25 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs Online [2024 BSN Program Guide]

By Joy Cromwelle
Updated on March 23, 2024
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Explore Accelerated Nursing Programs Online. Compare accelerated BSN programs, career paths, and salaries.

We’ve identified 25 accredited accelerated nursing programs online. Here you can compare accelerated BSN programs, career paths, and potential salaries to explore whether one of these programs is right for you.

accelerated nursing programs

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing an average annual salary of $75,330 for those with nursing degrees, more nurses are seeking out accelerated nursing degree programs to take their careers to the next level.

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Since nursing is in such high demand, universities across the nation have started designing accelerated nursing degree programs to help Registered Nurses (RN) earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a rapid pace.

Universities Offering Accelerated Nursing Degree Programs Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. AdventHealth University

AdventHealth University is a Seventh-day Adventist institution that specializes in healthcare education. Service-oriented, faith-affirming, and nurturing, the school aspires to develop future healthcare leaders who value their profession as a ministry.

The institution started offering Nursing education at Florida Hospital in 1913. Then, in 1998, it became a baccalaureate-granting institution.

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

These online nursing programs offered at AdventHealth University are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University, founded by the Dougherty brothers in 1899, is a public school in Boone, North Carolina. It became part of the University of North Carolina system in 1971.

The school aims to prepare students to become global citizens who understand and do their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for everyone. There are over 150 undergraduate and graduate majors with a low student-faculty ratio.

  • BSN

The online accelerated nursing programs at Appalachian State University are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

3. California State University – Stanislaus

California State University is a public school system in California and is considered the largest 4 year public university system in the country. It has 23 campuses and 8 off-campus centers. It was founded in 1960 under the California Master Plan for Higher Education. Each year, California State University educates around 482,000 students.

  • RN to BSN

California State University and its accelerated nursing program are accredited by the Senior College Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

4. Clemson University

Clemson University is one of the country’s most selective research institutions. Since its founding in 1888, it has remained committed to world-class research. It was ranked by U.S News and World Report as the 27th Best National Public University.

Their picturesque campus sits on a 20,000-acre land in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They also have research facilities and economic development centers throughout South Carolina.

  • RN to BSN

The accelerated online nursing programs at Clemson University are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. Drexel University

Drexel University was founded by the financier and philanthropist, Anthony J. Drexel, in 1891. It is a comprehensive private research school with its main campus located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It has a unique model of experiential learning through Drexel Co-op. It has three campuses in Philadelphia and other regional sites.

  • BS in Nursing
  • RN to MSN Bridge Program
  • RN to BSN to MSN Program

All these online nursing programs at Drexel University are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6. East Carolina University

East Carolina University, founded in 1907, is a public research university in Greenville, North Carolina. It is considered the fourth-largest university in the state. It was established as a teacher training school and has grown into the reputable school it is now. It offers an undergraduate program, master’s program, specialist program, and doctoral program for a variety of degrees.

  • RN to BSN

East Carolina University’s online accelerated BSN and RN program is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

7. Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University spans 110 miles of Southeast Florida’s Coast and fosters a dynamic culture that nurtures ingenuity and independence. It was established in 1961 and officially opened its doors in 1964.

Presently, it serves more than 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students across its six campuses. It is ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report.

  • RN to BSN

The online accelerated nursing programs at FAU are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8. Linfield College

Linfield College is a private, comprehensive, undergraduate institution located in McMinnville, Oregon. It connects the traditional liberal arts with practical education by providing students with opportunities for collaborative and experiential learning.

The school is nationally recognized for its excellent teaching faculty, outstanding academic programs, and international emphasis. There are 56 majors offered through three programs.

  • RN to BSN

The accelerated BSN program and RN program at Linfield College are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

9. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private university founded in 1870. It was first known as St. Ignatius College. It is considered one of the country’s largest Jesuit, Catholic Universities. It has four campuses: Lake Shore, Water Tower, Health Sciences, and the John Felice Rome Center, in Italy.

It is home to 14 schools, colleges, and institutes. There are more than 170 graduate, professional, and graduate-level certificate programs.

  • RN to BSN

The online accelerated nursing programs offered by Loyola University Chicago’s school of nursing are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Michigan State University

Michigan State University is one of the top research universities in the country (The Center for Measuring University Performance). It strives to forge enduring partnerships to solve the most challenging global issues while providing relevant and life-changing opportunities to an inclusive and diverse academic community.

It was founded in 1855 and was the first institution of higher learning in the country to teach scientific agriculture.

  • RN to BSN

The online accelerated BSN and RN program at MSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

11. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University excels in innovative and technology-driven research and has been listed as one of the top public research universities in the United States (The Center for Measuring University Performance).

Its mission is to address the needs and goals of people in a changing world by building on its land-grant foundation.

  • RN to BSN

The online nursing program at NDSU is accredited as an institution by the Higher Learning Commission.

12. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private research university. Its main campus is in Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1898 and is categorized as an R1 institution (Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity).

The school has satellite campuses in Charlotte, Seattle, San Jose, and Toronto. The school features a cooperative education program that integrates classroom study with professional experience involving 3,100 partners across the globe.

  • RN to BSN

Northeastern University and its online accelerated BSN program and RN program are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

13. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational university located in Southern New England. There are over 100 programs offered to approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Its three campuses are located in Hamden and North Haven, Connecticut.

The school aims to provide the knowledge and tools that students need to make an impact in their chosen profession by providing them with a combination of market-driven knowledge and expertise, academic innovation, and the quintessential student experience.

  • RN to BSN
  • RN to MSN in Operational Leadership

The accelerated online programs offered by Quinnipiac University’s school of nursing are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

14. Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University is a private, Roman Catholic school in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was established in 1963 by the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis.

It offers more than 80 different degree programs to over 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Its curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts and Catholic intellectual traditions. Its mission is to educate students holistically and prepare them to lead and serve in the world.

  • RN to BSN
  • RN to BSN to MSN

The accelerated online programs at Sacred Heart are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

15. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is the hometown University of Orlando, Florida. It offers over 220 degrees across 13 colleges. It was founded in 1963 with the mission to provide opportunities for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program.

It was ranked as one of the nation’s top 10 most innovative colleges, according to U.S News & World Report.

  • BSN
  • RN to BSN

The online nursing programs at the University of Central Florida are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware, located in Newark, Delaware, is a diverse public research university and the largest university in the state. Currently, it offers three associate programs, 148 bachelor’s degree programs, 121 master’s degree programs, and 55 doctoral degree courses across eight colleges.

The school exists on a mission to cultivate learning, develop knowledge, and foster the freedom of ideas.

  • RN to BSN

The online nursing program at the University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

17. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa, founded in 1847, is the oldest university in the state of Iowa. The University of Iowa is comprised of 12 colleges that offer more than 200 areas of study.

It is the first among American public universities to open as coeducational. Its main campus is located in Iowa City. The magnificent Iowa River flows through the campus, dividing it into east and west sides.

  • RN to BSN

The online accelerated BSN and RN program at the University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

18. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell, located in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a national, public research university and is part of the University of Massachusetts system. It is committed to preparing students for life and work in the real world by solving real problems and helping real people.

By providing an affordable, high-quality education, it is an ideal place to discover and achieve one’s purpose.

  • RN to BSN

The online accelerated BSN and RN program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

19. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico, established in 1889, is a public research university in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It offers over 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Its main campus encompasses more than 800 acres of land in the heart of Albuquerque.

Its distinctive campus environment, with a Pueblo Revival architectural theme, echoes its nearby Pueblo Indian villages. There are also satellite campuses in Gallup, Los Alamos, Rio Rancho, Taos, and Los Lunas.

  • BS in Nursing

The online accelerated bachelor’s and doctorate nursing programs at the University of New Mexico are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

20. University of North Carolina – Wilmington

The history of the University of North Carolina can be traced back to 1946 when a college center was established under the direction of the North Carolina College Conference.

UNCW offers 56 bachelor’s degrees, 36 master’s degrees, and 4 doctoral programs.

  • RN to BSN

The University of North Carolina Wilmington and its online nursing program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota, more commonly known as UND, is a public research university in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It was founded by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883, making it the state’s oldest university.

The main campus is located in the middle of Grand Forks, University Avenue, and is comprised of 240 buildings.

The school offers 224 fields of study, including 2 professional programs in law and medicine, 73 undergraduate minors, 90 undergraduate majors, 54 master’s degree programs, 27 doctoral programs, and a specialist diploma program in educational leadership.

  • RN to BSN

The online programs at the University of North Dakota and the university as a whole are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

22. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester, a private and nonsectarian university, is considered the largest employer in the Greater Rochester area and the 6th largest employer in New York.

Its main campus houses 158 buildings and offers over 200 academic majors. It is known as one of the world’s leading research universities through its long tradition of breaking boundaries and always questioning, learning, and unlearning.

  • RN to BSN

The online accelerated BSN and RN program at the University of Rochester is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

23. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida, established in 1956, is a public research university in Tampa, Florida. It is one of the members of the State University System of Florida.

As of the recent academic year, it has an enrollment of around 50,000 students. As a premier research university, it is dedicated to empowering students in order to maximize their potential for lifelong success.

  • RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

USF and its online accelerated BSN and RN nursing programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi has its main campus in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is a community of engaged citizens, operating as a student-focused, public, research university.

It was established in 1910 and is one of the few universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” distinction.

It has a campus culture characterized by warmth and supportive relationships among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

  • BSN

The online accelerated BSN program at University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. University of Texas – Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington, a public research university, is a part of the University of Texas System. Established in 1895, it is distinguished as a Carnegie Research 1 institution with more than a century of academic excellence.

It offers modern facilities that encourage students to think critically. Through various programs in academics, internships, and research, students can gain access to real-world experiences that help them make a difference to their community and the world.

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • RN to BSN
  • RN to MSN
  • RN to MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

From the online accelerated BSN program to the online accelerated MSN program, the nursing programs offered by the University of Texas at Arlington are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accelerated Online Nursing Programs

The most convenient types of accelerated nursing degrees are typically those offered online.

Taking your nursing degree to the next level may mean higher pay and promotions since competition for top jobs continues to increase in the healthcare industry.

Accelerated BSN Online

nurse fixing a patient's bed

Accelerated online RN to BSN programs are for those individuals who are already registered nurses.

An accelerated BSN program can help those with their RN earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing at a faster pace than they would through traditional, campus-based programs. They still require a certain number of clinical hours to graduate, but they may be earned in a shorter amount of time.

They can also give you the opportunity to learn at a pace that suits you best and allow you more time for work and family, while still covering all the same requirements and course information.

Accelerated online RN to BSN programs can usually be completed within one year, which is half the time it takes to complete a traditional program.

Prerequisites and admission requirements for these online programs differ a little from school to school, but the two most common prerequisites are a nursing degree (ADN or diploma) and an RN license.

Nursing Careers & Salaries

Nursing Careers & Salaries

The medical field needs nurses of diverse types in distinctive areas to help others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the nursing field include:

Careers Annual Median Salary
Nurse Anesthetists $183,580
Nurse Practitioners $111,680
Nurse Midwives $111,130
Medical and Health Services Managers $104,280
Registered Nurses $75,330
Healthcare Social Workers $57,630
Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses $48,820

You may need additional education or work experience to qualify for some of these jobs. Registered nurses tackle a broad spectrum of duties, including:

  • Administering medication and treatment based on a doctor’s recommendation
  • Recording, observing, and reporting symptoms in a patient
  • Monitoring and using medical equipment
  • Assisting with medical procedures
  • Advocating for patients and families

RNs are integral to efficient healthcare and may work in a variety of settings, including pediatrics, general care, family care, geriatrics, and emergency care.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Salary & Responsibilities

Nurse Anesthetist assisting during operation

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses with their BSN earn on average $75,330 per year, and a 9% job growth is predicted for registered nurses (RNs) alone.

Through BSN programs, nurses not only have classes in the general studies covered in many associate degree programs but also in social and physical sciences, nursing management, public health, and humanities.

In addition, their required clinical hours can help them gain the clinical experience necessary to set them up for success in the healthcare and human growth industry.

Specialties offered in accelerated BSN programs include:

  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Cardiac Care Nurse
  • Forensic Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse

The duties required of nurses with a BSN will vary depending on what area of nursing they choose to work in, but many of their duties are similar to that of an RN.

While the salary and duties of a nurse with a BSN may not differ much from a nurse who doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree, the job opportunities available for those who do are often much broader.

On average, nurses with a BSN do make $1 more per hour than those who don’t, according to RN Magazine.

While this may not seem like a lot, keep in mind that the more education you have (in the form of a BSN or other certifications and licensures), the higher your salary usually climbs. You can think of this small salary bump as the starting point once you receive your BSN.

Completing an accelerated BSN program can also give you the opportunity to learn the most up-to-date knowledge in the field.

If you want to go to graduate school and specialize in a field like anesthesia or take on a management role, you’ll have to hold a nursing bachelor’s degree in order to do so. You might consider the value of the BSN as a stepping stone toward other opportunities in the field.

If you’re comfortable with classic nursing duties and have no desire to become highly trained or specialized, then pursuing an accelerated BSN might not be right for you. If, however, you have the desire to pursue something beyond your current duties, an accelerated bachelor’s program online can help make it easier.

If you want to advance your career even more in the nursing field, taking an online doctor of nursing program may be a good choice too.

With accelerated nursing degree programs, it’s easier to take advantage of the possibilities that unfold if you move beyond your RN and go back to school.

Comparison: RN vs. BSN vs. MSN

RN vs. BSN vs. MSN – Salaries, Benefits, Responsibilities

For some individuals, the most important differences between having your RN, BSN, and MSN are the differentials in earnings.

Other people may be interested in how job responsibilities vary between the three. Being aware of the variations can help you decide which online nursing program you want to pursue.

Why Bother with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

nurse taking care of her patient

In addition to a potential increase in salary, one of the appeals of going beyond RN status and earning a BSN is that additional job opportunities may open up. Management or leadership roles in health care facilities that weren’t possible with an RN are often possible with a BSN.

Because of the additional training through extended clinical hours and coursework, you may be able to pursue an online nurse practitioner no GRE program more easily with a BSN.

You’ll also be more prepared to practice in specialty areas of healthcare, like the ICU, ER, or OR.

Many of these more specialized positions are not available to RNs, and as more nursing students go back to school for their bachelor’s degree in nursing, this program will rise in demand.

Financial Aid for Nurses

Financial Aid for Nurses

The total cost of post-secondary study makes it difficult for many people to attend college. That being said, there is an abundance of financial aid options open to students interested in accelerated online nursing programs.

Federal Student Grants

Grants are some of the most popular financial aid options since they are essentially free money given to a student for the purpose of paying for post-secondary education. Grants typically don’t have to be repaid, though some do have requirements that must be met or they’ll default to loan.

There are a wide variety of grants available to students who qualify, including grants for students with disabilities, students that do not have associate degrees, and students with family members in the military.

The amount of money awarded through a grant varies depending on a recipient’s financial need, part-time or full-time status, and cost of attendance.

Federal Student Loans

nursing student studying in a library

Loans are money given to a student that must be paid back over time. Like grants, loans are available based on your financial need, your enrollment status, and the cost of your attendance. The school you attend will determine the type of federal loan, if any, you qualify for.

There are two types of federal loans available:

Subsidized Loans

Subsidized loans possess terms that are more lenient for students that have financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on subsidized loans for the first 6 months after you leave school or as long as you are in school half-time or during a period of deferment.

Unsubsidized Loans

Unsubsidized loans have terms that can make it harder for students to pay back what is owed. You will be required to pay the interest. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school or during the period of deferment, the interest will accumulate over time and will be added to the overall amount of your loan.

You can find out what you qualify for by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but you don’t have to stop there.

You can also research information on private organizations offering scholarships and talk to your employer about tuition assistance programs. Your school may also offer you a scholarship to enroll in its accelerated nursing program.

Any potential financial aid that is available can go a long way when pursuing a degree.

Nursing College Accreditation

Nursing College Accreditation

Another crucial element to be aware of when pursuing an accelerated nursing degree is the accreditation status of your program and school.

Accreditation is important because it demonstrates the university’s dedication to providing the highest quality of education to its students, as well as being educationally suitable overall.

The regional accrediting agencies are:

It is important to ensure that any accelerated online nursing programs you apply for are accredited by one of these regional accrediting boards.

In addition to regional accreditation, some programs have additional accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Getting Your Nursing Degree Online

a nurse studying on her computer

If you’re a busy adult who already has a nursing career and a family to raise, you may benefit from the offerings of an accelerated online nursing program.

Pursuing an RN to BSN program will give you the opportunity to improve your academic standing and gain valuable clinical experience. This can help open up more career options than you may have as a registered nurse.

Additionally, you may be able to earn your degree from the comfort of your own home at a pace that suits you and your lifestyle best.

Ready to start your journey?