Nursing RN to BSN - Online

All classes are offered 100% online. The RN to BSN track utilizes an accelerated learning model to meet the needs of practicing nurses who have work, family or other commitments. Accelerated learning is a learning strategy in which students achieve educational outcomes equivalent to traditional courses in a more autonomous, student-centered course environment. 

Most classes are offered in 7-week blocks. The program is structured to be completed in 24 months; however, the exact length of time for the program is dependent upon students’ goals and previous college experience. 

Turn your past progress into forward momentum. Bring your associate’s degree and up to 75 credits and finish your bachelor’s degree faster.

A renewable 30% tuition discount lowers your cost from $732 per credit to $512 per credit – helping you complete your degree for less. Please note: individual discounts cannot be combined with other offers. If a student is eligible for multiple discounts, only the highest discount prevails.

Hospitals and healthcare networks across the country are seeking to reach or maintain ANCC Magnet Recognition. As a result, we are seeing an increase in employers requiring the BSN. Additionally, many healthcare companies agree to pay for employees to return to school to earn their BSN, and your employer may provide financial assistance.

A BSN is required if you want to work in leadership or management roles at the nursing level. The RN to BSN track provides students with an opportunity to contribute to advanced critical thinking and professional autonomy in the delivery of holistic, competent nursing care. 

You will build on your existing knowledge of nursing practice, preparing for both interdisciplinary collaboration and positions in management and leadership. You will be introduced to the importance of incorporating evidence-based findings as well as managing information to ensure quality outcomes and patient safety. You will also be challenged to consider diverse theories and perspectives to provide culturally competent care to a variety of populations. 

Students in the RN to BSN program complete 30 clinical hours as a service-learning project. These hours are completed at a community agency of the student’s choice. During this time, students apply academic knowledge to address the needs of the community.

Nursing faculty maintain a clinical practice in the specialty areas they teach. Small class sizes offer the opportunity to work closely with your teachers and peers. Additionally, faculty members understand that you may be working while attending school and/or have a family at home. Faculty members are available to support you during a time when you may have many responsibilities on your plate.

Explore the required courses and curriculum information for this program, which can be found in Saint Joseph's academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Saint Joseph's University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The cost of the RN to BSN Online Bachelor's program is $732 per credit for the 2026-2027 academic year.

For a detailed breakdown and additional information, visit our Tuition & Fees page.

Total Lower Division Credits: 65

Year One

Year Two

1. To be considered for admission, you must have graduated from an approved secondary school (or be on track to graduate), received a diploma from an accredited home school association or earned a GED.

2. High school or post-secondary college-level courses must include the following:

• At least four units of English
• At least three units of Social Sciences
• At least three units of Mathematics (Two (2) of which are at least the level of Algebra)
• Two (2) units of Science with a related laboratory or an equivalent (One (1) of which must be biology).

3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or greater on a 4.0-point scale in secondary or post-secondary education (whichever is more recent). However, the GPA requirement can be different depending on specific program requirements. Please see our undergraduate requirements or please reach out to the Office of Admission for additional information.

4. A high school transcript with an official school stamp or an official GED transcript is also required. High school transcripts must include courses completed through your junior year as well as courses in progress during your senior year. If you’ve attended any post-secondary institutions, official transcripts for those institutions are required as well.

5. Licensure

Recent ASN program graduates, who don't have their RN license at the time of applying, must obtain and submit their RN license within one year of enrolling into the RN-BSN program. All RN-BSN students are required to maintain an active RN license throughout the program.

Additional Admission Factors for Consideration:

In addition to the required items above, the admission team will consider the following factors when making an admission decision:

• Class rank
• Academic performance in post-secondary science and math courses
• Community service
• Healthcare-related service

To apply for this program, complete an application online. 

First-Year Students
Applications for high school students are available beginning August 1 of your senior year. Early Decision, Early Action and Regular Decision options are available. For a full timeline of deadlines, visit our admission page.

Transfer Students
Applications to transfer to Saint Joseph’s are accepted on a rolling basis for fall and spring start terms.

If you are not a United States citizen, you must show proof of permanent resident visa status. Students educated in another country may be admitted if they:

• Satisfy general admission requirements
• Earn a minimum of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service of Princeton, New Jersey

Students from English-speaking countries may choose to take the SAT or ACT instead of the TOEFL exam. An evaluation of foreign transcripts by the World Education Service or other approved agencies is required.

Transfer credit may be awarded for previous coursework. A course must meet the following requirements to be considered for transfer to Saint Joseph’s University’s Lancaster campus:

• Undergraduate courses with a grade of “C” or above
• Graduate courses with a grade of “B” or above (Pass/Fail grades are not eligible for transfer credit)
• Must be from a regionally or programmatically accredited institution
• The coursework must match the course offered at Saint Joseph’s University
• Some programs have a time limit for specific courses

Download Our Transfer Credit Policy

Saint Joseph’s is a military-friendly institution and offers assistance and services to veterans and their dependents who are utilizing educational benefits. Benefits include:

• Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
• Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
• Chapter 33 Post 911 GI Bill®
• Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Assistance
• Chapter 1606 National Guard or Reserves
• Chapter 1607 National Guard or Reserves (REAP) (*if eligible, must be utilized by November 25, 2019)
• Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)
• Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)