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Online Paramedic to RN Options
ASN/BSN Programs

Take a shorter path to Registered Nurse (RN) by enrolling in the Herzing University online ASN or BSN program bridge option designed for licensed paramedics.

Program Length

20-28 Mo.

Credits

72-120

Format

Online

Degree pathways

ASN, BSN

NEXT START September 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Go from paramedic to RN online with Herzing University

Accreditation	CCNE accredited BSN bridge option,^† Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Finish faster	Designed for licensed paramedics; take advantage of your current licensure and experience and earn a nursing degree quicker than a traditional pre-licensure program
Format	Core didactic (lecture) courses are delivered 100% online, including real-time and on-demand courses you can take in evenings/nights, weekends, or whenever it's convenient for you
Hands-on prep	Hands-on learning includes on-site clinicals and intensives requiring attendance at a designated Herzing or partner site
Eligibility	Available for enrollment in select states¹
QuickPaths	Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

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Classes start: September 3rd

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2025

ASN/BSN Bridge Options for Paramedics - Online!

Educational pathways from Paramedic to RN with Herzing University include both ASN and BSN programs preparing you for a career as a registered nurse. The online degree programs provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the nursing process, medical-surgical nursing, managing care, evidence-based practice, and much more.

Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Curriculum

Courses & Curriculum Details

Program	Months ⁱ	Semester Credits
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) - Bridge Option	20	72
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Bridge Option	28	120

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

ASN Bridge Curriculum
BSN Bridge Curriculum

ASN Bridge Option curriculum

Required Courses in Nursing

33.00 semester credit hours are required.

This course introduces the student to the role of pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of illness and in the promotion of wellness in patients throughout the lifespan. These concepts provide the basis for the study of drug actions, indications, side effects, nursing implications, and patient education.

This course focuses on the transition into the role of a Registered Nurse, emphasizing the scope of practice and integration of professional competencies, clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, technology, cultural competence, quality, and safety. It aims to identify and strengthen existing competencies, enhance student knowledge, and prepare individuals to deliver quality nursing care that incorporates both prior proficiency and new concepts introduced in the course. Skills and concepts related to nursing assessment are integrated throughout the curriculum and validated in clinical and lab settings.

This course focuses on the role of the nurse in caring for patients with alterations in mental health. Focus is placed on the nursing process framework with emphasis on assessment, therapeutic communication, neurobiological and psychosocial theories, pharmacology, and current practices related to the care of the mentally ill. Interventions focus on aspects of care to include professional communication, patient and family teaching, review of community resources, and practical application in various clinical settings.

This course introduces the student to family-centered care and the health needs of the childbearing family. Students review concepts, skills, and techniques needed to care for culturally diverse maternal, infant, and pediatric patients and their families. The nursing process is utilized to emphasize the concepts of family-centered care, collaboration, communication, cultural competence, and community. The clinical experiences focus on concepts and skills required to provide safe and evidence-based care in a variety of clinical settings.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to patients that have complex health alterations in a variety of clinical settings. Students will explore the concepts of professionalism, collaboration, communication, and cultural competency within the context of illness and their role as provider of care, educator, and patient advocate. In the clinical setting, students will care for selected patients in various settings, applying knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with medical and/or surgical problems.

This comprehensive course expands on previously acquired knowledge and skills necessary to manage and plan care for complex patients. Focused on nursing care of complex patients, families, and groups in unstable situations with unpredictable outcomes. The course focuses on nursing practice that facilitates the wellbeing of individuals within the context of critical or complex illness and continues in preparing the student as a provider of care. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various settings, integrating knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics for patients with acute or complex medical and/or surgical problems.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge and skills to provide care to diverse patients/clients in various clinical settings. The student will demonstrate synthesis of the program objectives in the clinical setting as well as readiness for beginning work as a nurse generalist. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

This course expands on previous nursing knowledge providing an opportunity for synthesis of essential nursing concepts as well as preparation for NCLEX-RN success. The student will demonstrate a synthesis of the program objectives and prior learning with faculty-assisted guided review, practice, and remediation.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this associate degree program must complete a minimum of 26.00 semester credit hours. 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 English Composition I EN 111 Information Literacy 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 Cultural Diversity 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 College Algebra 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Behavioral Science PS 105 Developmental Psychology 11.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses SC 166 Microbiology SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Courses transferred from other accredited colleges may also be used to meet these requirements. Science courses being transferred from other accredited colleges must meet the nursing program science requirements.

Special General Education Grading Requirements

The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. MA 109 College Algebra PS 105 Developmental Psychology SC 166 Microbiology The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the ASN nursing program in a future semester. Resuming students should refer to the section on re-entering for additional requirements.

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course or Category Lecture Lab Clinical Total Contact Hours Credits Block Credit Transfer 195.00 0.00 0.00 195.00 13.00 NSG 124 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 126 15.00 30.00 45.00 90.00 3.00 NSG 221 45.00 0.00 45.00 90.00 4.00 NSG 222 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 223 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 233 45.00 30.00 45.00 120.00 5.00 NSG 291 15.00 0.00 90.00 105.00 3.00 NSG 298 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 SC 154 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 254 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 166 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 Communication 90.00 0.00 0.00 90.00 6.00 Humanities 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 Mathematics 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 Social or Behavioral Science 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 Totals 870.00 150.00 405.00 1425.00 72.00

BSN Bridge Option curriculum

Required Courses in Nursing

All courses, 66.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course focuses on the basic understanding of pathophysiology related to human illness with an emphasis placed on cellular alterations in organ systems as they relate to selected disease states. Opportunities will be presented that provide for the use of critical thinking processes to analyze diverse patient presentations of selected illness for symptomatology, pathophysiology, and health care implications.

This course focuses on the concept of health assessment as the foundational step of the nursing process. Knowledge and skills necessary for the performance of comprehensive and focused health assessments will be presented. Interviewing, observation, inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation skills will be examined. Normal findings, variations from normal, cultural differences and appropriate equipment use will be considered.

This course provides students with opportunities to learn and develop basic competencies necessary to facilitate the optimal well-being of the patient within the healthcare setting in a safe, legal, and ethical manner. Focus is placed on the nursing process, health promotion, disease prevention, professional communication and interdisciplinary collaboration within the context of meeting basic patient needs in a healthcare environment. Throughout the course, students demonstrate competence of fundamental principles of nursing practice which are validated through clinical skill performance assessments.

This course is designed to further develop and apply concepts related to the nursing process of acute and chronically ill patients. Teamwork and collaboration are introduced to enhance safe and quality nursing care in a variety of clinical settings. Classroom and clinical experiences integrate the concepts of caring, collaboration, communication, cultural sensitivity, community and clinical judgment to facilitate the wellbeing of individuals and prepare the student as a provider of care. In the clinical setting, students will care for patients with select medical and/or surgical problems in various settings, state knowledge of pathophysiology and psychosocial dynamics, apply the nursing process, utilize information technology, interact with other health care professionals, and practice clinical decision making and critical inquiry while caring for culturally diverse, ill adults.

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system. Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice.

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health. The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

This course explores the research process and its contributions to professional nursing practice. The skills related to reading published research findings and utilizing that evidence as a basis for professional nursing practice are developed.

This course focuses on the use of health information systems, communication devices, computer applications and explores the impact of these technologies on nursing practice.

The course focuses on current national and global trends, policies, and challenges which impact health and healthcare delivery. An overview of ethical and legal issues commonly presented to nurses and other health care providers is discussed with emphasis on the identification and analysis of legal and ethical principles underlying clinical judgment in nursing.

This course provides a clinical practicum for the application of concepts learned throughout the program. Evidence-based practice, critical thinking, teaching/learning, professional behaviors, communication, collaboration, managing care, management/leadership, skills/technology, and professional development are embodied and exhibited. The clinical component is situated in either a precepted or advanced practicum setting.

This course provides the student with the opportunity to evaluate his/her strengths and weaknesses in preparation for the NCLEX-RN® exam. Utilization of the nursing process and integration of all previous concepts will be emphasized through the use of case studies, integrated testing, and directed study.

Dual Credit Option for Taking Graduate Level Courses

Dual Credit Options are not available for New Orleans students. See Academic Information for full requirements under title Earning Graduate Credits as an Undergraduate Student. Undergraduate Course Graduate Course Equivalency NSG 321 Advanced Leadership and Management NU 730 Systems-Based Practice (Transferrable to MSN & DNP Programs) NSG 324 Evidence Based Practice in Nursing NU 602 Epidemiology, Research, and Theory (Transferrable to BSN to DNP Program Only) NSG 421 Nursing Informatics NU 725 Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice (Transferrable to MSN & DNP Programs) NSG 423 Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing HA 610 Health Policy and Management (Transferrable to MSN Program, except for MSNWHNP)

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in the BSN program must complete a minimum of 52.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. A minimum of 9.00 semester credit hours must be upper level (300- to 400-level courses). The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for additional information on general education requirement. 12.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 English Composition I EN 111 Information Literacy EN 116 Speech EN 304 English Composition II 16.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses SC 150 Principles of Nutrition SC 166 Microbiology SC 186 Chemistry 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 Cultural Diversity HU 240 Introduction to Humanities HU 340 Humanities and Contemporary Popular Culture 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 College Algebra MA 320 Statistics 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science PS 101 Psychology PS 105 Developmental Psychology SS 350 Social Issues and Technology Note: Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 52.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines. Science courses being transferred in from other institutions must meet the nursing program science requirements.

Special General Education Grading Requirements for Nursing Support Courses

The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. *BSN students enrolled in the Atlanta Campus require a "B" (80%) or better in SC 166 Microbiology and SC 186 Chemistry. PS 105 Developmental Psychology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 SC 150 Principles of Nutrition Semester Credit Hours: 2.00 SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 SC 186 Chemistry Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 109 College Algebra Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the BSN nursing program in a future semester.

Personal and Professional Development Courses

All courses, 2.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Resuming students should refer to the section on re-entering for additional requirements.

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course or Category Lecture Lab Clinical Total Contact Hours Credits NSG 120 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 121 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 NSG 122 45.00 30.00 45.00 120.00 5.00 NSG 123 45.00 0.00 135.00 180.00 6.00 NSG 124 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 221 45.00 0.00 45.00 90.00 4.00 NSG 222 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 223 60.00 0.00 90.00 150.00 6.00 NSG 321 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 323 60.00 0.00 45.00 105.00 5.00 NSG 324 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 421 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 233 45.00 30.00 45.00 120.00 5.00 NSG 423 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NSG 425 30.00 0.00 135.00 165.00 5.00 NSG 426 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 101 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 111 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 116 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 EN 304 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 SC 150 30.00 0.00 0.00 30.00 2.00 SC 166 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 SC 186 30.00 30.00 0.00 60.00 3.00 SC 154 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 SC 254 45.00 30.00 0.00 75.00 4.00 MA 109 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 MA 320 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HU 140 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HU 240 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 HU 340 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PS 101 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PS 105 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 SS 350 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 PD 121 15.00 0.00 0.00 15.00 1.00 PD 202 15.00 0.00 0.00 15.00 1.00 Totals 1485.00 210.00 630.00 2325.00 120.00

Online & In person

What's Online, and What's In-person?

Online

All didactic (lecture) courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them online on your own schedule.

You have flexibility throughout the program to complete general education or core nursing courses at your own pace.

Practicum instructor and peer collaboration requirements will be done via distance learning and offer flexible scheduling for the synchronous, or real-time, course elements.

In-person

Practical, hands-on training remains crucial and required preparation for earning a nursing degree and becoming a registered nurse. Our curriculum includes:

Clinicals: There are eight clinical courses, seven of which include precepted clinical hours. You’ll complete the precepted hours in or near your geographic area. We have a dedicated team to help you find clinical placement.
Intensives: You’ll be required to attend two or three 2-4 day intensives at a designated Herzing or partner site depending on the degree pathway you choose. These sessions serve as crucial skill and knowledge checkpoints to ensure you’re on the right track. Intensives will take place at our Nashville campus—or a facility associated with a unique clinical partnership.

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the online Paramedic to BSN bridge option is $755 per credit, and the online Paramedic to ASN bridge option is $925 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That's why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Scholarships & Financial Aid
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.
Find scholarships and grants
Military/Veteran Discounts
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10-20% tuition discount.
VA/Military benefits

Requirements

Admissions requirements

requirements

ASN Bridge admissions requirements

Requirements for enrollment in the Herzing University online Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) bridge option include:

A high school or previous college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
Achieve at least a composite score of 66 on the most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS); TEAS score must be from within three years of anticipated date of matriculation.
Students who have failed one or more nursing courses in another nursing program are not eligible to enroll in the online ASN.

Eligible states for enrollment:

BSN Bridge admissions Requirements

To qualify for the BSN bridge option, you must be a licensed practical nurse (LPN), paramedic, military medic, respiratory therapist, or cardiovascular technologist.

Additional requirements include both a GPA requirement and minimum benchmark scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS):

Prior education	High school diploma or equivalent, PN diploma
Minimum GPAⁱ	2.5
Minimum TEAS score	66
i. Students with 24 or more transferable collegiate credits will be assessed on their collegiate cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the high school GPA will be used.

Eligible states for enrollment:

ⁱOrlando and Tampa regions only.
ⁱⁱDallas and Houston regions only

I don’t meet the enrollment requirements. Do I have any other options?

Yes! You still have multiple educational pathways to becoming an RN even if you don’t qualify for the Online BSN Bridge option today:

Online Pre-nursing

You may qualify for our online Associate in General Studies – Pre-Nursing program.

You can begin taking college-level nursing courses now, raise your GPA, and potentially enter into our online BSN program in the future.

On-campus Paramedic to BSN

If you are a resident of Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Tennessee, or Wisconsin, you may be eligible for our on-campus Paramedic to ASN Bridge Option.

Campus availability: Brookfield (near Milwaukee), Kenosha, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa.

On-campus Paramedic to ASN

You may also choose an associate degree pathway. Florida and Tennessee residents may qualify for our Paramedic to ASN Bridge Option.

Campus availability: Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa.

Accreditation & Recognition

Our accredited & recognized online school

We strive to earn rank as one of the top private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Just as you work every day to become the best version of yourself, so do we as a university.

We are proud to have attained institutional and programmatic accreditation in addition to industry recognition for our accomplishments helping students earn a college education and find career success.

^✝The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best online bachelor’s degree programs in 2025.
Herzing University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
View all Herzing University Accreditations and Approvals.

Classes Start: September 3rd

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Your nursing career is possible

Join Emily and embark on a complete, holistic, career-focused education preparing you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a registered nurse.

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Careers

Going from Paramedic to RN

Two Herzing University students in blue scrub jackets pose for a selfie, smiling and wearing ID badges, with a bright office background.

Pursuing the RN career path means transitioning from working as a first responder to becoming a crucial contributor to ongoing care once the patient reaches the hospital (or other medical facility).

As a registered nurse you’ll be the backbone of day-to-day operations in many healthcare settings. RNs help to:

Develop and direct treatment plans
Counsel patients and family members
Ensure patient comfort
Serve as the key connection between doctors and patients

Registered Nurse ranks as the #18 Best Healthcare Job for 2025 according to U.S. News & World Report.

Can I specialize? RNs can specialize in an area of their choosing with enough education and experience. You may be able to use your experience as a paramedic to help become an emergency/ER nurse in the future.

Job outlook and pay potential

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurse is expected to increase 6% from 2023-2033.*

Registered nurses earn an average salary of $98,430 per year ($47.32 per hour). That would represent a significant raise for the average paramedic in the US ($49,500 per year, $23.80 per hour).

You can take a big step forward in your nursing career by becoming an RN.

Classes Start: September 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

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Faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!

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The primary difference is paramedics act as first responders, providing emergency preliminary care and transportation to the hospital—where RNs assist in administering follow-up care to help patients heal and return to their lives.

Paramedics must be able to provide the basic care needed to get patients to the hospital in the best state possible to ensure they can successfully recover. RNs typically need more education and training to practice, as their scope of practice in administering healthcare is wider than a paramedic’s.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for registered nurses is $98,430 per year ($47.32 per hour)*. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree tend to fall on the upper side of that average due to their advanced education and their qualification to help hospitals earn Magnet Recognition.

The BLS projects a 6% increase in need for registered nurses from 2023-2033.* RNs are in demand, and earning a BSN can help your resume stand out and give you a better chance of getting the job you really want.

We offer online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree pathways for those without nursing experience looking to become an RN. Eligibility varies by state of residence.

Learn more about our online nursing programs designed for non-nurses.

With Herzing University you are never alone. It’s our goal to provide all students an affordable, career-driven education. Financial aid options include:

You can find an estimate for tuition and expenses by using the Herzing University tuition wizard.

The advantages of a BSN can include:

Increased autonomy in decision making while on the job
Open doors to more specialties in the nursing field
Become a more attractive candidate for hospitals seeking Magnet Recognition
Build a foundation to grow into education or leadership pathways
Positions you better for nursing jobs with higher pay
Qualify to enroll in an MSN program
Become more familiar and educated with evidence-based practice opportunities
Increase knowledge and understanding of RN specialties and skills
Transition from “technical” to “professional” RN
Gain a deeper knowledge of nursing theory and leadership theory

A 2023 study from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) indicates employers have the level of education at top of mind in the hiring process. Based on responses from nursing schools, the survey revealed 69.8% of employers show a strong preference for BSN graduates.

The ultimate benefit is bettering yourself, becoming the best nurse you can be and following the career path of your choosing.

Regulation has been deliberated for many years. There is currently only one state which has taken concrete action to make BSNs effectively mandatory for nurses – New York. Their “BSN in 10” bill, passed in January 2017, requires registered nurses holding an associate degree to earn their BSN qualification within 10 years of their initial RN licensure.

Two primary competing factors cloud the issue:

Hospitals are incentivized to hire more BSN-prepared nurses. Organizations seeking Magnet Recognition must require all nurse managers to hold a BSN.
Nurses are in very high demand. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) calls it a shortage in nursing. Raising minimum education requirements may decrease the pool of eligible employable RNs.

Because of the high demand for nurses, sweeping legislation making bachelor’s degrees mandatory across the board seems unlikely. However, make sure to keep an eye on what’s happening in your state!

It’s a question of:

What your goals are
How quickly you want to reach them

If your goal is to go from LPN to RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years.

If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.

Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.

Our nursing programs are designed to be challenging, but not impossible. Your career as a registered nurse will be demanding, and our goal is to help you succeed and become the best healthcare provider you can be. We won’t do you any favors by making things too easy.

Learn more about how hard nursing school really is from Herzing graduates who have been through it. You will have support from Herzing University faculty, staff and other students every step of the way. Never be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

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The Student Experience at Herzing

Amber Callahan
Healthcare | Online Campus

Disclosures

Eligible states for enrollment (online BSN): Alabama, Colorado, Florida (Orlando and Tampa regions only), Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas (Dallas and Houston regions only), Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Eligible states for enrollment (online ASN): Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000; View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program at https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs. Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissions granting initial accreditation.

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

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Your Preferences

Online Paramedic to RN Options ASN/BSN Programs

Go from paramedic to RN online with Herzing University

Learn More Today!

ASN/BSN Bridge Options for Paramedics - Online!

Career-focused curriculum

Flexible schedule

Virtual services

Lifelong support

Rolling admissions

Courses & Curriculum Details

ASN Bridge Option curriculum

Required Courses in Nursing

NSG 124 - Pharmacology 3.00

NSG 126 - Transition to Professional Nursing 3.00

NSG 221 - Mental Health Nursing 4.00

NSG 222 - Family Nursing 6.00

NSG 223 - Medical-Surgical Nursing II 6.00

NSG 233 - Medical-Surgical Nursing III 5.00

NSG 291 - ASN Practicum 3.00

NSG 298 - Review of Nursing Concepts 3.00

Required Courses in General Education

Special General Education Grading Requirements

Distribution of Contact Hours by Course

BSN Bridge Option curriculum

Required Courses in Nursing

NSG 120 - Nursing Pathophysiology 3.00

NSG 121 - Health Assessment 3.00

NSG 122 - Nursing Fundamental Concepts 5.00

NSG 123 - Medical-Surgical Nursing I 6.00

NSG 124 - Pharmacology 3.00

NSG 221 - Mental Health Nursing 4.00

NSG 222 - Family Nursing 6.00

NSG 223 - Medical-Surgical Nursing II 6.00

NSG 233 - Medical-Surgical Nursing III 5.00

NSG 321 - Advanced Leadership and Management 3.00

NSG 323 - Community and Public Health Nursing 5.00

NSG 324 - Evidence Based Practice in Nursing 3.00

NSG 421 - Nursing Informatics 3.00

NSG 423 - Policy, Trends, & Ethics in Nursing 3.00

NSG 425 - BSN Practicum 5.00

NSG 426 - Review of Integrated Nursing Concepts 3.00

Dual Credit Option for Taking Graduate Level Courses

Required Courses in General Education

Special General Education Grading Requirements for Nursing Support Courses

Personal and Professional Development Courses

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

Online Paramedic to RN Options
ASN/BSN Programs