Go from RT to RN with Herzing University
| Accreditation | CCNE accredited BSN program,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Options | Choose an ASN or BSN degree pathway (RT to ASN only available in Clarksville, Nashville, Orlando, Tampa, and Online) |
| Transfer credit | Up to 52-90 approved credits |
| Format | Online general education classes + core on-campus courses - you may also choose to take an online bridge option with 100% online didactic classwork |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
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Satisfaction rate
Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2024 Herzing Graduate Survey.
Overview: RT to ASN/BSN Degree Options
The RT to RN pathway includes associate and bachelor's degree in nursing program options which prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. Each program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the nursing process, health assessment, 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.
Pathways
Choose your career pathway with Herzing
Associate degree
RT to ADN/ASN
- Program length: 20 months
- Credits: 72-73 credits to graduate
- Campus Availability:
Clarksville, Nashville, Online, Orlando, Tampa
Bachelor's degree
RT to BSN
- Program length: 28 months
- Credits: 120 credits to graduate
- Campus Availability:
Brookfield, Clarksville, Kenosha, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Online, Orlando, Tampa
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
Going from RT to RN
Transitioning from respiratory therapist to RN involves broadening your knowledge and skills from a highly specialized field to the broader scope of nursing.
As a registered nurse, you’ll be the backbone of day-to-day operations in many healthcare settings. Your duties can include:
- 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? While a nursing degree curriculum can introduce a wider spectrum of course topics, RNs can specialize in an area of their choosing with enough education and experience. You may be able to use your experience as an RT to help become a respiratory/pulmonary 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 raise for the average respiratory therapist in the US ($79,760 per year, $38.35 per hour).
You can take a big step forward in your nursing career by becoming an RN.
The Student Experience at Herzing
Taking year-round classes helped me complete my studies in a reasonable amount of time. Now, I'm currently in the running for a promotion at my department.
William B. Bonaguidi
Public Safety | Online CampusAccreditation & Disclosures
1. The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Herzing University Brookfield, Kenosha, Madison, Minneapolis, New Orleans, and Orlando are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). This accreditation includes the baccalaureate degree program offered at the satellite Herzing University Tampa location. Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
* 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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Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.