Nursing (RN to BSN), BS, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 30 | Estimated Time to Completion: 1-2 years | Cost Per Credit Hour: $480.65 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- School/Department
- School of Nursing
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers an accredited RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree in nursing who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Designed specifically for working nurses, the program builds on existing clinical experience while preparing graduates for leadership opportunities, expanded responsibilities, and future graduate study.
Through 30 credit hours of upper-division nursing coursework, students strengthen their knowledge of professional nursing practice, evidence-based care, community health, leadership, and population-focused healthcare. The program can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study, with part-time options available for greater flexibility.
Students may also have the opportunity to complete up to three graduate nursing courses that can apply toward a future Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), subject to program requirements and admission.
What You'll Learn
Advance your nursing knowledge while developing the leadership, communication, and evidence-based practice skills needed to support high-quality patient care and professional growth.
Skills Gained
Professional nursing leadership
Evidence-based practice
Community and population health
Healthcare quality improvement
Clinical decision-making
Care coordination
Interprofessional collaboration
Patient advocacy
Health assessment
Core Practice
Apply evidence-based research to nursing practice
Lead and collaborate within healthcare teams
Assess and address community health needs
Promote quality and patient safety initiatives
Coordinate care across diverse healthcare settings
Support health promotion and disease prevention efforts
Key Topics
Professional nursing practice
Nursing leadership
Community and population health
Palliative nursing care
Health assessment
Evidence-based nursing
Care of aging populations
Healthcare quality and safety
Professional development
Career Outcomes
A BSN can open doors to leadership, specialized practice, and expanded career opportunities across the healthcare industry.
Job Titles
Registered nurse
Charge nurse
Nurse manager
Clinical coordinator
Community health nurse
Public health nurse
Case manager
Quality improvement nurse
Patient care coordinator
Nurse educator
Where You’ll Work
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Community health organizations
Public health agencies
Outpatient and ambulatory care centers
Long-term care facilities
Home healthcare agencies
Rehabilitation centers
Educational institutions
Government healthcare organizations
Career Advancement Pathways
The RN-to-BSN program prepares nurses for leadership opportunities and continued education. Eligible students may complete up to three graduate nursing courses that can later be applied toward a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), creating a pathway to advanced nursing practice and graduate study.
Career outcomes may require active RN licensure and additional experience, certifications, or employer-specific qualifications, depending on the position. Learn more about professional licensure.
Additional Program Information
RN-to-BSN Curriculum
The RN-to-BSN curriculum builds on prior nursing education and professional experience while developing advanced competencies in leadership, community health, evidence-based practice, and professional nursing.
Professional Nursing Foundations
Build a deeper understanding of professional nursing practice, ethical decision-making, patient-centered care, and the evolving role of nurses within today's healthcare environment. Coursework helps students transition from foundational nursing preparation to baccalaureate-level nursing practice.
→ View full program requirements
Leadership and Evidence-Based Practice
Develop the skills needed to evaluate research, apply evidence to clinical practice, and contribute to healthcare quality improvement efforts. Students strengthen leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities that support professional advancement and organizational success.
Advanced Nursing Practice
Expand your knowledge in areas such as health assessment, palliative care, care coordination, and the care of aging populations. Students learn to address increasingly complex healthcare needs across a variety of patient populations and settings.
Accreditation
Accredited Nursing Education
The RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and The University of Akron is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Affordability
Affordable Pathway to Career Advancement
Earn your BSN through one of Ohio's most affordable online nursing programs while investing in long-term career growth and advancement.
Admissions Information
Review admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, and next steps for enrolling in the RN-to-BSN program.
To apply, you'll need:
- Valid unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the United States
- Admission to The University of Akron and the School of Nursing
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
All RN students are admitted directly to the School of Nursing as undergraduates. School of Nursing advisors help students identify required pre- and co-requisite coursework and develop a personalized plan of study.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of [PLACEHOLDER]
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Students are eligible for:
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
To apply, you'll need:
- Valid unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in the United States
- Admission to The University of Akron and the School of Nursing
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a grade of C or higher
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
All RN students are admitted directly to the School of Nursing as undergraduates. School of Nursing advisors help students identify required pre- and co-requisite coursework and develop a personalized plan of study.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of [PLACEHOLDER]
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Students are eligible for:
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
Faculty & Staff
Learn from faculty with real-world clinical experience, including educators who were part of the first university nursing faculty in the nation to receive End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium training.
Online BS in Nursing FAQs
For many registered nurses, earning a BSN can create opportunities for career advancement, leadership responsibilities, and continued education. Healthcare employers increasingly prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for certain positions, particularly in management, community health, and specialized areas of practice. An RN-to-BSN program also helps nurses strengthen their skills in leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health.
The length of an RN-to-BSN program depends on transfer credits, enrollment status, and individual academic plans. Many RN-to-BSN programs can be completed in one to two years. The University of Akron Online’s RN-to-BSN program can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study, with part-time options available for working nurses. School of Nursing advisors work with students to develop personalized plans that align with their goals and schedules.
The fastest RN-to-BSN programs are designed for licensed registered nurses who already hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing and can build on prior coursework and clinical experience. These programs focus on upper-division nursing content rather than repeating foundational nursing education. The University of Akron's RN-to-BSN program comprises 30 credit hours of upper-division nursing coursework and can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study.
Earning a BSN may increase earning potential by helping registered nurses qualify for leadership, management, community health, and specialized nursing roles. While salary outcomes vary based on employer, experience, location, and responsibilities, advanced education is often associated with greater career opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median annual salary of approximately $93,000 nationwide. Nurses who move into supervisory, administrative, or advanced leadership positions may earn significantly higher salaries.
Yes. An RN-to-BSN is often an important step for nurses who plan to pursue graduate education and advanced professional opportunities. Many Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs require applicants to hold a BSN before admission. The University of Akron's RN-to-BSN program also offers eligible students the opportunity to complete up to three graduate nursing courses that may apply toward an MSN. This pathway can help students begin graduate-level coursework while completing their bachelor's degree.
Earn Your Bachelor’s in Nursing Online
You've already built the foundation through your nursing experience. Now, earn the credential that can help you lead, advance, and make an even greater impact on the patients you serve.