What's an RN to BSN Program? Requirements and Cost (2025)

RN to BSN programs—often called bridge programs—are designed for nurses who already hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma but want to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). Enrolling in one of these programs can broaden your scope of practice and potentially increase your salary. There are more than 700 RN to BSN programs in the United States, and approximately 40% of BSN graduates attended a bridge program. This guide will help you determine if an RN-BSN program is right for you and show you how to make the most of your nursing career in 2025 and beyond.

Who Benefits From an RN-BSN Program

Many types of nurses can benefit from an RN-BSN bridge: newly licensed RNs, experienced nurses with an ADN looking to advance their roles, or those contemplating a shift into new nursing specialties. Hospitals, home health agencies, and community clinics increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses because additional education can improve patient outcomes. Nurses seeking leadership or specialized positions in intensive care, pediatrics, or community health will often find a BSN a valuable credential. If you want to keep your options wide open—and earn more in the long run—an RN-BSN program may be an excellent fit.

Why Do I Need a BSN?

There are compelling reasons to pursue a BSN. While an ADN prepares you to take the NCLEX and practice as an RN, a BSN includes a broader set of topics, such as nursing research, community nursing, and leadership. These extra components can help you develop advanced critical thinking and management skills. Holding a BSN can qualify you for opportunities in specialized settings, including intensive care units and home health agencies. It also sets you up for further education, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Lastly, BSN-prepared nurses tend to earn higher wages than those with only an ADN.

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), 56% of nurses hold a BSN, and that number continues to grow. Hospitals and other healthcare organizations often prefer BSN candidates because research from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) shows that BSN-prepared nurses can help foster better patient outcomes. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has advocated since 1965 that a BSN should be the entry-level requirement for professional nursing. Some states (like New York) even mandate that newly licensed RNs earn a BSN within 10 years of licensure to continue practicing, as signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2017.

RN-BSN Program Requirements

While requirements differ by institution, most RN-BSN programs require you to be an actively licensed RN in good standing, have completed your ADN or nursing diploma, and submit transcripts for credit evaluation. Programs typically look for general education prerequisites, like English composition or basic sciences, to ensure you’re ready for upper-division nursing courses. Some institutions also require a specific GPA for admission. Transferring existing credits can significantly reduce the total time needed to earn your BSN.

As you compare RN-BSN program requirements, pay attention to each school’s accreditation status. Programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) tend to be recognized widely, making it easier to transfer credits later or apply for federal financial aid. Accreditation also reassures prospective employers that you completed a reputable program.

Steps to Go From RN to BSN

Choosing the right program is one of the most important steps if you want to learn how to go from RN to BSN. First, decide on a schedule: you can typically attend full-time (finishing in one to two years) or part-time (three to four years). Next, narrow down your list of accredited options, comparing tuition, course formats, and how the school handles transfer credits. If you’re currently employed, look for flexible class schedules that let you balance work and school. Finally, gather and submit application materials, including transcripts and letters of recommendation (if required). Once accepted, you’ll map out your course plan and complete any necessary bridge or pre-requisite courses to begin upper-level nursing classes.

Tip: If your current workplace offers tuition reimbursement, check if they have a partnership with certain schools—this can help reduce costs and streamline the admissions process. For more information, see our guide to choosing a nursing program.

RN-BSN Class Requirements

What you study in an RN-BSN program typically fills gaps between an ADN curriculum and a bachelor’s-level education. Additional RN-BSN class requirements often include nursing ethics, research methods, leadership, and community health. Online RN-BSN programs may let you use your existing work experience to satisfy clinical components. Hybrid programs—offered in person and online—may have weekend or evening clinical rotations that accommodate your schedule. Coursework helps you sharpen critical thinking, improve your communication skills, and prepare for a broader range of responsibilities after graduation.

Choosing one format versus another (online, hybrid, or in-person) depends largely on your work obligations and learning style. An RN-to-BSN bridge program, whether online or on campus, can accelerate earning your bachelor’s degree by letting you skip redundant content you’ve already mastered through your ADN program or practical work experience.

How Much Do RN-BSN Programs Cost

Cost is a major factor when returning to school. According to U.S. News and World Report, online RN to BSN programs can vary from $36,000 to $95,000 for a full course load. If you can transfer a substantial number of credits, you might reduce expenses significantly. Keep in mind your personal costs, including study materials, technology fees, and any travel to campus. In many cases, you can apply for loans, grants, scholarships, or work-study programs, which offset most or all of these fees.

Although affordability is crucial, also weigh each program’s reputation and accreditation. Look into rankings from sources like U.S. News and World Report to gauge a school’s standing. If you think you may want to earn an MSN or specialize later, ensure your credits will transfer seamlessly into a graduate-level program.

Is a BSN Better Than RN

Completing your BSN can open new doors and may qualify you for management or specialized nursing positions. Learning leadership principles, research methods, and advanced clinical skills could bring you a higher salary, new workplace environments, and more autonomy. Whether you want to enter critical care or community health, holding a BSN carries significant weight in the hiring process. It can even be a gateway to graduate-level programs if your long-term goals include becoming a nurse practitioner or earning a doctoral degree in nursing. Although both paths prepare you for hands-on care, a BSN typically brings broader professional and educational possibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is an RN-BSN program?

Most RN-BSN programs take one to two years of full-time, year-round enrollment. Part-time students often finish in about three to four years. The program length can vary based on your transfer credits and whether you choose an online or in-person schedule. For example, some universities offer accelerated tracks for students who can manage a more rigorous course load.

What is the fastest track?

The fastest option is usually an accelerated online RN-BSN program, which can sometimes be completed in as little as 9 to 12 months, depending on your existing credits. These programs often move quickly and require full-time dedication, so it’s important to ensure you can manage the workload alongside other responsibilities.

Should I list BSN or RN first?

Per standard convention, your highest degree typically comes first, followed by your license. That means “BSN, RN” is the preferred listing. This format highlights your academic achievement while also clarifying your license to practice.

Do BSN nurses earn more?

Yes, there is often a pay gap between nurses with an ADN and those who complete a BSN. Having a BSN can qualify you for higher-level positions, which may include administrative or leadership roles. Additionally, many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer salary incentives and career advancement opportunities to BSN-prepared nurses.