An accredited online BSN program designed for those looking to become an RN
| Accreditation | CCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Program length | 3 years or less when attending full-time and depending on transfer credit; you can transfer up to 90 approved credits |
| Prior experience | Designed for students without RN experience |
| Format | All core didactic (lecture) courses are delivered online, including real-time and on-demand courses you can take when it’s convenient for you |
| Hands-on prep | Hands-on learning includes on-site clinicals and three intensives requiring attendance at a designated Herzing or partner site |
| Eligibility | Available for enrollment in select states2 |
| QuickPaths | Discover a quicker path to advance your career with Herzing University: options include earning dual credit towards an MSN, or an alternative online MSN Direct Entry program for non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field |
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Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2024
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Online
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a 120-credit undergraduate pre-licensure program which prepares you for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in family nursing, medical-surgical nursing, nursing informatics, health assessment, and much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Online BSN program classes & curriculum details
Every nursing course in our curriculum is designed to help you build a strong body of knowledge and skills to help pass the NCLEX-RN and get off to a fast, successful start in the field of nursing as an entry-level RN.
Students looking for a 2-year degree option may also consider our online associate in nursing degree program which is now available in select U.S. states.
All didactic (lecture) nursing courses in the program are delivered online through the Herzing University Canvas Learning Management System platform. Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to earn licensure in your state.2
| Program | Months i | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 36 | 120 |
Average number of months for students to complete program
Online & In person
What's Online, and What's In-person?
Online
All didactic (lecture) courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them online on your own schedule.
You have flexibility throughout the program to complete general education at your own pace.
Practicum instructor and peer collaboration requirements will be done via distance learning and offer flexible scheduling for the synchronous, or real-time, course elements.
In-person
Practical, hands-on training remains crucial and required preparation for earning a BSN and becoming a registered nurse. Our curriculum includes:
- Clinicals. There are eight clinical courses, seven of which include precepted clinical hours. You’ll complete the precepted hours in or near your geographic area. We have a dedicated team to help you find clinical placement.
- Intensives. You’ll be required to attend three 2-4 day intensives throughout the program. These sessions serve as crucial skill and knowledge checkpoints to ensure you’re on the right track. Intensives will take place at our Nashville campus—or a facility associated with a unique clinical partnership.
Tution & Cost
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the online BSN program is $755 per credit.
You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.
Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.
Military/Veteran Discounts
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.
Admissions Requirements
Requirements for enrollment in the Herzing University online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program include both a GPA requirement and minimum benchmark scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS):
Direct Entry BSN enrollment requirements
Prior education
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum GPA
2.5
Minimum TEAS score
66
Students with 24 or more transferable collegiate credits will be assessed on their collegiate cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the high school GPA will be used.
I don’t meet the enrollment requirements. Do I have any other options?
Yes! You still have multiple educational pathways to becoming an RN even if you don’t qualify for the Online BSN program today:
Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.
Alternative online BSN pathways with Herzing University
Our pre-licensure online BSN program is designed for students without any experience in nursing. However, we offer additional online options for those who are already in nursing or currently work in additional select healthcare professions.
Go from RN to BSN
Current diploma/ADN nurses can earn a BSN faster in our online RN to BSN program, which can be completed in as few as 12 months.
Go from LPN to BSN
Advance your nursing career to the next level. Utilize your current experience as a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) and you can earn a BSN online in less than 3 years.
Bridge to a BSN
Paramedics, respiratory therapists, cardiovascular technologists, and military medics can also potentially earn a BSN faster in our online BSN Bridge option.
Find your calling as a registered nurse
You can explore many different career opportunities as a BSN-prepared RN.
While earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can expand your duties to advanced practice across many specialties, you can also pursue different specialty roles with a BSN, including pediatrics, neonatal/NICU, oncology, neuroscience, Operating Room (OR)/surgical, and much more.
With enough experience you may consider advancing to roles in nursing education or nursing leadership. Keep in mind degree requirements may vary, including an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
We offer degree pathways to help you reach as high as you want to climb in the field of nursing.
Salary and job outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is expected to rise 6% from 2022-2032, higher than the expected average across all U.S. occupations.*
Now is an excellent time to pursue a degree qualifying you for jobs in a growing field with numerous opportunities for career advancement.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Didn't find the answer to your question? Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to answer all your questions!
The BLS projects a 9% increase in need for registered nurses from 2020-2030*. RNs are in high demand, and earning a BSN can help your resume stand out and give you a better chance of getting the job you really want.
As the popularity of online degrees continues to rapidly trend upward in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, so has mainstream acceptance of online degree programs.
Attitudes toward online degrees were already becoming more positive before the pandemic forced the issue. According to a 2019 study from Northeastern University, 61 percent of HR leaders say online learning is “of equal or greater quality to more traditional methods.” More than half believe that in the future, most advanced degrees will be online.
Regarding nursing applicants who earned online degrees, there are a few important factors employers consider:
- The school and degree program’s accreditation. Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and programmatically accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).1
- If you have earned nursing licensure. Our program is designed to help you pass the NCLEX and become licensed before getting your first job.
- The school’s reputation and history of producing excellent employees. Consider our many happy graduates and 50+ years producing more than 40,000 alumni.
- What your goals are
- How quickly you want to reach them
If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.
Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.
- Enroll in a Pre-Nursing associate degree program. We’ve developed an Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in General Studies in Pre-Nursing curriculum specifically designed to help you improve your GPA and qualify for a BSN program in the future. Our minimum GPA requirements is 2.25, with availability through our Atlanta, Brookfield, Kenosha, Madison, Minneapolis, Orlando and Tampa campuses.
- Enroll in an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN/ADN) program. You can qualify for the NCLEX-RN by earning an associate degree in nursing. Our minimum GPA requirement is 2.5, with campus availability in Akron, Birmingham, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa.
- Enroll in a Practical Nursing Diploma program (LPN/PN). As an alternative, you may consider becoming a practical nurse. You can earn a diploma in as few as 12 months and qualify to take the NCLEX-PN exam. Our minimum GPA requirement is 2.0, with campus availability in Akron, Birmingham, Brookfield, Kenosha, Madison, Orlando and Tampa.
A BSN is a step up from an associate in nursing (ADN/ASN) and can offer further job opportunities for nurses seeking a particular specialty or are looking ahead to earning a master’s degree in nursing (MSN).
However, if your goal is to continue climbing the ladder to become a nurse practitioner or pursue roles in nursing leadership or administration, you may be best off enrolling in a BSN program so you can reach your goals faster.
No matter what you choose, Herzing is here to empower you to become the best nursing professional you can be.
- Increased autonomy in decision making while on the job
- Open doors to more specialties in the nursing field
- Become a more attractive candidate for hospitals seeking Magnet Recognition
- Build a foundation to grow into education or leadership pathways
- Positions you better for nursing jobs with higher pay
- Qualify to enroll in an MSN program
- Become more familiar and educated with evidence-based practice opportunities
- Increase knowledge and understanding of RN specialties and skills
- Transition from “technical” to “professional” RN
- Gain a deeper knowledge of nursing theory and leadership theory
The ultimate benefit is bettering yourself, becoming the best nurse you can be and following the career path of your choosing.
- Diploma in Practical Nursing. The fastest way to start your nursing career is to earn a diploma in practical nursing and become a Licensed Practical Nurse. This isn’t a “degree” but it’s an alternative starting point if you’re ready to get your feet wet in nursing.
- Associate degree in nursing. Earn an associate’s degree in nursing and you’ll be eligible to site for the NCLEX and become a Registered Nurse (RN).
- Bachelor’s in nursing. A bachelor’s degree is becoming the new educational standard for registered nurses, and it will qualify you for a master’s degree program.
- Master’s in nursing. Many roles up the ladder in nursing will require a master’s degree.
We offer online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree pathways for those without nursing experience looking to become an RN. Eligibility varies by state of residence.
Learn more about our online nursing programs designed for non-nurses.
The Student Experience at Herzing
I had already been an LPN for eight years and knew that my BSN was the next step in my career.
Victor Kanyendo
Nursing Student | Kenosha CampusTo all pursuing their degree: one year flies by very fast!
Nancy Nfor
Nursing Student | Kenosha CampusHerzing made it possible for me to start working toward my BSN right away by giving me credit for experience I had gained as an LPN. Everyone at the campus was helpful and I never felt like I didn't belong there. The staff went out of their way to help me succeed.
Katrina Games
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee CampusThis program helped me improve my situation and meet some wonderful people. I’m so glad I never gave up on my dreams!
Danielle Tate
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee CampusPersevering through your courses and clinicals is such a valuable experience, and I can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned in the field.
Nickolas Flotman
Nursing Student | Minneapolis CampusEverything I went through made me realize that anything is possible. You just have to find your own way because the same process or path doesn’t work for everyone. I graduated Magna Cum Laude and received an academic achievement award for highest GPA. I also passed my NCLEX exam and have been accepted to the RN residency program at Emory University Midtown Hospital in Atlanta, which is a dream job.
Sharese Windley
Nursing Student | Atlanta Campus
Accreditation & Disclosures
1. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
2. Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Colorado, Florida (Orlando and Tampa regions only), Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
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Waived Enrollment Fee
Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.