How Long is RN to BSN?

The push for nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is everywhere – from emerging legislation to the landmark Future of Nursing report from the Institute of Medicine, which called for 80% of nurses to be BSN-prepared by 2020. If you need to earn a BSN, you may be wondering, how long are RN to BSN programs?

Accelerated RN to BSN programs can be completed in a year, with some students taking as few as nine months to progress through the fastest RN to BSN program online. In other online RN to BSN programs, you can tailor the length of your studies to fit your lifestyle and make room for work and family obligations.

It’s important to remember that the fastest RN to BSN program may not be the best fit for you  – make sure to go beyond asking the question, “How long is RN to BSN?,” and consider other important elements of your educational experience – from accreditation, to student support, to the online learning environment, to the workload you can handle. Even the most seasoned nurses who return to earn a BSN will tell you there is value in advancing your education and unexpected benefits if you find the right program for you.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

RN to BSN programs help registered nurses who have already earned an ADN or diploma progress to the bachelor's level. While considering how long are RN to BSN programs, you should also consider what you will gain form earning your BSN. Degrees from accelerated RN to BSN programs allow you to:

• Evaluate a patient’s condition
• Provide a patient with medicine and treatment
• Create plans for patient care and contribute to existing care plans
• Consult with doctors
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
• Help with diagnostic tests
• Analyze test results
• Advise patients and families how to manage illnesses and injuries

If you know that now’s the time to earn your BSN but are worried about how long RN to BSN programs are, don’t stress. Chamberlain University allows you to earn your degree at your own pace.

How Long is Chamberlain’s RN to BSN Program Option?

So how long is RN to BSN at Chamberlain? The answer: it depends on you.

Chamberlain’s RN to BSN Online Option can be completed in as few as three semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment.

Even though our RN to BSN online program option can be completed in one year, Chamberlain encourages you to learn at your own pace. That means you can go fast or slow, full-time or part-time—whatever works for your schedule.

As a program designed specifically for working nurses, we understand being the fastest RN to BSN program online isn’t the best option for everyone – and we encourage you to take it slower if you prefer. You might find that you want to take more or less classes per session as you get started – and Chamberlain’s RN BSN offerings support this flexibility.

Customize Your Online RN to BSN Curriculum

While 1-year RN to BSN programs can be completed quickly, it’s important to know that Chamberlain’s approach is anything but rushed. We offer a flexible RN to BSN online program option designed by RNs, for RNs. You’ll benefit from a personalized learning experience that includes:

100% Online Coursework

Courses can be completed according to your schedule with no mandatory login times at Chamberlain. Students have access to the online library, IT Helpdesk, tutoring services and career services.

Direct Care Experiential Learning

While  accelerated RN to BSN programs takes place mostly online, experiential learning activities enhance RN to BSN curriculum. We emphasize how important it is to apply what you learn in the classroom into your current role. With Chamberlain’s program, you’ll expand your breadth of knowledge through implementing theoretical concepts in different care settings.

No Courses Required Prior to Enrollment

Part of the reason Chamberlain’s RN to BSN program is one of the fastest is because all that is required to enroll is a current RN license approved by your state. With that, you will get 77 proficiency credits before you even begin.

Caring Faculty

Within the 1-year RN to BSN program, you can expect your faculty to respond to you within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends.

Customized Curriculum Plan

You already know Chamberlain University offers flexibility for how you progress through the online RN to BSN program—whether that’s full-time or part-time. But did you know we also offer flexibility for when you start? Students can elect to begin whenever it works for your schedule, as online RN to BSN courses are offered every eight weeks.

What’s Next?

Next time you find yourself asking how long is RN to BSN, remember that it can be done in as little as one year! Our admission representatives are available to answer your questions about admission requirements and walk you through the application process. Request more information here.

By Emily Bond