ONLINE RN-TO-BSN PROGRAM
Complete Your BSN Online and Advance Your Nursing Career
Online RN-to-BSN Program
A flexible program built for working registered nurses who are ready to grow their impact.
43–52
UNITS AT USD
5
SEMESTERS
100%
ONLINE CORSE WORK
$600
PER UNIT
A Flexible, Leadership-Focused Program Built for Working Registered Nurses
The University of San Diego’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science offers an online RN-to-BSN Program structured to prepare registered nurses to strengthen clinical expertise, develop leadership skills, and apply evidence-based practice across diverse healthcare environments in just 20 months. Available in 13 different states, this program meets you where you are.
60-69 Units
Transfer Credits Accepted
Asynchronous
Learn on Your Schedule
144 Clinical Hours
Placement Arranged for You
MSN Pathway
12 transferable Units to USD’s MSN-NL
50+ Years
Nursing Education Legacy
PROGRAM ADVANTAGES
Why Complete Your BSN at the University of San Diego?
- Concierge Clinical Placements: Academic directors collaborate with you to identify a preceptor and clinical site that aligns with your career goals and the cost is included in your tuition. Placements are arranged in your local area, even if you live outside California. No hidden fees.
- Designed for Working Nurses: Asynchronous coursework on the Canvas platform means you set your own schedule. Faculty understand the demands of shift work, family, and balancing school with a full-time career. Expect a weekly commitment of 15 to 20 hours, with clinical hours built in toward the end of the program.
- Leadership-Focused Curriculum: Courses emphasize evidence-based practice, population health, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing you for leadership roles and graduate-level study.
- Engaged Cohort Community: Video introductions, discussion-based coursework, and virtual collaboration create the kind of connection that drives success in online learning. Whether you finished your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) two years ago or 20, you will not be navigating this alone.
- Faculty Mentorship: Expert nursing faculty provide guidance through virtual office hours, proactive check-ins, and individualized feedback from admissions through graduation.
- MSN Pathway: Graduates gain a streamlined pathway into the Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (MSN-NL) at USD. Your BSN becomes a launchpad for advanced practice and leadership roles.
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
Accredited Excellence at the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science
The RN-to-BSN Program is offered through USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, founded in 1973. The program is regionally accredited through WASC and aligned with CCNE standards, meeting the criteria that employers and Magnet-designated facilities require for tuition reimbursement approval. The admissions team provides documentation to support students whose employers require proof of enrollment, unit completion, and academic standing for tuition reimbursement purposes.
IS THIS PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU?
Designed for RNs Ready to Take the Next Step
Whether you just earned your ADN or you’ve spent years at the bedside, this program meets you where you are and helps you build toward what comes next.
The RN-to-BSN Program is a strong fit for:
- ADN-prepared RNs seeking to complete a BSN
- Working nurses who need a flexible, fully online schedule
- RNs at Magnet-designated hospitals required to earn a BSN
- Nurses looking to qualify for leadership and management roles
- RNs planning to pursue graduate nursing education
- Career changers looking to build long-term stability in nursing
Career Advancement
Where a BSN Can Take You
A BSN opens pathways to expanded roles in hospitals, healthcare systems, community health organizations, and public health agencies. Many employers offer salary increases and leadership opportunities for BSN-prepared nurses.
- Charge Nurse | $94,000*
- Nurse Manager | $124,000
- Clinical Leader | $130,000
- Population Health Coordinator | $95,000
- Healthcare Quality Specialist | $94,000
You will be well-positioned for opportunities at hospitals, clinics, government agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
*Median total pay for all positions. Exact compensation varies based on geographic location, employer, experience level, and other factors.
Program Details
How you will learn
The curriculum blends asynchronous coursework with real-world clinical application, guided by experienced nursing faculty.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Coursework is delivered through virtual learning platforms and includes a range of instructional approaches.
Collaborative learning with your cohort through discussions and group work
- Recorded lectures and learning modules
- Case studies and applied projects addressing healthcare challenges
- Virtual office hours and faculty mentorship
Competency-Based Learning
Assessments focus on practical application of nursing knowledge and leadership skills.
- Applied assignments and case analysis
- Online discussions and collaborative activities
- Practicum experiences with real-world leadership application
- Projects focused on population health and evidence-based practice
Learning Outcomes
Program goals
The RN-to-BSN Program prepares graduates to:
- Strengthen leadership and decision-making skills in healthcare settings
- Apply evidence-based practice to improve patient care and outcomes
- Promote population health and health equity within communities
- Collaborate effectively with interprofessional healthcare teams
- Use healthcare technology and data to support quality care
The program supports the development of professional identity, ethical practice, and lifelong learning.
Program snapshot
At a Glance
Earn your BSN online in five semesters and position yourself for leadership roles, higher earning potential, and a direct pathway to graduate study.
Format: 100% Online, Asynchronous Coursework
Weekly Time Commitment: ~15–20 hours
Program Length: 5 Semesters
Units at USD: 43–52
Transfer Credits: Up to 60–69 Units Accepted
Cost Per Unit: $600
Total Tuition Cost Range: $25,800–$31,200
Clinical Hours: 144 (Placement Arranged by USD)
Next Term Starts: Fall 2026
Priority Application Deadline: July 6
Final Application Deadline: July 31
Available to Students in: 13 States (AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, HI, IL, IN, MD, MA, MT, VA)
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Take the first step toward completing your BSN. Connect with the admissions team to learn about upcoming start dates, tuition, and how the program fits your schedule.