A photo of a Kent State archway near the University Library

RN-to-BSN Online

Quick Facts

$400 per credit hour
12 Months 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 can be completed 100% online in as little as 12 months. Our expert faculty and administrators will work closely with you to 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 across 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

CCNE Accreditation seal

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, and Doctor of Nursing Practice 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.

10 Courses. 100% Online. Unlimited Opportunities.

NURS 46000: Health Care Policy

Examines the organizational and societal context in which health care is delivered. Existing health care policy and delivery systems are examined, including historical perspectives, legislation, professional disciplines, organizations, health networks, forms of care delivery, consumer needs and economics and funding. The ability of the current health care system to serve all segments of the U.S. population is examined in depth as well as future forms of health care delivery. Global perspectives are also studied. 3 credit hours.

NURS 47001: Capstone for Professional Nursing Practice

Allows RNs to apply previously learned nursing theory and clinical knowledge with their baccalaureate education in the identification and implementation of a scholarly nursing project. This project utilizes, but is not limited to, previously learned knowledge of leadership skills, principles of teaching learning, health care policy, change process, group process, team building, collaboration, healthcare policy and delivery systems, quality improvement, evidence-based care, diversity, nursing roles, information technology and systems, population-based care and ethical legal issues. 3 credit hours.

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 requirements 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
College Algebra
Statistics

In addition, one of your courses must meet Kent State’s global diversity requirement.

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

This total does not include books or incidental fees.

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.

Infographic: $12,000, $400 per credit hour, Kent State University, small stack of money; $14,435, $469 per credit hour, Ohio average, large stack of money. Average of estimated costs of the completion credits in all Ohio CCNE-accredited RN to BSN programs as of June 2018 based on publicly-available information.

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

Applicants to the RN-to-BSN program at Kent State must show:

Evidence of graduation 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
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

Apply Now

When Can I Start?

Classes start every 7 weeks.

Term	Application Deadline	Classes Start
Fall I 2018	Jul. 23, 2018	Aug. 23, 2018
Fall II 2018	Sep. 21, 2018	Oct. 22, 2018
Spring I 2019	Dec. 14, 2018	Jan. 14, 2019
Spring II 2019	Feb. 11, 2019	Mar. 11, 2019

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.

Submit the online Transfer Evaluation Request form

Approved States

Kent State University is authorized to offer this program in the following states:*

Ohio
Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Virginia
West Virginia
US Virgin Islands (Pending Inquiry)

* 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 is unparalleled at Kent State University.

A laptop sitting on a desk near a bookshelf with the Kent State University logo overlayed on the screen 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.

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