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RN-to-BSN
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Build on your RN credential and take the next step in your professional journey. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-to-BSN program at Capella is designed for working nurses who want to leverage their experience and streamline their path to an accredited nursing degree. You can develop skills in key areas like patient care technology, information management and generalist nursing practices to help improve the quality of patient care and community health. Get ready to broaden your scope of practice in diverse health care environments.
Classes start October 7
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- CCNE accredited
- 8 Core courses
- 180 Total quarter credits
- 135 Maximum transfer credits
With FlexPath, you can complete your RN-to-BSN program in under 9 months for less than $10,000.*
*Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore RN-to-BSN courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 program points in FlexPath or 180 program credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete eight core courses in addition to general education, foundational and elective courses
Show all descriptions
NURS4020
Improving Quality of Care and Patient Safety
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners build and demonstrate the skills necessary to contribute to the quality improvement of health care and patient safety. Learners analyze elements of successful quality improvements as well as factors that lead to patient safety risks. In addition, learners identify organizational interventions to promote patient safety and facilitate quality improvement processes to achieve desired patient, systems, and population outcomes. For BSN learners only.
6 quarter credits
NURS4030
Making Evidence-Based Decisions
6 quarter credits
Learners in this course interpret research and apply an evidence-based practice model to make informed decisions in care planning. Learners analyze the relevance and effectiveness of evidence in the processes of clinical reasoning and judgement to support interventions that result in desired patient, systems, and population outcomes. For BSN learners only.
6 quarter credits
NURS4040
Managing Health Information and Technology
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners leverage technology to effectively and efficiently achieve desired patient, systems, and population outcomes. Learners develop and demonstrate generalist nursing practices needed to manage health information and patient care technologies. Learner also develop strategies to improve security of patient information. For BSN learners only.
6 quarter credits
NURS4060
Practicing in the Community to Improve Population Health
6 quarter credits
In this course, learners analyze the community and public health milieu, with emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention for culturally diverse people within a variety of community settings. Learners apply principles of community and public health, health promotion, epidemiology, social determinants of health, and social justice to achieve equity, eliminate disparities, and create environments to improve health and safety. Learners also examine leading health care indicators, health policy, and emergency preparedness. For BSN learners only.
6 quarter credits
NURS4900
Capstone Project for Nursing
6 quarter credits
The capstone course is the culmination of the BSN degree program and provides learners the opportunity to demonstrate the competencies they have gained during their program. Learners integrate new knowledge from the literature into practice via direct practicum hours in a patient, family, or group setting to demonstrate proficiency and create high-quality deliverables to apply in future practice. In the capstone experience, learners also further apply their knowledge of the program outcomes. For BSN learners only. Must be taken during the learner's final quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS4010, NURS4020 or MSN6016, NURS4030 or MSN6011, NURS4040, NURS4050, and completion of or concurrent registration in NURS4060.
6 quarter credits
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you’ll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you’ll learn
The CCNE-accredited RN-to-BSN degree program builds on prior RN education and prepares you to pursue your professional aspirations as a nurse. The curriculum is designed to build analytical and application skills for a broader scope of practice, help students gain a better understanding of issues that influence care delivery today, and develop evidenced-based practices to improve health care outcomes for individuals and communities in a variety of health care delivery settings.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Lead people and processes to improve patient, systems, and population outcomes.
- Make clinical and operational decisions based upon the best available evidence.
- Transform processes to improve quality, enhance patient safety, and reduce the cost of care.
- Apply health information and patient care technology to improve patient and systems outcomes.
- Analyze the impact of health policy on quality and cost of care.
- Collaborate interprofessionally to improve patient and population outcomes.
- Inpatient-centered care to improve quality of care and the patient experience.
- Integrate professional standards and values into practice.
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Faculty spotlight
Jo Ann Runewicz, MSN, EDD
Program Director, RN-to-BSN
How much does the BSN cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session*
$13,480
TYPICAL PACE
$20,220
SLOWER PACE
$3,370 per 12-week billing session, $50 resource kit fee, 90 total program points, 68 max transfer points
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$17,460
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$22,366
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$365 per 1000-2000 level credit $388 per 3000-4000 level credit, $125 resource kit fee, 180 total quarter credits, 135 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts, and (in FlexPath) how quickly you complete courses. These estimates do not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format are based on “typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students), and “slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students) and assumes average number of transfer credits. Tuition estimates shown for programs in the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“With FlexPath, I can still cook dinner, exercise and clean up around the house and place my study time in my calendar in the hours and days that work best for me!”
Ayleen Voegele* – RN-to-BSN FlexPath
*Actual FlexPath student compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future and 95% of BSN FlexPath alumni are satisfied with the FlexPath learning format.* When thinking about your financing options, there are more ways to save than you might think.
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2020–2021
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
What are the BSN admission requirements?
Applicants to the BS in Nursing, RN-to-BSN program must provide the following information for admission:
- Nursing degree or associates degree in nursing from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- RN license verification and work experience acknowledgement form that verifies your current, unrestricted RN license (or its equivalent) to practice in the United States
- Admission application – no application fee required
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits. If GPA is below 2.8 and less than 100 applied transfer college credits, those may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or 8 credits, whichever is greater). Those learners will also need to meet the requirement of 45 transfer credits to be approved for the transition into FlexPath.
Accelerated Master’s Pathway (AMP) admission requirements
- To qualify for an AMP option, you must submit transcripts from all previous higher education institutions, have received a minimum 2.8 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on all previous college coursework, and have no fewer than 24 total eligible transfer credits.
- Once enrolled in a GuidedPath AMP option, you must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.8 and receive no more than one grade of “C” in any master’s-level course to remain enrolled in the AMP option.
- Once enrolled in a FlexPath AMP option*, you must earn a minimum “Proficient” evaluation on all competencies in your program to remain enrolled in the AMP option. If you fall below this threshold you’ll be automatically changed into the associated non-AMP undergraduate offering.
- When you have successfully completed the requirements for your bachelor’s degree program and your degree has been awarded, you may apply to the master’s degree program that corresponds with your chosen AMP option. You’re not guaranteed admission into a corresponding master’s degree program and you must complete a separate application for admission to the program.
*Learners enrolled in the Capella RN-to-BSN AMP program in the FlexPath learning format will become ineligible to enroll in the MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization if they progress through certain coursework in any of the following courses: NHS-FP6004, NHS-FPX6004, NHS-FP6008, NHS-FPX6008, MSN-FP6011, NURS-FPX6011, MSN-FP6016 or NURS-FPX6016. FlexPath courses cannot be transferred into the MSN-AGPCNP or MSN-FNP specializations. To learn more, contact a Capella coach or call enrollment services at 1-866-736-1751.
International student requirements
If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be considered an international student.
To meet the requirements for Capella admission, you must:
- Earn the minimum score on an acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Attend an internationally recognized institution
- Provide transcripts for evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What can you do with a BSN degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN-to-BSN.
Job titles to explore
- Registered nurse
- Pediatric nurse
- Home health nurse
- Nurse supervisor
- Charge nurse
- Case management nurse
- School nurse
Employment settings to explore
- Hospital
- Insurance company
- Nursing care facilities
- Home health care agency
- Ambulatory care office
- School (P–12)
- Pharmaceutical company
- Assisted living facility
- Government – local, state and federal
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How does FlexPath work?
There's so many things that make FlexPath unique. Learn more about what you can expect to see as a FlexPath student.
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