Advancing your education can be intimidating, especially if you return to school after many years out of the classroom. But, securing a registered nurse (RN) job with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is more challenging than ever. Healthcare institutions, especially magnet hospitals, highly encourage nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Fortunately, you can earn a nursing bachelor’s degree quickly with a 6-month RN to BSN program. Though challenging, these programs can rev up your career, making you more competitive for the RN positions you want. Read on to learn more about how you can advance your education and career prospects in just half a year.
RN to BSN programs are specific programs aimed at registered nurses who have already completed an ADN program and want to earn a BSN. Traditional BSN bridge programs take about one year, but 6-month RN to BSN programs cut that timeline in half.
Going from RN to BSN in 6 months is a challenge, especially when working full-time at the bedside. Therefore, very few 6-month RN to BSN programs are available to interested students.
Given the condensed timeline, these programs are fast-paced, intense, and often difficult to complete. They are ideal for working nurses who can finish the required coursework despite the time constraints.
BSN bridge programs vary in length, with the fastest RN to BSN programs lasting six months. These fast-paced programs do have some disadvantages, but there are plenty of advantages, which include:
- Fast-paced program
- Cost
- Flexibility
- Increase hiring and salary potential
- Increased autonomy
1. University of Texas Health Houston
Students can complete UTH’s BSN bridge in 2 semesters, earning a bachelor’s-level nursing degree in 6 months. Students can complete clinical rotations at Texas Medical Center or other healthcare facilities in the state.
UT offers three start dates for its RN to BSN classes. In addition to the 6 month RN program, UTH offers a traditional three-semester and flexible five-semester path for interested ADN nurses.
- Tuition: $8,463 (total cost)
- Program Length: 6 Months
- Accreditation: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- Application Deadline: January 15th, March 15, and September 1st
- Contact Info:
- Online Options Available? Yes
2. University of Utah
University of Utah applicants get a dedicated academic advisor who helps them determine the best progression plan for their education. Students can complete the 6-month nursing program and earn a BSN in as little as two semesters. However, the university will allow them to complete it in up to four semesters if necessary.
Students may choose from three available start dates, making it ideal for working professionals who need flexibility as they swiftly complete their education.
3. Texas Tech Univesity Health Sciences Center
This 30-credit program allows students to complete the program in either two semesters (6 months) or three semesters (8 months). Students at TTUHSC must participate in clinicals – but not in the traditional sense. The university encourages students to complete the needed clinicals at their place of employment.
Because of the curriculum’s design, the program only allows full-time students to take 2 to 3 courses at a time.
- Tuition:
- In-state: $6,450
- Out-of-state: $19,050
- Program Length: 6 Months
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: April 1st, August 1st, and November 15th
- Contact Info: (806) 743-1000
- Online Options Available? Yes
4. Georgia Southern University
GSU designed its RN to BSN bridge program specifically for working nurses. Students can complete it in as little as two semesters, making it one of the fastest ADN to BSN programs available. However, if two semesters aren’t feasible, students have up to five years to complete it.
GSU also has one of the lowest tuition rates amongst available 6-month RN to BSN programs. Regardless, students still have several scholarships available to them.
- Tuition: $199 per credit hour
- Program Length: 6 Months
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info: scarey@georgiasouthern.edu
- Online Options Available? Yes
5. University of Central Oklahoma
The RN to BSN program at the University of Central Oklahoma offers 100% online classes to working professionals. Interested students are highly encouraged to attend one of the virtual RN2BS Coffee Chats held on the first Wednesday of the month in the morning and evening.
Students will have the opportunity to speak to program coordinators and advisors and ask questions about the program.
- Tuition:
- In-state: $8,500
- Out-of-state: $8,750
- Program Length: 6 Months
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: July 1st and December 1st
- Contact Info:
- Online Options Available? Yes
6. The University of Toledo
University of Toledo’s BSN bridge is the first Ohio program to receive recognition from Quality Matters for its courses and faculty. Additionally, the program is affordable for residents and non-residents alike. Unlike other schools, the University of Toledo only charges an additional $5 for out-of-state student tuition.
- Tuition: $428.53 per credit hour
- Program Length: 6 Months
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: July 1st and November 1st
- Contact Info:
- Online Options Available? Yes
7. MSU Texas
MSU Texas’ 6-month RN to BSN bridge program is ideal for working professionals who can complete it in 2 semesters. But if this fast-paced program doesn’t work, students can slow the pace and complete it in four semesters.
MSU Texas also has partnerships with local community colleges to help ADN graduates transition into RN to BSN bridge programs.
- Tuition: $298 per credit hour (total cost: $9,111)
- Program Length: 6 Months
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: May 1st, July 1st, and November 1st
- Contact Info:
- Online Options Available? Yes
8. Delta State Unviersity
Students at Delta State can apply anytime to the 6-month RN to BSN program. However, they must submit all application material by February 15th for the application to be complete.
Delta State University’s program prepares students for management positions and those interested in advancing their education.
- Tuition:
- Fall semester: $190 per credit hour
- Spring semester: $214 per credit hour
- Program Length: 6 Months
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Contact Info:
- Online Options Available? Yes