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Get started on a nursing program of your choice from WGU.
View DegreesGet a degree from a respected university. WGU's nursing programs are CCNE-accredited.
At WGU, you have a number of options to consider for earning your advanced nursing degree online.
The three pathways to nursing degrees we offer are:
While the above programs are geared toward current RNs, in a select few states, WGU offers a prelicensure degree program that leads to both an RN license and a BSN. So, if you’re looking to become an RN and earn your BSN in one program and live in one of the states where it is offered, this pathway could work for you.
If you’re considering the RN to BSN, BSN to MSN, or RN to MSN, it’s important to understand how each is unique so you can pick one that best fits your education, experience, and career goals. This guide will outline the cost, time commitment, and credentials required of each degree.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking...
An online BSN degree program for registered...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
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 don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's Degree in Health Services Coordination instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
College of Health Professions
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a...
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and...
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees by clicking the button below.
College of Health Professions
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who...
A nursing degree program that empowers...
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have a BSN but seek the success only a master's can bring:
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for nurses who take this path.
College of Health Professions
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator.
Sample careers and jobs this online nursing degree will prepare you for:
Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.
College of Health Professions
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for greater responsibility:
Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees by clicking the button below.
College of Health Professions
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs....
A master's in nursing education program for...
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs.
This degree will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your MSN – Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers.
College of Health Professions
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses to go from RN...
A nursing program that empowers data-driven...
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses to go from RN to MSN, earning their BSN along the way:
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for registered nurses who take this path.
College of Health Professions
This program works best for current nurses who are ready to earn their BSN degree and only their BSN degree. It’s also ideal for nurses who want to improve their salary and job opportunities, move into a nursing specialty, or help their hospital achieve magnet status.
Tuition at WGU is charged per six-month term—not per credit hour—which means you can complete more courses in one term without paying more money. Plus, you can advance by demonstrating that you've mastered the course subject matter—whether you learned it through your study at WGU or picked up that knowledge through work experience. The result? Finish faster and pay less.
On average, students can finish this program in 18 months. Although, thanks to WGU’s competency-based education, progress is based on your ability to prove what you’ve learned. So, how quickly you move through your program is largely up to you. Some nurses find they can often transfer up to 90 credits from their ADN or RN into their WGU RN to BSN bachelor's degree program, helping them graduate faster.
To qualify for this program, you’ll need to have a current, active RN license. Many nurses pursue a diploma program or ADN to earn their initial RN license, then opt to earn their BSN.
The BSN-to-MSN program is for current RNs who already have their BSN degree and are ready to take the next step and earn their MSN. It’s the best fit for nurses who want to move into a management, educator, or informatics role. These nurses already have their BSN and are looking for advanced opportunities, career moves, and salaries.
Keep in mind that each term at WGU is six months long and you can complete as many courses as you're able during that period. You aren't charged per course or per credit, so if you earn your degree ahead of schedule, you can save time and money.
This program builds on your BSN background and RN experience. Many online degrees offer flexibility, but not to the level that WGU does. Our competency-based education model allows you to study and complete coursework on your schedule, so you can continue to work full-time and create a study plan as it fits your lifestyle.
In order to qualify for this program you’ll need to have a current, active RN license (though you’re not required to be working as an RN at the time of enrollment), as well as a BSN.
The RN-to-MSN program is for current RNs who want a master’s degree but need to obtain their bachelor’s degree as well. This program allows you to earn your BSN and MSN in a bridge program—so you can earn your BSN and then move directly to your MSN. This allows you to complete two degrees in one program. You also earn a post-baccalaureate certificate along the way as part of this program.
The RN-to-MSN isn’t for everyone. This program is rigorous and requires a longer time commitment. You need to be sure that you are looking to earn both a BSN and MSN degree.
This is the cost per six-month term, which increases when you enter the MSN portion of this program. Because tuition is charged per term, you can take as many courses as you are able in a six-month period and not pay additional tuition.
WGU’s RN-to-MSN pathway takes longer than other programs because it’s two programs in one. However, WGU lets you move more quickly through the material you already know and advance as soon as you’re ready. This is why many people are able to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degree in less than 4 years.
In order to qualify for this program you’ll need to have a current, active RN license, however there’s no RN work requirement. This means you don't need to be currently working as an RN in order to be eligible for admission into this MSN program. You can also transfer up to 17 competency units of your MSN courses taken at the master’s level at an accredited intuition to this degree program. Courses must have been completed at an accredited MSN program within the past five years with a grade of “B” or higher.
If you’re ready to take your nursing career to the next level, WGU has three great degree pathways to get you there. All provide a flexible schedule that puts you in the driver’s seat so you can continue to work full-time and manage family life while you earn your education. Our curriculum is developed by experts in the field who understand what busy nurses need to know to enhance their experience and résumé. A degree could change your opportunities and impact your life, so get started advancing your education today.
“I hadn’t been in school for so long, but having the work experience from being a nurse, I not only did well, I actually loved it. The courses were practical, and everything made sense.” Keith Plant
B.S. Nursing
Whichever degree you choose, there is a wide variety of career opportunities open to students of both degree programs. There are also major benefits associated with pursuing a degree program with WGU, including a flexible schedule, affordable options for every student, and more.
Tuition is charged per six-month term—not per credit hour—which means you can complete more courses in one term without paying more money.
Competency-based education means you can use your knowledge and professional experience to your advantage. Move through courses at your own pace to accelerate your program and graduate faster.
Because our courses are all online, you can continue to work full-time and manage your responsibilities while earning your degree. You don't have to leave your job to pursue your MBA—something you and your employer will both appreciate.
“Growing up we never talked about college but it was something I always wanted to do. The competency-based model really worked for me because it applied immediately to my job and helped me be a better nurse and better communicator” Melvin Bolden,
BS Nursing RN-BSN
97% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.
95% of employers said they would hire another WGU graduate.
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.
Source: 2021 Harris Poll survey of 300 employers