The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the ticket to leadership roles, job security, and better patient outcomes. If you’re a registered nurse and want to take your career to the next level, enrolling in an RN to BSN degree program will open the door to new and exciting opportunities in health care. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for nurses will exceed 3.3 million by 2031. The rise in employment will arise from the need to fill positions of retiring nurses and new positions to meet growing health care demands. Never has there been a time when employers have been seeking out the services of qualified nurses. They are building higher educated nursing teams to improve patient outcomes and the standard of care. More employers are requiring the BSN degree from new hires. The BSN degree is preferred for clinical as well as leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities.
Indiana University School of Nursing
Indiana University’s online RN to BSN Degree Completion Option is designed to meet the needs of working nurses and their employers. The online program is a convenient and affordable way for registered nurses to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Students will complete the curriculum at their own pace. Students can complete the program in 12 months after finishing the general education requirements. Part-time students can complete the program in 18 to 24 months. The coursework is delivered fully online. The clinical experiences can be completed at the student’s place of employment. Admission to the program is not competitive, so students who meet the criteria will be accepted into the program right away.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 53 credits
Duration: 12 months full-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – Health Policy, Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice, Informatics, Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health-Care Research, Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Capstone, Applied Health-Care Ethics, A Multisystem Approach to the Health of the Community, Nursing Management, Comprehensive Nursing Health Assessment, Aging with Dignity, The Art and Science of Complementary Health, New Innovations in Health and Health Care, Current Trends in Global Health Nursing, Genes and Precision Health, Care Coordination in Transitions of Care, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
Admission criteria:
- Must have a two-year associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma
- Must hold an encumbered RN license in the state where practicing or plan to meet the practicum requirements
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from the ASN or diploma program
- Must have completed nine credit hours of general education courses
- Must comply with immunization, CPR certification, and health insurance coverage requirements
- Complete a national criminal background check
Program Cost:
The total program cost is $10,500 for an Indiana resident who needs to complete 30 credit hours of courses. The cost per credit hour is $350.
- Website: https://rntobsn.iu.edu/index.html
- Address: 600 Barnhill Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Phone: 317-274-2806
Indiana University – Northwest
The RN to BSN Degree Completion program at Indiana University Northwest is designed for the registered nurses who want to acquire a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN). Classes are delivered fully online. Students have the option to graduate in 12, 18 or 24 months, after completing the general education requirements. Nursing courses are delivered in condensed 6-week learning modules, which allows to students to continue working while taking classes. The curriculum builds on courses that students have already completed, so that previous general education may be eligible for credit. It will cover current trends in health care and how to adapt to the trends through changing practice. Other key areas of study include disease prevention, health program, health maintenance, and management of individuals/families coping with acute and chronic illness. Graduates will be well-prepared to meet the current and future health needs of society.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 53 credits
Duration: 12 months full-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – Health Policy, Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice, Informatics, Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health-Care Research, Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Capstone, Applied Health-Care Ethics, A Multisystem Approach to the Health of the Community, Nursing Management, Comprehensive Nursing Health Assessment, Aging with Dignity, The Art and Science of Complementary Health, New Innovations in Health and Health Care, Current Trends in Global Health Nursing, Genes and Precision Health, Care Coordination in Transitions of Care, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
Admission criteria:
- Must have a two-year associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma
- Must hold an encumbered RN license in the state where practicing or plan to meet the practicum requirements
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from the ASN or diploma program
- Must have completed nine credit hours of general education courses
- Must comply with immunization, CPR certification, and health insurance coverage requirements
- Complete a national criminal background check
Program Cost:
The total program cost is $10,500 for an Indiana resident who needs to complete 30 credit hours of courses. The cost per credit hour is $350.
- Website: https://www.iun.edu/
- Address: 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408
- Phone: 888-YOUR-IUN
Indiana University Southeast
The RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program is open to Registered Nurses with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) or a diploma in nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN program. It gives them the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree in nursing. All nursing classes are fully online and includes the option to graduate in 12, 18 or 24 months after completing the general education requirements. The program uses Web-based and video technologies so there’s no need for students to come to campus. The semester is split into two terms (7 to 8 weeks each) so students can complete up to four courses every semester.
Practicums or clinical experiences are embedded in didactic or lecture-based courses and are tailored to meet students’ experience and career goals. The curriculum also includes contemporary electives which cover current topics like Informatics, Complementary Therapies, and Genetics.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 53 credits
Duration: 12 months full-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – Health Policy, Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice, Informatics, Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health-Care Research, Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Capstone, Applied Health-Care Ethics, A Multisystem Approach to the Health of the Community, Nursing Management, Comprehensive Nursing Health Assessment, Aging with Dignity, The Art and Science of Complementary Health, New Innovations in Health and Health Care, Current Trends in Global Health Nursing, Genes and Precision Health, Care Coordination in Transitions of Care, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
Admission criteria:
- Must have a two-year associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma
- Must hold an encumbered RN license in the state where practicing or plan to meet the practicum requirements
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from the ASN or diploma program
- Must have completed nine credit hours of general education courses
- Must comply with immunization, CPR certification, and health insurance coverage requirements
- Complete a national criminal background check
Program Cost:
The total program cost is $10,500 for an Indiana resident who needs to complete 30 credit hours of courses. The cost per credit hour is $350.
- Website: https://southeast.iu.edu/
- Address: 4201 Grant Line Rd., New Albany, IN 47150
- Phone: (812) 941-2333
University of Southern Indiana
The RN to BSN program at the University of Southern Indiana prepares registered nurses to take the next step in their career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The program is delivered 100% online program to let students take classes that fit their unique schedule. The courses are delivered in convenient 8-week segments. There will be an emphasis on creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The curriculum will also cover global health and evidence-based practice. Graduates will be well-prepared for nursing leadership positions or graduate school. Full-time students can complete the online degree and graduate in just 14 months. The class size is limited to 30 students to ensure personalized instruction.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 48 credits
Duration: 14 months full-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – Health Assessment for Registered Nurses, Transition to Advanced Nursing Practice, Care Coordination in Professional Nursing Practice, Nursing Informatics, Population Health and Professional Nursing Practice, Application of Evidence-Based Practice, Population -Focused Care for Registered Nurses, Leadership in Nursing and Healthcare Organizations, Clinical Synthesis, Biostatistics, Ethics and Healthcare in a Pluralistic Society, Principles and Applications in Nutrition, Interprofessional Perspectives on Global Health, and Cultural Diversity
Admission criteria:
- Must have completed an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma from a nationally or regionally accredited program
- Must hold an encumbered RN license – no action or pending action against license
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale in previous academic work. Students with a 2.0 to 2.29 GPA will be considered on an individual basis
- Must submit the USI RN-BSN application online
- Must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Must be employed by or have access to a healthcare work environment to complete course projects
- Non-native speakers of English must meet English proficiency requirements
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $297 per credit hour for Indiana residents. The school offers generous grants and scholarships for nursing students to save money.
- Website: https://www.usi.edu/
- Address: 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN 47712
- Phone: 812-464-8600
Marian University
Marian University’s RN to BSN online track helps registered nurses improve their career outlook. The program builds on their previous education and experience to expand students’ knowledge and refine your physical assessment skills. Courses are delivered fully online enabling students to successfully balance classes with work and family responsibilities. The bachelor’s degree is awarded to students who complete 128 credit hours – with at least 30 credit hours earned at Marian University. There will be an emphasis on the fundamentals of nursing and professional development. Upon completion, students are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Graduates will be well-prepared to fill leadership roles and manage the complex healthcare needs of diverse populations. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 128 credits – including transfer credits
Duration: 12 months full-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – Nursing Seminar, Health Assessment and Communications, Research and Informatics, Legal/Ethical Issues, Gerontological Issues in Healthcare, Leadership/Community in the Nursing Profession, Community Health Nursing, Holistic Self Care
Admission criteria:
- Must have completed an associate degree with a major in nursing from an ACEN accredited program
- Must have an active RN license – no action or pending action against license
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from a prior nursing program
- Must submit an RN-BSN application online
- Must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $1,780 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.marian.edu/
- Address: 3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222-1997
- Phone: (317) 955-6000
Indiana Wesleyan University
IWU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is offered both online and in an online/onsite hybrid with multiple start dates each year. The program is accredited by CCNE. It is designed to help students earn a BSN in approximately 13 to 15 months. The school provides a unique Christ-centered educational environment to help students grow personally and professionally, equipping them to provide excellent, compassionate care to people in need. Faculty are fully engaged in students’ development, providing strong, specific feedback and personalized attention to their concerns and questions. Graduates will be prepared to lead teams and develop strategic plans to improve patient outcomes.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 31 credits
Duration: 12 months full-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – Introduction to Baccalaureate Nursing, Foundations for Professional Practice, Nursing Process: Health Indicators and Clinical Prevention, Evidence-Based Nursing, Population Health: Local, National and Global Approaches, Leadership and Management in Nursing, Baccalaureate Capstone: Synthesis and Evaluation, Ethics, Perspectives on Poverty and Health, Cross-Cultural Experience, Complementary and Alternative Therapies, Nursing From a Christian Worldview, Parish Nursing/Faith Community Nursing, Transcultural Healthcare, Universal Trafficking in Persons
Admission criteria:
- Provide proof of high school graduation or GED certification
- Provide original transcripts from all previous college or university study that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- Must have completed an associate degree with a major in nursing from an ACEN accredited program
- Must have an active RN license
- Must have completed at least 60 transferrable credit hours – a maximum of 40 hours of credit may be earned through the assessed learning process toward the required 60 credits
- Must have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from a prior nursing program
- Must submit an RN-BSN application online
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $455 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.indwes.edu/
- Address: 4201 S Washington St, Marion, IN 46953
- Phone: 765-674-6901
Indiana University Kokomo
The RN to BSN degree program at IUK gives registered nurses the opportunity to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in one to two years—even with a full-time work schedule. Students will learn from faculty whose passion lies in preparing nurses to be the best they can be. They will acquire the knowledge and skills to provide safe, informed, culturally-competent patient care in all kinds of settings and environments. The school offers a fully-online track that lets students take all classes online. The hybrid track offers the best of both worlds, requiring both online and in-person classes. Graduates will receive a bachelor of science in nursing and will be prepared to become nurse leaders and pursue graduate study.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 53 credits
Duration: 12 months full-time
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – Health Policy, Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice, Informatics, Data Analysis in Clinical Practice and Health-Care Research, Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Capstone, Applied Health-Care Ethics, A Multisystem Approach to the Health of the Community, Nursing Management, Comprehensive Nursing Health Assessment, Aging with Dignity, The Art and Science of Complementary Health, New Innovations in Health and Health Care, Current Trends in Global Health Nursing, Genes and Precision Health, Care Coordination in Transitions of Care, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response
Admission criteria:
- Must have a two-year associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma
- Must hold an encumbered RN license in the state where practicing or plan to meet the practicum requirements
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale from the ASN or diploma program
- Must have completed nine credit hours of general education courses
- Must comply with immunization, CPR certification, and health insurance coverage requirements
- Complete a national criminal background check
Program Cost:
The total program cost is $10,500 for an Indiana resident who needs to complete 30 credit hours of courses. The cost per credit hour is $350.
- Website: https://www.iuk.edu/
- Address: 2300 S. Washington St., Kokomo, IN 46902
- Phone: 765-453-2000
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.