One way for registered nurses (RNs) to qualify for more advanced roles in nursing and develop new skills is to build on their prior education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In fact, a 2023 study published in the journal Nursing Open found that both career progression and expansion of nursing knowledge were among the key factors related to success in nursing practice. 

With the availability of RN to BSN programs that are specifically tailored to their needs, RNs are able to earn a bachelor’s degree without putting their careers on hold. 

RNs who have been considering enrolling in an online RN to BSN program likely have questions about these programs. What does an RN to BSN degree program entail? How long is an RN to BSN program? What are the benefits of completing an RN to BSN program? Learning the answers to those questions can help nurses decide whether pursuing a BSN is the right choice for them. 

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

RN to BSN programs are designed for licensed RNs who have earned either an Associate Degree in Nursing or a diploma from a nursing training program. RN to BSN programs do not require students to repeat courses they have already taken, and they recognize the prior experience and knowledge that RNs already possess.  

Through a combination of instructional courses and clinical experiences (also referred to as field experiences) students in RN to BSN programs can broaden their expertise in areas such as nursing assessment, nursing research and nursing leadership. 

RN to BSN Program Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for RN to BSN programs can vary, so candidates need to check the specific requirements of the program they are considering.  

For the SEMO Online RN to BSN program, for example, students must meet admission requirements that include: 

• A minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average for prior education 

• Maintenance of a valid nursing license 

• Completion of prerequisite coursework in subjects such as microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology, along with most general education requirements 

• Other requirements related to background checks and residency  

RN to BSN Program Curriculum

The courses that students in RN to BSN programs take cover subjects such as: 

• Nursing research and evidence-based practice 

• Leadership and management of resources to improve nursing practice 

• Holistic nursing assessment 

• Gerontological nursing 

• Community health 

• Statistical reasoning 

• American healthcare systems 

How Long Does it Take to Complete an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program’s length depends on whether a student has already earned all of the required general education course credits and whether the student enrolls on a full-time or part-time basis. General education requirements can vary by higher education institution. At SEMO Online, students need to complete 42 credits in subjects such as composition, history and humanities to meet the general education requirements. 

If a student has completed all general education requirements: 

• On a full-time basis, the student could complete an RN to BSN program in two full semesters and one summer semester (or approximately one year). 

• On a part-time basis, the student could complete an RN to BSN program in four full semesters and one summer semester (or approximately two years). 

The time to complete an RN to BSN program will be longer for students who need to earn any required general education credits before applying. 

The Benefits of Completing an RN to BSN Program

RNs who earn a BSN degree are positioned to take advantage of a wide range of potential benefits. For instance, according to the American Nurses Enterprise, nurses who have a BSN can: 

• Pursue more advanced nursing roles. For example, earning a BSN can qualify nurses for charge nurse or nurse administrator roles. 

• Enjoy more career flexibility. BSN-trained nurses’ expanded job opportunities provide them with more flexibility in their careers in areas such as work schedules and types of potential employers. 

• Improve their job satisfaction. The wider variety of job opportunities and increased career flexibility available to nurses who have earned a BSN degree can lead to an increase in job satisfaction. 

• Pursue graduate education. RNs interested in becoming nurse practitioners, for example, will need to earn a BSN before going on to earn the required graduate degree. 

Additionally, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reported that: 

• Earning a BSN can enable nurses to provide care that leads to better health outcomes for patients. Patients have better odds of surviving cardiac arrest, lower odds for mortality and shorter hospital stays when the nurses who care for them have earned a BSN. 

• Many employers require or prefer nurses who have a BSN degree. A 2023 survey by AACN determined that nearly 70 percent of employers prefer to hire nurses who have earned a BSN. In addition, 25 percent of hospitals and healthcare organizations require the nurses they hire to have a BSN. 

Earning a BSN can lead to higher salaries as well. According to Payscale, as of January 2025, median annual salaries were: 

• For individuals with an Associate Degree in Nursing: $79,000 

• For individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing: $96,000 

Completing an RN to BSN Program Can Put Nurses on the Path to Career Advancement

Investing the time it takes to complete an RN to BSN program can help RNs progress in their nursing careers. By enabling RNs to enhance their credentials and build their expertise, RN to BSN programs can lead to more opportunities for them to make a difference in the profession they love. 

RNs who are interested in earning a BSN degree should explore SEMO Online’s RN to BSN program to learn how it can help them reach their career goals. Offering the flexibility of an online format and the opportunity to enhance their nursing expertise, the program prepares nurses to enter the next stage of their careers. The program accepts students from Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Arkansas. 

For those who prefer in-person learning, Southeast Missouri State University also offers a wide variety of on-campus degree programs in the Cape Girardeau area.  

Take charge of your career today with a BSN from SEMO Online.