[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]9-24 months[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Typical Credits Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0 mb-0″]120[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”mt-0″](including previously earned credits)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$93,600[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Opportunities With a BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]Registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-link] who want to advance their careers can benefit from earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link]. Most hospitals and healthcare organizations require or prefer to hire BSN-prepared nurses. In 2023, nearly 70% of employers reported a strong preference for hiring BSN graduates, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/research-data-center/new-graduate-employment-data” target=”_blank”]American Association of Colleges of Nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a BSN also prepares RNs for specialty roles and managerial responsibilities. Nurse recruiters, schools, and travel nursing agencies often prefer RNs with a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN-to-BSN program helps current RNs expand their clinical knowledge and skills. Many accredited nursing schools offer flexible online RN-to-BSN programs. Nurses develop advanced health assessment, nursing leadership, and case management abilities. A BSN allows nurses to move into specialized career paths or prepare for graduate-level nursing programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Careers for RN-to-BSN Graduates[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN degrees prepare nurses for a range of professional opportunities. The list below provides examples of some of the more popular and in-demand positions, but is not intended to be exhaustive. Salary and outlook figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing Manager[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing managers and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-case-management/how-to-become/”]nurse case managers[/hen-ui-link] oversee teams of nursing staff, create schedules, and evaluate nurses’ performance. While nursing managers may provide patient care, their focus is on leading nursing teams and ensuring quality patient care. Nurses who move into administrative roles typically need a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$98,850 (May 2025)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]29% increase from 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Obstetrics Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/ob-gyn-nurse/”]Obstetrics nurses[/hen-ui-link] work with expectant mothers in labor and delivery units and women’s health clinics. They assist obstetricians and gynecologists in providing a variety of patient services for women during the childbearing years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$74,180 (March 2025)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]6% increase from 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Mental Health Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/mental-health-nurse/”]Mental health nurses[/hen-ui-link] provide care for patients with mental or behavioral health issues. They practice in psychiatric hospitals, clinics, and other settings that provide psychiatric and mental health care. These nurses conduct patient assessments, implement treatment plans, and perform mental health tests.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$78,610 (June 2025)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]6% increase from 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Travel Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/”]Travel nurses[/hen-ui-link] perform general RN duties in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare sites across the United States, often providing services in underserved areas. Most U.S. placements run between 1-3 months; overseas contracts require a 1-2 year commitment. Employers may prefer to hire travel nurses with a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$92,370 (May 2025)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]6% increase from 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Critical Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/critical-care-nurse/”]Critical care nurses[/hen-ui-link] treat patients with acute or critical illnesses. They stabilize emergency situations, administer treatments, and work closely with other healthcare providers. Critical care nurses often work in intensive care units (ICUs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text]$99,240 (March 2025)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook: [/hen-ui-text]6% increase from 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Will I Make With a BSN Degree?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Hourly Average Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$37.97[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Monthly Average Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$8,167[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Annual Average Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$98,000[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs”]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] (June 2025)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Obtaining an RN-to-BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Meet Eligibility Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the requirements for RN-to-BSN programs vary by school, all applicants should hold a state-issued RN license in good standing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Research RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After deciding which factors are important to you in a school, use our degree finder to find programs that fit your criteria.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Apply to BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common application requirements include transcripts, an essay, references, a CV or resume, a valid RN license, and prior coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Secure Funding for BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many ways to finance your nursing degree, including [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid, grants, scholarships[/hen-ui-link], and loans.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Attend RN-to-BSN Classes[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete the required courses and obtain clinical hours to gain hands-on experience. Then, learn to work independently with your own patients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Graduate with a BSN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Congrats on earning your degree! Now you can begin working as a BSN-prepared nurse or continue your education to get your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Admission Requirements for an RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although eligibility requirements vary by school, all [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] only admit applicants who hold a state-issued RN license in good standing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other common admission requirements for RN-to-BSN programs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A minimum 3.0 GPA in previously completed courses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Official transcripts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prerequisites in statistics and science[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]2-3 letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Personal statement and resume[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal background check and vaccination records[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Core Concepts in an RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] or nursing diploma emphasizes entry-level nursing skills in preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam. In contrast, a BSN provides more comprehensive training in generalist nursing with applications in various healthcare settings. The RN-to-BSN curriculum covers advanced nursing competencies not typically offered in associate or diploma programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to foundational courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology, BSN students can expect coursework in the following areas:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Health Assessment and Communication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing Theory[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Management and Leadership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Evidence-Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community Health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Population-Focused Nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most programs focus on generalist practice, some programs offer content in specialized areas such as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/nurse-informatics/”]nursing informatics[/hen-ui-link], sociocultural issues in health and illness, and forensic nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Clinical and Lab Components in an RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to didactic, lecture-based courses in RN-to-BSN programs, nursing students may complete practical training in clinical and lab components:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Simulation Labs: [/hen-ui-text]Clinical experiences designed to teach various skills and procedures in low-risk environments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Clinicals: [/hen-ui-text]Closely supervised hands-on field experiences that teach patient care skills, caring for communities, implementing evidence-based practice and health promotion interventions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working nurses completing an RN-to-BSN program can often meet these clinical requirements in their current work setting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nursing Bridge Programs: How Do They Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]Nursing bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] offer an accelerated path for nurses who want to advance their education. For example, RN-to-BSN programs build on the clinical competencies that RNs possess. Similarly, ADN-to-MSN bridge programs offer an accelerated path to an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link] and a career in advanced practice nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students without an RN license who want to pursue nursing careers can also take advantage of bridge programs. An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/”]accelerated BSN[/hen-ui-link] for those with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field requires less than two years of study. The direct-entry MSN takes approximately one year to complete BSN requirements, followed by two years of graduate coursework.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect From an Online RN-to-BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online RN-to-BSN degree offers a flexible option for RNs who want to advance their nursing education. Designed for working nurses, an online RN-to-BSN typically takes 1-2 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online nursing programs combine distance learning courses with in-person [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/clinical-experience-for-online-nursing-students/”]clinical experience hours[/hen-ui-link]. Some programs allow nursing students to meet clinical requirements at their current workplace. Course delivery methods and clinical requirements vary by program. For example, some online RN-to-BSN programs offer live class sessions or require nursing students to complete clinicals at specific locations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching online programs, RNs should limit their search to accredited nursing schools, which meet high standards for preparing nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]ADN vs. BSN: What’s the Difference?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both an ADN and a BSN prepare graduates for an RN license and entry-level nursing careers. So what’s the difference between the two nursing degrees? BSN-prepared nurses benefit from additional training and career opportunities, as many employers require or prefer a BSN for nursing jobs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”ADN”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requires about two years of study or 60 credits; provides the prerequisite courses to transfer into a BSN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focuses primarily on general education courses and basic clinical skills; prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and an RN license.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provides the fastest educational path to a nursing career in hospitals, outpatient facilities, doctors’ offices, and home healthcare; less expensive than a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Serves as the minimal educational requirements to earn RN licensure in most states.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”BSN”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Requires 1-2 years of study for licensed RNs or a total of 120 credits; provides a strong academic foundation to pursue MSN and doctoral degrees[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focuses on training in generalist nursing practice, leadership, and management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam if they did not enter the program as licensed RNs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offers RNs the potential for higher salaries and more employment opportunities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is increasingly preferred by employers as the minimum required degree for RN nursing positions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]