THE SHORT ANSWER
What is the fastest RN to BSN program?
Of the accredited online programs in this guide, UT Arlington lists the shortest minimum: as few as 9 months with a January or February start, if your transfer credit covers the rest of the degree. Chamberlain lists as few as 10 months with maximum transfer credit, and WGU as little as one year.
- UT ArlingtonAs few as 9 months (January or February start), 10 months otherwise. 35 credits, mostly in 5-week courses, at $257 a credit: $8,995 for the nursing courses. General education courses cost extra
- ChamberlainAs few as 10 months. RNs with an associate degree or diploma are awarded 77 proficiency credits
- WGUAs little as one year. $5,325 per six-month term, a flat rate however many courses you finish
- What decides your real timelineHow many of your credits transfer, which general education courses you still need, and how many courses you take at once. "As few as" is the fastest case, not a promise
Sources: UT Arlington (checked Oct 30, 2026); Chamberlain and WGU (checked Oct 5, 2026). All three are CCNE accredited.
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THE BASICS
1. RN-to-BSN in 30 seconds
- 701 programs nationwideMore than 600 are at least partly online
- Usually 1 to 2 yearsDepends on the school and the credits you bring
- No second NCLEXYou're already licensed. Most people keep working
FAST + PUBLIC
2. UT Arlington (TX), online
- As few as 9 monthsWith a January or February start. 10 months otherwise
- $8,995 for the nursing courses$257 a credit, 35 credits. Gen eds may cost extra
- CCNE accreditedStarts throughout the year
SELF-PACED
3. WGU, online
- As little as one yearMove faster if you already know the material
- $5,325 per six-month termA flat rate, not per credit: more courses, same price
- 35 clinical hoursCCNE accredited
YOUR LICENSE COUNTS
4. Chamberlain, online
- As few as 10 monthsWith maximum transfer credit
- 77 credits for being an RNAwarded for your associate degree or diploma
- CCNE accreditedAsk any school how many credits your ADN is worth
WHY IT MATTERS
5. The NY BSN in 10 law
- Licensed in NY after June 18, 2020?You need a BSN within 10 years of your NY license
- First deadlines: 2030At renewals on or after June 18, 2030
- Exemptions existCheck the NYSED page for your situation
PICK SMART
6. Before you enroll
- CCNE or ACEN accreditation, every time
- Ask how many of your ADN credits transfer
- Check whether gen eds cost extra
- "As few as" means full time with maximum credit
- Ask your employer about tuition help first
Sources: AACN; UT Arlington; WGU; Chamberlain; NYSED. Checked Oct 5, 2026. Lengths are each school's own minimum.
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