Top 10 Accelerated RN to BSN Programs Online
If you’re ready to level up your nursing career without spending another two years in a classroom, an accelerated RN to BSN program is likely your best move. These fast-track "bridge" programs respect the clinical expertise you already have as a registered nurse, allowing you to bypass the basics and jump straight into high-level leadership, public health, and evidence-based practice.
Most of these programs are designed for busy, working nurses, meaning you can often trade your ADN for a BSN in as little as six to 12 months.
We’ve done the heavy lifting for you by ranking the 10 best accelerated RN to BSN programs for 2026. We evaluated each school based on its speed, cost, and reputation to ensure you find a program that fits your life and your budget. Keep reading to see which schools made the cut.
Popular Online Accelerated BSN & RN-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
At Northern Kentucky University, we are committed to delivering innovative online nursing programs and certificate programs that are designed to empower you to advance your professional nursing practice and transform healthcare. That’s why we offer affordable nursing and healthcare programs with multiple start dates and accelerated, 100% online coursework to fit your schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Nurse.org's Top Accelerated RN to BSN Programs
We analyze program features, accreditation, affordability, flexibility, and NCLEX pass rates to determine the best accelerated RN to BSN programs. You can read more about our methodology here.
The University of Central Florida's online RN to BSN program gives registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their careers. This standout program enhances clinical skills, critical thinking, and leadership abilities while offering flexibility to accommodate busy schedules.
UCF's curriculum integrates nursing theory, evidence-based practice, and community health. These education pillars allow graduates to emerge prepared for diverse and complex healthcare challenges while ready to tackle leadership roles. UCF's reputation, accreditation, and commitment to accessibility make it one of the best RN to BSN programs in Florida for working RNs.
- Tuition Per Credit
- In-state: $212.28
- Out-of-state: $748.89
- Application Deadlines
- Summer: March 1st
- Fall: July 1st
- Spring: November 1st
- Contact Info
- Phone Number: (407) 823-2744
- Email: ucfnurse@ucf.edu
UW Madison is the state's flagship public institution with a standout RN to BSN bridge program that working RNs can complete in 18 months. The university designed this accelerated BSN bridge program to build upon the scientific knowledge and technical skills students learn in ADN programs. This flexible online option allows working RNS to advance their careers through primarily online, part-time coursework.
UW Madison's 30-credit accelerated ADN to BSN program enhances students' nursing knowledge through didactic training and clinical rotations. BSN classes include foundations of professional nursing practice, community health nursing, and chronic care management. Before graduation, BSN students tackle a 60-hour capstone clinical experience.
- Application Deadlines
- Fall: March 1st
- Spring: October 1st
- Contact Info
- Phone Number: (608) 263-5200
- Email: admissions@nursing.wisc.edu
Students can complete the accelerated RN to BSN program at Ohio State University in a single year. Ohio State students must complete at least 30 credits at the institution, which they can do online. Prospective students must hold an ADN and active RN licensure.
Throughout this accelerated RN to BSN program, students tackle essential courses such as:
- Contemporary Issues for Registered Nurses
- Cultural Competence in Healthcare
- Concepts in Community Health Nursing
- Healthcare Informatics
To complete this program, students must graduate with at least 120 credits.
- Tuition
- Resident: $507.50
- Nonresident: $1,623.25
- Application Deadlines
- Spring: October 30th
- Summer: March 31st
- Fall: June 30th
- Contact Info
- Phone Number: (614) 292-4041
- Email: nursing@osu.edu
Popular Online Accelerated BSN & RN-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Based in beautiful Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University offers an accelerated pathway toward a BSN degree for working nurses. This accelerated RN to BSN program takes about one year, and students must complete their last 30 credits at App State.
Utilizing both synchronous and asynchronous deliveries, students complete coursework on a part-time schedule. They tackle courses like nursing informatics, nursing care of older adults, health assessment, and nursing research.
Prospective RN to BSN students must hold an ADN degree with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Additionally, applicants must have an active and unencumbered RN license.
- Tuition Per Credit
- Resident: $204
- Nonresident: $939
- Application Deadline:
- Priority: February 1st
- Regular: August 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (828) 262-2120
- Email: transferadmissions@appstate.edu
Penn State World Campus is a leader in quality online programming and is home to a one-year RN to BSN bridge program. Students can access online, hybrid, and in-person options and complete classes in 7-week sessions. Required courses include:
- Integrated Concepts in Nursing Practice
- Advanced Health Assessment for The Registered Nurse
- Health Concepts for Adults With Complex Healthcare Needs
- Introduction to Nursing Informatics
In addition to classroom requirements, RN to BSN students must complete a 45-hour capstone clinical experience before graduating.
- Semesterly Tuition
- Students with <59 Credits: $7,678
- Students with >59 Credits: $8,288
- Application Deadline: Rolling Admissions
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (814) 863-5386
- Email: admissions@worldcampus.psu.edu
The University of North Carolina-Wilmington offers a quality online RN to BSN program that students can complete in 12 months. This flexible and affordable bridge program allows working nurses to develop skills that prepare them for careers as nurse administrators, teachers, and healthcare leaders. Core nursing courses include:
- Health Assessment for Registered Nurses
- Professional Nursing Practice for the Baccalaureate Nurse
- Population and Community Health Nursing
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
Before graduating, RN to BSN students must complete a professional nursing capstone. Applicants must possess an active, unencumbered RN license with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
- Total Tuition
- Resident: $6,334.20
- Nonresident: $27,427.80
- Application Deadlines
- Spring: February 15th
- Summer 1: April 19th
- Summer 2: June 7th
- Fall 1: August 2nd
- Fall 2: September 27th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (855) 306-4734
- Email: chhs@uncw.edu
As the first college to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the best nursing schools. It also provides a standout accelerated RN to BSN program tailored to working nurses' needs. Taking full-time online learners only nine months to complete, students tackle 27 credits of seven-week courses. UC's required RN to BSN classes include topics such as:
- Informatics for Professional Nurses
- Transitions to Baccalaureate Education in Nursing
- Gerontological Nursing Practice
- Nurse as a Professional Leader and Manager
Prospective students must have an active and unrestricted RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Total Tuition
- Resident: $22,008
- Nonresident: $22,548
- Application Deadline
- Spring: November 15th
- Summer: March 15th
- Fall: July 1st
- Contact Info: nursingbearcats@uc.edu
Pensacola's University of West Florida is a public institution that's home to a quality 1-year ADN-to-BSN program. With no on-campus requirements, this flexible and affordable bridge program leans on management, policy, and practice to educate the next generation of nursing leaders. UWF RN to BSN students must complete at least 32 credits of major classes, including:
- Care of the Older Adult
- Essentials of Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Health Education in the Community
- Law and Ethics in Nursing
Nursing students complete about 45 hours in a clinical environment alongside traditional coursework. Applicants must have active registered nursing licensure and at least a 2.75 GPA.
- Total Tuition
- Resident: $7,007.36
- Nonresident: $20,747.84
- Application Deadlines
- Summer 1: April 26th
- Summer 2: June 7th
- Fall 1: August 2nd
- Fall 2: September 27th
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (850) 473-7756
- Email: cohnursing@uwf.edu
To ensure maximum flexibility, George Washington University offers a 100% online RN to BSN program that utilizes an asynchronous delivery. Because students can complete coursework at their own pace, the work-life-school balance becomes much more manageable. GWU's 21-credit online bridge program covers essential courses such as:
- Nurses’ Role in Healthcare Policy
- Dynamics of Nursing Leadership
- Principles of Nursing Research
- Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality
GWU applicants must have at least 84 transferable credits, hold an ADN, and provide official transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additionally, prospective students must include two letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a short statement of purpose.
- Application Deadlines
- Fall: August 1st
- Spring: January 1st
- Contact Info
- Phone Number: (202) 994-7901
- Email: nursing@gwu.edu
Based in Statesboro and established in 1906, Georgia Southern University offers an RN to BSN program that students can complete in just two semesters.
This flexible, 100% online bridge program allows working nurses to transfer up to 91 credits. Students must complete their final 29 credits at GSU. Required RN to BSN courses include:
- Professional Nursing Practice
- Complex Nursing Concepts
- Nursing Research Applications
- Complementary Therapeutic Modalities
Before graduation, accelerated RN to BSN program students must complete clinical experiences focusing on community health, leadership, and management. Applicants must hold a current Georgia or reciprocal RN license with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Tuition Per Credit
- Resident: $187
- Nonresident: $675
- Application Deadlines
- Fall: April 1st
- Spring: October 1st
- Contact Info:
- Phone Number: (912) 344-2585
- Email: christyoneal@georgiasouthern.edu
Popular Online Accelerated BSN & RN-BSN Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. The school offers BSN programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education. Save up to 30%* on tuition with the RN-to-BSN Tuition Advantage Grant (*see Chamberlain website for details).
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide except CT, NY, RI
When you earn an ASU nursing degree, you are gaining skills from a respected and accredited institution. Our online nursing degrees are accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
What Are Accelerated RN to BSN Programs?
Accelerated RN to BSN programs skip the bedside basics you already use every day. Instead of re-learning clinical skills like starting an IV, the curriculum focuses on systems-level thinking. You will study topics like:
- Nursing informatics and healthcare policy
- Leadership and department management
- Community and population health
How the fast-track works
The speed comes from generous transfer policies and condensed academic terms.
Most schools accept up to 90 transfer credits from your previous degree, leaving you with only about 10 core nursing courses to finish. These are typically delivered in 5- to 8-week "minimesters" or through competency-based models where you progress as soon as you master the material.
This flexibility allows you to balance a full-time shift schedule while checking the BSN off your to-do list.
Who Are Accelerated RN to BSN Programs Right For?
Accelerated RN-to-BSN programs are built for registered nurses who need to balance a career with professional growth. You are likely a good fit for this path if you fall into one of these categories:
You're Looking for Career Advancement
If you want to move into leadership, this is the logical next step. Most hospitals require a BSN for roles like charge nurse or nurse manager. This is especially true at Magnet-status facilities, which prioritize BSN-prepared staff for promotions and specialized units like the ICU or ER.
You're Planning to Become an APRN
A BSN is a foundational requirement for advanced practice. If you plan to become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Educator, you will need this degree before applying to graduate school. The accelerated route is the fastest way to meet those prerequisites and start your master's or doctoral work sooner.
You Want the Fastest Possible Program
Since these programs are mostly online and asynchronous, they are ideal if you need to study around a 12-hour shift schedule. They work best for nurses who are self-disciplined and want to finish their degree in months rather than years to quickly capitalize on employer tuition reimbursement.
Explore More RN to BSN Programs
- Top RN to BSN Online Programs
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