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Best Online RN to BSN Program

What is the Best Online School for Nursing?

Many current registered nurses are looking to pursue higher education and earn their BSN. And an online BSN program can be ideal for many of these nurses. An online program allows current registered nurses to continue to work full-time while pursuing their degree. They can utilize their experience and knowledge to transfer credits and accelerate their courses to graduate even faster.

In an RN to BSN program you will learn about nursing theories and practice, evidence-based practice, leadership, and more. A BSN is wanted by more hospitals looking to meet Magnet status, and makes nurses more valuable and credible in the workforce.

But not all online BSN programs are created equal. It's vital to research carefully when comparing BSN programs to determine which one is really the best fit for you. 

Best Online School for an RN to BSN Degree

Research is critical as you compare online RN to BSN degree programs. The cost of the program, course offerings, graduation times, and more are all important when doing your research. Additionally, it's valuable to understand the ROI of a degree and if a school is prepared to do online education at scale. Compare top RN to BSN programs here to decide which one will meet all of your needs. 

1. Western Governors University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 136,139
  • Tuition: $7,996 per year

ROI: 369%

2. Excelsior College

  • Exclusively Online Students: 25,245
  • Tuition: Not Available

ROI: 359%

3. University of Phoenix—Arizona

  • Exclusively Online Students: 93,777
  • Tuition: $9,552 per year

ROI: 297%

4. Colorado Technical University—Colorado Springs

  • Exclusively Online Students: 26,143
  • Tuition: $12,529 for the 9 month program

ROI: 264%

5. Arizona State University—Skysong

  • Exclusively Online Students: 43,721
  • Tuition: $10,806 per year

ROI: 259%

6. Southern New Hampshire University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 106,703
  • Tuition: $31,136 per year

ROI: 258%

7. Capella University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 37,859
  • Tuition: $14,540 for 9 month program

ROI: 252%

8. Walden University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 48,420
  • Tuition: $12,150 per year

ROI: 235%

9. Chamberlain University—Illinois

  • Exclusively Online Students: 25,244
  • Tuition: $19,900

ROI: 196%

10. Purdue University Global

  • Exclusively Online Students: 37,757
  • Tuition: $8,037 per year

ROI: 183%

Ranking Methodology

Our goal in this ranking is to objectively look at how many online university programs compare to one another. This is why we have used third-party data to help us reach our conclusions about programs we rank. 

Data sources:

Explanation and requirements for ranking:

  • Universities were ranked on their ROI ratio. The ROI ratio is a comparison of two-year post-graduation earnings and student debt at graduation. High ROI is better.
  • Universities must offer four-year degree programs to be considered
  • Universities had to have non-zero debt and earnings numbers.
  • We chose to include only online universities by only including schools that have at least 90% of their total student population be exclusively online. This eliminates brick and mortar institutions with online programs from our ranking.
  • We chose to include only institutions that are doing online education at scale because we believe this is a better experience for students pursuing an online degree. We chose to only include institutions that had at least 15,000 total online-only students for this reason.
  • The use of the word "best" is subjective, but we are using the term based on the ranking methodology explained above, and in a way that reflects WGU's values.

1. Western Governors University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 136,139
  • Tuition: $7,996 per year

ROI: 369%

2. Excelsior College

  • Exclusively Online Students: 25,245
  • Tuition: Not Available

ROI: 359%

3. University of Phoenix—Arizona

  • Exclusively Online Students: 93,777
  • Tuition: $9,552 per year

ROI: 297%

4. Colorado Technical University—Colorado Springs

  • Exclusively Online Students: 26,143
  • Tuition: $12,529 for the 9 month program

ROI: 264%

5. Arizona State University—Skysong

  • Exclusively Online Students: 43,721
  • Tuition: $10,806 per year

ROI: 259%

6. Southern New Hampshire University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 106,703
  • Tuition: $31,136 per year

ROI: 258%

7. Capella University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 37,859
  • Tuition: $14,540 for 9 month program

ROI: 252%

8. Walden University

  • Exclusively Online Students: 48,420
  • Tuition: $12,150 per year

ROI: 235%

9. Chamberlain University—Illinois

  • Exclusively Online Students: 25,244
  • Tuition: $19,900

ROI: 196%

10. Purdue University Global

  • Exclusively Online Students: 37,757
  • Tuition: $8,037 per year

ROI: 183%

Ranking Methodology

Our goal in this ranking is to objectively look at how many online university programs compare to one another. This is why we have used third-party data to help us reach our conclusions about programs we rank. 

Data sources:

Explanation and requirements for ranking:

  • Universities were ranked on their ROI ratio. The ROI ratio is a comparison of two-year post-graduation earnings and student debt at graduation. High ROI is better.
  • Universities must offer four-year degree programs to be considered
  • Universities had to have non-zero debt and earnings numbers.
  • We chose to include only online universities by only including schools that have at least 90% of their total student population be exclusively online. This eliminates brick and mortar institutions with online programs from our ranking.
  • We chose to include only institutions that are doing online education at scale because we believe this is a better experience for students pursuing an online degree. We chose to only include institutions that had at least 15,000 total online-only students for this reason.
  • The use of the word "best" is subjective, but we are using the term based on the ranking methodology explained above, and in a way that reflects WGU's values.

Learn About WGU's RN to BSN Program

If you're an RN looking to earn your BSN, WGU's program could be the perfect fit for you. Our online program is designed to work within your busy schedule and give you opportunities to implement what you're learning into your work immediately. You'll be able to utilize your credentials to help your hospital obtain Magnet status, get a promotion or a raise, and better care for the patients you interact with. Learn more about the specifics of our program to see if it's the best fit for you.

Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...

An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:

  • Time: 77% of graduates finish within 24 months.
  • Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term.
  • Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
  • Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.

With over 35,000 BSN alumni, this is one of WGU's most popular online degree programs. View our RN to BSN degree guide. If you are an RN ready to earn your BSN, this program will help you accelerate to earn your degree.

If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.

RN and BSN

This guide is designed to give you information about common nursing terms RN and BSN, and help you determine if an RN to BSN degree program is a good option for your education. 

What is an RN?

An RN is a certification that states you are licensed and registered with your state and can practice nursing. Nurses obtain their RN status by attending an associate degree or bachelor's degree program, as well as passing specific tests and meeting state certification requirements. Registered nurses work in doctors offices, hospitals, clinics, public health centers, schools, and more. RNs can also specialize, gaining more credentials and skills to work with certain types of patients.

What is a BSN?

A BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a bachelor's degree program that can help those who are wanting to become a registered nurse, or give current nurses additional credentials. BSNs are increasingly becoming more necessary for registered nurses as more hospitals are looking to hire nurses who have a BSN. A BSN for those who are not yet nurses takes about 4 years to complete and will help you obtain your nursing license. For current nurses a BSN may only take 2-3 years to complete.

What is the difference between RN and BSN?

The difference between RN and BSN is the level of education received. Someone who is a registered nurse may not have a bachelor's degree—they may have gotten a nursing diploma or associate degree that allowed them to become licensed. A BSN is a registered nurse who also has a bachelor's degree—this higher level of education can lead to more job opportunities, higher salary, and more. 

Does BSN Go before RN?

When writing your name and credentials, BSN can come before or after your RN designation. For example, it may look like “Jane Doe, RN, BSN” or “Jane Doe, BSN, RN.” In most instances, both options are accurate, professional ways to display your nursing education and credentials.  In the world of academia, however, the college degree is used first and the licensure and other credentials would follow. So, in academic settings, the most appropriate version would be, “Jane Doe, BSN, RN.”

What Does “BSN” Mean in a Degree?

A BSN, which stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is an undergraduate-level degree program that can help individuals become a registered nurse or that can help registered nurses advance their career. A BSN program teaches topics such as patient care technology, research, health promotion, safety, and quality within the healthcare system. In a BSN degree program, students can expect to deepen the knowledge and skills required to provide excellent care to those in need. This entails taking comprehensive courses in a combination of nursing program core and general education subjects. 

WGU’s BSN degree curriculum includes:

Nursing Core
General Education

What Is BSN vs. RN? 
There are different designations in nursing, each with their own specific education requirements and job responsibilities. “BSN” means “Bachelor of Science in Nursing” and “RN” means “registered nurse.” To become a licensed RN, an aspiring nurse must pursue an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). They must also meet clinical nursing program requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn licensure in their state. In other words, an RN isn’t always a BSN, but a BSN is always an RN. RNs that hold a BSN degree have received a broader education and likely have more responsibility than RNs that only hold an ADN. 

While you only need to have your RN license to practice as a professional nurse, most employers now prefer or even require new hires to hold a BSN degree. RNs who pursue their bachelor’s degree are eligible for higher-paying positions, career advancement, employment at top hospitals, and greater career fulfillment. In a BSN program, you’ll deepen your knowledge in the nursing field so that you can better care for patients and achieve greater career fulfillment. 

Reasons aspiring nurses and RNs should seek their BSN: 

  1. Highly educated nurses are in high demand. Numerous research studies have shown that nurses with BSNs provide better care to patients. Studies also show that BSN nurses have stronger communication and problem solving skills. With an aging American population in a post-pandemic climate, highly-educated nurses have never been in greater demand. 
  2. Higher salaries. Data from PayScale states that RNs who have earned their BSN earn an average annual salary of $87,000, compared to $71,000 for those with an ADN.
  3. Higher employment rates. An estimated 94% BSN graduates secured a job within four to six months of finishing their degree. Additionally, 82% of employers strongly prefer nurses with a BSN, and 41% of hospitals and medical facilities require a BSN from job candidates.
  4. Increased opportunities. BSN nurses have the freedom to practice in home health services, community clinics, health maintenance organizations, case management, leadership roles, critical care, public health, and mental health areas. Since a BSN nurse can provide care to patients outside of a hospital, they have more employment options.
  5. Improved patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patient outcomes can improve under the care of BSN nurses. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing cites studies that show:
  • BSN graduates are better prepared in 12 of 16 areas of patient care related to safety and quality.
  • Increasing the proportion of BSN nurses by 10% lowered the patient mortality odds by 10.9%.
  • Hospitals employing a higher percentage of BSN graduates had patients with lower congestive heart failure mortality, shorter length of stay, fewer decubitus ulcers, and a lower rate of postoperative deep vein thrombosis.

3 Common Questions about RN to BSN Degree Programs

Are you a nurse with your RN license, ready to take your career to the next level? The RN to BSN program at WGU is designed for nurses like you—a completely online RN to BSN program that allows you to continue working and keep up with your other responsibilities while going to school, flexible with no set class times or due-dates, with a focused curriculum designed for current nurses. Boost your résumé with the help of the online RN to BSN program at WGU.

1. What is RN to BSN?

An RN to BSN degree program is designed to help current RNs further their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Current RNs have important skills and experience, and a BSN just helps boost their résumé and can help them get needed credentials to be qualified for additional nursing positions.

The online RN to BSN program at WGU is focused on helping current nurses pursue higher education. This nursing program is focused on helping expand on a nurse's experience and skills through evidence-based practice and additional courses. An online bachelor's degree program is a great option to help RNs receive collegiate nursing education in a way that is doable for their lifestyle.

2. What can I do with a BSN?

A BSN is a nursing program designed to help nurses stand out and enhance their résumé. Some nursing positions and specialties require a BSN as proof that a nurse has credentials and experience. An online RN to BSN program or a traditional nursing program both include evidence-based practice and other collegiate nursing education skills that enhance an RNs ability to perform their work.

Registered nurses with a BSN can be qualified for many nursing positions including:

  • Addiction nurse
  • Critical care nurse
  • Surgical nurse
  • Rehabilitation nurse

3. Why get an RN to BSN?

Hospitals across the country are working toward Magnet status, and part of the requirements of Magnet status involve having a nursing workforce with bachelor's degrees. Earning your RN-BSN degree enables you to add to your hospital numbers for Magnet status. Traditional or online RN programs both can give you the credentials needed to help your hospital reach this designation.

Additionally, an RN-BSN degree gives you valuable credentials that can help you stand out, boosting your résumé and giving you important experience. Traditional and online RN to BSN programs both stand out on a résumé. This can make you eligible for raises, promotions, and opportunities in the nursing field.

About RN to BSN Programs

Today more than 60% of nurses still enter the workforce with an associate's degree or diploma in nursing. Because of increasing desire for hospitals and clinics to add BSN educated nurses to their workforce, there are now more than 700 RN to BSN programs in the United States. Because of the accessibility of these options, growing numbers of BSN graduates are earning RN to BSN degrees. Nearly 50% of BSN graduates today have earned an RN to BSN degree.

So what can you expect in an RN to BSN degree program? In an online RN to BSN program you can expect to take general education courses required for a bachelor's degree, as well as some nursing courses that will help you gain additional skills. In many online RN to BSN programs, your experience and RN license will allow you to waive many of the courses, accelerating your program. Many RNs choose this kind of online program because they are able to continue working while they attend school—they don't have to log in to classes at a certain time to listen to lectures. Instead they have the ability to be in charge of their degree program,

It's important to research and find a school that is recognized and accredited for your RN-BSN program. For example, WGU is CCNE accredited, demonstrating that it is a school that is recognized in the United States as qualified to teach healthcare professionals. This accreditation will validate your online bachelor's degree, and is vital to showing employers and peers that your online RN to BSN program credentials are reputable.

RN to BSN Careers

As more hospitals work to achieve Magnet status, they may be looking to only hire nurses who have a bachelor's degree. In fact, some job listings may explicitly state not to apply unless you have a bachelor's degree. A BSN is becoming increasingly important for nurses who want to stand out from the competition and be considered for positions. BSN nurses often have many more options and opportunities in the nursing field.

Similarly, nurses who earn a BSN through a traditional or online program can expect a pay raise. This may vary by facility, but the industry standard is that nurses who earn a traditional or online bachelor's degree can expect a percentage pay raise to accompany their new credential. Hospitals see great value in BSN nurses, and want to reward RNs who work to earn their degree. The average annual salary for a registered nurse is around $75,000 per year, and nurses can usually expect a 3-5% pay raise when they earn their degree. Research shows that RNs with an associate's degree can expect to earn around $75,000, RNs with a diploma can expect to earn around $78,000, and RNs with a BSN can expect to earn around $80,000 per year.

Additionally, a traditional or online RN to BSN can help prepare nurses for additional certifications and job opportunities. Many specialized nursing positions will prefer a nurse with a BSN. While it may not be required to become a critical care nurse or a trauma nurse, your degree can help you stand out from the competition for these positions. There are also many nursing positions that require a BSN nurse, including pharmaceutical RNs, public health nurse, case management, and more.

RN to BSN degree is an important step in furthering your education, and many nurses may want to continue their education and earn an MSN to help propel their career. A BSN is required to earn an MSN degree, and an MSN can open doors to nurse management, nurse education, and other important leadership positions in the field.

If you're ready to earn a raise, promotion, or prepare for your future, a traditional or online RN to BSN program is a critical first step.

Benefits of a BSN Degree

There are many benefits for nurses and employers when it comes to BSN degrees, including:

  • Preparation. Nurses who earn their BSN will be prepared for specific situations in the hospital setting. They will have learned extensively about nursing research, ethics, and informatics, equipping them to know how to handle challenging situations in their profession.
  • Magnet status. Magnet status designates a hospital as one of the best in the country. As more hospitals are working to obtain Magnet status, they are looking to have their current RNs obtain bachelor's degrees, or plan to hire only BSN holding nurses. A BSN can help you move to a Magnet hospital, or can help your current hospital move up in status. 
  • Clinical skills. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing say that BSN nurses tend to have better clinical skills than ADN nurses. BSN nurses are shown to have lower mortality rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates, and better ability to diagnose and evaluate patients. A BSN can help you improve clinical skills and be a better nurse.
  • Career opportunities. A BSN degree can help current nurses be prepared for career opportunities in a nonhospital setting. They are able to move into teaching, case management, policy review, and more. Some of these career opportunities will require a master's degree or MSN, and a BSN is required for students to move forward into higher educational opportunities.

Is an RN to BSN Degree Worth It?

Most RNs who have gotten their BSN degree will tell you it is 100% worth it. The potential for raises, promotions, new career opportunities, and skills you gain in your BSN are key for your future. A BSN can help you propel your own career and can help you become a better nurse. You can see better patient outcomes, learn new techniques and strategies, and overall help improve the healthcare industry moving forward.

So who should obtain an RN to BSN degree? Any currently licensed RN is a great candidate for an RN to BSN degree. Your skills and experience earning your RN and working as a nurse will help make this program meaningful and impactful for you. 

Some nurses worry about the time commitment and cost of earning a BSN. At WGU, we work to make sure nurses can earn their degree without headache. We focus on keeping tuition costs low so current nurses won't break the bank to earn their degree. Our tuition is charged per-term instead of per-credit, so taking more courses doesn't raise your cost. We also offer financial aid and scholarship options to make our tuition even more affordable. 

Similarly we use a unique educational method called competency-based education to help current nurses move through their program faster. You can use your knowledge and experience to waive courses and to help you move faster through the courses you do take. You don't have spend time logged in to a class, and your assignments don't have deadlines. You can move through your courses as quickly as you can master the material. This allows you to graduate faster and spend less money on your BSN degree.

WGU RN to BSN at a Glance

18 Months

66% RN-BSN graduates at WGU are able to finish their degree program in 18 months or less!

81 Credits

On average, RN-BSN students can transfer 81 credits due to their RN license and experience.

$4,685

WGU's RN-BSN tuition is charged per-term instead of per-credit, so finishing faster helps you save.

24 Classes

The curriculum of the RN-BSN degree program is designed for working professionals.

Admission Information for the RN to BSN Degree Program

To be considered for this program, you must:

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Start dates are the 1st of every month. Meet requirements by the 15th to start next month. Discuss steps and deadlines with your Enrollment Counselor.

Get Your Enrollment Checklist

Prepare yourself to enroll at WGU by downloading your step-by-step guide here.

Any Questions?

Get your questions answered and take the next step. Talk to an Enrollment Counselor.

866-225-5948

How Much Does an RN to BSN Degree Cost?

Affordable tuition is key at WGU. Our tuition is charged per-term instead of per-credit, so you are in control of the overall cost of your degree. The majority of students finish the RN to BSN program in just 18 months, making the cost of your degree just over $10,000. We also offer scholarships and financial aid to help make your degree even more affordable. 

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More About the BSN Program at WGU

Frequently Asked Questions for this BSN Program

No, but you must have an unencumbered RN license, and your previous nursing experience will be valuable and could help you move through the program more quickly.

Yes! Almost every student with a license as a registered nurse can clear on transfer 50 to 90 credit equivalents from a previous program into this program. If you’ve taken courses or received a degree from another college or university, you may be able to clear some of these requirements through transfer credit. You will need to provide WGU with your official transcripts for review.

WGU is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and, in order to uphold this accreditation, we must require our own background checks. A third-party company is used to provide this service and the information is proprietary; therefore, we are unable to access a background check completed for, or requested by, another entity.

The RN-to-BSN program will continue to have a field experience clinical with hours completed in a variety of community settings, identified by the student.  More information is available in the course information listed in the program guide.

You will find that these courses are typically higher-level courses that are an integral part of our core BSN program and vital to your success.  The good news is, because of your prior knowledge and experience with these subjects, you are likely to master the competencies easier and progress through the course faster.  That's why competency-based education is so appealing!

Yes! Our BSN program is recognized by the board of nursing in all 50 states! This recognition is due to our esteemed accreditations, both regionally and through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Yes. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

The post-graduate APRN certificate program at WGU is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Additionally, Western Governors University Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Master’s Degree in Nursing programs hold pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20037. 800-669-1656. Holding preaccreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received.

An ADN to BSN program is for Associate Degree in Nursing graduates who want to progress to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. ADN to BSN programs help these nurses boost their résumé or assist in their hospital reaching magnet status by earning a bachelor's degree. ADN to BSN programs like WGU's RN to BSN program are for current nurses who have an associate degree or diploma and want to move forward in their education. 

If you're currently an RN in Texas, there are many online degree programs that allow you to earn your BSN at an affordable price, without leaving your job. WGU is a top option for RN to BSN students because of its affordability and unique education model that lets you go through your RN to BSN program on your own schedule. You move through courses as quickly as you can master the material, with no set class times so you can continue to work as an RN while you're earning your degree. 

RN to BSN programs typically take 18-24 months to complete. This is faster than a typical BSN because most of these programs accept extensive transfer credits from your nursing diploma or associate degree. In some programs, like WGU's nursing program, you are able to accelerate even more by using your experience to help you move through courses more quickly where you can prove mastery. At WGU most RN to BSN students finish in 18 months or less.

BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Someone who has a bachelor's of science in nursing has also become a registered nurse (RN). A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is becoming more standard for the nursing industry as more hospitals are looking to reach Magnet status.

There are many options for earning a BSN in California, especially if you want to earn your RN to BSN degree online. WGU is a top option based on affordability and time. Their unique education model allows you to go through your RN to BSN degree program much faster than traditional degree programs. WGU RN to BSN programs are a great fit for current RNs in California who are looking to boost their résumé or help their hospital reach magnet status with a BSN degree.

Admissions requirements vary widely from program to program and from school to school. Nurse practitioner programs—including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and post-MSN NP certificate programs—can be among the most competitive. One factor commonly considered for enrollment in post-graduate nursing programs is grade-point average (GPA) from previous college work. The nature of WGU’s competency-based model means WGU graduates do not have a GPA when they earn their degree.

However, other factors beyond GPA are considered by many programs across the country. WGU provides opportunities for students to demonstrate excellence beyond a GPA, including participation in nationally recognized honors programs, real-world projects that you complete as part of your program that you can showcase in your post-graduate applications, and letters of recommendation from WGU faculty or leadership.

For any aspiring graduate student, it is important to maximize your own qualities as well as do the research to understand the schools that offer the programs you seek to join.

You can start your research by reviewing this list of post-graduate programs that have admitted WGU alumni in the past. Look on LinkedIn for WGU nursing alumni who have gone on to become nurse practitioners, and check their profiles to see which schools they attended for the MSN or DNP program. Contact the school to ask whether they enroll students from competency-based programs like WGU’s. And talk to your WGU Enrollment Counselor. WGU can provide alumni with a letter they can share with graduate schools, explaining our competency-based model. This letter has helped WGU alumni be accepted into a variety of graduate programs in a number of fields and disciplines.

The RN to BSN degree builds on the foundation of previous nursing education at the associate degree or diploma levels. Initial licensure programs prepare graduates for RN licensure with courses in the biological and social sciences and nursing. The BSN degree for RNs expands knowledge in areas of research, theory, leadership, community concepts, healthcare policy, therapeutic interventions, and current trends in healthcare. Graduates are prepared to function in new roles as members of healthcare teams in many settings. BSN graduates are also prepared to enter MSN programs. All work in this degree program is online and at a distance. The WGU RN to BSN program is evidence-based and developed according to The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021). In addition, it incorporates competencies and standards from other specialty organizations.

Safety: The graduate provides safe fiscally responsive quality care environment for individuals, families, communities, and multidisciplinary teams using established and emerging principles of safety science.

QA: The graduate collects, analyzes, and interprets data to improve patient outcomes and to provide value-based care to persons and populations at the local, regional, national, and global levels.

Scholarship: The graduate integrates best evidence into nursing practice incorporating individual values as well as clinical expertise from industry analyses to persons and populations at the local, regional, national, and global levels.

Innovation: The graduate innovates creative, agile responses to complex and evolving care environments through a systems-based approach to values-based care across the care continuum.

Personal, Professional, and Leadership Development: The graduate engages in self-reflection and other activities to foster personal health, resilience, well-being, and lifelong learning in a purposeful leadership practice.

Informatics/Technology: The graduate integrates informatics knowledge and skills to provide safe, high-quality care, incorporating best practices, industry and professional guidance, and regulatory standards.

Leadership/Professional: The graduate demonstrates leadership by identifying and prioritizing goals to achieve optimal outcomes for person-centered care and population health.

Ethical Competent Practice: The graduate formulates and cultivates a professional identity that includes accountability, collaborative disposition and ethical comportment reflective of the profession's characteristics, norms and values.    

Professional Communication/Collaboration: The graduate effectively communicates and collaborates with interprofessional teams, persons, families, and communities to optimize care and improve health outcomes using a value-centered approach.

Compassionate Holistic Care: The graduate provides holistic and compassionate person-centered care that respects individual and community diversity while considering determinants of health.

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