Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN Online Program
Admission Requirements
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Connect with a dedicated enrollment advisor to explore how the BSN in Nursing can support your goals.
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BSN applications for Fall 2026 are officially open.
Applying to the RN to BSN Program
This program was built for nurses who are working full time, raising families, and fitting school into an already full life. From your first question to your first day of class, a dedicated enrollment advisor is available to walk you through each step. Fill out the inquiry form at the top of this page to get connected within 48 hours, or call (619) 260-4580 to speak with someone today.
New students are admitted to the program each fall. To be considered, please submit an application (RN to BSN application page coming soon), official transcripts, proof of an active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license (or documentation showing your license is in progress and will be completed before the program begins), and your resume or CV.
Application Materials
Official Transcripts
Applicants must submit official transcripts verifying their associate degree in nursing (ADN), or equivalent. Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the University of San Diego.
Electronic submission of official transcripts is strongly recommended. Most institutions send transcripts electronically to [email protected]. If your institution uses Parchment to fulfill transcript requests, please select RN to BSN/undergraduate admission from the drop-down menu.
If electronic submission is not available, please connect with your enrollment advisor for alternatives.
Resume or CV
Provide a current résumé highlighting your nursing experience, education, and any leadership-related activities or responsibilities. This helps the admissions team understand your background and match you with the right clinical and leadership experiences within the program.
Interview
Once your materials are reviewed, you’ll be scheduled for a virtual admissions interview with the program directors. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your career goals, and confirm your fit for the program.
Additional requirements
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to apply based on overall academic preparation and relevant experience.
- Applicants must provide proof of an active, unencumbered RN license at the time of application. Your license must be valid in one of the program’s authorized states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Texas, Virginia
- Up to 69 transferable units from prior associate degree coursework; students also receive 12 units of academic credit upon verification of a valid RN license and successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination; combined with 43–52 units of coursework at USD, the BSN degree requires 124 total units for completion.
- Completion of the following core curriculum prerequisites prior to matriculation: First-Year Writing, Mathematical Reasoning, Second Language, Historical Inquiry, Social and Behavioral Inquiry, and Scientific and Technological Inquiry.
- GRE/GMAT not required
Technology and Compliance Fee: Please note that students in USD’s RN-BSN Program may be required to pay a technology and compliance fee each semester. This fee covers compliance subscriptions and clinical logging/portfolio applications associated with the degree program. The fee is subject to change annually. Please contact your enrollment advisor for current fee details.
Please note: This is an online program and does not qualify for F-1 or J-1 student visa sponsorship. International applicants must reside in one of the authorized states during enrollment.
Priority Deadline: july 6
Going back to school as a working nurse takes planning. Applying by the priority deadline gives you a head start on all of it:
- Know sooner, plan sooner: An earlier admission decision means more time to arrange your schedule, coordinate with your employer, and prepare for your first term, which is especially important if you’re balancing shifts and family responsibilities
- Sort out finances with less stress: Many students use employer tuition reimbursement or scholarships to help cover costs. An early acceptance gives you the runway to submit paperwork to your employer, explore financial aid, and confirm funding before classes begin.
- Connect with your cohort early: Priority applicants get the chance to meet fellow students and begin building the supportive community that the program is known for before the first day of class.
- Secure your seat: Cohort sizes are intentionally small to preserve the mentorship model. Applying early ensures space is available and gives you the strongest chance of acceptance.
Ready to get started? Submit your application by the priority deadline and give yourself the time and space to prepare with confidence.
RN-BSN AT A GLANCE
The RN-to-BSN Program prepares you with the knowledge, clinical skills, and leadership foundation to advance your nursing career and provides a pathway to USD’s nationally ranked Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Leadership.
International Applicant Requirements
International applicants are welcome to apply and must meet the same admission requirements listed above, with the following additional requirements:
- English proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through an acceptable TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. Please contact your enrollment advisor for minimum score requirements.
- Foreign credential evaluation: International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-approved credential evaluation service. A course-by-course evaluation with GPA calculation is required.
- RN license: Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license valid in one of the authorized U.S. states listed on this page.
I’ve Applied — What Happens Next?
Once your enrollment advisor has submitted your application materials to the admission review committee, you can expect:
- Review and interview: Your advisor will keep you informed as the committee evaluates your application and schedules your interview (if not already completed).
- Decision notification: You’ll be notified by the Office of Admissions regarding your admission status within a week.
- Preparing to start: After acceptance, your advisor will help you finalize your enrollment, confirm your clinical placement timeline, and answer any remaining questions.
Please note: If accepted, you will be provided a link and instructions for making your admission deposit and confirming your intent to enroll. The non-refundable deposit is equal to 5% of the tuition cost for your first term and will be applied to your first tuition payment when you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a degree or work experience in healthcare required for admission?
Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license and have completed an ADN or equivalent from an accredited institution. While prior healthcare work experience is not a formal requirement, it can strengthen your application by demonstrating your commitment to the profession.
Do you require any nursing entrance exam requirements?
No, the BSN program does not require any nursing entrance exams. Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license and have completed an ADN or equivalent. You can find the complete list of requirements on the admissions page.
Are there any state restrictions for applicants?
Applicants must hold an active, unencumbered RN license at the time of application. This program is authorized in the following states:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Texas
- Virginia
Do you provide clinical placements for BSN students?
Yes, USD arranges all clinical placements through a concierge model. The academic directors collaborate with each student to identify a preceptor and clinical site aligned with their interests and located in their geographic area. These experiences provide valuable hands-on training while focusing on leadership development to prepare you for advanced nursing roles. Clinical placement costs are included in the program tuition, with no additional fees.
Is a GRE or GMAT required for admission?
No, the GRE or GMAT is not required for the BSN Program.
What are the benefits of the priority application deadline?
Applying by the priority deadline gives you more time to plan around your work schedule and life, sort out finances like employer tuition reimbursement or scholarship applications, and connect with your cohort before classes begin. You’ll also receive your admission decision sooner and have a stronger chance of securing a seat, since cohort sizes are intentionally small.
How many units is my program?
The RN-BSN Program requires 43–52 units of coursework at USD, depending on prior coursework and transfer credits. Combined with up to 69 transferable units and 12 units of credit awarded for your RN license, the degree requires 124 total units for completion. The program is designed to be completed in five semesters (approximately 20 months).
How much is my tuition?
Tuition for the RN-BSN Program is $600 per unit. Based on 43–52 total units, the estimated full program cost ranges from $25,800 to $31,200.
Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time to correct errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.