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The 5 Best Colleges for an Online BSN Program

Athina Hansen

Athina Hansen

Content Writer at Gradehacker

Updated on December 5, 2022

Best Colleges For an Online BSN Program

As you stumbled across this article, it’s safe to say that you are a student who wants to become a graduate student in Nursing. For that, you have to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The only thing is, you’re not sure at which nursing schools or which nursing career is the best to pursue your BSN degree.

And we mean, who wouldn’t find it challenging to decide which college to go to when there are over 4,000 colleges and universities to choose from in the U.S

Maybe you have heard of Duke University… or Emory University, University of Texas, Western Reserve University… and many more. 

At this moment in time, you have only decided upon two things. One is that you will earn a BSN degree, and the other is that you want to earn it online.

It’s a matter of finding the right program in nursing to become a professional nurse once and for all. 

Maybe you have a family to attend to or work full-time, which makes attending on-campus classes nearly impossible! This is why an online degree attracts so many students. It allows them to fit a career into their hectic schedules.

We understand if you don’t find much information about which online colleges are the best for a BSN degree to be a nurse practitioner. You don’t want to risk it and enroll in the first college name that appears on, right? 

Here at Gradehacker, we are the non-traditional student’s most trusted resource. And we happen to be experts in all things college related! This is because our work consists of helping non-traditional students in different areas, such as coursework or exams.

We are very familiar with the different online programs in the nursing field out there from our years of experience assisting students enrolled in online BSN programs.

Through in-depth research and analysis of online college resources and respective individual college websites, we bring you a list of the top five R.N. to BSN Degree programs we consider the best based on being online, on tuition cost, education requirements, curriculum, eligibility, and length of the programs.

Best Colleges Online BSN Program Texas

Texas A&M University

  • Location: College Station, TX
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition Costs:
  • Resident= $8,481
  • Non-Resident= $14,602

At the top of the list, we have Texas A&M’s online RN-to-BSN program. As the name implies, the program is made for those who already have a valid R.N. license.

However, what’s great is this program accepts students who attained their license through a diploma, paramedic bridge, or an ADN program!

Texas A&M RN to BSN Program Length

Okay, but how long is the Texas A&M RN-to-BSN program?

This R.N. to BSN program has three program tracks from which you can choose. One track is a year long, another is one and a half years long, and the last is two years long.

But despite three tracks, the program’s curriculum remains the same!

Texas A&M RN to BSN Program Curriculum

This program involves a 30-hour curriculum that expands on your previous nursing knowledge.

As for the subjects covered in the program, you will learn about:

  • Pharmacology
  • Nursing informatics
  • Evidence-based decision making
  • Community health issues

Some core courses also focus on instilling leadership skills and discussing professional practice issues. Another aspect of this program is that you will endure individual practicum experiences in your community throughout the program.

Although this program is entirely online, students who enroll in this program must attend a two-day New Student Conference on the University Campus!

Texas A&M RN to BSN Prerequisites

To qualify for this program, some prerequisites are:

  • A minimum of 40 credit hours of general education prerequisites
  • 12 hours of coursework in mathematics and the natural sciences
  • Competitive applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0

Why do we recommend it?

Basically because Texas A&M accepts a wide-range of students for this RN-to-BSN program (not only those with an ADN degree but also those with a diploma or paramedic bridge).

For their RN-to-BSN program, you can choose to complete in three tracks (one year, one year and a half, two years).

University of Central Florida

  • Location: Orlando, FL
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition Costs:
  • In-state=$179.19 per credit hour
  • Out of state= $715.80 per credit hour

Next, we have the University of Central Florida’s R.N. to BSN program. This online program is designed for state-licensed nurses who have a previous ADN and are looking to earn their BSN degree while working simultaneously.

This program involves 30 credit hours and prepares the nurse for leadership roles and career advancement.

Due to the distance learning involved in this program, there are discounted tuition rates and fee waivers for campus-based activities!

University of Central Florida RN to BSN Program Length

You might be someone eager to earn your BSN degree quickly. For this program, there are two options that you can choose from. This program is offered in the length of three or ten semesters.

When choosing this program’s length, you should keep in mind that the students who choose the ten-semester option are mostly part-time students.

University of Central Florida RN to BSN Program Curriculum

Are you curious about the program’s curriculum? Well, some topics seen in this program include:

  • Information management
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology

This RN to BSN program concludes with a public health practicum that you will conduct in your community.

University of Central Florida RN to BSN Program Prerequisites

  • Finish the program's required prerequisites by the application deadline
  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 in each course, and overall GPA of 2.8

Do you have an ADN degree but earned it outside of the Florida Public University System? If you answered yes, you must submit your transcripts for evaluation.

You might be thinking, well, do they accept prior learning credits? Yes! The University of Central Florida permits students to utilize 29 approved prior learning credit hours for this program.

Why do we recommend it?

University of Central Florida’s online program has two lengths to choose from. You can either choose the length of three or ten semesters based on your time-availability.

George Washington University

George Washington University is a private university; their George Washington  online RN-BSN program is made for those who already have an ADN.

This program’s online format is intended to allow nurses to continue working while pursuing their degree.

One great thing about this program is that this college provides fixed-rate tuition for almost all programs! Also, George Washington University is connected to the George Washington Hospital, which can potentially lead to job opportunities after completing the program.

George Washington RN to BSN Program Length

Wondering how long this program is? It is an asynchronous, part-time, four-semester (15 months) program.

Now you’re probably asking yourself what the heck does asynchronous mean? An asynchronous online program is a more self-directed one. In these types of programs, the student can plan out when they will learn.

George Washington RN to BSN Program Curriculum

This R.N. to BSN program involves 21 credit hours and has the goal of teaching students advanced nursing skills.

It covers topics such as:

  • Healthcare finance
  • Population health
  • Public health nursing
  • Medical informatics and technology

In this program, the coursework you will complete is centered on the practical application of evidence-based nursing practice and leadership skills.

Unlike many programs, this program does not include practical experience. Instead, this program concludes with the creation of a professional portfolio.

George Washington RN to BSN Prerequisites

  • An associate degree in nursing from an accredited school
  • A minimum of a 3.0 GPA
  • Active state licensure

Why do we recommend it?

With George Washington University’s RN to BSN program, you can gain your degree in a short amount of time, as they have a four-semester program. Also, they boast a 93% NCLEX exam pass rate.

Appalachian State University

  • Location: Boone, NC
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition Costs:
  • NC Residents: $203 per credit hour 
  • Non-NC Residents: $870 per credit hour

Appalachian State University’s RN-BSN program has a completion time of just one year!

The program offered by this college is very flexible and innovative. The R.N. to BSN program’s coursework is all fully online and does not involve traditional clinical requirements.

Something which may be beneficial for you is that you can earn learning credits from work experience!

This program’s aim is different in that it prepares its students to be generalists in the nursing profession. It is a part-time, 30 credit hour program made for nurses who are already working and have an associate or diploma in nursing.

Appalachian State RN to BSN Program Curriculum

Are you curious about the program’s focus? This program focuses on developing students’ professional skills and advanced care delivery.

This program is built so that students master leadership skills, nursing informatics, assessments, and current research. Instead of practicum assignments, this program involves class projects.

As a graduate of this program, you will be ready to deliver professional care in your local community as well as to older adults.

Appalachian State RN to BSN Program Prerequisites

  • Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing (from an accredited institution), or a nursing diploma
  • Current and valid R.N. license
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Complete 60 hours of lower-division coursework and 30 hours of major nursing courses

Why do we recommend it?

Appalachian State University’s R.N. to BSN program has a short completion time of just one year. You can also use your prior work experience as learning credits for the program.

The University of Alabama

  • Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Tuition Costs: $385 per hour

Last on the list; we have the University of Alabama’s RN to BSN program. The University of Alabama is a public university, and their R.N. to BSN program is an online 25 credit hour program.

Are you wondering who this program is designed for? Well, It’s meant for RN’s who have either an associate’s degree in nursing or a diploma.

The University of Alabama RN to BSN Program Curriculum

Some core courses must be seen before enrollment for this program.

This RN to BSN program’s curriculum touches on:

  • Nursing informatics
  • Inquiry for evidence-based practice in nursing
  • Role transition in baccalaureate nursing
  • Community health
  • Leadership and management roles for RN’s
  • Complex client systems for R N’s

The University of Alabama RN to BSN Program Prerequisites

To qualify for this program, some prerequisites are:

  • Valid U.S. RN license
  • 2.5 GPA in lower-division courses
  • 2.0 GPA in science courses
  • Graduate from an ACEN accredited associate’s degree program or from a diploma nursing program

Why do we recommend it?

The University of Alabama’s RN to BSN program does not close its doors to those who achieved their RN license through a nursing diploma. Although many programs focus on those who completed an ADN degree, this program also accepts students who completed a nursing diploma.

Which BSN Program Will Best Suit You?

Okay, so now we’ve covered this article’s main attraction, and you are aware of 5 great online BSN programs. But what are you supposed to do with the new knowledge you have about these programs?

Well, now it’s your turn to conduct an in-depth review of these colleges and the online BSN programs they offer.

Make a list of things you are looking for in a BSN program. For example, you may be looking for a low tuition cost, asynchronous format, and a part-time program.

Once you have this list, compare it to the programs introduced in this article. See which programs meet your needs and which ones do not! Also, make sure that you match the prerequisites for the program.

And if you need other university options, remember that there are many. Before we finish, let’s mention a few more we recommend are:

  • University of Wisconsin
  • Columbia University
  • Binghamton University
  • Ohio State University
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Northeastern University
  • Baylor University
  • University of Wyoming
  • Pacific University
  • San Diego State University
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Utah
  • West Virginia University
  • Purdue University

They also have online nursing programs that are perfect for nursing students. Whether it’s a public school or private school, it’s a matter of finding the perfect one for you. 

So take your time doing research! 

We understand that it can be challenging to make a final decision on which college is right for you. Hopefully, this article introduced you to valuable BSN programs. 

Don’t forget to count on Gradehacker to help you out! From individual essays to entire college classes, we’ll help you accelerate your degree and earn that diploma much sooner, so you can start to work on the area you most wish for!

Send your request, and we’ll be happy to help!

If you are looking for more university-related tips, check out these blog posts:

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