Quality nursing professionals are always in high demand. The global Covid-19 pandemic is continuing to illustrate the indispensable role of nurses in healthcare. More nurses are needed fast. Many online Bachelor of Nursing degrees are available in an accelerated format. These 20 schools that offer BA to BSN online programs provide exceptional coursework and resources at accelerated rates so that students can enter and exit school with as little time spent as possible without sacrificing any quality in instruction or course delivery. Find a perfect match with OnlineSchoolsCenter.com!
Recommended Schools
Recommended Schools
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Designed by LSE, earn an online BSc Business and Management from the University of London, without relocating. Ranked #2 in the world for social sciences and management, analyse international and local management issues through the lens of various social science disciplines.
Accelerated online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs allow registered nurses to enhance their understanding and skill within the nursing profession. Students will participate in challenging and exciting, coursework that can be completed in as few as 12-16 months. Most, if not all, online accelerated BSN programs allow nurses quickly get back to caring for their patients and use their education and training in the real world. The opportunity to earn while learning is a golden one that ambitious working nurses grab!
This isn’t surprising because of the significant differences between an RN and BSN degree in terms of salary, career opportunities and advancement, and even prestige. While nurses with ADN and BSN degrees enter the nursing field on equal terms, salary-wise, their differences in annual salary start to show in a few short years.
Entry-level nurses earn a median salary of $73,300 per year. But nurses with a BSN degree will earn between $3,000 and $8,000 more within one to four years than their ADN counterparts. Indeed, the academic challenges that come with these online accelerated BSN programs are well worth it!
In today’s healthcare field, a BSN is important if someone intends on broadening their knowledge, their ability to work in various fields, and to deepen their understanding of current nursing practices. Through one of the online programs on this list, students are guaranteed to find a program that matches their career goals and needs so that they can complete their education in no time!
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Check out our “Things to Consider” section:
Is an accelerated BSN degree program acceptable to employers?
Yes… but only if you are attending a QUALITY program. While maintaining a nursing career, an accelerated BSN program is ideal; however, you should check their credentials to be sure it’s a reputable program, so your employer will know that you gained the knowledge needed to take care of patients with confidence.
What are the requirements for entrance into an accelerated BSN program?
You will need the proper prerequisite courses behind you, such as microbiology and anatomy, pass an entrance exam, and have a 3.0 to 3.5 GPA, all depending on the school’s requirements.
How important is having a BSN degree to my career?
To truly compete in the world of nursing, you should plan on earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Naturally, most employers strive to hire the best of the best in the field of Nursing. If you are counting on career advancement, this is a great way to go. Take the next step and earn your BSN degree today!
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QUICK LINKS
- Best Online Schools for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degrees
- GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BS IN NURSING
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN
- THOMAS EDISON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ACCELERATED ONLINE BS IN NURSING
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL’S ONLINE EXCELTRACK RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAM
- INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BS IN NURSING
- MARIAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BS IN NURSING
- FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ACCELERATED ONLINE RN TO BSN
- EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED ONLINE BSN
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
- WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
- ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCE’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN
- SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE NURSING BS ADVANCE PATHWAY RN TO MSN
- NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE FAST-PACED NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM
- UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S ACCELERATED ONLINE BSN
- CHATHAM UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN
- LEWIS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
- FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE RN TO BSN TRACK IN NURSING
- MONTANA TECH’s ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN COMPLETION
- KENT STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
- Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, see: 20 Most Affordable Schools for Online RN to BSN Degree Programs
Check out our Nursing Degree and Career Guide!
For advanced degree info: 8 Best Online Schools for Doctor in Nursing Education Degree Programs
Best Online Schools for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degrees
METHODOLOGY: Many factors were used in determining this list of the 20 Best Online Schools for Accelerated Bachelor of Science Degrees in Nursing (BSN). OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has painstakingly prepared each school suggestion based on numerous qualities unique to each individual program; therefore, they were not ranked in any particular order.
We hope this list will allow each student the opportunity to locate an online distance learning program that will benefit their career, match their personality, and add convenience and flexibility to their online learning experience. The schools and their online accelerated second degree BSN programs this list were chosen according to these factors:
- Accelerated nature of the coursework, allowing each student to earn a BSN degree in a timely fashion,
- Student’s satisfaction according to retention rates no lower than 50%,
- Convenient clinical Internships completed in own community,
- Designed to meet the educational needs for practicing Registered Nurses,
- Programs teaching the most up-to-date and innovative training available,
- 100% Online or Hybrid learning format,
- Financial Aid for an Online Distance Learning Nursing program,
- Reputable and expert educators in the field of Nursing,
- Prestige and notability as an online school according to reputable journalistic and academic resources.
Are you interested in learning more? See our Methodology page.
GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE
ACCELERATED BS IN NURSING
Program Standouts:
Gwynedd Mercy University is a highly respected online school that has had its Accelerated Nursing Degree recognized many times over by various ranking and reviewing resources. Faculty and staff at GMU have been perfecting the accelerated nursing programs online for over 50 years, and now provide some of the most esteemed curricula available. This program allows students to receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 16 months (4 semesters), after which, graduates go on to work as leaders and senior practitioners.
Campus Location: Gwynedd Valley, PA
Accreditation:
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Global Health and Health Policy
- The Older Adult
- Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
LEARN MORE ABOUT GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BACHELOR’S OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN
Program Standouts:
This Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is 12 months in duration available in select states. This is a flexible accelerated nursing degree online program that takes into account the busy work schedule of nurses. Students in this program complete one credit hour each week alongside clinical hours in placements that are established through the Clinical Placement Coordinators. This rigorous, yet highly successful, degree develops a first-time passing rate for the NCLEX that drastically exceeds typical averages in other programs. Graduates exit UWO ready to take on positions with high levels of responsibility and leadership.
Campus Location: Oshkosh, WI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Caring and Human Behavior: The Foundation of Nursing Practice
- Mental Health Theory
- Childbearing Families
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH’S ACCELERATED BSN DEGREE
THOMAS EDISON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ACCELERATED ONLINE BS IN NURSING
Program Standouts:
Thomas Edison State University offers four unique accelerated second degree nursing programs online that working professionals find favorable to their lives. RN to BSN/MSN program is self-paced and asynchronous, which allows online students to complete their coursework as quickly as they can. The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is a year-long curriculum that is delivered throughout four 12-week terms. TESU is a well-established online school that allows nurses to earn both their BSN and their MSN simultaneously if such is their goal, which drastically reduces their amount of time spent in school.
TESU is also known for offering one of the most affordable accelerated nursing programs in the state, if not the country. Tuition for in-state students is $450 per credit and $550 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is also available and students are strongly encouraged to file their FAFSA on time.
Campus Location: Trenton, NJ
Accreditation:
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Options:
- Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN
- RN to BSN/MSN
- RN-BSN
- RN-BSN/MSN
LEARN MORE ABOUT THOMAS EDISON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL’S ONLINE EXCELTRACK RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Nursing students at this online school have access to a fast-paced bachelor’s degree in Purdue University’s ExcelTrack option. This competency-based program is personalized and self-paced, with courses that span 10 weeks in length. The curriculum allows students to quickly complete classes in which they already have prior knowledge, which greatly aids in the accelerated nature of the program. There is also the flexibility to focus on areas that may be more challenging for some. Students work closely with instructors in a way that facilitates a strong education.
The topnotch accelerated BSN online program offers two tracks of study: the standard track and the advanced track. The former provides students with an individualized study plan while the latter offers working professionals the opportunity to hone their skills. Both online ABSN programs emphasize lifelong learning and professional advancement through a robust foundation of humanities, arts and sciences.
Campus Location: West Lafayette, IN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Hospice and Palliative Care
- Transcultural Nursing
- Holistic Professional Nursing Practice
LEARN MORE ABOUT PURDUE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL’S ONLINE EXCELTRACK RN TO BSN NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM
INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
Program Standouts:
Indiana State University’s online school provides distance education students with two opportunities through which to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing at an accelerated rate. The two individual degrees are offered to students who are either a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse or a Registered Nurse. Each program is highly focused on retaining licensure post-graduation. Both programs prepare students for generalist care.
Campus Location: Terre Haute, IN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- LPN/LVN to BSN
- RN to BSN
LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ACCELERATED ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BS IN NURSING
Program Standouts:
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a highly celebrated accelerated degree that takes 15 months to complete. Courses are span between 5 to 14 weeks, and only is this program fast-paced, it is also incredibly affordable at around $18,000 for all 121 credit hours. A widely celebrated curriculum, this array of coursework has one of the highest graduation rates in the country, as well as a competitive passing rate for the NCLEX.
Like most accelerated RN programs online, UT-Arlington’s program emphasizes the hand-in-hand relationship between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Graduates are armed with both and, thus, ready to work in all settings, from hospitals to hospices.
Campus Location: Arlington, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Nursing of Adults with Complex Needs
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON’S ONLINE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM
MARIAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BS IN NURSING
Program Standouts:
This Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing can be completed in as little as 16 months and is designed to enhance previously learned nursing skills. There are incredible clinical experience opportunities offered through the institution’s hospital partners, such as Saint Thomas Health in Nashville, TN. The clinical rotations are crucial in the success of online second degree nursing programs because of the ever-evolving principles and practices of modern nursing. Marian University ensures that its students are updated with the latest and, thus, the clinical experience. There are unique benefits for online students when they complete multiple nursing degrees with Marian University. Individuals can look forward to a compassionate learning environment that is supportive both inside and outside the virtual classroom.
Campus Location: Oldenburg, IN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human Growth and Development
- Nutrition
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARIAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREE
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ACCELERATED ONLINE RN TO BSN
Program Standouts:
The Florida International University offers a self-paced online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that allows distance education students to transfer up to 60 credits. There is a vast amount of student resources available to those completing the program online that is massively supportive. The curriculum is designed to enhance the skills and understanding of nurses currently working in the field.
We also consider it among the best accelerated nursing programs because of its high passing rate, a testament to its excellent curriculum and instruction. The world-class, technology-driven learning facilities also deserve special mention since students use these venues to challenge themselves to become better healthcare workers.
Campus Location: Miami, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Professional Nursing: Concepts and Issues
- Pharmacologic Basis of Nursing Practice
- Pathophysiological Basis of Nursing Practice
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE RN TO BSN NURSING DEGREE
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED ONLINE BSN
Program Standouts:
East Carolina University has designed its accelerated nursing degree programs according to the standards set forth by accrediting commissions and organizations in the field of nursing education, and, today, deliver incredibly well-founded curricula that are both flexible and fast-paced. The RN to BSN program is based on students’ prior knowledge and experiences as nurses giving them advanced placement opportunities to more quickly move through coursework wherein they already have substantial experience and understanding. This is one of the best second degree BSN programs online where students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and have thus already completed general coursework, which, alongside the fast-paced nature of the nursing core classes, makes this program quick to complete.
Campus Location: Greenville, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Options:
- RN to BSN
- RIBN
- aRIBN
- Accelerated Second-Degree BSN (ABSN)
LEARN MORE ABOUT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE UNDERGRADUATE BSN DEGREES
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
Program Standouts:
Distance education students in this online school have the opportunity to major in an accelerated online RN to BSN program in which courses are completed in shortened, 8-week terms. Individuals can finish their nursing degree at the University of North Florida is as little as 12 months. Faculty members at UNF are extremely well-experienced and bring worlds of information to the online classroom. U.S. News and World Report have acknowledged this online school as one of the “Best Regional Colleges” in the country, which assures that students are attending a prestigious and well-regarded institution of higher education.
The accelerated bachelor of science in nursing online program is highly recommended for its competitive admission and excellent graduate outcome. Due to its accelerated nature, students are required to have prior knowledge and skills in basic nursing.
Campus Location: Jacksonville, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Health Assessment of Individuals Across the Lifespan
- Socialization to Professional Nursing
- Perspectives in Chronicity
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA’S ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM
Recommended Schools
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
Program Standouts:
Western Carolina University is an esteemed online school that provides a wide range of well-regarded distance education programs, including the accelerated online nursing degree program that can be completed in four semesters. This degree is flexible and personalized, and also offers an incredibly affordable tuition rate for the entire program at only $3,500. The coursework in this highly regarded online ABSN program is designed to enhance the knowledge and skill of working nurses so that they can apply what they learn in the virtual classroom directly to their practice.
Campus Location: Cullowhee, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- North Carolina Board of Nursing
Sampling of Coursework:
- Nursing Leadership I, II, and III
- Community Health Nursing I, II, and III
- Nursing Research I, II, and III
LEARN MORE ABOUT WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM
ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCE’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN
Online Accelerated BSN
Program Standouts:
The Roseman University of Health Sciences provides an online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing that can be completed in 18 months. This online school has created a supportive and collaborative educational environment for distance education students, which includes diverse and exciting clinical rotations in high-tech facilities. Roseman has a unique approach to educating nursing students through their distinctive Six-Point Master Learning Model that focuses on educational and practical achievements. Students are a part of a strong team of faculty members and classmates that create a solid foundation upon which to achieve success in the healthcare field. This program maintains superb graduation and job placement rates.
While Roseman University is a private university, it’s considered as among the cheapest accelerated nursing programs because of its short duration. While the tuition is $55,350 (2019-2020), think of it as an investment in your future. You should be able to find a better job (read: with better compensation package and hours) soon after graduation.
Campus Location:
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education
- Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
- Nevada State Board of Registered Nursing
- Utah State Board of Nursing
Sampling of Coursework:
- Community and Mental Health Nursing and Clinical
- Care of the Older Adult
- Maternal Newborn Nursing and Clinical
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROSEMAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCE’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN PROGRAM
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE NURSING BS ADVANCE PATHWAY RN TO MSN
Program Standouts:
Not only is Southern New Hampshire University’s online nursing degree program accelerated, but it is also an RN to MSN, including both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, which is incredibly rare. The SNHU accelerated nursing program then allows determined students to kill two birds with one stone, although the rigorous curriculum will test their perseverance. SNHU is one of the most popular and well-regarded online schools in the nation and provides nursing students with a flexible and fast-paced curriculum that is recommended by 96% of graduates. The curriculum is designed to fit individual nurses’ busy schedules and is based on the standards of practice and education set forth by the Institute of Medicine. SNHU welcomes transfer credits from a huge range of higher education institutions, making the program yet even more accelerated for some students.
Campus Location: Manchester, NH
Accreditation:
-
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
- Higher Learning Commission
Sampling of Coursework:
-
- Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare
- Healthcare Management and Finance
- Information Management and Patient Care Technologies
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE NURSING BS ADVANCED PATHWAY RN TO MSN PROGRAM
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE FAST-PACED NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
If you’re looking for online accelerated BSN programs for non nurses, we suggest looking into this well-known university. At Northeastern University, nursing students have two options to complete their degree online and at an accelerated rate through the prestigious Bouvé College of Health Sciences. The RN to BSN program allows up to 83 transferable credits, which would only leave an additional 45 credits within the nursing core curriculum and thus reducing a student’s amount of time in school significantly. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) can be completed in 16 months and is focused on experiential learning, hands-on projects, and preparation to take and pass the NCLEX-RN. Northeastern University is an incredibly popular and successful online school, which can be seen reflected in the superb retention and graduation rates listed below!
Campus Location: Boston, MA
Accreditation:
-
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Program Options:
-
- RN to BSN
- ABSN
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S FAST-PACED ONLINE NURSING PROGRAMS
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S ACCELERATED ONLINE BSN
Program Standouts:
The University of Central Florida offers a second degree BSN online degree program that can be completed in only 3 semesters, and also provides incredibly competitive tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state residents. The College of Nursing at UCF also awards students a maximum of 29 credits for prior experience and learning in the nursing field. Florida residents who have completed a semester of an Associate in Nursing program are eligible for the Concurrent ASN to BSN program that is also offered online! This curriculum is personalized and flexible, which gives students complete control over their education. Some of the titles taken on by graduates upon entering the workforce include ER Nurse, Nurse Consultant, Nurse Leader, RN Case Manager, and more.
Campus Location: Orlando, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Public and Community Health Nursing
- Critical Care Nursing
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA’S ACCELERATED ONLINE NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM
CHATHAM UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED BSN
Program Standouts:
Look no further than Chatham University if you’re looking for the best online accelerated nursing programs. The foundation of its online accelerated RN to BSN degree is rooted in both liberal arts and sciences, giving students a diverse curriculum upon which to build their skills and knowledge in nursing. The coursework is designed to foster professionalism and leadership and also provides an excellent entry into further education, such as the Chatham University online MSN program. U.S. News and World Report have ranked this accelerated online nursing degree as one of the best in the country, as it provides an excellent platform based on experiential knowledge and state-of-the-art nursing techniques, upon which to start a career in the healthcare field.
Campus Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Accreditation:
- The Middles States Commission on Higher Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Women’s Health Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
- Nursing Communication and Quality Improvement
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHATHAM UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE BACHELOR’S IN NURSING (BSN) DEGREE
LEWIS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
Program Standouts:
The great thing about Lewis University is that it offers online accelerated BSN programs without RN qualifications. Depending on their education and level of experience upon entering Lewis University, students are award semester hours to reduce their time in school, adding to the already fast-paced nature of the online RN to BSN degree. The coursework is individualized, and students are paired with academic advisors that guide them through all of the procedures and processes required within the program. Lewis University maintains partnerships with some healthcare facilities that aid in the experiential learning projects and supplies students employed in these organizations with tuition assistance. The coursework is designed to enhance students understanding of clinical decision-making and leadership skills.
Campus Location: Romeoville, IL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Professional Development and Leadership
- Pharmacotherapeutics for the Register Nurse
- Health Assessment/Health Promotion
LEARN MORE ABOUT LEWIS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN PROGRAM
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE RN TO BSN TRACK IN NURSING
Program Standouts:
Florida Atlantic University’s online school offers numerous nursing degrees through the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, including this exciting and fast-paced distance accelerated BSN. This curriculum is 32 credit hours and is designed for registered nurses who have retained an Associate’s degree or a diploma from an accredited nursing institution. FAU provides students with a wide range of nursing resources and scholarships to support their time spent completing the online coursework, such as tutoring, library services, disability services, and career services.
Campus Location: Boca Raton, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Professional Development I and II
- Foundations of Caring in Nursing Situations
- Populations Health: Nursing Situations
LEARN MORE ABOUT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE RN TO BSN TRACK NURSING PROGRAM
MONTANA TECH’s ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN COMPLETION
Program Standouts:
Montana Tech offers one of the few quick to complete online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Post-Licensure Degree Completion programs on this list and across the country. The curriculum for the ABSN online program is designed for professional nurses who have completed their Associate’s Degree and passed the NCLEX-RN. Montana Tech has fabulous amenities and high-tech resources for their students that make the coursework easy, fast, and enjoyable to complete so that nurses can obtain their degree, continue working as registered nurses, and apply what they learn directly to their practice.
Campus Location: Butte, MT
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Global Nursing
- Complex Healthcare Needs
- Leadership and Management for the RN
LEARN MORE ABOUT MONTANA TECH’s ONLINE RN TO BSN DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ACCELERATED RN TO BSN
Program Standouts:
Kent State University is a well-known online school that provides an accelerated RN to BSN degree that can be completed in one year. The Kent State accelerated BSN program also offers students an affordable tuition rate compared to other bachelor’s degrees of this nature at $400 per credit hour. Coursework is fit into 7-week terms, and students learn from highly experienced and well-established faculty members who bring a wealth of information to the KSU online learning experience. The Kent accelerated BSN
program is recognized across the globe for its professionalism and high-level training.
With world-class facilities, competent instructors and affordable tuition, no wonder the Kent State accelerated nursing programs makes it to our list! And don’t think that just because it’s last on the list that it’s last in all aspects, far from it.
Campus Location: Kent, OH
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Information and Patient Care Technology for Healthcare Professionals
- Concepts and Issues for Professional Nursing Practice
- Leadership and Management for Professional Nursing Practice
LEARN MORE ABOUT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY’S ACCELERATED ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions
How much faster are accelerated online nursing degrees as opposed to traditional programs?
A traditional bachelor’s degree can take up to four years to complete. Students in these programs often complete classes that are anywhere from 10-12 weeks in length. Accelerated online BA to BSN programs include coursework that typically spans 5-8 weeks, depending on the school, and can be completed in 1-2 years. The difference is quite significant.
Is an online BSN easier than a traditional BSN?
Not necessarily—RN accelerated program online programs require the attentiveness and dedication of responsible individuals who aren’t always physically surrounded by classmates and faculty members within a classroom environment. Some students may, indeed, find online programs easier, because it allows them to focus all their attention on their courses and homework at their own pace and in their own space. It entirely depends on the individual learner.
are accelerated online nursing programs cheaper than regularly paced programs?
That depends entirely on the online school, but you will find the most affordable accelerated BSN programs to be in the public sector. Some colleges and universities base their tuition rates on time spent, rather than credit hours completed, in which case the faster a student completes their coursework, the less they have to pay. However, it is essential to check with the school’s financial aid and treasury departments to determine which billing method is in place.
“Every nurse was drawn to nursing because of a desire to care, to serve, or to help.” —Christina Feist-Heilmeier, RN