![A smiling nurse wearing blue scrubs and a white coat against a blue background](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container/container_copy_copy_/container_217117808_/image.coreimg.jpeg/1734649062985/mobile-nursing.jpeg) # Online RN to BSN Degree (Competency Based) [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=BSN-CB) ## RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency Based-CB) Prepare to enhance your nursing practice, faster. When you transfer credits from your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can complete your Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-Based) in as little as 12 months and for under $10K. Self-governed, with the assistance of your faculty practitioners and faculty mentor, this program is designed for working professionals who have an associate degree in nursing, an unencumbered RN license and one year of professional experience. [What is competency-based education?](/competency-based-degrees.html) ## Grow your career with our nursing degree [Embedded content](https://www.youtube.com/embed/54CeZwhvhhE?rel=0&controls=1&fs=0&modestbranding=1&cc_load_policy=1) × This degree program has some required in-person practical experiences. Ignite Your Passion Start when you're ready [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Courses --- ## Browse courses for your online nursing degree Education should hold practical value. That’s why our courses meet rigorous academic standards and provide you with skills and knowledge immediately applicable to your career. **Program Handbook**:[Nursing Student Program Handbook](https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/program-details/nursing-program-handbook-uopx.pdf) ![Skills-aligned program icon](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/skills-aligned-learning/v4/_jcr_content/root/container_402382400/container_1191233775/container/image_copy_copy.coreimg.svg/1675875069348/misc-trophy.svg) Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course. ### Core Courses ### General Education Courses ### Electives ## Requirements: 33 credits In a competency-based program, you earn credit by demonstrating your knowledge of a core skill, or competency. Since there are 33 credits in this program, one competency equals one credit. Requirements to enter this program: - An Associate of Arts Degree in Nursing, Associate of Applied Arts Degree with an emphasis in Nursing, an Associate of Science Degree with an emphasis in Nursing, or an Associate of Applied Science Degree with an emphasis in Nursing from an accredited college or university. - Students must have a valid, unrestricted/unencumbered RN license. - A minimum equivalent of one year of full-time post high school clinical-based RN work experience within the past five years. (Full-time work is defined as 32 hours per week for the BSN-CB program.) > 11 Core Courses Here’s where you’ll pick up the bulk of your program-specific knowledge. By the time you finish these courses, you should have the confidence and skills needed in this field. ![](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_1898485016/container_copy/columns_676092658/responsivegrid0/container/image.coreimg.svg/1685120153613/website2.svg) **4**courses at a time ![](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_1898485016/container_copy/columns_676092658/responsivegrid1/container_copy/image.coreimg.svg/1685120153661/clock.svg) **16** weeks per course ![](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_1898485016/container_copy/columns_676092658/responsivegrid2/container_copy/image.coreimg.svg/1685120153707/calendar.svg) **11** courses per year ## Schedule Your academic counselor will help schedule your courses for a Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-Based). [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=BSN-CB)[Request info](/request/request-information) ## Online learning with real-world clinical experience ![Checkmark icon](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_2134977675/container_copy/image_copy_copy_copy.coreimg.svg/1782235545444/check-sm.svg) **  Flexible online** **learning **that helps you reach your educational goals. ![Checkmark icon](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_2134977675/container_copy/image_copy_copy_copy_991949177.coreimg.svg/1782235545490/check-sm.svg) **  Clinical hands-on experience** with direct care in-person clinical hours. A clinical coordinator provides support throughout the site and preceptor selection process. ![Checkmark icon](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_2134977675/container_copy/image_copy_copy_copy_1762060735.coreimg.svg/1782235545540/check-sm.svg) **  Online support is available** up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week. From day one, you'll have access to an academic support team dedicated to your educational success. ![Checkmark icon](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_2134977675/container_copy/columns_1178288091/responsivegrid0/columns/responsivegrid0/image_copy_copy_copy.coreimg.svg/1782235545621/check-sm.svg) **Flexible online** **learning **that helps you reach your educational goals. ![Checkmark icon](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_2134977675/container_copy/columns_1178288091/responsivegrid0/columns_copy/responsivegrid0/image_copy_copy_copy.coreimg.svg/1782235545692/check-sm.svg) **Clinical hands-on experience** with direct care in-person clinical hours. A clinical coordinator provides support throughout the site and preceptor selection process. ![Checkmark icon](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_2134977675/container_copy/columns_1178288091/responsivegrid0/columns_copy_931184764/responsivegrid0/image_copy_copy_copy.coreimg.svg/1782235545754/check-sm.svg) **Online support is available** up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week. From day one, you'll have access to an academic support team dedicated to your educational success. Susan H. | BSN Susan H. | BSN ### Program purpose statement The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a post-licensure education program designed for nurses with an active and unencumbered RN license who wish to obtain a bachelor's degree in the professional field of nursing. The program is designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of registered nurses and prepare them as generalists who are able to apply critical thinking, professional skills and knowledge to make clinical decisions that will result in positive patient outcomes and support healthcare systems.​ View the[Nursing Student Handbook (PDF)](/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/program-details/nursing-program-handbook-uopx.pdf) to learn more about program details.  ![Skills-aligned program icon](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/skills-aligned-learning/cbe/_jcr_content/root/container/container_402382400/container_1058439911/columns/responsivegrid0/container_424890301_/image_copy_copy_copy.coreimg.svg/1675875069348/misc-trophy.svg) ## Earn career-relevant skills in weeks – not years. Learning shouldn’t take years to put into practice. That’s why we’re empowering you to build career-relevant skills with every course. We’ve worked with the labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. [Learn about skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) ![Skills-aligned program icon](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/skills-aligned-learning/cbe-mobile-skills/_jcr_content/root/container/container/image_copy_copy_copy.coreimg.svg/1675875069348/misc-trophy.svg) ## Earn career-relevant skills in weeks – not years. Learning shouldn’t take years to put into practice. That’s why we’re empowering you to build career-relevant skills with every course. We’ve worked with the labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. [Learn about skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) Tuition --- ## Paying for school Tuition is based on a calculation of number of credits multiplied by the per credit cost. [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-nursing-cbe) ![Tuition Guarantee](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_tuition_co/container_copy_copy_/container_copy/container_copy/image.coreimg.svg/1723922780213/tuition-guarantee-logo.svg) ### RN to BSN-CB estimated program cost $9,900 / program **Tuition Guarantee** With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable tuition rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program. [Request info](/request-info.html)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) --- [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-nursing-cbe) ![A man strides forward while holding a tablet in one hand](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/financial-aid/financial-aid-v2/_jcr_content/root/container_copy_copy__1914292621/container/container/image.coreimg.png/1734107823778/financial-aid-illustration.png) Budget & borrow ## How to pay for college Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan. [Explore federal financial aid](/tuition-financial-aid/federal-financial-aid.html) Careers & Outcomes --- ## What can you do with a RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-Based) degree? Discover where your degree might take you and make informed choices about your future. **An BSN-CB can prepare you to be a:** - [Charge Nurse](/career-guides/nursing/charge-nurse.html) - Public Health Nurse (PHN) - Director of Nursing (DON) **Top skills learned in this program:** - Business Management - Communications - Coordinating Safe Care - Critical Thinking and Holistic Nursing - Health Administration - Information Management and Communication - Leadership - Professionalism - Quality Improvement and Case Management - Strategic Planning ![](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/start-app/master/_jcr_content/root/container_copy_copy_/columns_259273357/responsivegrid0/container/image.coreimg.png/1686235629698/stephen-paskel-kids-wide.png) ## Ready to get started? Start your application for free or request additional information. [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) ## What you’ll learn When you earn your online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-Based), you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You’ll learn how to: - Demonstrate evidence-based holistic patient-centered care that reflects knowledge of the health-illness continuum. - Implement appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies for diverse individuals, families and populations across the life span. - Demonstrate professional standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct in health care industry. - Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe health care delivery and nursing practice. - Incorporate strategies that influence health policy at state, national, and international levels for the provision of safe, quality patient care. - Integrate patient care communication and information technology systems in health care delivery to improve patient outcomes. - Utilize interprofessional care coordination strategies to promote quality patient care.​ 5%Growth According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm), job growth for registered nurses occupations is projected to be faster than average between ((edu.BLSyears)). ((edu.BLSdisclaimer)) Admissions --- ## Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation. Starting your degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application. - No SAT/ACT required  - No essay required  - No cost, risk-free trial for eligible students - We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions. [Explore admission requirements](/admissions.html) [Embedded content](https://www.youtube.com/embed/3ohc3WEqbos?rel=0&controls=1&fs=0&modestbranding=1&cc_load_policy=1) × How to enroll at University of Phoenix ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1] Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. [1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents) ![Gabriel G., Enrollment Representative](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/enrollment_rep/mobile-er/master/_jcr_content/root/container_copy/image_copy_copy.coreimg.png/1682456796086/gabriel-enrollment-rep-mobile-rnd.png) **Call or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) ![G. Galindo - Enrollment Representative](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/enrollment_rep/desktop-er/master/_jcr_content/root/container_copy/container/image_copy.coreimg.png/1675270998383/g-galindo-enrollment-rep.png) Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1] [1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents) Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. **Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Student Experience --- ## An education that fits your busy life ### Balancing family, work and school Work toward your degree without giving up what matters most. Start your degree year-round and take one class at a time. [Learn about our flexibility](/life-as-a-phoenix/time-management.html) ### Online learning Enroll in online classes and attend class whenever it fits your life, day or night. [Read about online classes](/student-resources/going-to-class.html) ### Around-the-clock support and resources You have a support team available up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week.  [See student resources](/student-resources.html) ### Computer requirements for courses Many course assignments will require you to use a computer to complete and submit your assignment.  [More on technology recommendations](/student-resources/computer-requirements.html) ![Student completing homework at night while child plays on floor.](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/degrees/student-experience/v2/_jcr_content/root/columns_copy_copy/responsivegrid1/image.coreimg.jpeg/1719600480843/student-experience-balance.jpeg) Faculty Spotlight --- ## Professionals dedicated to you Your success is a top priority for our deans and faculty members. They bring an average of ((edu.facultyExperience)) years of experience and hands-on perspective to the classroom, and help bridge the gap between academics and industry knowledge. ![Beverly Jensen](/content/experience-fragments/edu/us/en/site/quote/faculty-nursing/v2/_jcr_content/root/teaser_copy_copy_cop.coreimg.png/1690208503529/beverly-jensen-faculty.png) > I definitely understand how difficult it is for students who have a family. I try to make my classes as “un-stressful” as possible. **Beverly Jensen**2020 Faculty of the Year MSN, RN, CNE [Read her story](/blog/when-nursing-is-about-more-than-a-degree) Accreditation --- ## Count on the quality of your education ### programmatic accreditation The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Phoenix are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. This program is aligned with leading industry organizations, such as: - American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN®) - Quality & Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) [Learn more](/about/accreditation.html) ![CCNE Accredited](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_1132843826_1437539336/columns_1662986917_c_1279749114/responsivegrid0/container/image_copy.coreimg.jpeg/1685120154632/ccne-accredited-logo.jpeg) ![CCNE Accredited](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors/_jcr_content/root/container_1317770635/columns/responsivegrid1/container/container_1132843826_1437539336/columns_1662986917_c_1279749114/responsivegrid1/image.coreimg.jpeg/1685120154656/ccne-accredited-logo.jpeg) ## Frequently asked questions about the competency-based online RN to BSN program ### What’s an RN to BSN degree and what does it entail? The RN to BSN degree online at University of Phoenix is a post-licensure education program.  You can also transfer an associate degree in nursing (ADN), if applicable, to complete the program faster. Our bachelor’s in nursing program includes 11 core courses in topics such as health information technology for nursing, research outcomes management for the practicing nurse, healthcare policy and public health.  ### Is a BSN the same as an RN? No, a bachelor’s degree in nursing is not the same as a registered nurse (RN). A BSN is an educational degree in nursing. An RN designation may only be used after completing all requirements and obtaining licensure by a state board of nursing as a registered nurse. If you’re an RN, you can pursue a BSN degree for expanded skills and greater career opportunities in your field.  ### How long does it take to get a BSN degree? The length of time to complete your bachelor’s in nursing program varies depending on the nursing program you choose and your educational history.  - Our traditional RN to BSN degree online can be completed in as little as 14 months for students who transfer in an associate degree in nursing (ADN). RNs without an ADN transfer will be awarded 40 total credits and may complete their degree in 2.5 years. - Our [competency-based RN to BSN program](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors.html) can be completed in as little as 12 months but requires at least one year’s experience as an RN and is self-paced, independent learning. ### Is the RN to BSN completely online? The competency-based RN to BSN coursework is completed online and paired with on-site direct-care clinical hours. These in-person clinical experiences take place in approved public health settings, including those in your local community. These clinical experiences help students apply nursing knowledge in real healthcare and community settings as part of the online RN to BSN degree requirements for the competency-based program. ### Can I work as an RN while pursuing my BSN degree? Yes, our RN to BSN degree online is designed with the working registered nurse (RN) in mind. You’ll take one course at a time, every five weeks, and all the instructional information is delivered on your schedule. This is important because we understand nurses like you are likely working around the clock and need to be able to complete assignments at a time that’s convenient for you and your schedule. ### Are internships or clinical experience required for the online RN to BSN degree (competency-based)? While internships are not required, direct-care clinical hours are a part of the core nursing curriculum. The competency-based online RN to BSN program requires 90 direct-care clinical hours. The direct-care clinical hours must be completed in person based in community health settings. These are in addition to the indirect care clinical hours completed in other courses. Students can review the[Nursing Student Handbook (PDF)](/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/program-details/nursing-program-handbook-uopx.pdf)for additional details about course alignment and clinical expectations. ### Where do RN to BSN clinical experiences take place? Clinical experiences for the online RN to BSN degree (competency-based program) are completed in approved public health settings connected to course requirements. There are many pre-approved sites or students may seek approval of the facility of their own choice. The clinical experiences in the RN to BSN program focus on health promotion, disease prevention and public health principles for individuals, families, populations and communities. ### Do online RN to BSN students need to come to campus? The competency-based online RN to BSN program does not require an on-campus presence. Required clinical learning is completed through approved site-based experiences in a student’s local community rather than campus attendance. Other program requirements are completed online. ### Can RN to BSN clinical experiences be completed close to home? Many students pursuing the online RN to BSN degree (competency-based program) can complete clinical experiences in approved healthcare or community settings within their local community. A clinical coordinator helps students identify approved placement opportunities that meet program requirements and site availability. ## Nursing articles - [What Can You Do With a BSN?](/articles/nursing/what-can-you-do-with-a-bsn) — Online Degrees | March 10, 2026 • 8 minutes - [What Is QSEN in Nursing?](/articles/nursing/what-is-qsen-in-nursing) — Online Degrees | February 24, 2026 • 6 minutes - [What Can You Do With a DNP Degree?](/articles/nursing/what-can-you-do-with-a-dnp-degree) — Online Degrees | January 12, 2026 • 5 minutes Load More... Current RN license required.  While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.