On [DATE], American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.
Online RN to BSN: Built for Working Nurses
You’ve already gained so much experience in the field. Your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program should honor that. Pursue your BSN degree in a program that allows you to transfer or waive up to 134 credits—nearly 75% of program requirements. Up to 28 of general education credits can be waived for eligible RN to BSN students who are actively working, saving time and money and allowing more focus on Nursing courses.4
Complete your RN to BSN degree online while applying what you learn through a flexible, project-based practicum—often completed in your current work setting. Our CCNE-accredited1 RN to BSN program is also designed with online Empowered Learning® courses, where you:
- Access online courses anytime, from almost anywhere
- Go faster when you can, and slower when you need to
- Learn at your pace while staying connected with faculty and peers
Online BSN courses are even more exciting with a new laptop. You may qualify to get a brand-new laptop pre-installed with Microsoft® software to help you start your BSN degree with the right gear.56
On this page
Invest in Your Nursing Career Through Your Employer
As a licensed registered nurse, you can leverage your workplace to help you save on your online RN to BSN degree at Rasmussen University. If you work for a current alliance, you may qualify for the Corporate Alliance Grant and complete your online RN to BSN degree program for an estimated $11,490.3
Not only will you be able to save on your RN to BSN degree while you keep working, but you’ll also earn your Nursing degree knowing that your employer supports your goals. Over 380 employers have an alliance with Rasmussen University—tell your admissions representative where you work, and we can let you know what kinds of savings opportunities you may qualify for.
What RN to BSN Courses Will I Take?
In the BSN program, RN to BSN entrance option, you’ll take all online courses and one project-based practicum, and we can help you look for community settings, including your own workplace. With eight start dates per year, you can get started when it works best for you. Here are some examples of the courses you’ll take.-
Healthcare Technology and Informatics in Nursing
NUR3475 / Online / 5 Credits
- Strengthens your use of healthcare technologies, such as EHRs, clinical decision tools and monitoring systems, to enhance patient care, safety and workflow efficiency.
- Explores the application of patient data to identify trends, inform care decisions and support quality improvement efforts in your practice setting.
- Evaluates new technologies and workflows to strengthen team communication, enhance outcomes and support evidence-based nursing practice.
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Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR4595 / Online / 5 Credits
- Applies decision-making and management strategies to improve team performance, patient safety and workplace culture.
- Identifies how you can lead change in your practice setting by collaborating with interprofessional teams, advocating for patients and staff, and implementing improvements in care delivery.
- Builds leadership competencies and professional skills that position you for advancement into roles such as a charge nurse, nurse leader or within a specialized practice area.
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Quality Improvement in Nursing
NUR3835 / Online / 5 Credits
- Prepares nurses to lead quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient safety and healthcare outcomes.
- Identifies gaps in care, analyzes processes and uses evidence-based strategies to design and implement innovative solutions.
- Uses data analysis to examine outcome evaluations and principles of change management within complex healthcare systems.
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RN-BSN Capstone
NUR4926 / Clinical / 6 Credits
- Integrates knowledge, skills and professional values acquired throughout the RN-BSN program.
- Applies theoretical, empirical and evidence-based principles to deliver safe, high-quality and person-centered care across diverse healthcare settings.
- Emphasizes leadership, interprofessional collaboration, population health strategies, and professional accountability.
- Completes a comprehensive capstone project and portfolio demonstrating achievement of program outcomes and readiness for professional nursing practice.
Continuing to Answer the Call
Veteran, entrepreneur, father and husband—Arnold knew that his heart was meant to serve others. This time, he was inspired by the nurses as he conquered cancer and changed his career path to nursing.
“The facilities were amazing. They made me comfortable. You weren’t just a number. I knew before I left that that was the school that I was going to.”
Arnold:
I was diagnosed with vocal cord cancer. It was really a turning point. I decided to become a nurse because of the care that was provided for me.
I was recommended to Rasmussen by a former student, and she said she loved the culture. She said it was a family atmosphere. I went to visit the campus; the facilities were amazing, they made me comfortable—you weren’t just a number.
I knew before I left that that was the school I was going to.
"The higher you go academically, the more opportunities in expanding your career you achieve: better job opportunities and better pay, which is everyone’s dream. As soon as I began my BSN, I was offered a promotion at work."
Lilian A.
BSN Graduate
Turn Your RN License Into Credits
You should get credit for being a hardworking registered nurse. Eligible RN to BSN students may receive a course waiver of up to 28 general education credits, helping you reduce total credits, save on tuition and move more quickly into advanced Nursing courses.4RN to BSN on Your Time
Online Empowered Learning courses allow you to learn by doing, focusing on projects rather than exams. You’ll regularly log in to stay on track of your Nursing courses as you adjust your weekly schedule to match your needs. Use the skills you've already developed as a nurse to move faster at times, and slow down with new material.Learn While You Work
Our RN to BSN online program includes a project-based practicum designed to build on your real-world nursing experience and demonstrate your professional competencies. The time commitment is flexible (typically around 25–35 hours) and often completed within your current workplace to help you better balance your schedule while applying skills to improve patient care and practice outcomes.Take the Next Step—Talk to Us!
Your Nursing Career Path
With the many Nursing programs at Rasmussen University, you can complete your program and easily transfer credits from one level to the next, saving you time and money. Since you're already an RN with an Associate's degree in Nursing, our affordable RN to BSN entry track puts you on a clear path to your BSN. You aren't required to have work experience before starting, but, if you are actively working, you may qualify for a course waiver of up to 28 general education credits.4
If you have goals of continuing to your MSN or DNP, your BSN sets you up perfectly to pursue your Nursing graduate programs.
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Diploma: Practical Nursing (PN/LPN)
Start here if:
You’re interested in patient care and want a quick entry into the field as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) with opportunities for career advancement.
Finish in as few as:
15 months2
Common Careers:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Assisted living centers
- Rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient/ambulatory care centers
- Home health care services
- Clinics
- Physician's offices
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Associate’s Degree: Nursing (ADN/RN)
Next step if:
You want to become a registered nurse (RN) and leverage your practical nursing diploma through the LPN to RN Bridge.
Or start here if:
You want to begin your nursing career as a registered nurse by earning your ADN.
Finish in as few as:
18 months (LPN to RN Bridge)
Or in as few as 21 months (ADN/RN)2Common Careers:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Rehabilitation centers
- Clinics
-
Bachelor’s Degree: Nursing (RN to BSN or BSN)
Next step if:
You’re ready to earn your BSN, want to become a Bachelor-prepared registered nurse and are looking for opportunities to advance your career.
Or start here if:
You want to begin your nursing career as a BSN-prepared registered nurse. Choose from two pre-licensure entry tracks—standard and second degree.
Finish in as few as:
9 months (RN to BSN)2
33 months (BSN Standard Degree)*
18 months (BSN Second Degree)*Already an LPN? Our LPN to RN Bridge helps LPNs become RNs faster, further decreasing your time to program completion.
Common Careers:
- Hospitals
- Clinical Practice
- Administration
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership
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Graduate Degrees: Nursing (MSN & DNP)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
You want to influence present and future healthcare as a nursing leader. You have the choice of three MSN specializations that allow you to define your career course:
- Nursing Leadership and Administration
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics
Our MSN program also offers Nurse Practitioner (NP) specializations if you're interested in making a positive impact as a nurse practitioner with the choice of four specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
- Family NP
- Pediatric Primary Care NP
- Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A program for nurses called to lead at the highest levels in healthcare and public health and policy—the definitive terminal degree for nurse leaders.
Choose the specialization that best aligns with your interests and career goals:
- Executive Leadership
- Public Health and Policy
Common Careers:
MSN:
- Director of Nursing
- Director of Education
- Clinical Nursing Informatics Officer
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nurse Practitioner
DNP:
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Nursing Administrator
- Director of Public Health and Policy
- Government or Policy Activist
Tuition Cost & Savings
Corporate Alliance Grant
If you qualify for the Corporate Alliance Grant through your employer’s alliance with Rasmussen University, you can save up to 20% on your RN to BSN degree.7 Combine that with a 28-credit course waiver4 and self-directed assessment, you can earn your degree for an estimated $11,490 total tuition and fees. See the cost breakdown below.
$300 cost per full-time credit
x 50 total credits (with 28-credit course waiver)4
_______________________
$15,000 total tuition
+ $500 total fees
_______________________
$15,500 estimated total tuition and fees
- $1,250 successful self-directed assessment
_______________________
$14,250
- $2,760 potential savings with the Corporate Alliance Grant
_______________________
$11,490 estimated total tuition and fees for corporate RN to BSN students
Learn more about the financial aid cost of attendance (COA).
Alumni & Non-Alumni
Already a Rasmussen Alum? Save on Tuition
Rasmussen alumni have an exclusive opportunity to save up to $1,620 with the RN to BSN Alumni Grant.8 You can save even more if you complete the self-directed assessment and qualify for the 28-credit course waiver through your RN licensure and work status. See the cost breakdown below.
$300 cost per full-time credit
x 50 total credits (with 28-credit course waiver)4
_______________________
$15,000 total tuition
+ $500 total fees
_______________________
$15,500 estimated total tuition and fees
- $1,101 successful self-directed assessment
_______________________
$14,399 Non-Alumni Pricing
- $1,620 potential savings with the RN to BSN Alumni Grant
_______________________
$12,779 estimated total tuition and fees for alumni
All RN to BSN Students
Higher education should be a manageable investment. Even if you’re not an alum or corporate student, there are still ways to save through course waivers, self-directed assessments and more. Talk to an admissions representative or find more about:
Entrance Requirements
Applicants to the RN to BSN entry track must have a current, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in the U.S. Applicants to this entry track are exempt from the Entrance Placement Exam requirements. Applicants with prior college credits will receive a transcript evaluation during the admissions process. A maximum of 134 transfer credits may be awarded for this BSN program; a student must achieve a documented total of 180 credits in order to graduate from the BSN program.
This program is not available to residents of all states. Speak with an admissions representative regarding additional entrance requirements and to determine your eligibility for enrollment.
What Should I Know Before I Enroll?
Help Paying for College
You're not alone figuring out how to pay for college. Your admissions representative can help you find ways to save through self-directed assessments, grants, scholarships and more, if you qualify.
Transfer Student
We believe in giving credit where it’s due. You can get an estimate of your transfer credits without an official transcript in one business day (on average). Talk to an admissions representative today, or explore our Transfer Policy page for our seamless credit policies designed to maximize credits, potentially save money and expedite graduation.
Support at Every Turn
You’ll find the support you need to grow as a nurse from mentors and faculty in this program. Our library services, academic support and career planning teams are ready to help.
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (aacnnursing.org/CCNE).
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW
Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
202-887-6791