Nursing, RN-BSN

100% Online Bachelor of Science Degree

ETSU Online

Accredited & Comprehensive

This program provides registered nurses with the opportunity to advance their education and career prospects by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. With flexible schedules and coursework designed to accommodate the unique needs and experiences of working nurses, students can enhance their skills and knowledge while continuing to practice in their current roles.

RegisteredNursing.org has recognized East Tennessee State University’s online RN to BSN program as one of the top programs in Tennessee for 2025. Ranked #2.
ETSU's RN-BSN program was recognized by EduMed as one of the Best Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Tennessee.

Foundation for Success

This BSN degree completion program is the foundation for professional nursing practice, increased job security, and higher salaries. The professional nurse practices in collaboration with other health care providers and is responsible for assuming management and leadership positions in nursing practice and practicing comprehensive nursing care for individuals, families, groups, and communities. Additional program information can be found on the College of Nursing's RN-BSN degree page. Curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Undergraduate Catalog. 

For students wanting to complete a BSN degree in-person and on-campus, visit the College of Nursing website.


Additional Opportunities

ETSU also offers a dual degree option for students enrolled in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN). The dual degree option is offered to students who are currently enrolled in programs that have an articulation agreement with ETSU’s College of Nursing. Students enrolled in this option begin work on their bachelor's degree program while also enrolled in their Associate degree nursing program or diploma nursing program. This reduces the overall duration and cost compared to pursuing each degree separately. Read more about this option on the College of Nursing’s Dual Degree RN-BSN page.

ETSU’s College of Nursing offers an RN-MSN opportunity for those who are interested. This program is for those who hold a RN license and a non-nursing BA/BS degree. Read more about this option on the College of nursing’s RN-MSN page.

Advance Your Skills

Quality 

Online classes with in-person, practical experiences. 

Impact

Outstanding and relevant curriculum with a rural focus.

Guidance

Talented and dedicated faculty to mentor you.

ETSU nursing students in graduation robes smiling for the camera.

  • Career Outlook and Income Trends

How to Apply

The RN-BSN program admits students for the summer start term only. The deadline to apply is February 1.
The RN-BSN program requires an ETSU application and a NursingCAS application.


 Show Me Admissions Requirements

Cost

TN Residents *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA *Other USA States  eRate (Out of State, 100% online) All International
$464 per credit hour $493 per credit hour $599 per credit hour $532.50 per credit hour $1,225 per credit hour

The costs associated with attending ETSU can include both direct and indirect costs. Please review ETSU's Cost of Attendance for more details.

- Tuition discounts are available for border county students.
- Additional fees may be required.
- Visit the Paying for College page to read more about costs and financial aid options. Students may also use theTuition and Fees estimator.
- The information presented in the Tuition and Fees estimator is only an estimate; it is not an actual statement of costs
- *First-Time Freshman and Transfer Students only. Currently enrolled students should visit the tuition and fees charts if considering a major change.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I pursue this program at ETSU?

    The RN-BSN program is the top-ranked program in Tennessee, as ranked by Nursing Process. The program is online. For students currently in ASN/ADN programs dual enrollment may be available. Please contact the College of Nursing for details. 

  • What accreditation applies to this program? 

    The undergraduate nursing program is accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).

  • Do I need to have a background in this field?

    Students must have completed an ASN or ADN degree and be licensed RNs by end of their first semester. ETSU also offers dual enrollment opportunities for some community college students in ASN or ADN programs. Please contact the College of Nursing for more information.

  • Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

    All the RN-BSN nursing courses are asynchronous. 

  • Does this program require an internship or field work? 

    For RNs working full-time in direct patient care, the practicum in the final semester can be completed in their current place of employment. RNs who are not working in direct patient care will work with the College of Nursing to set up a clinical.  

  • What is the time to completion? 

    Full-time: Three semesters of nursing courses with a summer start date for each cohort.

    Part-time: It depends on each student’s transfer credits and how many courses can be taken each semester. Please contact nursing@etsu.edu for the current plan of study.

  • When can I start?

    The RN-BSN program admits students for the summer term start only.

  • Are scholarships available?

    Yes, scholarships can be viewed on the College of Nursing's scholarship page.. Students are encouraged to speak with their employers because many will provide assistance for nurses to earn a BSN. Additionally, ETSU's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers scholarship information for all student levels. By submitting the Universal Scholarship Application, students can be considered for a variety of university scholarships.