Skip to content Skip to Chat

RN to BSN Online Programs—How to Choose the Right One

Published: Oct 22, 2024 | Last updated: Oct 1, 2026

If you are researching ways to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you may have encountered two terms that sound like separate educational pathways: ADN to BSN and RN to BSN.

In most cases, however, the two terms are fairly interchangeable. 

An ADN-to-BSN pathway is designed for a registered nurse who first earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). An RN-to-BSN program is a broader category: It allows eligible licensed RNs to build on previous nursing education and earn a bachelor’s degree. Because many RNs enter the profession with an ADN, the terms “ADN to BSN” and “RN to BSN” are often used to describe essentially the same progression.

For most RNs, the question is: “Which RN-to-BSN program best fits my previous education, career goals, schedule, and budget?” Choosing the right BSN program requires comparing accreditation, transfer policies, cost, scheduling options, clinical requirements, student support, and long-term career goals.

The same principles apply if you are just beginning your nursing education or considering graduate school. Nursing programs vary considerably in who they serve, what they require, how coursework is delivered, and what professional opportunities they are designed to support.

This guide provides a broader framework you can use to evaluate nursing programs and make a more informed decision about your education.

What Is an RN-to-BSN Program?

An RN-to-BSN program is a bachelor’s program created specifically for people who are already registered nurses (including nurses with ADN degrees). The RN-to-BSN pathways are sometimes called bridge programs.

Unlike a prelicensure BSN program, an RN-to-BSN program does not prepare a student with no nursing license to become an RN from the beginning. It assumes that the student has already completed qualifying nursing education, passed the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtained RN licensure.

The curriculum therefore focuses on advancing a nurse’s existing knowledge rather than repeating basic preparation for entry-level nursing practice.

WGU’s Nursing (RN to BSN) bachelor’s degree program, for example, is designed for current RNs to earn a BSN. . The program is designed to be completed in one year, includes 35 clinical hours, and allows eligible students to transfer up to 90 credits.

Why Consider Earning a BSN After an ADN?

An ADN can provide a path toward RN licensure and professional nursing practice. A BSN builds on that foundation with additional education that can support broader responsibilities and future career development.

You may be wondering why you should go back for a bachelor’s degree if you are already licensed.

One reason is the additional scope of nursing education. BSN programs typically address additional topics, including community and population health, nursing leadership, research, policy, quality improvement, and healthcare systems.

Research has also examined relationships between nursing education and patient outcomes. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing continues to summarize research connecting higher proportions of BSN-prepared nurses with outcomes, including mortality, readmissions, and safety measures. 

Importantly, these studies examine workforce and hospital-level associations; they should not be interpreted as suggesting that an individual ADN-prepared nurse provides inferior care. 

A bachelor’s degree can also establish the academic foundation needed for graduate nursing education. If you eventually want to pursue an MSN, advanced practice role, nursing education, informatics, or leadership, then earning a BSN may be an important step toward that goal.

Understanding Your Nursing Degree Options

The right nursing degree depends largely on where you are starting. Someone who has never attended nursing school needs a different program from an experienced RN seeking career advancement. Before comparing schools and their programs, make sure that they actually match your credentials.

Associate Degree in Nursing 

An ADN is a common pathway into registered nursing. These programs are frequently offered by community colleges and usually combine nursing coursework with supervised clinical education.

After completing an approved nursing program and satisfying applicable state requirements, graduates can pursue RN licensure, which includes passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

An associate degree may appeal to students looking for a shorter initial path into nursing than a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree. Nurses can later pursue an RN-to-BSN degree while working.

Best for: Students seeking an entry-level nursing pathway who may want to pursue a BSN later.

Nursing Diploma Programs

Hospital-based nursing diploma programs were once a major pathway into registered nursing, although they are less common today.

These programs provide nursing education and clinical preparation but do not necessarily award a degree. Transferability of previous coursework can vary substantially, so diploma-prepared nurses considering a BSN should have their transcripts evaluated by individual schools.

Best for: Students considering one of the approved diploma options available in their area (these options may be limited).

Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A prelicensure BSN program is for students who are not already registered nurses.

Students complete nursing coursework, laboratory and simulation experiences, clinical education, and other bachelor’s-level requirements. After graduating and satisfying state requirements, graduates can pursue the NCLEX-RN and RN licensure.

WGU offers a prelicensure nursing BSN program for eligible students in select states. The coursework includes online components, but the program also has required in-person clinical experiences. Availability is state specific, so prospective students should verify their current eligibility before applying. 

Best for: Students who are not yet registered nurses and want to earn a bachelor’s degree while preparing for RN licensure.

Accelerated BSN

An accelerated BSN, often called an ABSN, is typically designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition into nursing.

Because students may have already completed many general education requirements, an accelerated degree program is focused intensively on nursing preparation and required prerequisites.

The pace can be demanding. Before choosing an ABSN program, examine whether working while enrolled is realistic, how clinical schedules are structured, and which previous credits will transfer.

Best for: Bachelor’s degree holders making a career change into nursing.

RN-to-BSN Programs

An RN-to-BSN program is designed for nurses who already hold RN licensure but have not yet earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Because students already have foundational nursing preparation, RN-to-BSN programs concentrate on advancing competencies rather than teaching basic nursing practice from the beginning.

Nursing courses may cover topics such as:

  • Community and population health
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Nursing leadership
  • Healthcare policy
  • Quality improvement
  • Research
  • Information technology in nursing
  • Applied healthcare statistics

At WGU, the RN-to-BSN program includes coursework related to healthcare policy and economics, information technology in nursing practice, and applied healthcare statistics.

Best for: Working RNs who want to build on previous nursing education and earn a bachelor’s degree.

Master of Science in Nursing

A Master of Science in Nursing can prepare registered nurses for advanced nursing responsibilities in areas such as leadership, education, informatics, or advanced clinical practice.

Requirements differ depending on the specialty. Some MSN programs require applicants to already hold a BSN, while RN-to-MSN bridge pathways may allow eligible nurses to progress through bachelor’s- and master’s-level education within one degree pathway.

Clinical requirements also differ significantly. A nursing education program, for example, does not have the same clinical preparation requirements as a family nurse practitioner program.

WGU offers several master’s degrees in nursing for nurses pursuing advanced education including a family nurse practitioner program. 

Best for: RNs who want to develop graduate-level expertise or qualify for roles requiring advanced education.

Doctoral Nursing Education

Doctoral nursing programs are intended for nurses pursuing the highest levels of clinical practice, research, leadership, or academic preparation.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) focuses primarily on advanced nursing practice and implementation of evidence in clinical systems. A Ph.D. in nursing typically places greater emphasis on original research and the development of nursing science.

Doctoral requirements depend heavily on specialty and career objective, so prospective students should evaluate programs according to the role they intend to pursue rather than assuming all nursing doctorates serve the same purpose.

How to Choose a Nursing Program

Once you know which degree level matches your current credentials and career goals, you can begin comparing schools.

When evaluating schools, it’s good to start with objective questions so you can be sure the programs will meet your needs. 

1. Check Accreditation and State Requirements

Accreditation should be one of the first factors you investigate. Institutional accreditation and nursing program accreditation are not the same thing. Depending on the degree and your goals, both may be important.

Do not simply search for the phrase “accredited online nursing degree” and assume that every result meets your needs. Confirm the status of the specific nursing program, not merely the school.

You should also review state authorization and state licensure requirements. Requirements differ by jurisdiction, particularly for programs that lead to initial licensure or advanced practice licensure.

Before enrolling, verify that the program meets applicable requirements in the state where you intend to practice.

2. Compare Transfer Credit Policies

For some students, transfer policy can have a major effect on both time and cost. Ask each school:

  • How many credits from my associate degree can transfer?
  • Does my RN license satisfy specific nursing requirements?
  • Are there limits on the age of science courses?
  • Will I receive an official transcript evaluation before enrolling?
  • Are there general education courses I still need?
  • Can professional certifications satisfy any requirements?

Do not compare two programs based only on their published number of required credits. A student who transfers previous coursework to a 120-credit BSN program may require fewer new credits as a result.

Transfer policies vary, so compare your remaining requirements, not simply the total size of the degree.

3. Look Closely at Program Format and Flexibility

“Online” does not describe a single educational model. Two online programs can have completely different scheduling expectations, including the following models. It’s also important to note that nursing will always require some clinical hours or experience—regardless of where the coursework is done.

Asynchronous Courses

Asynchronous coursework does not require students to attend every lesson at a specific time. Students complete learning activities according to course expectations and deadlines.

This arrangement can be useful for registered nurses working rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, or overtime.

Synchronous Courses

Synchronous online programs require students to participate in scheduled virtual nursing courses.

Some students prefer the structure and live interaction. Others may find scheduled sessions difficult to balance with nursing shifts.

Hybrid Programs

Hybrid programs combine online coursework with required in-person instruction.

Simulation labs, skills assessments, intensives, clinical education, and other requirements may take place at designated locations. Find out how often travel is required and whether you will need to take time away from work.

Competency-Based Education

Competency-based education programs measure progress by demonstrated mastery.

Rather than making every student move through material at exactly the same pace, this model allows students to progress after showing they understand the required material.

When evaluating a competency-based BSN program, however, do not assume faster completion is guaranteed. Your pace will depend on your transfer credits, available study time, program requirements, prior knowledge, and ability to demonstrate competency.

For experienced nurses, that means existing professional knowledge can help them move efficiently through material they already understand while spending additional time on unfamiliar concepts.

4. Understand Clinical and Field Experience Requirements

Nursing is a practice-based profession. An online nursing program may deliver academic coursework remotely, but some programs also require clinical or other in-person experiences.

Those requirements differ significantly according to degree level. A prelicensure BSN has substantial hands-on preparation because students are learning to become nurses.

An RN-to-BSN program serves already licensed nurses, so its experiential requirements may look very different.

Graduate advanced practice programs include clinical education appropriate to the specialty.

Before enrolling, ask these questions about the programs:

  1. How many clinical or field experience hours are required?
  2. What types of sites are acceptable?
  3. Can requirements be completed near my home?
  4. Who identifies or approves sites?
  5. What happens if a proposed site becomes unavailable?
  6. Are there required campus visits or simulation experiences?
  7. Will I need to travel out of state?
  8. Are travel expenses included in tuition?

Don’t assume that “online” means “no in-person requirements.”

5. Calculate the Real Cost of the Degree

Comparing nursing program costs requires more than looking at the tuition number on a homepage. Start by determining how the school charges tuition.

Per-Credit Tuition

A traditional degree may charge for each credit hour. Your total tuition therefore depends partly on the number of credits remaining after transfer evaluation.

Flat-Rate Tuition

Some schools charge a fixed amount for each academic term. WGU, for example, uses six-month terms and charges tuition per term rather than per credit. Our RN-to-BSN program currently lists tuition of $5,325 per six-month term. Because the program is competency based, completing requirements as efficiently as possible may reduce the number of terms a student needs. 

Whichever model you choose, calculate more than tuition. Consider other factors and costs like:

  • Application or enrollment fees
  • Books and learning resources
  • Technology requirements
  • Background checks
  • Immunizations or health screenings
  • Clinical compliance costs
  • Travel
  • Lodging for required intensives
  • Certification or exam expenses
  • Time away from work

Then compare estimated total cost to completion, not simply the price per credit.

6. Explore Financial Aid and Employer Benefits

Your listed tuition price is not necessarily your final out-of-pocket cost. Students may have access to resources such as federal financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition assistance, military education benefits, and other financial aid programs.

Working RNs should investigate employer benefits before enrolling. Some healthcare organizations provide tuition assistance for employees pursuing additional nursing education.

Ask your employer:

  • Is tuition reimbursement available?
  • Is there an annual reimbursement limit?
  • Does the school need to be on an approved list?
  • Is there a minimum grade requirement?
  • Must I remain employed for a period after reimbursement?
  • Are there different benefits for BSN and MSN programs?

Learn more about FAFSA if you are thinking of pursuing federal student aid and verify eligibility directly with the institution.

The goal is to compare your expected net cost, not automatically choose the program with the lowest advertised tuition.

7. Examine Academic Quality and Curriculum

Accreditation establishes an important quality threshold, but it does not make every accredited BSN program identical.

Compare what you will actually learn. For RN-to-BSN students, useful subjects may include:

  • Community and population health
  • Nursing research
  • Healthcare policy and economics
  • Leadership and management
  • Data analysis
  • Healthcare technology
  • Interprofessional communication

If you plan to continue to graduate school, examine how well the curriculum prepares you for that next step.

Likewise, compare the curriculum with your existing experience. A strong RN-to-BSN program should build on your clinical foundation rather than simply duplicating material you mastered in an associate program and professional practice.

8. Evaluate Student Support

Flexibility is useful only if students can get help when they need it. Ask what support is available outside standard business hours, especially if you work nights or weekends.

Useful student support services may include:

  • Academic advising
  • Faculty support
  • Tutoring
  • Writing assistance
  • Technology support
  • Career services
  • Accessibility services
  • Financial aid counseling
  • Clinical coordination
  • Mentoring

Also find out whether you will have one consistent advisor or work with different representatives throughout the program.

For an online student, responsiveness matters. A program designed around working professionals should have support structures that reflect working professionals’ schedules.

9. Investigate NCLEX Performance When Relevant

Pass rates can help answer an important question: Does the program appear to prepare graduates for the licensing exam?

But the pass rates cannot tell you everything. A strong NCLEX pass rate does not reveal whether scheduling fits your needs, whether faculty are accessible, whether students receive adequate clinical support, or whether the financial investment makes sense for you.

For RN-to-BSN students, as they already hold RN licensure, NCLEX pass rates are not a meaningful measure of the program because students are not getting the degree to qualify for initial RN licensure.

The Nursing Program Evaluation Checklist

To summarize what we’ve been discussing into an actionable checklist, here are the most important criteria. When comparing programs, use the same questions for every school. That prevents an impressive website or admissions conversation from distracting you from the factors that matter most.

Accreditation and Approval

  • Confirm the institution’s accreditation.
  • Verify nursing-specific accreditation for the program where applicable.
  • Check current accreditation directly with the accreditor.
  • Review state authorization for your location.
  • For licensure programs, confirm that the program meets applicable state educational requirements.

Academic Quality

  • Review the complete curriculum rather than course titles alone.
  • Look for evidence-based practice, leadership, research, quality, and population health content in a BSN program.
  • Determine how previous nursing education is incorporated.
  • Ask how faculty interact with and support online students.
  • Review outcomes such as completion and licensure performance, when applicable.

Program Format and Flexibility

  • Determine whether courses are synchronous, asynchronous, or hybrid.
  • Ask whether there are mandatory log-in or attendance times.
  • Check whether the program can realistically accommodate shift work.
  • Identify every required in-person component before enrolling.
  • Find out whether you can change your pace if your work or family responsibilities change.

Clinical Components

  • Confirm the number and type of experiential hours required.
  • Determine where identifies clinical or field experience sites are.
  • Ask what support is available when placement issues arise.

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Calculate expected total tuition after transfer credit.
  • Add fees and other required expenses to your estimate.
  • Compare per-credit and flat-rate tuition models.
  • Ask your employer about tuition reimbursement.
  • Complete financial aid applications and investigate scholarships before assuming the sticker price is your final cost.
  • Budget for travel, health compliance, background checks, and other requirements.

Student Support

  • Ask how quickly students can reach faculty when they need help.
  • Determine whether academic advising or mentoring is included.
  • Check availability of tutoring, writing, and technology assistance.
  • Review career support and professional development resources.
  • Ask current students or graduates about the support experience when possible.

A school should be able to answer these questions clearly. If important details remain vague after repeated questions, consider that uncertainty part of your evaluation.

Red Flags to Watch for When Comparing Nursing Programs

Most prospective students focus on what a nursing school offers. It is equally useful to look for warning signs.

Unclear Accreditation Information

If it is difficult to determine exactly which organization accredits a program, verify the information independently before applying.

Do not confuse institutional accreditation with specialized nursing accreditation.

Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True

Be cautious with guaranteed graduation dates, guaranteed jobs, guaranteed licensure, or guaranteed salary increases.

No legitimate school controls every factor affecting those outcomes.

Unclear Transfer Policies

Statements such as “transfer up to 90 credits” can be useful, but only your individual transcript evaluation reveals how many credits will actually apply.

Ask for specific information about your previous education.

Hidden In-Person Requirements

Most nursing programs, even those online, still require travel, clinical experiences, simulations, exams, or other face-to-face components.

Understand all requirements before committing.

Pressure to Enroll Immediately

Choosing a nursing program is a significant financial and professional decision. You should have time to compare options, review accreditation, understand costs, and read program requirements.

Be cautious of pressure tactics that encourage enrollment before you have that information.

Unclear Outcomes

Prelicensure programs should be able to discuss outcomes such as NCLEX performance. Other programs should be transparent about their requirements and completion expectations.

Transparency does not guarantee that a school is right for you, but a lack of transparency makes meaningful comparison difficult.

Career Outcomes: What Can Additional Nursing Education Lead To?

Education is only one factor affecting a nurse’s career. Location, specialty, experience, employer, certification, schedule, and local demand all influence opportunities and compensation.

Still, current labor data provides useful context for evaluating your long-term plans.

Registered Nurse Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses had a median annual pay of $97,550 in May 2025. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations, with approximately 180,800 openings each year on average. 

Those figures cover registered nurses across education levels, specialties, regions, and employers. They should not be interpreted as a guaranteed salary for earning a BSN.

However, a BSN may qualify nurses to pursue positions or future education for which a bachelor’s degree is required or preferred.

Graduate Nursing Opportunities

Graduate nursing education can create pathways into advanced practice, education, informatics, administration, and other areas.

For example, the BLS reported the median annual wage of $134,920 for nurse practitioners in May 2025. Nurse practitioners typically need at least a master’s degree in an advanced practice nursing role, along with state licensure and meeting national certification requirements. 

Nursing education is another potential graduate-level direction. The BLS classifies nursing instructors and teachers within postsecondary education occupations. Educational and experience requirements vary by employer, so nurses interested in teaching should research the requirements for the specific setting they want to enter. 

A bachelor’s degree should therefore be viewed less as a guarantee of a particular salary and more as a credential that may expand the educational and professional paths available to you.

Why WGU Is a Fit for Working Nurses

Western Governors University offers multiple nursing and healthcare degree programs designed for students at different points in their careers.

For nurses comparing their options, several aspects of WGU’s model are particularly relevant.

Competency-Based Education

WGU uses a competency-based learning model rather than requiring every student to progress through coursework according to the same seat-time schedule. Students advance after demonstrating mastery of required material.

For experienced registered nurses, this can be especially relevant. Knowledge gained through previous education and professional practice may help you move efficiently through familiar concepts while concentrating additional effort on areas that are newer to you.

Six-Month Tuition Terms

WGU currently charges tuition per six-month term rather than per credit. Because students can progress through courses as they demonstrate competency, the number of terms you require affects your overall tuition expense.

That creates an incentive to make consistent progress, but students should develop a realistic timeline rather than assuming they will automatically finish at the fastest possible pace.

Nursing (RN to BSN)

WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is designed for current registered nurses who want to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Prelicensure Nursing

If you are not yet an RN, an RN-to-BSN program is not the appropriate starting point.

Eligible students in participating states can instead explore WGU’s BSN (Prelicensure), which combines online coursework with required in-person nursing preparation. 

Always review current state availability before applying because prelicensure eligibility depends on residency and program authorization.

MSN Programs

Nurses who already hold a BSN may be ready to consider graduate nursing education.

WGU’s MSN options include specialties in areas such as public health, healthcare administration, and nursing informatics, in addition to our family nurse practitioner pathway. 

The FNP program is an advanced clinical degree, so it includes required clinical preparation and an in-person workshop in addition to primarily online coursework.

Nurses interested in teaching can explore WGU’s MSN–Education program, which focuses on skills related to educating and developing nurses. 

Compare each degree to the career you want rather than assuming every MSN leads to the same professional outcome.

How to Make the Right Choice for Your Nursing Career

When comparing ADN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN programs, it sounds like a choice between two different types of degree programs, but for most registered nurses with an associate-level degree, they describe the same basic educational progression.

Choosing the right program requires a deeper comparison.

Start by confirming accreditation and state requirements. Determine how many of your existing credits will apply. Understand exactly what “online” means at each school. Compare the real cost to completion rather than advertised tuition alone. Review field experience expectations, student support, and the curriculum itself.

Then think beyond graduation.

If earning a BSN is your final educational goal, select a program that strengthens the skills most relevant to your career. If you plan to earn an MSN later, make sure your bachelor’s education creates a solid foundation for graduate study.

For registered nurses ready to make a change, WGU offers a competency-based nursing program that is designed around the needs of working nurses. 

The right nursing program is not simply the one that promises the fastest path. It is the program whose accreditation, structure, cost, curriculum, and outcomes fit both where you are today and where you want your nursing career to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ADN to BSN the same as RN to BSN?

Sort of. They are very similar. An ADN-to-BSN pathway generally describes the educational progression of a registered nurse who earned an ADN and is now pursuing a BSN. An RN-to-BSN pathway is the broader program category for any eligible licensed RNs advancing to bachelor’s-level nursing education. Because many RN-to-BSN students began with an ADN, the terms are frequently used interchangeably.

Should I get an ADN and then a BSN or go directly to a BSN?

Either path can lead to RN licensure when you complete an approved prelicensure program and satisfy applicable state requirements. An ADN may provide a shorter initial educational route into nursing, while a direct-entry BSN allows you to complete bachelor’s-level preparation from the beginning. Consider cost, program availability, admissions requirements, the time you want to spend in school before entering the workforce, and your long-term career goals. 

Can I go from an ADN to a BSN online?

Yes. Many RN-to-BSN programs allow registered nurses with an associate degree to complete much of their bachelor’s coursework online. Individual programs may still contain field experience or other in-person requirements, so verify the complete program structure before enrolling. WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is one option for ADN-prepared registered nurses who want to earn their degree online while completing the program’s required field experience. 

How long does an RN-to-BSN program take?

Completion time varies according to transfer credits, curriculum, enrollment status, course availability, and program format. Traditional programs may follow fixed semester schedules, while competency-based programs allow progress based on demonstrated mastery. WGU’s RN-to-BSN program is currently designed to be completed in one year, although individual completion time can vary. 

Do I have to take the NCLEX again after completing an RN-to-BSN program?

Generally, no. The NCLEX-RN is the licensing exam used for initial RN licensure. An RN-to-BSN student is already a registered nurse. Completing a BSN does not ordinarily require taking the NCLEX-RN again.

Does accreditation matter for an RN-to-BSN program?

Yes. Accreditation can affect considerations such as educational quality, financial aid eligibility, and employer or licensing requirements. Verify institutional accreditation as well as specialized nursing accreditation when applicable.  

Are online nursing programs accepted by employers?

Yes. However, employer requirements vary by organization and position. When evaluating a program, focus on whether the school and nursing program have appropriate accreditation, whether the degree meets relevant licensing or certification requirements, and whether the credential satisfies the employer’s stated education requirements. The delivery format—online, campus based, or hybrid—is only one characteristic of the program.

Can I complete nursing clinical requirements in my own city?

It depends on the degree. Clinical and field experience requirements vary considerably between prelicensure, RN-to-BSN, and graduate nursing programs. Some programs allow experiences to be completed near a student’s home, while others have geographic or site restrictions. Ask exactly where each in-person requirement must occur and who is responsible for arranging or approving the site. 

What is the most important thing to look for in a nursing program?

Start with whether the program matches your current credentials and intended career. Then evaluate accreditation, state requirements, curriculum, transfer credits, cost, scheduling, clinical expectations, and student support services. No single ranking determines the “best school” for every student. The best option is one that meets the required quality and regulatory standards while fitting your goals and circumstances.

Can I earn a nursing degree online without healthcare experience?

You can complete portions of some prelicensure nursing programs online without previous healthcare experience, but becoming an RN requires approved nursing preparation with hands-on clinical education. RN-to-BSN programs are different: They are intended for students who are already registered nurses. 

What prerequisites do online nursing programs require?

The prerequisites depend on the program. Prelicensure programs may require courses in areas such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, or other sciences and general education subjects. An RN-to-BSN program generally requires qualifying previous nursing education and RN licensure. Graduate nursing programs commonly require previous nursing credentials, and advanced practice programs may have additional requirements. Always review the current admissions requirements for the individual program.

Is financial aid available for nursing programs with online coursework?

Financial aid may be available to eligible students at qualifying institutions and programs. Funding options can include federal student aid, scholarships, military education benefits, and employer tuition assistance. Talk with each school’s financial aid office before enrolling so you understand your individual eligibility and expected cost. 

Recommended Articles

Take a look at other articles from WGU. Our articles feature information on a wide variety of subjects, written with the help of subject matter experts and researchers who are well-versed in their industries. This allows us to provide articles with interesting, relevant, and accurate information.