What does RN to BSN mean? Getting a Bachelor’s Degree as a Registered Nurse

nurse wearing mask talks with patient

An increasing number of registered nurses have discovered that they need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to meet the complex challenges of today’s healthcare environment. The RN to BSN at Kent State University does just that. RN to BSN programs help nurses earn a bachelor’s degree and bridge the gap between an Associate degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Why an RN to BSN?

Registered nurses evaluate patients’ health, provide and coordinate patient care, and educate patients about health conditions.1 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, resulting in approximately 3,431,300 new jobs.2

Payscale’s salary research showed it pays to advance higher education in the nursing field. The compensation platform reports that BSN degree holders make an average of $88,000 each year, while those with an ADN earn $72,000.3

Why an RN to BSN at Kent State University?

Created specifically for RNs with a diploma or associate degree, Kent State’s Online Bachelor of Science Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN-to-BSN) program will allow you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in a 100% online format from one of the nation’s largest and most respected nursing programs.

This program is CCNE-accredited, available both part-time and full-time and fast: it can be completed 100% online in as little as 12 months. Our expert faculty and administrators will work closely with you to keep you on track, as well as equip you to meet the future challenges of professional nursing and influence the future of health care.

  • Individualized guidance. Every student receives individualized advising and program planning from experienced academic advisors.
  • Excellent online courses. Classes are held 100% online and delivered by expert nurses via leading-edge instructional technology.
  • Affordability. The program costs only $400 per credit hour, no matter where you live.*
  • Credibility. Kent State’s BSN program is recognized by employers and universities around the world for its excellence.
  • Rolling admissions. Classes start every seven weeks, in the fall, spring, and summer.
  • Outstanding faculty. You will be taught by doctoral- and master’s-prepared nurse educators who have decades of registered nurse experience in a variety of practice settings.4

The bachelor’s degree in nursing at Kent State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kent State University is a twice-designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (2013-2017, 2017-2022). We are recognized in the “Advancing the Science of Nursing Education” category for our dedication to innovative and evidence-based nursing education.

Kent State University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN)

Kent State’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN) is for registered nurses (RN) with a diploma or associate degree who are seeking an accredited bachelor’s degree in nursing. The completer program is offered fully online for part- and full-time students. Expert faculty and administrators work closely with students to equip them to meet the future challenges of professional nursing and influence the future of health care.

Students may apply early to the M.S. degree in Health Informatics and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses toward both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents, and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Admission to the Nursing for Registered Nurses major is selective. Criteria for admission include the following:

  • Evidence of admission in good standing from a state-approved associate degree or diploma nursing program with a minimum 2.000 (on a 4.0 scale) overall GPA

For more information on Kent State’s Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN), visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-for-registered-nurses.



* $10 out-of-state surcharge for this program. More information at https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-for-registered-nurses. This program is only offered in select states. View additional admissions information at https://www.kent.edu/nursing/admissions.

1 Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/careers-for-nurses-opportunities-and-options.htm

2 Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/careers-for-nurses-opportunities-and-options.htm

3 Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-a-bsn#:~:text=RN%20to%20BSN%20programs%20help,NCLEX-RN%C2%A9%20licensing%20examination

4 Retrieved on March 1, 2022, from https://www.kent.edu/nursing/programs/rn-to-bsn

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