RN to BSN Online program highlights
| Accreditation | CCNE accredited,† Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Start soon | We offer 6 start dates per year in 8-week sessions (no application deadlines!); review our full academic calendar |
| Clinicals | No traditional clinicals! - 45-hour community health project |
| Transfer credit | Block transfer up to 70 semester credit hours |
| Format | 100% online classes; full-time and part-time options available |
| QuickPaths | Earn dual credit towards an MSN in our RN to BSN to MSN track, or consider our online accelerated RN to MSN program to go from ADN to MSN |
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Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2025
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN Online
The RN to BSN degree program is a 12 month (1 year), 120-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for a career as a BSN-prepared nurse. The degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in public health nursing, nursing informatics, evidence-based practice, and much more.
Go from an associate degree in nursing (ASN/ADN) to BSN degree and launch your nursing career to greater heights.
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.
RN to BSN Online program classes & curriculum details
Designed for practicing licensed RNs, Herzing’s online RN to BSN program offers advanced, immediately relevant training that you can apply in your current role as a registered nurse. The curriculum includes continuing education activities in each course to use toward license renewal.
Classes are delivered 100% online and no traditional clinicals are required. The only off-line part of the program is a 45-hour project in which you will work with a liaison to address a need in the community near you.
| Program | Months i | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN to BSN Online | 12 | 120 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete program. Program availability varies by location.
Required Courses in Nursing
All courses, 26.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Dual Credit Option for Taking Graduate Level Courses
Undergraduate students may take up to 9.00 graduate credit hours of graduate courses in lieu of 9.00 required undergraduate semester credit hours. See Academic Information for full requirements under the 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)
RN-BSN Program Option: Transfer Credits in Nursing, General Education, and Open Electives
Transfer Credits in Nursing Up to 70.00 semester credit hours from nursing core courses and general education courses may be transferred from an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The block transfer credit is dependent upon the number of credits earned from the associate degree or diploma in nursing. Required Courses in General Education All courses, 12.00 semester credit hours, are required. EN 304 English Composition II Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 HU 140 Cultural Diversity Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 HU 340 Humanities and Contemporary Popular Culture Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 The following course must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. MA 320 Statistics Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 Open Electives There are 12.00 semester credit hours of open electives which may be transferred in or taken at the University.
Distribution of Contact Hours by Course
Distribution of Contact Hours by Course Course or Category Lecture Hours Lab Hours Clinical Hours Total Contact Hours Credits 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 423 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NU 305 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NU 345 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 NU 476 45.00 0.00 0.00 45.00 3.00 Totals 375.00 0.00 45.00 420.00 26.00
Tuition & Cost
RN to BSN Online Program Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the RN to BSN program is $430 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.
Military/Veteran Discounts
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10-20% tuition discount.
RN to BSN Online program enrollment prerequisites
To enroll in Herzing’s RN to BSN online program, prospective students must:
- Live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the RN to BSN program
- Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they practice.
- Hold an Associate degree or diploma in nursing from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university.
Conditional admission may be available for those that are awaiting the date to take the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX). Students enrolled in Herzing University’s RN to BSN online program must maintain RN licensure throughout the program of study.
- Alabama
- Alaska
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- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
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- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
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- Michigan
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- New Hampshire
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- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Pathways
Choose your path to advance your nursing career
RN to BSN
Go from ADN to BSN to become a bachelor’s-prepared RN with greater career opportunities.
- How long? As few as 12 months
- 45-hour community health project + no traditional clinicals
- Earn a bachelor’s degree that may be required by some employers
- Become more qualified for different specialty nursing certifications
RN to BSN to MSN
While working towards your BSN you can also earn dual credit towards a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
- Curriculum built to help you earn your BSN and MSN faster
- How long? As few as 28-32 total months depending on your choice of MSN concentration
- Earn a bachelor’s degree that may be required by some employers
- Choose from four MSN concentrations
RN to MSN
You may also elect to bridge directly from ADN to MSN (without BSN) in our accelerated RN to MSN program.
- Curriculum built to accelerate your MSN completion
- How long? As few as 20-24 months depending on your choice of MSN concentration
- Ideal for nurses who are not required by their employer to hold a BSN
- Choose from four MSN concentrations
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.
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
When I found out that Herzing offered small class sizes and one-on-one appointments with faculty and student mentors, I was very impressed. Herzing was exactly what I was looking for!
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Pursue a growing career path
You can explore many different career opportunities as a BSN-prepared RN.
While earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can expand your duties to advanced practice across many specialties, you can also pursue different specialty roles with a BSN, including pediatrics, neonatal/NICU, oncology, neuroscience, Operating Room (OR)/surgical, and much more.
With enough experience you may consider advancing to roles in nursing education or nursing leadership. Keep in mind degree requirements may vary, including an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
We offer degree pathways to help you reach as high as you want to climb in the field of nursing.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is expected to rise 6% from 2023-2033, and their average salary is $98,430 per year ($47.32 per hour).*
Now is a great time to begin earning the education you need to find a great job in healthcare, build a foundation for career growth and make an impact in your community.
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!
Yes!
You may think the cheapest or fastest RN to BSN program will be the best fit. Yes, time and money matters—but there’s nothing more important than your career success.
Herzing University exists to empower your professional success and guide you as a lifelong learning partner. Earning a BSN degree with Herzing means developing career-focused skills to not only blossom as an RN with a BSN, but continue following your passion to carve a personalized, fulfilling career path.
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.
The Herzing RN to BSN program takes as few as 12 months, or 1 year, to complete. The time you spend in the program depends on your amount of transferrable credit hours.
- Graduation requirement: 120 semester credit hours
- 8 required core courses, aligned with AACN Essentials for Baccalaureate Education
Increasingly yes, but it ultimately depends on the institution who issued the degree.
As the popularity of online degrees continues to rapidly trend upward, so has mainstream acceptance of online degree programs.
Attitudes toward online degrees were already becoming more positive before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the issue. According to a 2019 study from Northeastern University, 61 percent of HR leaders say online learning is “of equal or greater quality to more traditional methods.” More than half believe that in the future, most advanced degrees will be online.
Regarding nursing applicants who earned online degrees, there are a few important factors employers consider:
- The school and degree program’s accreditation. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).i
- If you have earned nursing licensure. Our programs are designed to help you pass any necessary exams and become licensed before getting your first job.
- The school’s reputation and history of producing excellent employees. Consider our many happy graduates and 50+ years producing more than 40,000 alumni.
For all these reasons employers know what it means when they see “Herzing University” on a resume!
i. Programmatic accreditation varies by program and by campus location. Find details about all Herzing University accreditations and approvals.
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!
BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a baccalaureate undergraduate nursing degree you can earn as a key step to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), or the next educational pathway for current ADN nurses seeking career advancement.
A BSN is a step up from an associate in nursing (ADN/ASN) and can offer further job opportunities for nurses seeking a particular specialty or are looking ahead to earning a master’s degree in nursing (MSN).
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.
The Student Experience at Herzing
I have always had a passion for nursing and I liked that Herzing University offered a BSN program online.
Nicole Mijal
Nursing Student | Online CampusMy family, friends, and of course, Herzing, were always there to help me! Never underestimate how much a good support system can help you stay successful.
Carleigh Wenzel
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee CampusThe faculty here is outstanding. It's what I value the most about being at Herzing. Not only are they caring but they're good at what they do.
Jessica Smith
Nursing StudentHerzing helped me complete my studies in a reasonable amount of time by preparing a realistic schedule that still allowed me to work and take care of my newborn. My goal after graduation is to advance my nursing career.
Cyndia Milord-Giordani
Nursing Student | Online CampusThe faculty here make themselves available during their designated office hours, but if you need extra help, they will meet at times that will work for YOU.
Barbara Mulcahy
Nursing Student | Madison CampusAccreditations & Disclosures
* BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.
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Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.