A BSN built for nurses, by nurses
- Finish in as little as one year
- $320/credit ($960/course)
- Get 45 credits for your unencumbered RN license, transfer in up to 45 more
- No application fee, SAT/ACT scores or enrollment caps
- Accelerated RN to MSN option
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)1
RN to BSN Degree Program Overview
The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program at Southern New Hampshire University is designed with our nursing students in mind. From work schedules to family and other life events, we recognize our nurses need the flexibility that an online platform can offer.
The role that nurses play in healthcare is always evolving as nurses are asked to lead and care in all situations. With changing technologies, healthcare regulations and implementation of care, nurses with bachelor's degrees are needed more than ever before.
In these complex environments, you'll need critical skills and competencies, including evidence-based care, health promotion, disease prevention and leveraging technology to enhance your clinical and professional development. The RN to BSN online program delivers on those objectives and more – so you can change your life, without changing a shift.
Learn how to:
- Promote safe nursing practice and quality patient outcomes
- Use evidence-based practice to plan and evaluate outcomes of care
- Form strategies to promote better health across patient populations
- Communicate with teams to lead new healthcare initiatives
- Interpret trends in healthcare policy, finance and regulatory environments
- Develop skills for lifelong learning in the field
Transfer-friendly
Get 45 credits for your unencumbered RN license, then transfer up to 45 more into the RN to BSN program. By transferring in the maximum 90 credits, your BSN degree may already be 75% complete when you enroll here.
Built for nurses, by nurses
Nursing professionals face a number of unpredictable daily challenges, from overtime shifts to fast-paced, on-the-job demands – we get it. That's why our curriculum was designed with nurses in mind. We aim to simplify the pathway to your degree, from offering affordable access to coursework online and on your time, to providing academic and career support when you need it. Because we believe that nurses are the heart of healthcare – and you deserve the opportunity to pursue your goals.
SNHU Alum is Improving Patient Care
Alum Bonnie Fecowicz, a nursing director, earned her online BSN in 2012 and online MSN in 2016. For Bonnie, it’s more than a degree, because the quality of the program has allowed her to advance her career and provide the best care to her patients.
Advanced Pathway Options
Two Accelerated Pathway RN-MSN Tracks
If you're looking to earn your MSN – and want to save time and money along the way – the Accelerated RN-MSN pathway could be the right path for you.
Ideal for nurses looking to fill a role in leadership, this affordable nursing degree option allows you to complete 2 graduate-level courses within your BSN program. Once you transition, a course will be waived, saving you up to 2.5 months of time about $2,000 in tuition. Prior to moving into the MSN program, you must successfully achieve your BSN degree.
RN to BSN students who transition into the online Accelerated RN to MSN pathway can choose from 2 specialty tracks designed to fit your career goals:
Take your nursing expertise and passion for teaching to an academic or clinical setting. Nursing education is a high-demand field with a promising future – as healthcare itself is dynamic and ever-evolving. As a graduate of this program, you'll meet the educational requirements you need to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam offered by the National League for Nursing.
This MSN track requires 135 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of preceptors in your final course.
Promote practices that keep communities safe. An MSN in Population Healthcare can help you identify ways to connect practice to policy in pursuit of local change. You'll learn how partnerships among different sectors of the community – such as public health, industry, academia, health care, local government entities and beyond – can help achieve positive health outcomes.
This MSN track requires 135 clinical practicum hours under the guidance of preceptors in your final course.
Courses may include:
- Role Development and the Transformation of the MSN Nurse
- Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare
- Epidemiological and Biostatistical Applications in Healthcare
- Global Health & Diversity
- Evidence-Based Practice & Scholarly Inquiry
BSN Career Outlook
As the population ages, and nursing professionals retire, there is a growing need for qualified individuals to step up and deliver quality care. Many of these jobs will extend outside of hospitals, into the community, in long-term care facilities, outpatient centers and in patients' homes.2
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects for registered nurses are expected to grow 9% through 2030.2 Registered nurses also earned a median annual salary of $71,730 in 2020.2
"Our online BSN program is for all nurses, from those looking to advance their career in leadership or clinical practice to nurses that want to continue at the bedside, but better support their patients armed with the ability to implement evidence-based best practices," said Kristi Dalby, DNP, RN, CNE, faculty lead at SNHU.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Nursing Degree
Why SNHU For Your BSN
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.4 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 undergraduate terms.
- An active unencumbered RN license equivalent to NCLEX-RN. If a student holds active licenses in more than one state/jurisdiction all licenses must be unencumbered.
- An earned diploma or associate degree in nursing from a state-approved or nationally accredited nursing program and a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA
- Students who have graduated from a nursing program within three months of application may be admitted if all other admission requirements are met. Evidence of licensure must be provided within three months from date of admission.
If you are an RN to BSN student interested in the Accelerated RN to MSN program option, contact an admission counselor or your academic advisor for more information.
Graduates of an ASN program from a New Hampshire community college should contact an admission counselor at Southern New Hampshire University to learn more about our tuition benefit and admission requirements.
NOTE: SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or US territories and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or US territories into Nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a US territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the US territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Admission, and current students should contact their Advisor, for more information.
Students enrolled in SNHU nursing programs must comply with requirements of the healthcare organizations where their Clinical Practice Experiences will be completed. If the healthcare organization requires an affiliation agreement prior to conducting Clinical Practice Experiences, additional requirements may include (but are not limited to) criminal background checks and verification of licensure, drug testing, immunization records, health insurance, and medical malpractice insurance. Students are responsible for any costs incurred as a result of meeting these additional requirements.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Courses & RN to BSN Curriculum
"Our RN-BSN program provides working nurses with the knowledge and skills to address today’s complex problems in healthcare," said Kristi Dalby, DNP, RN, CNE, faculty lead at SNHU. "Students are exposed to a diverse group of nurses, with many opportunities to connect content to the real world in order to inform their current and future nursing practice."
At SNHU, our nursing students work on developing the awareness, knowledge and proficiency reflected in the 10 domains central to nursing practice, as outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)5. The 10 domains are:
- Information and healthcare technologies
- Interprofessional partnerships
- Knowledge for nursing practice
- Person-centered care
- Personal, professional and leadership development
- Population health
- Professionalism
- Quality and safety
- Scholarship for nursing practice
- Systems-based practice
Courses throughout the BSN program are taught by instructors with many years of nursing experience.
"Faculty at SNHU recognize the unique life and professional experiences that students bring into the BSN program," said Elizabeth Christman, DNP, RN, CNE, clinical faculty at SNHU. "We view students as collegial partners and value their professional expertise in the classroom as we share knowledge and learn with one another. We recognize the importance of individualized student support to encourage students’ personal and professional goal achievement as they explore professional development opportunities within their career."
There are 10 courses within the major.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- General education courses: All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BS in Nursing |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BS in Nursing Online | ||
| IHP 420 | Ethical and Legal Considerations of Healthcare | Students in this course examine the role of health care policy and legal, regulatory, and quality control in ethical decision making in healthcare. Students explore concepts and principles of health care policy, legal control, ethical conduct, and regulatory environments and their application to the health care environment. The impact of health care policy and multicultural, socioeconomic, political, legal, and regulatory factors on health care systems is explored. |
| IHP 450 | Healthcare Management and Finance | This course focuses on the concepts, principles, tools, finances and strategies used in managing operations within a performance improvement model. Students will explore problem solving and decision making models as well as tools and techniques for planning, organizing, directing, controlling, reporting, and improving the productivity and performance of resources within a healthcare department. Additionally, topics will include healthcare finance reimbursement, bookkeeping, accounting principles, budgeting processes (capital and operating), and cost/benefits analysis. |
| NUR 300 | Scholarly Inquiry | This course is designed to introduce the licensed registered nurse to the role of the bachelor's prepared nurse in complex health care setting. The Transformational model of learning will be the foundation to develop scholarly inquiry in order to improve practice. Skill development in critical reflection, assessing evidence, professional writing, study habits, and work-life balance will be essential for success. The goal is to provide a knowledge base in nursing theory to improve nursing practice. The role of the Bachelor's prepared nurse as a patient advocate, clinical expert and a leader in evidence-based practice and transformation of health care will be emphasized. The course will discuss the capstone course and development of a project. |
| NUR 305 | Information Management and Patient Care Technologies | This course explores patient care technologies, information systems, telecommunication technologies, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice. Topics covered include standardized terminology; electronic health record, patient portal, meaningful use, and pay for performance; data integrity, abstraction and mining; use of clinical decision support tools to promote patient safety, and ethical and legal issues related to information technology. |
| NUR 350 | Community and Population Health | In this course, the student will develop the ability to assess, analyze, and recommend change for health issues for groups and in communities. Topics will include local and regional conditions that affect vulnerable populations through the lifespan. Case management and care coordination will be discussed. Application of community health principles will be the foundation for recommending interventions. The prevention will include diverse, environmental disease treatments and healthcare policy strategies. This three credit hour course will include 45 hours of practical application of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in the course. |
| NUR 400 | Systems Leadership for Continuous Quality | This course will explore organizational and systems leadership within the complex clinical microsystems to promote high quality patient care utilizing the knowledge, skills and attitudes to promote care coordination, negotiation, change management, team building and collaboration within the interdisciplinary team. Topics will include quality improvement and safety concepts using structure, process and outcome measures, and performance improvement methodologies to promote quality outcomes for diverse populations. This three credit hour course will include 45 hours of practical application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. |
| NUR 440 | Research & Evidence-Based Practice | Undergraduate students will be introduced to theory-guided and evidence-based nursing practice. Students will acquire the skills to become proficient consumers of nursing research. Focus is placed on understanding established research methodologies, ways of knowing in nursing, and developing the knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors to retrieve and critique published studies for application to evidence-based nursing practice. This three credit course will include 45 hours of practical application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse. |
| NUR 490 | Transformational Capstone | The Transformational Capstone course will utilize a seminar process, portfolio development, and final project to illustrate achievement of all program outcomes. In keeping with the Transformational Learning Theory, the summative activities will provide evidence of the student's progression to a baccalaureate-professional nurse. This three credit hour course will include 90 hours of practicum experience to demonstrate synthesis of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired in the program. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
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Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
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Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
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Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
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Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
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Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
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SNHU Purchase Programs |
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Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation—and haven't raised our costs in a decade.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SNHU's nursing programs accredited?
Yes. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.
Is a BSN a registered nurse (RN)?
No. An RN might have a BSN, but they are not the same thing. RN stands for registered nurse – a title given to a nursing professional who has completed educational and licensure requirements. While these requirements vary by state, all RNs must have at least an associate degree and pass an exam known as the NCLEX-RN.
The RN to BSN program gives nurses with associate degrees the opportunity to further their education online while they continue their lives as nursing professionals.
Can you get your RN to BSN online?
Yes, you can earn your RN to BSN online. The RN to BSN online option is perfect for post-licensure registered nurses juggling work, family and other life obligations.
As more and more healthcare employers are demanding their nurses be BSN-holders, earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing helps qualify you for more positions. If you’ve already completed an accredited associate program in nursing, the flexibility of our online BSN program could be a great way to help advance your career without missing shifts.
Plus, you'll have access to a network of nursing experts who can help you throughout your program.
"Our students are supported from day one," said Kristi Dalby, DNP, RN, CNE, faculty lead at SNHU. "Online learning can feel isolating, but not at SNHU. The faculty and advising support is incredible."
And at Southern New Hampshire University, we take credibility seriously. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Our online BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).1
Does RN to BSN require clinical hours?
We believe that nurses shine when they're out in the world – whether it's in an emergency room, a clinic or a residential care facility. This is why we have built our curriculum to include assignments that take students into their communities through clinical practice experiences. Please note that this is not the same experience that a registered nurse would have experienced in their pre-licensure program.
Our nursing program accreditor, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), defines clinical practice experiences as planned learning activities in nursing practice that allow students to understand, perform and refine professional competencies.
Is there experiential learning within a BSN program?
Some BSN programs do incorporate hands-on projects into their work. Southern New Hampshire University's online program is one of them.
"Our BSN students have a few opportunities for experiential learning within the program," said Kristi Dalby, DNP, RN, CNE, faculty lead at SNHU. "They have the opportunity to collaborate with a mentor to make an impact on a local vulnerable population in the Community and Population Health course. In this course, students work with a qualified mentor to assess community needs and develop, implement, and evaluate a health education activity in response to the needs of an identified vulnerable population. The health education activity is a fantastic learning opportunity that allows students to support their local community."
There's one program in particular geared toward nursing students.
How long does it take to go from RN to BSN?
The time it takes to complete an RN to BSN program depends on how many courses you take per term and your prior educational experience. But already having RN licensure means you’re well on your way to completing your BSN.
At SNHU, your unencumbered RN license alone is worth 45 credits of your BSN, and we accept up to 90 transfer credits. This means you can complete your RN to BSN program in as little as 1 year.
What kind of nurses get paid the most?
Salaries for nurses vary depending on several factors, including years of experience, level of education and industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for registered nurses in May 2020 was $75,330.2 In that same year, nurses in government ($84,490) and state, local and private hospitals ($76,840) were among the top earners. Ambulatory healthcare services ($72,340), nursing and residential care facilities ($68,450), and educational services in state, local and private sectors ($64,630) followed closely behind.2
For those looking to advance beyond a BSN, an accelerated RN to MSN program online can help position you for advanced practice or leadership roles. Learn more about types of nurses.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Related Articles
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3, 4)
1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.
2 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (viewed Oct. 5, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
3 AARP Foundation, Future of Nursing [PDF], on the internet, at https://campaignforaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Education-map-2018.pdf (viewed Oct. 5, 2021)
4 According to survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.
5 American Association of Colleges and Nursing, The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education [PDF], on the internet, at https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/AcademicNursing/pdf/Essentials-2021.pdf (viewed Oct. 7, 2021)