Healthcare is a growing field, and nurses who are degree holders can qualify for higher-paying positions. A prospective student who already holds a degree is a good candidate for an accelerated program so that he or she can complete the next phase in his or her education relatively quickly.
Featured Programs
1. Walden University - RN to BSN
2. Capella University - RN to BSN Completion (CCNE-accredited)
3. Grand Canyon University - RN to BSN
Ranking the Best Accelerated Nursing Programs Online
The schools included on this list of Top 10 Online Accelerated Nursing Programs are all accredited and offer students a challenging curriculum. Some programs require students to attend labs or clinical rotations at healthcare facilities near their home, while others can be completed completely online. Prospective accelerated Nursing program students should consider their education and career goals before choosing an online program.
#1 American Sentinel University
Executive Summary
American Sentinel’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This private school offers fully online educational programs.
Tuition
Tuition at ASU costs $380.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants who have an RN license with two years of working experience will be credited with 30 semester hours, which means they only have to take 30 credits to complete their degree. Terms are eight weeks in length, and new students can start their program every month.
#2 Kaplan University
Executive Summary
Kaplan is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
The cost of this program is $315.00 for BSN courses and $368.00 for MSN courses.
Unique Features
Registered Nurses who are planning to complete a BSN and an MSN degree program can complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in as little as 36 months with Kaplan’s RN-to-MSN degree program. Students complete credits for their Bachelor’s degree, as well as some of their Master’s degree credits in one learning unit. They save time and money by only having to complete nine credits to complete their MSN degree.
Concentrations
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator, Informatics
#3 South University
Executive Summary
South University is a private, for-profit institution. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition at South University costs $380.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The University’s RN to MSN program allows students who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree to focus on one program and graduate with a Master’s degree. They have the flexibility to work on assignments at any time which fits their schedule.
Concentrations
Nurse Administrator
Nurse Educator
Nursing Informatics
#4 Brandman University
Executive Summary
Brandman University has been offering degree programs to serve the needs of working adults since 1958. This school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition
Students who choose Brandman pay $500 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The Brandman University’s RN to BSN program can be completed in one year of full-time study. Students can start their program in either the fall or winter semester.
#5 Northeastern University
Executive Summary
Northeastern University was founded in 1898. The school has been offering an RN-to-BSN program since 1973. Applicants must hold an Associate’s degree or a Diploma from an accredited Nursing program with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0.
Tuition
The cost of this program is $550.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Classes for the RN-to-BSN program start in January, May, and September. Licensed Registered Nurses can complete their degree in as little as 12 months.
#6 Benedictine University
Executive Summary
Benedictine University was founded in 1887. It is one of the top-ranked universities in the United States and is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition for the MS in Nursing program is $540 per credit hour ($1,620 per three-credit course).
Unique Features
The University offers three course starts per year. No thesis is required for this program. Students complete a 120-hour capstone project. The average student completes their degree in two years.
#7 Lewis University
Executive Summary
Lewis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. This Catholic school operates on a not-for-profit basis.
Tuition
This program costs $740.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students can start their program four times per academic year. Learners can choose to complete a thesis or a practicum.
Concentrations
Nursing Administration
Nursing Education
#8 University of Wisconsin
Executive Summary
The University of Wisconsin was founded in 1871. It is one of the largest public schools in the state and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).
Tuition
Wisconsin residents pay $8,890.00 per semester, and out-of-state learners are charged $12,885.00 per semester to attend the University of Wisconsin.
Unique Features
This Accelerated Bachelor’s to BSN program allows students who hold an undergraduate degree to complete their program in 12 months. Learners complete theory courses online and participate in clinical rotations at a location near their home.
#9 Roseman University
Executive Summary
Roseman University is a private, not-for-profit institution. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Get info from Roseman University.
Tuition
Tuition at Roseman University is $45,750.00.
Unique Features
The Roseman accelerated BSN program is geared toward students who already hold an undergraduate degree in a non-nursing major. Exams and hands-on work is completed in a simulation lab. Students complete the clinical requirement for their degree at one of the healthcare facilities located in Southern Nevada.
#10 College of St. Scholastica
Executive Summary
The College of St. Scholastica was founded in 1912 by a group of Benedictine sisters. The BSN program is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Tuition
Students pay $12,515.00 per semester.
Unique Features
The accelerated BSN program is meant for students who hold a degree in a non-nursing major. It can be completed in four semesters (16 months). Learners complete theory courses online and complete lab work at the University’s St. Cloud Campus. Graduates of this program are eligible to write the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse.
Featured Programs
1. Walden University - RN to BSN
2. Capella University - RN to BSN Completion (CCNE-accredited)
3. Grand Canyon University - RN to BSN
