Fast Track RN to BSN Programs

Fast Track RN to BSN Programs
Are you looking to break into the nursing field, but you have a four-year degree that isn’t in nursing? Well, you can receive a BSN degree in less time than it takes you to start all over again with four years of schooling. There are many fast track RN to BSN programs available, ranging in price and scope, which allows students to complete their degree both online and on-campus.

Why Are Accelerated BSN Programs So Common?

Today, there’s a nursing shortage happening in America. As the population continues to age and the healthcare industry continues to evolve, there’s a higher demand for nursing professionals than ever before. This has spawned the creation of accelerated programs allowing nurses to finish their BSN in as little as one year and get hired right away. Be sure to note how a BSN compares to an MSN program.

If you’re currently working outside of the nursing field, the accelerated BSN program is definitely your fastest method of entry into nursing. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN), these programs will continue to crop up around the nation in the coming years, especially as online education becomes a more common phenomenon in general.

Characteristics of Fast Track RN to BSN Program Students

Since they students are typically older and more mature, they tend to be far more dedicated to learning the subject matter quickly. Many of them have regular jobs and some are raising children while in school, thus there’s a heightened sense of urgency in completing the fast track RN to BSN program quickly. Not only do they work hard in class, but they seek hands-on clinical experiences as soon as possible.

Health care facilities and hospitals recognize this type of eager student, and they make it a priority to hire accelerated program graduates. Many BSN graduates decide to continue on and earn their MSN as well, which can boost their potential salary even higher.

How Many Students Are Enrolled in Accelerated BSN Programs?

There are more than twice as many students enrolled in a fast track RN to BSN program today than there were 10 years ago, indicating the surge in demand and popularity of that degree. In addition to becoming hospital nurses, many graduates go on to become nursing instructors at the university level.

What Are The Main Requirements for Accelerated BSN Programs?

The process of getting into a fast track RN to BSN program differs depending on the institution you attend. Overall, there are some basic requirements to anticipate:

  • GPA between 2.5-3.0+ at most programs.
  • A previous bachelor’s degree.
  • Certain prerequisites for nursing.
  • Written transcripts from the universities you’ve attended.
  • Submit previous test scores.

What is The Curriculum Like in Accelerated BSN Programs?

Typically running from 12 to 18 months for full-time students, a BSN student can expect the following classes:

  • Health Assessment
  • Physiology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Gerontology
  • Professional Nursing Overview
  • Public Health Nursing

Additionally, you’ll have to perform your clinical hours at a local health care hospital.

Now for the fun part—we’ve put together a list of some of the top fast track RN to BSN programs available in the United States, allowing you to see which schools situate best for your circumstances.

Here are five programs we’d like to recommend the most…


The Best Fast Track RN to BSN Programs

There are so many to choose from, but we’re going to make things easy for you. Here are a few of the very best…

1. Thomas Edison State College

Located in Trenton, New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University is a public college that is exclusively for adult students. Its RN to BSN program can be taken as a hybrid between in-school and online courses. Although rigorous, its graduates can find jobs in the New York City area soon after securing their degree.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Offerings: Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program
  • Tuition: $33,000-35,000
  • Degree Requirements: Drug Screening, CPR certified, Criminal background check

2. University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh

Oshkosh is the third largest university in Wisconsin and is known for offering plenty of on-campus and off-campus options for students. Although it’s a public college, Oshkosh is not cheap; prospective students could dole out over $40,000 per year, which means there’s an incentive for them to graduate early. However, the minimum time commitment for fast track RN to BSN program students is 12 months.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Offerings: Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN
  • Tuition: $41,000-43,000
  • Degree Requirements: GPA of at least 2.75, accredited bachelor’s degree, criminal background check, CNA (certified nurse assistant) in home state of applicant

3. Chatham University

Founded in 1869, Chatham University is one of the oldest colleges on this list. Their online accelerated BSN program is setup from graduates of the UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing, the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, and the Conemaugh School of Nursing. The entire Pittsburgh area is a massive industry center for healthcare.

  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Offerings: Accelerated RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Tuition: $700+ per credit
  • Degree Requirements: Graduation from a specific school

4. Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana is mostly known for its unusual sounding name and for notable alumnus Larry Bird. But as it turns out, Indiana State University boasts one of the premier fast track RN to BSN programs in the entire Midwest region.

  • Accreditation: NLNAC
  • Program Offerings: Accelerated 2nd Degree Nursing
  • Tuition: $285 per credit hour in-state/$358 per credit hour out-of-state
  • Degree Requirements: GPA of at least 2.75, accredited bachelor’s degree, criminal background check, CNA (certified nurse assistant) in home state of applicant

5. Gwynedd Mercy University

Not many people have heard of Gwynedd Mercy University, except for those in the nursing industry. Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, it has a student population of just over 2,000 making it perfect for individual attention from instructors. There are more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree offerings.

  • Accreditation: ACEN
  • Program Offerings: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Tuition: $810 per credit
  • Degree Requirements: Certain prerequisite courses, Bachelor’s transcripts, other college transcripts