RN-to-BSN Online
Apply Now Request Information 330-672-7950
Please note when applying: RN-to-BSN students need to apply to the Virtual 100% Online option. Do not choose a campus. Next select 100% Online Nursing for Registered Nurses BSN.
About the RN-to-BSN Program
Quick Facts
- $400per credit hour
- 12 Months As little as 1 year to complete
- 100% Online You will never have to come to campus
- 7 weeks Classes start every 7 weeks, year round
Be a voice for your patients and a leader in your profession.
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.
Created specifically for RN's with a diploma or associate degree, Kent State's 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.
Why Kent State? We offer you:
-
Individualized guidance. Every student receives individualized advising and program planning by 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.
Proudly Accredited
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.
A Center of Excellence
Kent State University is a two-time 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.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Acquire competencies based on professional standards to assume the role of the professional nurse and for career advancement, including graduate studies.
- Apply the nursing process in providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive care to promote health and adaptation of individuals, families, groups and communities.
* This program is only offered in select states. See the Admissions tab for more information.
† The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Curriculum Requirements
As few as 10 Courses. 100% Online. Unlimited Opportunities.
Additional Requirements
RN-to-BSN students must complete the same degree requirements as all other BSN students at Kent State. You may have already completed many of these classes in your associate degree or diploma program. Eligible credits can be transferred to meet these requirements.
Keep in mind that you will need a total of 120 credit hours–and to transfer or complete the following courses (or their equivalents)–to graduate:
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Chemistry
- College Writing I & II
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Human Genetics
- Science of Human Nutrition
- Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning (min C grade) - as the catalog states
- Statistics
In addition, one of your courses must meet Kent State’s global diversity requirement.
Tuition, Costs and Financial Aid
A top-tier education at an affordable price.
Kent State University's nursing program is one of the largest and most respected in the United States. We are proud that we can offer our bachelor's degree completion program at a reasonable price–only $400 per credit hour–to both Ohio and out-of-state registered nurses.
Below is a breakdown estimate of the total cost:
| Cost Per Credit Hour | Total Credits | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $400 | 30 | $12,000 |
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student's chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact the One Stop for Student Sucess at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
This total does not include books or incidental fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Additional out-of-state surcharge for students enrolled in an online program: All Undergraduate—All Campuses: $10/hr.
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $12 per credit hour.
Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Students who need to complete additional coursework to fulfill the degree requirements will pay the same reduced rate of $400 per credit hour for those courses. Depending on your previous academic background, this could be a significant cost savings since most other schools charge their full tuition rate for non-RN to BSN courses.
Financial Aid
At Kent State University, we try to make the financial aid process as simple as possible. Our financial aid services and scholarship programs help a wide range of students make their goals affordable. Financial aid options for RN-to-BSN students include:
- Tuition Reimbursement: Many employers will pay some or all of the cost of a BSN completion program. Talk with your human resources department to find out if you qualify.
- Scholarships: Kent State University, the College of Nursing, and many nursing and health care organizations provide scholarship support for nursing students. See our Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information.
- Federal Loans and Grants: You may be eligible for federal and/or private loans and federal/state grants. Contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000 for more information.
Payment Options
-
Tuition can be paid online using a credit card or check, by mail with a check, or in-person with a check.
-
Monthly payment plan options are available.* Tuition can be spread out over 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
-
Students who are receiving tuition reimbursement through their employer can apply to defer tuition payment to after the semester ends.*
Learn more about payment options
* Fall and spring semester only
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Applicants to the RN-to-BSN program at Kent State must show:
- 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
Prior to beginning the RN-to-BSN coursework (see the Courses tab), the student will need to verify:
- An active, unrestricted registered nurse (RN) license in the state in which practica will be completed
- Completion of required science courses or their direct equivalents with a cumulative 2.0 GPA
- Anatomy and Physiology: BSCI 21010 and BSCI 21020
- Chemistry: CHEM 10055 or CHEM 10050
- Microbiology: BSCI 20021
When Can I Start?
Classes start every 7 weeks.
| Term | Application Deadline | Re-enrollment Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall II 2021 | Sept. 10, 2021 | Oct. 8, 2021 |
October 18, 2021 |
| Spring I 2022 | Dec. 1, 2021 | Jan. 7, 2022 | Jan. 18, 2022 |
| Spring II 2022 | Feb. 4, 2022 | Feb. 25, 2022 | March 8, 2022 |
See What Transfers
Would you like to know which courses may transfer? Complete our free Preliminary Transfer Evaluation Request form to find out how many courses you will need to take to complete your BSN.
Approved States
Kent State University is authorized to offer this program in the following states:
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina*
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas*
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia
- West Virginia
*Restrictions based on Clinical faculty licensure may apply
In order to be compliant with federal and state laws related to online education and consumer protection, as well as State professional licensure/certification regulations, Kent State University may not be able offer online programs to students residing in certain states. In addition, some state laws may impose limitations that could affect a program of study, including inability to offer clinical practicum courses. Since these regulations undergo continuous updates (1) non-Ohio residents interested in pursuing any College of Nursing online program are advised to consult with their State licensing/certification agency and official Kent State information on state authorization before applying to this program (2) any student that is planning to move or practice in a different state after having been admitted to either the RN BSN, MSN or DNP programs must immediately inform the Office of Student Services at 330-672-7911 to determine whether or not he/she can continue in the program.
Online Learning at Kent State
E-learning is unparalleled at Kent State University.
RN to BSN students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, without ever stepping foot on campus. From applying to the program to applying for graduation, Kent State provides the tools to complete these tasks online.
Although there are no on-campus requirements, RN to BSN students are more than welcome to visit our campus in Kent, Ohio (or take a virtual tour online). You will be invited to various events throughout your time at Kent State, including our pinning (Convocation) and graduation (Commencement) ceremonies.
Some of the benefits to earning your BSN online from Kent State include:
- Courses developed by doctoral-prepared faculty and delivered via Blackboard Learn, the industry-leading learning management system (LMS).
- Small class sizes and individualized attention from nurse educators with decades of practical experience.
- Innovative learning activities tailored to the online environment.
- 24/7 technical support through Kent State’s TechHelp.
- Tests and exams proctored virtually – no need to go to a testing center.
- FlashLine, the university’s centralized portal system, will allow you to schedule classes, track your degree progress, schedule advising appointments, pay your tuition, and more right from your computer.
- Virtual advising sessions with dedicated RN-to-BSN advisors via video chat or telephone.
Health Informatics Courses for RN to BSN Students
RN to BSN students may pursue a Health Informatics focus that allows them to take three graduate level courses (9 credits) that substitute for courses in their program. Advisors can help students make the appropriate substitutions.
RN to BSN students, regardless of which option they choose to pursue can count the following graduate-level courses towards their BSN program requirements. Additional health informatics courses are available and may be substituted with approval from and in consultation with the student’s undergraduate advisor. You can find the full list of available courses in the catalog at http://catalog.kent.edu/coursesaz/hi/.
Courses
-
HI 60401 HEALTH INFORMATICS MANAGEMENT 3 Credit Hours
Covers the areas encompassing health informatics management including the planning, selection, deployment, and management of electronic medical records (EMR), management decision-support and tracking systems (DSS), and other health information technologies (HIT). -
HI 60403 HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS 3 Credit Hours
Introduction to information systems and their applications in healthcare used for managerial and clinical support. Study the fundamentals of information systems, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), information security. Understand the role of standardized codes, vocabularies and terminologies used in health information systems. Analysis of management and enterprise systems, identify the key elements to manage information resources effectively and the trends affecting the development of health information systems and networks. Pre/corequisite: HI 60401. -
HI 60412 CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT 3 Credit Hours
Provides a practical survey of clinical decision support systems that collect clinical data and enable the transition to clinical knowledge in real world applications intended to improve quality and safety of patient care. Students become familiar with the basic requirements for clinical decision support systems and the challenges associated with the development and deployment of new applications within the healthcare setting. Prerequisite: HI 60401
Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program
If students are interested in studying Health Informatics more closely with a goal of getting involved in the informatics initiatives in their workplaces, they may choose to start a graduate-level certificate (18 credit hours) or the Master of Science in Health Informatics (36 credit hours) while they are completing their BSN degrees through the university’s combined bachelor’s/master’s option. A combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program allows exceptional, well-prepared Kent State University undergraduate students early admission into a graduate program. Students in a combined degree program take graduate-level coursework as undergraduate students, thus enabling courses to be applied toward both degree programs.
Students in a combined degree program must meet the minimum requirements for each degree earned. Undergraduate requirements must be fully satisfied before a bachelor's degree will be awarded. Until that time, students continue to have undergraduate student status and are charged undergraduate tuition and fees. Following the awarding of the undergraduate degree, their status is changed to that of graduate student.
Is Health Informatics for you?
- If Nursing is your primary career and you would like to add a few courses in health informatics (HI) to enhance your skills and differentiate you from other job candidates, following the health informatics focus as part of your BSN by using the three HI courses (9 credits) listed above as substituting for other courses under the guidance of your advisor.
- If you are pursuing a Nursing career but would like an option to apply for and change your career path to more health informatics-focused positions, the Combined Bachelor’s/Graduate Certificate option is the choice for you. This option involves applying for the Online Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics (18 credits) and using 9 credits from the certificate towards your BSN degree.
- If you know that you would like to switch your career path to health informatics, the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree option is the choice for you. This option involves applying for the Master of Science in Health Informatics (36 credits) and sharing 9 credits between the BSN and MS by applying three graduate-level courses (9 credits) in HI to the BSN program requirements.
Interested students should contact their advisor to discuss which options would be the best fit for their career goals.
If a student chooses to follow the BSN/Graduate Certificate option, but later decides they would like to pursue the Master of Science, they will be allowed to use all 9 credits from the graduate certificate toward completion of the Master of Science, making it possible to earn the Master of Science for 27 additional credits.
Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to a combined degree program, undergraduate students must meet the following stipulations:
- Earn a minimum 60 credit hours (junior standing)
- Achieve a minimum 3.000 overall Kent State GPA (some combined degree programs may require a higher GPA)
- Complete a standard online graduate application, including paying the application fee
- Meet all admissions requirements for the master’s degree program (consult the University Catalog for specific requirements)
- Be admitted to the master’s degree program
- Submit the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Form prior to the first semester of enrollment in the combined program
The full Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree policy can be found in the catalog at http://catalog.kent.edu/academic-policies/combined-bachelors-masters-degree-program/.
Application Requirements
Because both programs require graduate-level courses from the same catalog, the application requirements are the same for both programs and standard for admission to graduate study.
- Achieve a minimum 3.000 overall Kent State GPA
- Official transcripts from all universities where you earned at least 8 credits.
- Online university application available at https://www.kent.edu/admissions/apply/graduate/application-terms.
Applicants are required to create an account in the online application system, which allows them to save the application and track the progress of materials submitted via the application system. The online application will indicate "Kent Campus" for all Kent and online students. Degrees and certificates are offered through the College of Communication and Information. - Three letters of recommendation
References should be able to attest that you possess the ability and skills needed to succeed in graduate study. Generally, the best references are professors, but senior-level managers from your workplace can also serve well. Letters should include a signature and be submitted on the sender's company or organization letterhead. By submitting the email address and name of your reference in the application, you enable the application to send information about electronic submission of their reference letters. A form is also built into the reference submission system. - Statement of purpose
Please include a typed, double-spaced statement of no more than 1,000 words describing:- Why you are interested in the program
- How your background experience and/or education has prepared you for the program
- Your career goals
- How the program will help actualize your professional objectives
- Resume or CV
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students)