According to a 2024 national nursing workforce study from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 73% of registered nurses (RNs) have a bachelor’s degree in nursing or higher. Practicing RNs interested in pursuing a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree likely have several questions, including, how long is an RN to BSN program?
Many RN to BSN programs can be completed in one to two years, and accelerated programs may allow for a shorter time frame. A number of nursing schools also offer flexible learning options that allow nurses to continue working while they earn their degree.
Holding a bachelor’s degree can have a big influence on a nurse’s long-term career growth. For many nurses, completing an RN to BSN program can open the door to leadership roles and a higher earning potential.
What Is an RN to BSN Degree Program?
An RN to BSN degree program is designed specifically for licensed RNs who currently hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma.
Rather than completing a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program, nurses can choose this shorter bridge program that builds on the foundational clinical nursing coursework they have already completed. The RN to BSN program includes some of the same coursework as is found in an ADN program but places a greater emphasis on clinical assessments and evidence-based practice.
Factors That Determine How Long an RN to BSN Degree Program Takes
The time it takes to complete an RN to BSN degree program varies by school and a student’s time commitment. To help expedite their education and choose the most suitable program, aspiring students should inquire about a school’s transfer credits, clinical requirements, and program structure.
Full-Time or Part-Time Enrollment
RN to BSN students usually can choose to enroll on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on their work and personal commitments. A full-time schedule generally allows students to complete the program in as few as 12 months, while a part-time schedule may extend the time to completion to 24 months.
Transfer Credits and Prior Coursework
Another factor that affects how long an RN to BSN program takes is the number of transfer credits a student can apply. Since RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses, most applicants have already completed general education and foundational nursing coursework. Official transcripts from an ADN program are typically used to evaluate the student’s transfer credits.
Transfer credits reduce the time needed to earn the degree, allowing qualified students to complete an RN to BSN in as little as six months.
Online and Flexible Learning Options
Online RN to BSN degree programs generally offer greater schedule flexibility than programs delivered in person. An online format allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule rather than having to follow traditional academic terms, which can either shorten or extend the time needed to complete the program, depending on the student’s course load.
Hybrid learning programs, in which some courses are taught in person and some are taught online, is another option that can provide students with flexibility compared to fully in-person programs.
Benefits of Completing an RN to BSN Degree Program
Earning a BSN can enrich a nurse’s personal and professional development, providing them with long-term benefits while requiring a relatively short time commitment. The sections below highlight some of the reasons why pursuing further education to earn a BSN can make a difference in a nurse’s life.
Better Patient Outcomes
A March 2025 report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that nurses with a BSN are often associated with lower patient mortality rates and higher patient satisfaction. They also have been found to have lower rates of medication errors, heart failure, and procedural mistakes. The report also noted that patients treated by BSN-prepared nurses had 24% better odds of surviving a cardiac arrest and 8% shorter hospital stays.
Preparation for Higher Degrees
A BSN degree is typically required for those who want to pursue an advanced nursing degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nurses with an MSN can pursue an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) role, such as nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist. A DNP, the highest nursing practice degree, can lead to a career in education, research, or executive leadership.
Access to Career Opportunities and Specializations
Many employers prefer or require nurses to have a bachelor’s degree, which means earning the degree can expand a nurse’s access to more job opportunities. In addition, nurses need to have at least a bachelor’s degree to qualify for many specialty certifications. One entry-level certification for new graduates to consider is the nursing professional development certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Higher Earning Potential
Nurses with a BSN generally earn more than those holding an ADN or a diploma. For example, as of March 2026, RNs with a bachelor’s degree had a median annual salary of around $100,000, according to Payscale, while for RNs with an ADN it was about $82,000 as of February 2026.
Advance in Your Nursing Career With a Bachelor’s Degree
Understanding how long an RN to BSN degree program takes can help working nurses better evaluate their options and choose a program that fits their lifestyle. When comparing an associate and a bachelor’s degree in nursing, students may find that a BSN leads to more career opportunities and a higher earning potential.
The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program at Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is delivered 100% online and can be completed in as little as six months. Licensed RNs with an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma are eligible to apply.
Required core nursing courses in the program cover topics that include family assessment, global health, and nursing theory. Capstone projects and clinical experiences provide students with practical opportunities to apply their nursing skills. MACU also offers an on-campus Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree program for individuals seeking initial RN licensure.
Learn how MACU’s nursing programs can help you reach your nursing goals.
Recommended Readings
Attending Nursing School as a Single Parent or Guardian
Critical Occupation Degrees in Oklahoma: Meeting Workforce Development Needs
What’s the Typical Nurse Salary in Oklahoma?
Sources:
American Hospital Association, More Than 70% of Nurses Hold BSN or Higher
American Nurses Association, “The Levels of Nursing Practice”
American Nurses Association, “RN to BSN: Advancing Your Nursing Career”
American Nurses Credentialing Center, Nursing Professional Development Certification
Indeed, “BSN Degree: Definition and Program Types”
Indeed, “How to Choose the Right Nursing Degree Program for You”
Monster, “How to Start a Rewarding Career in One of These Nursing Specialties”
Monster, “Is Transitioning From ADN to BSN Good for Your Career?”
Payscale, Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Degree
Payscale, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners