What Is an RN to BSN?

For registered nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) seeking to broaden their career prospects and educational attainment, there is an option to enroll in a school offering an RN to BSN program.
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), unlocking career opportunities that may not be accessible otherwise.

However, the decision-making process in selecting the most suitable RN to BSN program can be daunting at times. To assist in this search, comprehensive information on prerequisites, requirements, salaries, and the top 12 programs available in California in 2024 has been compiled.

The Best RN to BSN Programs in California in 2024

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What Is an RN to BSN?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree program that imparts fundamental nursing skills alongside leadership, research, quality, health promotion, and safety skills to students.

While the completion of an ADN or BSN program qualifies students to take the NCLEX exam and obtain their RN license, a BSN program extends education with more in-depth skills and coursework.

The key distinction between an ADN-prepared RN and a BSN-prepared RN lies in the broader career opportunities and potential for a higher salary that the latter enjoys. Hospitals often seek BSN-prepared nurses for their advanced education and contributions toward Magnet Status requirements.

The RN to BSN program facilitates the transition of ADN-prepared RNs to BSN-prepared, thereby allowing them to benefit from the aforementioned advantages.

RN to BSN Coursework

RN to BSN programs enhance an RN’s knowledge and skills through advanced coursework, encompassing:

– Advanced Nursing Practice: Deepening understanding of patient care and healthcare policies.
– Community Health Nursing: Focusing on public health and health promotion in community settings.
– Leadership and Management in Nursing: Developing management and leadership skills specific to healthcare.
– Health Assessment: Teaching advanced patient assessment techniques.
– Pathophysiology: Studying the effects of diseases on the body.
– Pharmacology: Covering medication effects, interactions, and dosages.
– Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasizing the role of research and applying evidence-based practices.
– Ethics in Nursing: Exploring ethical dilemmas and legal considerations in healthcare.

Clinical Training in RN to BSN Programs

The clinical training component within RN to BSN programs serves as a vital avenue for gaining practical experience across diverse healthcare settings:

1. Hospital-Based Training: Delivers varied experiences across different departments within a hospital, providing a comprehensive understanding of hospital operations.

2. Community Health Clinics: Concentrates on preventive care and imparts knowledge in community health, emphasizing the significance of health education.

3. Long-Term Care Facilities: Involves hands-on care for the elderly or those requiring long-term support, with a focus on managing chronic health conditions.

4. Public Health Departments: Engages students in public health initiatives, exposing them to community health assessments and fostering an understanding of broader health challenges.

5. Specialty Clinics: Offers specialized experience in specific areas such as oncology or pediatrics, allowing students to develop expertise in particular healthcare niches.

6. Home Health Care: Centers on providing individualized care within the homes of patients, emphasizing personalized and holistic healthcare practices.

7. Simulation Labs: Utilizes advanced simulation technology to replicate real-world clinical scenarios, enabling students to practice and enhance their clinical skills in a controlled environment.

RN to BSN Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Entering an RN to BSN program requires meeting specific prerequisites and adhering to admission requirements. Generally, these include:

– Active RN License: All applicants are typically mandated to possess an active RN license to be eligible for the program.

– Core Courses: Prospective students must complete core courses with a minimum GPA specified by the program. These courses encompass a broad spectrum of subjects, including but not limited to:

– English Composition
– Speech or Interpersonal Communication
– Psychology
– Sociology
– Child/Human Development
– Liberal Arts Elective
– General Chemistry with lab
– Microbiology with lab
– Anatomy with lab
– Physiology
– College Algebra
– Statistics
– Human Nutrition

It is imperative to meticulously review the admission requirements of the specific program of interest to ensure alignment with all prerequisites. The prerequisites and required courses may vary based on the chosen RN to BSN program, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation before initiating the application process.

Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California in 2024

The following schools have been selected based on Online Nursing Writings’ methodology, which involves surveying readers to understand their preferences in school selection. Criteria include graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) School of Nursing

– Type: Online
– Tuition Cost: $3,833/semester for in-state; $10,049/semester for out-of-state
– Program Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-5 semesters for part-time students

Program Overview: CSUF ranks first on California’s list of best RN to BSN programs. It offers part-time and full-time online tracks with a student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 and an admission rate of 38%.

Read CSUF RN to BSN Reviews

2. San Diego State University (SDSU) School of Nursing

Type: Online

– Tuition Cost: $3,917/semester for in-state; $9,253/semester for out-of-state
– Program Length: 12 months for full-time students; 18-24 months for part-time students

Program Overview: SDSU School of Nursing, based in San Diego, allows entry to the RN to BSN program in the fall or spring semester. The program is offered in a hybrid format with online and in-person requirements. The total cost for the program is $13,000, and student-to-faculty ratios are 22:1, with admission rates at 35%.

3. California State University, Chico (CSU Chico) School of Nursing

Type: Online

– Tuition Cost: $3,791/semester for in-state students; $10,571/semester for out-of-state students
– Program Length: 2 semesters for full-time students; 3 semesters for part-time students

Program Overview: CSU Chico, located in Chico, California, offers an online RN to BSN program for working students, with the only in-person requirements being clinical rotations. Admission rates are at 58%, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 and a graduation rate of 64%.

4. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) School of Nursing

Located in Long Beach, CA, CSULB RN to BSN students can take classes part-time in their first year and merge with BSN students for full-time coursework in their second year. Admission rates are at 28%, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1.

– Cost: $3,981/semester for in-state students; $8,913/semester for out-of-state students
– Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
– Graduation Rate: 73%

5. California State University, Sacramento (CSUS) School of Nursing

Situated in Sacramento, CA, CSUS offers flexible start dates in both the fall and spring semesters for its RN to BSN program, which is fully conducted online. With admission rates at 63%, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, this program is designed to accommodate diverse schedules.

– Cost: $3,832/semester for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
– Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
– Graduation Rate: 72%

6. San Francisco State University (SFSU) School of Nursing

Located in San Francisco, CA, SFSU offers a Spring semester start for its hybrid RN to BSN program, incorporating both online and on-campus components. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1 and admission rates of 68%, the program aims to provide a balanced learning experience.

– Cost: $3,926/semester for in-state students; $9,262/semester for out-of-state students
– Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
– Graduation Rate: 67%

7. California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) School of Nursing

In San Bernardino, CA, CSUSB School of Nursing offers an online RN to BSN program with a fall semester start. Boasting admission rates of 59% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 23:1, the program provides a pathway for nurses to advance their education.

– Cost: $3,811/semester for in-state students; $9,247/semester for out-of-state students
– Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
– Graduation Rate: 51%

8. California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) School of Nursing

Situated in Hayward, CA, CSUEB offers a high-quality, online RN to BSN program. Eligibility requires applicants to be recent RN graduates or diploma program completers within the last six months. With admission rates of 71% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 27:1, the program emphasizes accessibility.

– Cost: $3,763/semester for in-state students; $9,199/semester for out-of-state students
– Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
– Graduation Rate: 91%

9. Azusa Pacific University (APU) School of Nursing

In Azusa, CA, APU provides a fully online RN to BSN program, along with in-person options at four Southern California locations. Offering high admission rates of 92% and a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, APU ensures flexibility and diverse learning opportunities.

– Cost: $460 cost per unit, or a base of $18,400
– Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 5 semesters for part-time students

10. Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Nursing

Situated in Loma Linda, CA, LLU offers three start times for its RN to BSN program (autumn, winter, and summer quarters), delivered in an online format. With admission rates at 41% and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, the program emphasizes personalized attention.

– Cost: $20,020
– Length: 2.5 years (8 quarters)
– Graduation Rate: 87%

11. California Baptist University (CBU) School of Nursing

Located in Riverside, CA, CBU offers a fully online RN to BSN program with three start times (fall, summer, and spring). With admission rates of 79% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, the program emphasizes accessibility and tailored learning experiences.

– Cost: $450 per unit, depending on transferred units; total ranges from $13,500 to $24,300
– Length: 12-16 months
– Graduation Rate: 70%

12. California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) School of Nursing

In Bakersfield, CA, CSUB provides a fully online RN to BSN program with a fall start date. Offering admission rates of 54% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, the program is designed to accommodate various schedules.

– Cost: $3,733/semester for in-state students; $9,699/semester for out-of-state students
– Length: 3 semesters for full-time students; 4-6 semesters for part-time students
– Graduation Rate: 52%

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RN to BSN Salary Expectations

A motivating factor for current RNs pursuing a BSN is often the potential for a pay increase. BSN-prepared nurses can leverage their education to stand out in the job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California RNs can expect a mean annual wage of $133,340, surpassing the national average of $89,010. California leads in the highest employment level of RNs, with 325,630, followed by Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Salary expectations vary based on factors such as geographical area, experience, and field of work. BSN-prepared nurses can further their education, opening up more job opportunities than nurses with an ADN or diploma.

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: What can a BSN do that an RN cannot?

A: A baccalaureate-prepared nurse has more opportunities in positions such as leadership or education and advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Q: Do healthcare facilities require nurses to have a BSN?

A: This requirement varies, but surveys by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that 40% of hospitals or healthcare facilities require new-hire nurses to have a BSN, and many more have a strong preference.