# Online RN to BSN Degree

[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=BSN)
## Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

With an online RN to BSN degree you can take your passion for patient care to the next level. Transfer credits from your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and complete your RN to BSN in as little as 14 months and for 14K. **You must have an active and unencumbered RN license prior to enrolling.**

### Job-ready skills for your professional profile

**Leadership**: Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

**Communications**: Integrate patient care communication and information technology systems in healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes.

**Leadership:**Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

**Communications**: Integrate patient care communication and information technology systems in healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes.

**Operations and Policy:**Incorporate strategies that influence health policy at state, national and international levels for delivering safe, quality patient care.

**Operations and Policy: **Incorporate strategies that influence health policy at state, national and international levels for delivering safe, quality patient care.

### programmatic accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at University of Phoenix are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.                          

## Career-relevant education with real-world value

### Program at a glance

#### Curriculum aligned with industry organizations

The program curriculum is aligned with recommendations by leading nursing organizations, such as:

- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN®)
- Quality & Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)

#### Senior Leadership Practicum

The online RN to BSN degree includes a capstone course that helps you integrate and synthesize the content and experiences from all nursing courses into a final leadership project.

#### Promotes healthy communities

Learn how to implement appropriate health promotion and disease prevention strategies for diverse individuals, families and populations across the life span.

### Program by the numbers

$14K  
Cost of tuition & fees[[1](#cost-footnote)]

14 months  
Average program length with 87 transfer credits

33 credits  
Required with an active RN and ADN

87 credits  
Eligible transfer credits

[1] Standard track RN to BSN with 87 transfer credits : $350/credit x 3 credits + $170 resource fee = $1,220 per course x 11 courses =Estimated program cost of $14K.

Time is valuable – don’t spend it repeating coursework. Finish what you started.

[Learn about transfer credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html)
## Courses for the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

### Find what you'll learn in a course – look for the skills-aligned trophy cup

Using labor analytics data, we embed skills you’ll need in the growing nursing field into each course of your online RN to BSN degree. You’ll learn about health information technology for nursing, healthcare policy and professional nursing leadership perspectives.

### Core Courses

### General Education Courses

### Electives

---

### Requirements and course details

Your course schedule may vary based on[transfer credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html)or credits earned through the University’s [Prior Learning Assessment](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html).

#### Degree requirements for the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

- Completion of a minimum of 120 credits, including:
- General education: 47 credits
- Core courses: 33 credits (includes 90 direct care clinical hours)
- A minimum of 40 lower division nursing credits
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0

#### What are core courses?

Core courses build the bulk of program-specific knowledge. Our online RN to BSN degree curriculum develops on a foundation of biological, physical and social sciences paired with the intellectual, social and cultural aspects of the professional nurse.

You’ll learn how to:

- Demonstrate evidence-based, holistic patient-centered care that reflects knowledge of the health-illness continuum.
- Apply models and processes to promote public health and disease prevention strategies for diverse individuals, families and populations across the life span.
- Demonstrate professional standards of moral, ethical and legal conduct in the healthcare industry.
- Apply leadership and organizational principles that promote safe healthcare delivery and nursing practice.

#### What are direct care clinical hours?

Your RN to BSN degree online has two courses that each require 45 direct care clinical hours. While you complete the instructional portion of these courses 100% online, you can complete the direct care clinical hours in your own community. 

#### Public Health Nurse (PHN) Certification for California registered nurses

If you reside in California, our BSN degree provides you with coursework that’ll allow you to apply for a Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification in California.

### Program Purpose Statement

The RN to BSN program is a post-licensure education program designed for nurses with active, unencumbered RN licensure 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 patient outcomes and healthcare systems. Learn more from the[Nursing Program Handbook](/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/program-details/nursing-program-handbook-uopx.pdf).

### Choose a program track for your online RN to BSN degree

If you have strong time management skills, learn independently and have at least a year of experience as an RN, a competency-based program can help you finish your degree in as little as 12 months. Compare with a traditional RN to BSN degree and choose a learning style that fits you.

#### Competency-based program

**Duration: **48 weeks minimum

**Pace: **About 4 months to complete 4 courses, which can be taken one at a time

**Learning style: **Self-paced, flexible format with faculty guidance to help prepare for competency assessments

[View the Online RN to BSN Degree (Competency Based)](/online-nursing-degrees/rn-to-bsn-competency-based-bachelors.html#courses)

#### Traditional program

**Duration: **150 weeks

**Pace: **About one 5-week course at a time

**Learning style: **Traditionally structured format led by instructors with weekly due dates

## How skills-aligned learning works

What’s something employers are looking for in job candidates? Skills! That’s why we believe in career-focused education. Our programs are designed to help you demonstrate career-relevant skills and put them into practice within weeks, not years. Here’s how:

Curriculum  
We work with a labor market analyst to identify skills today’s employers want in job candidates and embed those skills in our program’s curriculum.

Courses  
Each course you take teaches specific career-relevant skills – one skill per credit, on average. For a 3-credit course, you can earn 3 career-relevant skills.

Careers  
Demonstrate your newly acquired skills, earn badges, build your professional profile and show potential employers what you bring to the table.

[Learn about skills curriculum](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html)
## Career opportunities with an online RN to BSN degree

Our program isn’t just about earning a nursing degree – it’s about getting ready for your career. Learn practical knowledge and develop skills to prepare for roles as a charge nurse, public health nurse or director of nursing.

### Job-ready skills

Top skills learned in this program:

- Business Management for Nursing Professionals
- Communications
- Compassion in Population Health
- Coordinating Safe Care
[Learn about skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html)
### Career opportunities

An RN to BSN can prepare you to be a:

- Charge Nurse
- Public Health Nurse (PHN)
- Director of Nursing (DON)
[Learn about Career Navigator](https://www.phoenix.edu/career-services.html#career-navigator2)
### Work environments

You may work in:

- Hospitals; state, local and private
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Government
- Nursing and residential care facilities
- Educational services; state, local and private
[Browse our career guides](/career-guides.html)
Step: 2 of 7

### Have you completed a program with the University?

#### I am a returning Alumni I’ve graduated from University of Phoenix and want to continue my education.

#### I am continuing my program I attended previously and was unable to complete my program but I’m ready to finish.

## Why we ask this question

Knowing your current status with the University allows us to personalize your scholarship results.

Step: 3 of 7

### How long ago did you attend University of Phoenix?

#### A year ago, or more

#### Less than a year ago

## Why we ask this question

Returning students may be eligible for certain scholarships if they attended during a particular time frame.

Step: 4 of 7

### What degree level are you interested in?

#### Bachelor's degree

#### Master's degree

#### Doctoral degree

## Why we ask this question

Our scholarships are degree level specific.

Step: 5 of 7

### How many credits do you expect to transfer?

#### 0 - 9

#### 9 - 12

#### 12 - 60

#### 60 - 102

#### More than 102

## Why we ask this question

An estimate of transfer credits allows us to personalize your possible scholarship results.

Step: 6 of 7

### What is your current GPA?

#### Less than 3.0

#### 3.0 - 3.25

#### 3.25 - 3.75

#### 3.75 - 3.85

#### More than 3.85

## Why we ask this question

Providing your current GPA allows us to determine which scholarships you may be eligible for.

Step: 7 of 7

### How many years of work experience do you have?

#### 3 or more years

#### Less than 3 years

## Why we ask this question

Some of our University of Phoenix scholarships require that you have previous work experience.

## Here are your results!

Based on your selections, here's a list of scholarships you may be eligible for.

Results
## Questions?

Our dedicated support team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact us

## Next steps to consider

We recommend checking out other savings opportunities. Our Savings Explorer® tool has helped bachelor’s students on average save $11,000 & nearly 1 year off their undergraduate degree. It's easy to use and there's no obligation to enroll.

## What's next?

Receive a free Scholarships and Savings Guide right to your inbox with more information on scholarships, the application process and other savings opportunities.

Career guide

### Charge Nurse

Learn more about the career opportunity as a charge nurse. Our career guide provides deeper insight into salary ranges and in-demand skills.

[Explore this career](/career-guides/nursing/charge-nurse.html)
### Career outlook

**5% growth**

According to the[Bureau of Labor Statistics,](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-1) job growth for registered nurses is projected to be faster than average between 2024 and 2034.

---

((edu.BLSdisclaimer))

Step: 2 of 7

### Have you completed a program with the University?

#### I am a returning Alumni I’ve graduated from University of Phoenix and want to continue my education.

#### I am continuing my program I attended previously and was unable to complete my program but I’m ready to finish.

## Why we ask this question

Knowing your current status with the University allows us to personalize your scholarship results.

Step: 3 of 7

### How long ago did you attend University of Phoenix?

#### A year ago, or more

#### Less than a year ago

## Why we ask this question

Returning students may be eligible for certain scholarships if they attended during a particular time frame.

Step: 4 of 7

### What degree level are you interested in?

#### Bachelor's degree

#### Master's degree

#### Doctoral degree

## Why we ask this question

Our scholarships are degree level specific.

Step: 5 of 7

### How many credits do you expect to transfer?

#### 0 - 9

#### 9 - 12

#### 12 - 60

#### 60 - 102

#### More than 102

## Why we ask this question

An estimate of transfer credits allows us to personalize your possible scholarship results.

Step: 6 of 7

### What is your current GPA?

#### Less than 3.0

#### 3.0 - 3.25

#### 3.25 - 3.75

#### 3.75 - 3.85

#### More than 3.85

## Why we ask this question

Providing your current GPA allows us to determine which scholarships you may be eligible for.

Step: 7 of 7

### How many years of work experience do you have?

#### 3 or more years

#### Less than 3 years

## Why we ask this question

Some of our University of Phoenix scholarships require that you have previous work experience.

## Here are your results!

Based on your selections, here's a list of scholarships you may be eligible for.

Results
## Questions?

Our dedicated support team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact us

## Next steps to consider

We recommend checking out other savings opportunities. Our Savings Explorer® tool has helped bachelor’s students on average save $11,000 & nearly 1 year off their undergraduate degree. It's easy to use and there's no obligation to enroll.

## What's next?

Receive a free Scholarships and Savings Guide right to your inbox with more information on scholarships, the application process and other savings opportunities.

## Career story

**There were times when my goal seemed so far off, but I did it.”**

**Dawn Nolan Kerrigan, RN to BSN 2014**

**Read about Dawn's journey**

 

## Cost and savings

### Paying for school

Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.

[Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-nursing-non-cbe)
### Undergrad cost per course

$1,220 / course

Cost breakdown
Cost per credit 

Credits per course

Resource fee

**$350**

x3

+ $170

---

Estimated cost per course

$1,220

**What affects the overall cost of my program?**

Your full program cost can vary by: 

- **Savings opportunities.** Your cost could be reduced with eligible transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts and more. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11K and 1 year off their undergraduate degree at University of Phoenix.

With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program.

**Discover ways to save time and money on your degree with our Savings Explorer® tool:**

[Go to Savings Explorer®](https://www.phoenix.edu/cost-savings)[Explore scholarships](/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships.html)
---

[Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-nursing-non-cbe)
### Other ways to save on time and tuition

Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch. 

#### Transfer credits

Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions. 

[Transfer your credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html)
#### Employer tuition benefits

Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.  

[Check employer benefits](/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html)
#### Credit for life experience

We look at all your relevant experience, from parenting to past jobs, to help you get the college credits you deserve. For every 3 credits earned, shave 5 weeks off your degree.

[Earn college credit](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html)
#### Alumni savings

Are you a Phoenix alum? If so, you’re eligible for special tuition rates and can save up to $2,880 on a bachelor’s degree. You can also save with an alumni scholarship. 

[Save with exclusive rates](/tuition-financial-aid/alumni-offer.html)
#### Military savings

If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.  

[Get military savings](/military.html)
#### National testing providers

Do you have expertise in a specific subject? Earn college credit based on your performance on national, standardized tests to save time and money on tuition. 

[Take tests for credit](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment/national-testing-programs.html)
#### We can help you get started

Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more.

[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)PreviousNext
1. View 1
2. View 2
3. View 3

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)
## Faster pathways for ADN students

### 3+1 transfer pathway

Associate degree in nursing students can take 3 years of general course requirements at a participating community college and complete a bachelor’s degree in a little over one year at University of Phoenix. Transfer up to 87 credits and save $144 on every 3-credit course.

[Learn about 3+1 transfer pathway](/alliance/transferpathways.html?current=TransferPathways#form4)
### Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP)

You can start RN to BSN upper-division nursing courses at University of Phoenix while finishing your associate degree in nursing with one of our alliance community colleges.

[Learn about our CEP program](/alliance/transferpathways.html?current=CEP#form2)
---

## Why choose us?

### Where you earn your degree matters

#### Career-relevant skills

Every five weeks, you can develop career-relevant skills, track your progress in each class and showcase your achievements using your personal skills profile.

[Learn about skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html)
#### Real-world faculty

Your instructors know what works in the real world. As leaders in the field, they bring a hands-on perspective and practical knowledge to the classroom.

[Meet our faculty](/about/faculty.html)
#### Flexible learning + support

Balance it all — work, family and school — with a university built for busy adults like you. Plus, get personal support by phone, chat or email — day or night.

[Learn about flexibility](/life-as-a-phoenix/time-management.html)
#### Career Services for Life® commitment

Because your career never stands still, active students get access to career services and resources, from your first class to graduation and beyond, at no added cost.

[Learn about career services](/career-services.html)
Step: 2 of 7

### Have you completed a program with the University?

#### I am a returning Alumni I’ve graduated from University of Phoenix and want to continue my education.

#### I am continuing my program I attended previously and was unable to complete my program but I’m ready to finish.

## Why we ask this question

Knowing your current status with the University allows us to personalize your scholarship results.

Step: 3 of 7

### How long ago did you attend University of Phoenix?

#### A year ago, or more

#### Less than a year ago

## Why we ask this question

Returning students may be eligible for certain scholarships if they attended during a particular time frame.

Step: 4 of 7

### What degree level are you interested in?

#### Bachelor's degree

#### Master's degree

#### Doctoral degree

## Why we ask this question

Our scholarships are degree level specific.

Step: 5 of 7

### How many credits do you expect to transfer?

#### 0 - 9

#### 9 - 12

#### 12 - 60

#### 60 - 102

#### More than 102

## Why we ask this question

An estimate of transfer credits allows us to personalize your possible scholarship results.

Step: 6 of 7

### What is your current GPA?

#### Less than 3.0

#### 3.0 - 3.25

#### 3.25 - 3.75

#### 3.75 - 3.85

#### More than 3.85

## Why we ask this question

Providing your current GPA allows us to determine which scholarships you may be eligible for.

Step: 7 of 7

### How many years of work experience do you have?

#### 3 or more years

#### Less than 3 years

## Why we ask this question

Some of our University of Phoenix scholarships require that you have previous work experience.

## Here are your results!

Based on your selections, here's a list of scholarships you may be eligible for.

Results
## Questions?

Our dedicated support team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact us

## Next steps to consider

We recommend checking out other savings opportunities. Our Savings Explorer® tool has helped bachelor’s students on average save $11,000 & nearly 1 year off their undergraduate degree. It's easy to use and there's no obligation to enroll.

## What's next?

Receive a free Scholarships and Savings Guide right to your inbox with more information on scholarships, the application process and other savings opportunities.

Dean spotlight

### Learn from accomplished nursing professionals

**We are preparing the next generation of nurses to make a difference in the lives of patients, their families and the community.”**

**Raelene Brooks, PhD, RN**

Dean, College of Nursing

[Learn more](/about/academic-leadership/dean-raelene-brooks.html)

## Frequently asked questions about the RN to BSN degree

### Is the RN to BSN completely online?

In our bachelor’s in nursing program, you’ll take most of the courses online. However, two courses require face-to-face direct care clinical hours. 

### Are internships or clinical experience required?

While internships are not required, direct care clinical hours must be completed face-to-face in community settings for clinical experience. You’re required to complete 45 direct care clinical hours in each of the two courses for a total of 90 hours.

### 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.

### 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.

## Articles related to the RN to BSN

- [Alternative Careers for Registered Nurses](/articles/nursing/alternative-careers-for-registered-nurses) — Career Support | October 03, 2023 • 7 minutes

- [Who an RN BSN Online Nursing Program Is For](/articles/nursing/who-is-an-rn-bsn-online-nursing-program-for.html) — Online Degrees | September 27, 2024 • 7 minutes

- [How to Get a BSN Degree](/articles/nursing/how-to-get-a-bsn) — Online Degrees | April 22, 2024 • 7 minutes
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While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.