Walden University RN to BSN online nursing student in between patients.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Online Completion Program


Take the next step on your professional path. Our online RN to BSN program is built for busy nurses—so nothing stands in the way of your degree.
Take the next step on your professional path. Our online RN to BSN program is built for busy nurses—so nothing stands in the way of your degree.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

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Walden University RN to BSN online nursing student in between patients

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program

Take the next step on your professional path. Our online RN to BSN program is built for busy nurses—so nothing stands in the way of your degree.

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Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Current 01 Step 1: About You
  • 02 Step 2: Contact Information

Why Complete Your RN to BSN Online With Walden?

GET ENHANCED PRACTICUM SUPPORT

With Practicum Pledge™, you benefit from our collaborative, dedicated process to help you find a right-fit, on-time practicum match.

SET YOUR PACE AND COSTS

Personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your BSN program with our Tempo Learning® option.

TRANSFER CREDITS EASILY

Save time and money by transferring up to 75% of prior credits. If you have an ADN or ASN, you may be eligible for a block transfer.

PRACTICE NEW SKILLS

Engage in immersive BSN learning experiences—both in-person and virtual—that are personalized, interactive, and effective.

EARLY CONDITIONAL ADMISSION

This is for students who have completed or are nearing completion of an accredited ADN program but have not taken the NCLEX exam.

ALIGNED WITH AACN

Walden’s RN-BSN coursework is aligned to standards from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

Transfer up to 75% of your credits!

At Walden, the work you've put in elsewhere could potentially transfer over to our BSN degree program. Transfer up to 75% of prior coursework—or up to 135 credits.*

If you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN), you may qualify for a block transfer. This provides automatic completion of all general education requirements and elective credits.

*At least 45 credits must be completed at Walden. Students who reside in Virginia may be eligible to transfer up to 125 credits; at least 55 credits must be completed at Walden.

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Program Details

Personalized Practicum Support

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After you register for the Walden University Practicum Pledge™ (along with other requirements), if you can’t identify a site and preceptor, our dedicated Field Placement Team partners with you to secure your site and preceptor to help you find a match. This enhanced support gives you added confidence as you start your degree journey.

Are you an RN ready to start your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)?

If you're a registered nurse (RN) with a hospital diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing, you can enter our RN-MSN track.

Walden's MSN offers a range of specializations in the most critical areas of nursing today.

Questions?

Our Enrollment Specialists are here to help you find the nursing degree program that fits your career goals.

Tuition and Fees

The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.

Curriculum ComponentRequirementsCostAmount
Tuition51 required BSN course quarter credit hours$350 per quarter hour$17,850
Program FeePer quarter$175$875
   $18,725**
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP

YOUR TUITION
-$3,500

$15,225*

*Represents course-based learning format, minimum time to completion, maximum transfer of credit, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 135 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.

The nursing courses in the RN-BSN program equal 51 quarter credits. Students will need a total of 181 credits to earn the BSN degree.

Walden’s Tempo Learning® is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program.

Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.

Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each three-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.

ProgramSubscription Period TuitionSubscription Period PROGRAM FeeSubscription Period Time Frame
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program$3,450$1753-month subscription period
You may be able to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 10 months for under $15,000.*

*Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience, ability to work independently, and availability. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for this program. Our financial aid advisors can help you identify funding opportunities to help you pay for your education.

With Tempo Learning, you may be able to complete your BS in Nursing degree in as few as 10 months for as low as $15,000.*

*Represents Tempo Learning® format, Believe & Achieve Scholarship, and the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students in this program in the Tempo Learning® format. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.

Program Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Walden's online RN to BSN program will be prepared to:

  • Apply leadership and informatics concepts in decision-making to promote patient safety and quality care.

  • Use evidence based on the sciences, humanities, and research to guide nursing practice across the health-illness continuum in a variety of healthcare settings.

  • Evaluate the implications of policy on issues of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in healthcare delivery, including the health of vulnerable populations and healthcare disparities.

  • Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills to improve patient outcomes.

  • Implement individual and population-focused interventions to promote health and to prevent and manage disease and injuries.

  • Exhibit accountability for personal and professional behaviors in accordance with standards of moral, ethical, and legal conduct with a commitment to continuous professional development.

  • Provide patient-centered nursing care based on a comprehensive and focused health assessment across the life span using sound clinical judgment as well as developmentally and culturally appropriate approaches.

Resources

FAQ About Walden’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program

What is an RN–BSN completion program?

At online universities like Walden University, you can enroll in an online RN to BSN completion program as a registered nurse (RN) who wishes to move their career to the next level. These programs are designed to help those who have an active nursing license and an associate degree or diploma in nursing earn their BSN in less time than it would take to earn the degree without nursing experience. Some RN to BSN online programs, including Walden’s, will give you the opportunity to transfer up to 75% of the credits you need for graduation, giving you a significant head start toward earning your degree. Walden also offers a competency-based option that lets you learn—and earn credits—at your own pace.

What are the advantages of earning your BSN online?

Thanks to online learning, earning your degree and advancing your nursing career is more convenient than ever. An online nursing program allows you to complete your coursework from home and on a schedule that gives you the power to choose when in the day you want to attend class. That means you can continue to work full time while you further your education. These advantages have made online nursing programs popular among working professionals.

What are the advantages of choosing an accredited BSN degree program?

When it comes to finding a high-quality nursing program, you should look for accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). CCNE is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CCNE accreditation signifies that a program has met rigorous academic and professional standards and is designed to prepare effective nurses to make an impact in the field. CCNE accreditation also ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. Walden’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN–BSN) completion program has received this accreditation.

Why should nurses have a BSN?

The U.S. healthcare system is massive, with every region in the nation needing qualified healthcare professionals. And medicine is becoming more complicated and specialized every day. In order to have the knowledge base to keep up with modern medical technology; take advantage of electronic medical records; and treat patients in the most effective, efficient, and culturally appropriate ways, nurses need education that goes beyond RN training. Achieving higher levels of education—like earning your BSN at Walden—can better prepare you to meet the increased demand for care and improve the quality of healthcare delivery as the profession continues to transform.

What will you learn in a BSN program?

When you earn a BSN degree, you’ll gain higher-level nursing and professional skills that you can parlay into a higher-level nursing career. For example, a BSN can help you qualify for leadership roles such as heading up a team of nurses or working in healthcare administration. When earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you’ll learn how to protect, promote, and optimize an individual’s health and abilities. You’ll be taught how to prevent illness and injury, facilitate healing, and help alleviate suffering. In addition, you will study relevant research in support of improved practice and patient outcomes. You’re also likely to become an advocate for the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, or populations.1

1Source: www.nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/What-is-Nursing

 

Can earning a BSN help improve patient outcomes?

Yes. In early 2019, a study was featured in The Joint Commission Journal of Quality and Patient Safety that reported RNs with baccalaureates were significantly more prepared than nurses with associate degrees in 12 out of 16 areas.1 These areas were related to both quality and safety, including evidence-based practice, data analysis, and project implementation. Through this study, it was concluded that requiring RNs to earn their BSN could help safeguard the quality of patient care.

1Source: www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Impact-of-Education

 

What is a BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is becoming the degree preferred by employers seeking skilled nurses and is often required to apply to a master’s program in nursing. A BSN program is designed to enhance a registered nurse’s education and provide the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the evolving demands of healthcare delivery. A bachelor’s in nursing program better prepares RNs to provide quality care by going beyond basic clinical care skills and expanding the curriculum to include communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

Why is earning a BSN important?

Nurses with a BSN may have greater opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Having a BSN can put you on a path to practice in specialty areas and may lead to supervisory and management positions. Such positions require an in-depth level of knowledge and critical thinking skills that a BSN degree program provides. Having a BSN can also help impact patient outcomes. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports on a research study that indicates that patient care provided by BSN-prepared nurses tends to lead to lower mortality and readmission rates.*

*American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice”

What jobs can BSN-prepared nurses pursue?

Registered nurses who have earned a BSN have the ability to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Nurses with a BSN also have the opportunity to work in healthcare specialty areas, such as family medicine, home health, psychiatry, and may be considered preferred candidates for leadership positions, especially in organizations that have received Magnet Recognition status. The Magnet Recognition Program®, an initiative by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recognizes hospitals and other healthcare facilities for high-quality patient care and requires all nurse leaders in the facility to at minimum hold a BSN.

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the completion of a degree program.

What is the difference between an RN and a BSN-prepared nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a professional who has completed the necessary education requirements, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or nursing diploma program, and passed the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. A nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an RN who has completed a bachelor’s degree program, which typically takes four years. Nurses who start their career with a diploma or an ADN can continue their education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program or may decide to advance their education by enrolling in an RN to MSN program. Both of these degree program options are offered by Walden University.

Can you apply to medical school with a BSN?

Although requirements vary from program to program, a BSN can help prepare you to enter medical school, since some of the course load may be similar. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, before applying to medical school, students should complete the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) and demonstrate that they can handle rigorous coursework. Some schools require applicants to complete premedical course requirements while others have moved to competency-based admissions. It is important to review the specific requirements for each school.

How does a RN become a nurse practitioner?

In order to become a nurse practitioner (NP), you need to earn a master’s degree in nursing with an NP specialization that aligns with your passions and career goals. Most RNs will earn a BSN degree prior to pursuing an MSN. For RNs interested in a streamlined path from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree in nursing, Walden offers an RN-BSN-Accelerate Into Master’s (AIM) track. This option allows you to earn credits toward a master’s degree while earning your BSN. Another option is the RN to MSN track in Walden’s Master of Science in Nursing program, which offers an accelerated degree path for registered nurses who don’t have a BSN or have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline.

How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program?

Time to completion for Walden University’s RN to BSN program will vary from student to student based on a number of factors, including whether you choose a course-based or competency-based format. Walden’s Tempo Learning® format, which features a subscription model, offers students the most control over time and cost. Walden Enrollment Specialists can help you determine a degree completion time frame based on your individual circumstances.

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1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) | Registered Nurses

2Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), (2022) Employment of New Nurse Graduates and Employer Preferences for Baccalaureate-Prepared Nurses.

3Source:BLS | Occupational Employment and Wages | Registered Nurses https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3

4Source: Source: BLS | Registered Nurses | Work Environment

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

*Additional requirements for Walden's Practicum Pledge™

**Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, the baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Walden is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).