Designed for the working professional, our flexible RN to BSN program is delivered fully online, with arranged minimal clinical experiences close to home. Take your degree — and career — to the next level with a BSN!
Please note that students who reside outside the state of Michigan who are considering an online nursing program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency to confirm whether the course or program meets requirements for professional licensure in the student’s state of residence prior to beginning a course of study. MSU has an up-to-date, state-by-state summary.
Students can start the RN to BSN program in the fall, spring or summer.
Prior to starting the RN to BSN program at MSU, you will complete the prerequisites to the program at a community college or university near you. Many students find they have already completed many of the prerequisites during their ADN programs. You can find the list of prerequisites and university graduation requirements on our Admissions website. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA from their associate degree in nursing program.
Students are encouraged to utilize the Transfer MSU website to determine course equivalencies. Students must also have a current, unencumbered RN license before taking NUR courses.
These courses must be completed before starting the RN-BSN program.
These courses may be completed before or during the RN-BSN program.
Students must complete all University requirements to complete a bachelor’s degree at Michigan State.
Michigan State University participates in the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA). Students are strongly encouraged to complete the MTA prior to enrollment in the RN-BSN program. Students who have not completed the MTA must complete the university’s writing and math requirements prior to admission and must complete the university’s integrative studies requirements prior to graduation from the RN-BSN program.
All admitted Students who have passed the NCLEX Examination will receive 30 transfer credits upon starting the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing for registered nurses can be completed in as few as four semesters and is designed to build on prior nursing education and enhance leadership skills to meet the needs of the changing healthcare environment.
This program is delivered in a web-based format. Clinical practice in community health and leadership are completed in the student’s local region.
The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.
Any ISS 300-level course (meets University Integrative Studies in Social Science Requirement)
NUR 351 – BSN Impact on Healthcare
NUR 352 – Genetics: Transforming Healthcare
NUR 353 – BSN’s Promoting Health Across the Care Continuum
NUR 354 – Research, Ethics, and Evidence Based Practice for Nurses
NUR 461 – Community and Population Health*
NUR 462 – Healthcare Policy, Regulation, and Finance
NUR 463 – Scholarly Project Seminar
NUR 465 – Leadership Immersion*
* NUR 461 and NUR 465 each require 45 practice hours throughout the semester
These can be completed prior to or during the program.
STT 200 – Statistical Methods
MMG 201 and 302 – Fundamentals of Microbiology and Lab
Deadline for Fall: April 1
Deadline for Spring (January start): October 1
Deadline for Summer (May start): March 1
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
The RN to BSN program is for nurses who already have an associate's degree and wish to earn a BSN.
Earning your BSN from MSU will help advance your critical thinking skills as you study the various issues that nurses face. You will also gain valuable experience in community health and nursing leadership settings. BSN-prepared nurses also have more career options and job flexibility available to them, as earning your BSN expands your professional horizons.
Also, earning your BSN may be a stepping-stone to earning your MSN, DNP, or PhD.
The program can be completed in as few as four semesters. We offer individualized and flexible options.
The MSU RN to BSN program is 100% online. Clinical rotations are arranged for you, near you.
Courses are offered in a traditional semester format, but you can log on to your coursework at any time and day of the week that is convenient for you. The College of Nursing has a long history of providing a quality learning experience to distance, lifelong learning, and working students.
The RN to BSN program is 30 credits. Thirty credits will be granted for successfully passing the NCLEX. In addition to those 30 credits, a maximum of 60 credits may be transferred from a community college. All transfer credits must be evaluated and approved by the University.
Yes, students admitted to the College of Nursing are eligible for college-specific scholarships. More information is available on the Scholarships page of the College of Nursing website, which also includes links to external funding resources. Prospective students can also contact the Office of Admissions for information about university-wide scholarships available as part of the admissions process.
Students in the RN-BSN program will complete 90 clinical hours over the duration of the program. Clinical experiences take place in a variety of settings—including hospitals, early childhood development centers, and assisted living facilities.
The Clinical Placement Coordinator assigns placements, and flexibility is encouraged. Students are responsible for their own transportation to clinical sites.
Henry Ford College
Lansing Community College
Macomb Community College
Muskegon Community College
Oakland Community College
St. Clair County Community College