How Do Clinicals Work in an Online BSN Degree Program?

Key Takeaways

• Chamberlain’s online BSN degree—the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online Option—pairs coursework with in-person clinical shifts coordinated by the university.

• Students complete eight- to 12-hour clinical shifts in areas such as adult health, pediatrics, and mental health.

• Two required Skills Immersion sessions take place in Illinois, combining hands-on practice with faculty guidance.

• This three-year BSN program is available to residents of 35+ states, with clinical placement sites in more than 30 states.

• Full-time students may be able to complete this BSN degree in as few as three years. 

• Chamberlain students achieved an 84.89% overall National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate in 2025, including first-time and repeat test takers.

Have you been thinking about earning your nursing degree but cannot make a daily commute to campus work with your schedule? You are not alone, but a campus commute isn’t the only path to a BSN.

Chamberlain University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Online Option pairs online coursework with in-person clinical training at healthcare facilities near an assigned clinical hub. The BSN Online Option lets students complete eight- to 12-hour clinical shifts across areas such as adult health, pediatrics, and mental health. 

Students work alongside faculty and registered nurse (RN) preceptors throughout these clinical experiences. Students also attend two required Skills Immersion sessions in Illinois. Chamberlain coordinates clinical placements, and students cover related travel costs.

How Do Clinicals Work in the BSN Online Option?

In the online Bachelor of Science in Nursing, coursework is completed online while clinical training takes place in person at healthcare facilities within an assigned clinical hub. Here is what the clinical experience typically looks like:

• Students are assigned to a clinical hub, an approved region where clinical sites are located.

• For each clinical course, students travel to the assigned location for several days.

• During that time, students complete eight- to 12-hour clinical shifts at a healthcare facility.

• Clinical experience spans core areas such as adult health, pediatrics, and mental health.

• Students work with faculty and RN preceptors in healthcare settings.

• Clinical schedules are set in advance to help students complete required clinical hours.

• Chamberlain’s clinical coordinators manage placement coordination.

• Travel is required for in-person clinical experiences. Students are responsible for arranging and covering transportation, lodging, and meal costs for clinical and other in-person activities.

Together, these steps are designed to give students structured, hands-on nursing experience without requiring them to relocate near a Chamberlain campus.

What Happens During Skills Immersion?

Skills Immersion is an in-person training experience that takes place before and during a student’s clinical rotations, where students build hands-on nursing skills under faculty guidance.

• Students practice core nursing skills in a hands-on lab environment with faculty guidance.

• Students complete skills checkoffs to demonstrate progress.

• Students participate in structured activities designed to prepare them for clinical settings.

• Students spend several days on-site building confidence before and between clinical rotations.

Two required Skills Immersion sessions take place in Illinois. Timing can vary based on a student’s academic plan and transfer credits.

Which States Allow Students to Enroll in the BSN Online Option?

As of 2026, the BSN Online Option is available to residents of more than 35 states, with clinical placement sites located in more than 30 states. Students researching “3-year BSN programs near me” can use Chamberlain’s state eligibility tool to check clinical hub locations and travel requirements for their location before applying.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online BSN Degree?

Full-time students may be able to complete this online BSN degree in as few as three years. Actual time to completion varies based on transfer credit, course availability, and individual academic progress.

What Support Is Available to Online BSN Students During Clinicals?

Chamberlain offers several academic resources for BSN online students:

• Program mentors and advisors help students navigate coursework and stay organized.

• Clinical coordinators assist with planning in-person clinicals and Skills Immersions.

• Students have access to 24/7 AI study support through Chamberlain’s Coach Ally tool.

What Was Chamberlain's NCLEX-RN Pass Rate in 2025?

In 2025, Chamberlain University students achieved an overall National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate of 84.89%, a figure that includes both first-time and repeat test takers for the most recent calendar year.

Thinking About Starting Your BSN? Let Us Help. 

Ready to take the next step toward your nursing career? Chamberlain’s faculty, academic resources, and NCLEX preparation support are here to help you build confidence as you work toward your goals. Request information to connect with an Enrollment Representative and start exploring the BSN Online Option today.

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 135 years of experience preparing healthcare professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do BSN Online students need to travel for clinicals?

Yes. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Online students travel to an assigned clinical hub for in-person clinical shifts and to Illinois for two required Skills Immersion sessions. Students are responsible for arranging and covering related travel, lodging, and meal costs.

How many hours are BSN Online clinical shifts?

Clinical shifts in the BSN Online Option typically run eight to 12 hours per shift at an assigned healthcare facility.

Which states can students enroll in the BSN Online Option?

The BSN Online Option is available to residents of more than 35 states, with clinical placement sites in more than 30 states as of 2026. Students searching for “3-year BSN programs near me” can check state-specific eligibility, hub locations, and travel requirements before applying.

Is the BSN Online Option a three-year nursing program?

Yes. Full-time students may be able to complete the BSN Online Option at Chamberlain in as few as three years. Completion time varies by transfer credit, course availability, and academic progress.

What support do online BSN students receive for clinicals?

Chamberlain provides clinical coordinators who manage placement logistics, along with program mentors, academic advisors, and 24/7 AI study support to help students prepare for in-person clinical requirements.

By Chamberlain University