RN to BS in Nursing at Rutgers School of Nursing

Academics & Admissions

Advance your nursing career— on your schedule. 

Designed for licensed RNs with a diploma or associate degree, our RN to BS in Nursing program offers the flexibility you need to take the next step. Customize your study plan and earn your bachelor’s degree—on your time and at your pace.

The majority of core nursing courses are delivered online, offering flexibility to study at times that best fit your schedule. Some non-nursing and graduate-level courses may be offered in person or in a hybrid format at our Newark and New Brunswick campuses. Clinical practicums offer advanced clinical training in specialized areas, allowing students to develop additional skills while working directly under the guidance of experienced preceptors.

While many students complete the program in as few as four semesters, you’ll have up to seven years from the time of admission to fulfill all program requirements.

Why Choose Our Program?

  • Flexible coursework schedules
  • Individualized academic plans
  • Transfer-friendly credit policy
  • Opportunity to earn 12 graduate credits to apply to a future degree!
  • Study at your pace—finish in as few as 4 semesters

Quick Facts

Program Details 
  • Full-Time or Part-Time Plan of Study Options
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Complete in as few as four semesters

Deadline to apply: 
Fall Start
– Feb. 1 priority
– May 1 final

Spring Start
– Oct. 1 priority
– Nov. 15 final

Tuition

*Estimated Tuition Per-Credit Cost: $580

*Estimated in-state cost as of spring 2025—please be aware that costs may change over time. For the most up-to-date information, visit our tuition website.

Curriculum Overview – RN to BS

Course Format:

  • Core RN to BS courses: Online
  • General education & graduate courses: Online, in-person, or hybrid (Newark or New Brunswick campuses)
  • Clinical practicums: Completed in New Jersey

Credit Transfer Options:
 You may transfer up to:

  • 40 RN core credits
  • 18 nursing science credits
  • 33 general education credits

Residency Requirement:

  • At least 30 credits must be completed at Rutgers University to successfully complete the requirements for the degree

Accelerate Your Career: Graduate Component

Earn 12 graduate-level credits during your RN to BS program. These credits apply to both your bachelor’s and your future advanced nursing degree.

Admissions Overview – RN to BS

Fall leaves on calendar

Fall Start Deadline
Priority Feb. 1
Final May 1

Priority list on calendar

Spring Start Deadline
Priority Oct. 1
Final Nov. 15

Campus Affiliation: New Brunswick | School 77

Admission Criteria:

  • Nursing diploma or associate degree from an NLNAC/ACEN-accredited program
  • Current New Jersey RN license*
  • Preferred GPA: 3.2 or higher
  • Students graduating soon? You can apply with your degree in progress.

*Applicants who are awaiting NCLEX results are welcome to apply. However, a passing NCLEX score is required before the start of your second semester. If you hold an out-of-state RN license, you must apply for New Jersey RN licensure while enrolled in the program.

Application Checklist:

  • Completed online application
  • Proof of NJ RN license
  • Transcripts (official)

Personal statement is optional, but highly recommended.  This statement should highlight your motivation for pursuing a BS in Nursing, your professional goals, and how the program aligns with your career aspirations.

Personal statements should be sent to:
snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu


Information Sessions

Apply Now or Get in Touch

New Applicants

Send materials to:
Office of University Undergraduate Admissions
Rutgers University
65 Davidson Rd., Room 202
Piscataway, NJ 08854
Phone (732) 445-4636
Fax (732) 445-8088

Re-Enrolling Rutgers Students

Send materials to:
Rutgers School of Nursing Admissions
65 Bergen St., Room 601
Newark, NJ 07107
Phone (973) 972-3067
Fax (973) 972-2672
snadmissions@sn.rutgers.edu

International students: Submit a WES evaluation for any coursework completed outside the U.S.

Licensure & Clinical Compliance for Nursing Programs

At Rutgers School of Nursing, we are dedicated to preparing ethical and skilled nursing professionals. To be licensed in most states, a criminal history background check is a prerequisite for licensure as a registered professional nurse (RN) per the state’s Board of Nursing. Since eligibility criteria may vary, applicants should check with the Board of Nursing of the state in which they plan to apply for licensure to determine the eligibility criteria. 
All nursing students in clinical courses are required to complete a criminal history background check.  Depending on your program,  clinical sites may require additional screening, such as drug testing and/or fingerprinting to ensure compliance with their policies and standards.  Please review  Clinical Clearance Requirements for individual Rutger’s nursing programs.   These practices reflect the nursing profession’s commitment to trust, accountability, and community safety. If you have questions or need support, our team is here to help guide you on your journey

Accessibility Accommodations

Many students have questions about disclosing their disability needs when they apply to Rutgers Health programs. The short answer is you don’t have to disclose if you’re not comfortable sharing that information with us at the application stage. Some examples of accommodations needed may include, but are not limited to, sign language interpreters, interviewing accommodations, or accommodations during visitation.  If you need accessibility accommodations during the application process or interview process for admissions at Rutgers Health, you can explore your options by contacting the Rutgers Health Office of Disability Services or by calling 973-640-0058.  
 
Rutgers Health doesn’t discriminate against disabled students, and students are not required nor expected to disclose disabilities when they apply to Rutgers Health Programs, unless accommodations are required during the application process.  You can rest assured, though, that we are committed to creating an equal access environment and supporting your needs during your time at Rutgers.