Nursing, RN-BSN
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.

Foundation for Success
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.
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 community college 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.
After completing this bachelor's degree, continue your education at ETSU with a master's
or doctorate degree:
Nursing, MSN | Nursing, DNP | Nursing, Ph.D.
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.

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.
Cost
| TN Residents | *GA, KY, NC, SC, VA | *Other USA States | **eRate | All International | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $487 per credit hour | $517 per credit hour | $627 per credit hour | $558 per credit hour | $1,265 per credit hour | |||||
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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What accreditation applies to this program?
The undergraduate nursing program is accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).
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Do I need to have a background in this field?
Students must have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing 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.
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What are the GPA and Prerequisite Requirements?
Minimum GPA:
- 3.0 Overall GPA (every college attended, including dual enrollment)
- 2.75 GPA for prerequisite courses
Prerequisites:
- Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
- Intro to Microbiology with Lab
- Probability & Statistics
NOTE: No more than one failure per pre-req course (grade below a C-, a W, or WF grade)
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Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous?
All the RN-BSN nursing courses are asynchronous.
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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.
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What is the time to completion?
The RN to BSN includes three semesters of nursing courses and has a summer start date for each cohort.
If you have an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing, you may still need to complete some ETSU Compass Core requirements (General Education Courses).
Students who have earned an Associate of Art (AA) in Nursing, an Associate of Science (AS) in Nursing, or a Bachelor's degree will have completed all ETSU Compass Core requirements (General Education Courses).
Additionally, to meet ETSU’s graduation requirements, you must complete the following:
- 30 ETSU Residency Credits (typically fulfilled through the Nursing courses)
- 50 Senior Institution Credits (credits earned from a four-year college or university)
- 120 Total Credits required for graduation (includes ETSU Compass Core requirements)
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When can I start?
The RN-BSN program admits students for the summer term start only.
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How do I apply?
First, apply to NursingCAS - The Centralized Application for Nursing Programs, then apply to ETSU Undergraduate Admissions as a Transfer Student and select "Health Professions Nursing Interest" as your major.
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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.
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