BSN (Prelicensure)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Take your first step toward becoming an RN with our BSN (Prelicensure) program. This CCNE-accredited program combines online coursework with immersive, hands-on learning. It includes 550 hours of supervised clinical practice and two in-person skills labs to help you graduate practice ready. The curriculum integrates NCLEX preparation, simulation training and experience across major nursing specialties so you can confidently enter today’s healthcare environment. The program is currently available in the following states: Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
If you already have an RN license, explore our RN-to-BSN program.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- 10-week courses
- CCNE accredited
- Transfer credit eligible
No-cost gen eds
Take self-paced online courses from our affiliate, Sophia Learning, to help fulfill your gen ed requirements – it’s on us. Need credits for admission? Ask about our Sophia Admissions Pathway.
BSN course requirements
This BSN degree program requires a total of 180 quarter credits including 550 hours of supervised clinical practice:
- 45 general education quarter credits
- 93 core quarter credits
- 24 clinical and practicum quarter credits
- 12 skills lab quarter credits
- 6 capstone quarter credits
Already have a bachelor’s degree? You may be eligible to enroll in our accelerated BSN pathway. Talk to an enrollment specialist to learn more.
Explore BSN courses
What you’ll learn in a BSN program
This program will help students develop foundational knowledge, essential clinical skills and beginning decision-making abilities aligned with the 2021 AACN Essentials for Professional Nursing. The curriculum emphasizes contemporary, evidence‑based nursing standards to prepare students to enter the profession as competent and compassionate novice nurses who can meet the evolving needs of today’s healthcare environment.
Students will engage in coursework and supervised clinical experiences designed to build a strong understanding of core nursing concepts. These experiences will prepare them to deliver safe, high‑quality care to individuals, families and communities across diverse settings and patient populations. The program prioritizes evidence‑based practice, professional communication, patient safety and interprofessional collaboration – all essential competencies for new graduates transitioning into nursing roles, in addition to preparing students to sit for the National Licensure Exam.
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
- Collaborate interprofessionally to improve patient and population outcomes
- Implement patient-centered care to improve quality of care and the patient experience
- Integrate professional standards and values into practice
- Apply professional, scholarly, evidence-based strategies to create effective written and oral communications
Academic rigor that prepares you for practice
Earning an A or B grade in every nursing course helps ensure you’re developing the knowledge and clinical judgment needed for today’s healthcare environment.
Flexible online learning
Complete much of your coursework online, with structured support to help you stay on track.
In-person skills centers
Strengthen your hands-on abilities through immersive skills labs designed to prepare you for real-world patient care.
What it’s like to take courses in a BSN program
How does a BSN align with your schedule? Explore the courseroom to see what you can expect. You’ll experience the flexibility of online learning and get a feel for what it’s like to be a Capella student.
How much does the BSN cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.*
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
- $250 per 1000-2000 level credit $350 per 3000-4000 level credit
- $200 resource kit
- 180 total quarter credits
- 84 max transfer credits
- $32 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
*This is only an estimate, effective July 13, 2026, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor. As of Feb. 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
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.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for bachelor’s degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, student services and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Capella University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
What are the BSN admission requirements?
Applicants to the BSN program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A transcript of any reported GED
- 4.5 credits eligible for transfer*
- Applicants under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A background check is required
- Students in all nursing programs must meet the technical standards
- Students in the BSN (Prelicensure) program must pass the ATI TEAS exam with a minimum composite score of 63% to be eligible for admission
- Applicants with an RN Diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) are not eligible for the BSN (Prelicensure) program, as this program is intended for individuals seeking initial RN licensure
- Due to the structure of this program, students will be enrolled at less than full time for a portion of the program. This may impact your federal loan limit eligibility
- Due to the structure of this program, students will be enrolled at no more than half time for a portion of the program. During this period, students will not be eligible for the Monthly Housing Allowance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Additionally, enrollment at the half-time rate may reduce Basic Allowance for Housing under the Vocational Readiness and Employment program and may reduce monthly payment amounts under other VA education benefit programs. Connect with an enrollment specialist for details
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
SAT and ACT are not required for admission.
*Sophia Admissions Pathway can help prepare you to apply for admission into select bachelor’s programs.
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:
- Complete Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) in the United States and have a U.S. address
- 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 are the ABSN admissions requirements?
Admissions requirements:
Applicants to the accelerated BSN pathway must provide the following information for admissions:
- To qualify for the accelerated BSN pathway, you must submit official transcripts and have a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Students with a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale are eligible to waive the ATI TEAS exam admissions requirement
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications for the BSN (Prelicensure) program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Capella students who relocate to the following states may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill skills lab requirements or obtain professional licensure or certification in the following states: Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Kentucky, South Dakota, North Carolina, Wisconsin & Colorado.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
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Multiple BSN options
Thinking about a nursing career? Or are you already there and looking to grow? Our programs are designed to meet you where you are and help you drive forward.
Continuing education with no tuition costs
Build skills, work toward licensure renewal and meet CE requirements when you earn contact hours through on-demand nursing webinars.
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.
Job titles to explore*
- Assistant nurse manager
- Case management registered nurse
- Home health registered nurse
- ICU registered nurse
- Nurse manager
- Oncology registered nurse
- Registered nurse
- Registered nurse case manager
Employment settings to explore*
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Home healthcare services
- Miscellaneous ambulatory healthcare services
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.