There’s constant growth and change in healthcare delivery. Nurses have a major role in caring for patients, and one of the best ways to keep up with the ever-changing industry is through continuous learning. If you are already working as a registered nurse and hold an associate of science or diploma in nursing, you can enroll in an RN to BSN program and open doors to bigger and better opportunities in healthcare. A BSN is essential for positions in leadership, hospital jobs, military jobs, and more. BSN-educated nurses earn higher salaries and have more opportunities than nurses with an ASN degree. Even if you’re comfortable with your current position, a BSN may be necessary to continue practicing as a nurse in the future. As it stands, more hospitals, clinics, and private physicians are requiring a BSN of their nurses. The industry acknowledges that nurses at the BSN level are better prepared to take on additional responsibilities, use evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes, and assume positions in leadership. The RN-to-BSN program provides an easy transition to the BSN degree. Most programs are delivered fully online with clinicals scheduled in the nurse’s community. You will complete the requirements for your BSN degree in 12 to 24 months – depending on the number of transferred credits.
Cal State LA
The full-time RN to BSN program at Cal State LA is open to registered nurses who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The program is also open to military students and second baccalaureate students. The curriculum is intensive and is not compatible with a heavy outside workload. Courses are delivered online but there will be scheduled clinical rotations that require travel to clinical sites in Los Angeles. The program admits students once per year for the Fall semester. Graduates will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 37 units
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
Transfer courses – Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Statistics. Microbiology for Health Related Sciences, Microbiology Lab for Health Related Sciences, Writing Communication, Critical Thinking, Human Nutrition, Introductory Psychology, Introduction to Sociology
Core courses – Health Assessment and Promotion Across the Life Span (includes lab), Development for Professional Practice, Nursing Leadership and Care Management, Nursing Leadership and Care Management Clinical Laboratory, Upper Division General Education Course, Upper Division General Education Course, Pathophysiology for Nursing Practice, Community Public Health Nursing, Community/Public Health Nursing (in person preceptored), Introduction to Nursing Research (with) (hybrid) (includes Informatics), Upper Division General Education Course
Admission criteria:
- Must submit an application to the University
- Submit an application to the School of Nursing via Nursing CAS between October and January of each academic year
- Provide proof of California RN License attached to the SON application
- Complete the Major Specific Criteria Courses with required grades
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 from all transfer institutions
- Must have LD GE courses graded C or higher and certified at the community college
- At least one year experience as a registered nurse is recommended
Tuition and fees cost $2,871 per semester for full-time students.
- Website: https://www.calstatela.edu/
- Address: 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032
- Phone: (323) 343-3000
Mount Saint Mary University
The RN to Bachelor of Science Degree Completion Program offered at Mount Saint Mary University takes a nontraditional approach for Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree. The fully online program is designed to be completed in three semesters, and gives registered nurses the flexibility to work while continuing their nursing education. Students will complete an in-person clinical component during the second and third semesters. The clinical will be conducted in LA county and students must provide their own reliable transportation to and from the facilities. Preceptorships are conducted during the week and arranged to meet the needs of individual students. General education requirements may be completed through Weekend College. Graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. New students are admitted twice per year in the Fall and Spring semesters.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 42 units
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – Biomedical Issues in Christian Ethics, Statistics for Social Science OR Basic Statistical Methods, Liberal Arts Core Education: Community, Liberal Arts Core Education: Global Awareness, Liberal Arts Core Education: Women and Gender, Liberal Arts Core Education: Integrative Scholarship
Core courses – Transition to Professional Practice, Health Assessment, Alterations of Health and Wellness, Leadership and Health Policy, Leadership and Health Policy Practicum, Integrative Nursing Practice, Palliative Care, Community Public Health, Community Public Health Practicum, Evidence-Based Practice
Admission criteria:
- Must submit an application to the University
- Must have an advisement session prior to admission
- Submit a completed application to the School of Nursing
- A student who has obtained an ADN from Mount Saint Mary’s University with a GPA of 2.8 or better and has had no break greater than one (1) year between obtaining the ADN degree and starting the RN to BSN program may complete a Program Change Application form. The form will be available from the RN to BSN advisor. No University application is required.
- Submit official college transcripts from every college attended
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8
- Must have a cumulative science GPA of at least 2.5
- Submit letters of reference with the application for admission
- Must have an unencumbered, valid, active, RN license in the state of California
- Attend a scheduled personal interview
- Must complete the necessary health forms and immunization by the first semester
- Required vaccinations include polio (series of three doses), MMR (two doses if born 1957 or later), TDaP, hepatitis B, varicella
- Must have current CPR card (American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS)
- Must have a fire safety card
- Must complete a criminal background check as outlined in the clinical policies
- Must complete drug screening prior to the start of the coursework
Tuition and fees cost $46,740 per year. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.msmu.edu/
- Address: 12001 Chalon Road Los Angeles, CA 90049
- Phone: 310.954.4000
Angeles College
The RN to BSN program at Angeles College is open to applicants who have already earned an Associate of Science in Nursing degree or a Hospital Diploma in Nursing. Preference is given to candidates who are already employed in the health care industry as registered nurses. The program is ideal for nurses seeking advanced positions that require a bachelor of science in nursing. They will gain the necessary skills to function as effective RN managers and administrators in the fast-growing health care industry. Courses such as Nursing Assessment, Budgeting, clinical Quality Improvement and Nursing leadership will equip nurses with the tools to become leaders in the diverse healthcare field or within their own area of professional expertise. The curriculum covers a total of 1040 clock hours including 850 theory hours, 40 lab hours, and 150 clinical hours. Graduates will be awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 92 quarter credits
Clock hours: 1040 hours
Duration: 12 months
Method of instruction: Hybrid
Course titles:
General education courses – Information Literary, English Composition I, Art History, Public Speaking, English Composition II, Introduction to Biostatistics, Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Sociology of Diversity, Philosophy of Ethics, Human Development Lifecycle
Core courses – Professional Issues in Nursing, Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology I, Pharmacology II, Evidence-Based Practice, Nursing Informatics, Health Policy and Finance, Epidemiology, Population Health Nursing, Population Health Nursing Clinical, Leadership and Management, Leadership and Management Clinical, Clinical Quality and Safety
Admission criteria:
- Must submit an application to the University
- Submit a separate application for the nursing program
- Submit official college transcripts from an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree or a Hospital Diploma in Nursing
- Must have an associate of science in nursing or a hospital diploma in nursing
- Must have an RN license through the California 30-unit option
- Registered nurses from a foreign country may apply once their license meets the requirements of the California Board of Registered Nurses
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 from the ASD Degree program or a Hospital Diploma program or equivalent
- Submit completed Enrollment Agreement to the Nursing Program
- Submit letters of reference with the application for admission
- Must have an unencumbered, valid, active, RN license from the United States or a Foreign Country
- Attend a scheduled personal interview
- Must complete the necessary health forms and immunization by the first semester
- Required vaccinations include polio (series of three doses), MMR (two doses if born 1957 or later), TDaP, hepatitis B, varicella
- Must have current CPR card (American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS)
- Must have a fire safety card
- Must complete a criminal background check as outlined in the clinical policies
- Must complete drug screening prior to the start of the coursework
- Must provide evidence of a current active professional liability (malpractice) insurance policy – must be maintained throughout the program
The total program cost of $22,010 includes registration fee, books, tuition, equipment, and STRF.
- Website: https://www.angelescollege.edu/
- Address: 3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 310, Los Angeles, CA 90010
- Phone: (213) 487-2211
West Coast University
The RN-to-BSN program at West Coast University is open to registered nurses who hold an Associate of Science or Diploma in Nursing. They will complete general education courses, nursing courses and specialized health care occupation courses. The content is delivered in “bookend” format where students will attend class on campus for the first and tenth weeks of every term and the rest of the courses are delivered online. Applicants to the program will receive 35 credits on the basis of nursing courses completed in an RN program. General education courses account for 52 credits, and core nursing credits account for another 33 credits. Graduates will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 semesters – length depends on transfer credits
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Chemistry, Written Communication I, Written Communication II, Cultural Pluralism, College Mathematics I, Statistics, General Microbiology, Critical Reasoning, Human Physiology, Introduction to Psychology, Life Span Psychology, Oral Communication
Core courses – Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Pathophysiology, Medical Ethics and Issues, Nutrition in Health and Disease, Public Health Nursing Practicum, Research in Nursing, Principles of Teaching and Patient Care, Principles of Leadership and Management, Disaster Management, Issues and Trends in Nursing, Professional Roles within Nursing, Alternative Therapies in Nursing and Health Care, Nursing Capstone for Post-Licensure Students
Admission criteria:
- Must submit an application to the University
- Submit a separate application for the nursing program
- Submit official college transcripts from an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree or a Hospital Diploma in Nursing
- Must have an associate of science in nursing or a hospital diploma in nursing
- Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 from the ASD Degree program or a Hospital Diploma program or equivalent
- Submit completed Enrollment Agreement to the Nursing Program
- Submit letters of reference with the application for admission
- Must have an unencumbered, valid, active, RN license from the United States or a Foreign Country
- Attend a scheduled personal interview
- Must complete the necessary health forms and immunization by the first semester
- Required vaccinations include polio (series of three doses), MMR (two doses if born 1957 or later), TDaP, hepatitis B, varicella
- Must have current CPR card (American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS)
- Must complete a criminal background check as outlined in the clinical policies
- Must complete drug screening prior to the start of the coursework
- Must have current active professional liability (malpractice) insurance – must be maintained throughout the program
Tuition costs $17,371 per semester for students completing 12 to 18 credits. The cost does not include books and supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://westcoastuniversity.edu/
- Address: 12215 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91606
- Phone: (818) 299-5500
Stanbridge University
The online RN to BSN program at Stanbridge University is built on critical areas of healthcare leadership to help nursing professionals advance their careers. The Univerisity offers quality instruction to help students excel in their studies and future career, training in advanced physical assessment to design better treatment plans, evidence-based practice that has its basis on past research and tested facts, and health informatics where information science, computer science and healthcare interact. The content is delivered 100 percent online using the Edverum platform. The program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applications are accepted on an open enrollment basis.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 180 including 90 transferred quarter credits
Duration: 23 to 24 months including federal holidays and breaks between terms
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Core courses – Role Transformation in Nursing, Health Promotion through the Life Cycle, Theoretical Models in Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Informatics, Business Communication in Healthcare, Cultural Identity and Diversity, Principles of Teaching, Pathopharmacology I, Pathopharmacology II, Ethics in the Life Sciences, Leadership, Economics and Management, Advanced Physical Assessment, Community Based Nursing, Statistics for the Social Sciences, Nursing Research, Capstone
Admission criteria:
- Meet with an Admissions Representative to learn the prerequisites before applying for the program
- Must have a current RN license from the state of practice
- Must have an associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution
- Submit official transcripts from all universities or colleges and post-secondary educational institutions attended prior to Stanbridge University
- Take the Online Learning Readiness Quiz to ensure online learning is a good fit
- Submit a completed application for admission online
- Submit transfer of credit request by the 14th day from the acceptance date
- Must complete the necessary health forms and immunization by the first semester
- Required vaccinations include polio (series of three doses), MMR (two doses if born 1957 or later), TDaP, hepatitis B, varicella
- Must have current CPR card (American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS)
- Must have a fire safety card
- Must complete a criminal background check as outlined in the clinical policies
- Must complete drug screening prior to the start of the coursework
- Must provide evidence of a current active professional liability (malpractice) insurance policy – must be maintained throughout the program
The total program cost of $22,371 includes books, ebooks, and supplies. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.stanbridge.edu/
- Address: 2215 West Mission Road, Alhambra, CA 91803
- Phone: 866-742-1130
- Fax: 626-283-5787
University of La Verne
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN degree is designed for working nurses who plan to pursue continuing education without interruptions in their work schedules. The degree is offered as an online cohort-model program that lets nurses tune into their lectures and complete homework around their work schedules. The courses are delivered in 8-week sessions and are available year-round. The curriculum covers seven core courses including a nursing capstone course and four elective courses. Students will also complete an in-person clinical component in their home communities. New students are admitted in the fall and spring semesters.
Program Outline
Core Units: 28
Duration: 9 months
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
General education courses – Oral Communication, Written Communication, Anatomy with Lab, Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Chemistry with Lab, Statistics
Core courses – Informatics in Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Professional Nursing Practice, Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research, Applied Leadership in Nursing, Applied Population-Focused Public Health Nursing, Nursing Capstone
Admission criteria:
- Must submit an application to the University
- Submit a separate application for the nursing program
- Submit official college transcripts from an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree or a Hospital Diploma in Nursing
- Must have an associate of science in nursing or a hospital diploma in nursing
- Must have an unencumbered RN license
- Must have at least two years of nursing experience
- Must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Must have a grade C or better on the prerequisite courses
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae – option
- Submit a professional goal statement of no more than two pages – optional
- Submit one letter of recommendation from an academic instructor – optional
- Must have current immunizations – MMR, TDaP, hepatitis B, varicella, TB screen test
- Must have current CPR card (American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS)
- Must complete a criminal background check as outlined in the clinical policies
- Must complete drug screening prior to the start of the coursework
Tuition costs $445 to $645 per unit with scholarship and partnership discounts for qualifying students.
- Website: https://laverne.edu/
- Address: 1950 Third Street, La Verne, CA 91750
- Phone: (909) 593-3511
Glendale Career College
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Glendale Career College builds on the training students received in the registered nursing program. It provides additional skills and knowledge they need to advance their career in health. Working nurses will improve patient outcomes, influence communities with knowledge of evidence-based practice, and improve patient safety and quality improvement. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for graduate study and qualify for leadership positions where the BSN is required. Graduates will also earn a California Public Health Nurse certificate to expand their opportunities to meet global health care needs within diverse communities.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 120
Duration: 4 semesters – depending on transfer credits
Method of instruction: Online
Course titles:
Courses – English Literature, Psychopathology, Cultural Diversity, Critical Thinking, Pathophysiology, Health Assessment in Nursing, Nursing Research Methodology, Leadership in Nursing, Introduction to Biostatistics, Introduction to Public Health, Nursing Roles and Issues, Disaster Management
Admission criteria:
- Complete an admissions interview and tour the College
- Attend an interview with the Program Director or Designee
- Complete a Distance Education Readiness Assessment questionnaire during the admissions process
- Pay the registration fee of $100
- Provide official transcripts from the completed courses from an accredited institution
- Must have a grade C or better in all science courses and non-science courses
- Must have an unencumbered, valid, active, RN license from the United States or a Foreign Country
- Must complete the necessary health forms and immunization by the first semester
- Must have current immunizations – MMR, TDaP, hepatitis B, varicella, TB screen test
- Must have current CPR card (American Heart Association Health Care Provider BLS)
- Must complete a criminal background check as outlined in the clinical policies
- Must complete drug screening prior to the start of the coursework
The total program cost of $15,137.50 includes tuition, books and supplies, registration fee, and STRF. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.glendalecareer.com/
- Address: 3000 Ming Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304
- Phone: 661-404-7575