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
2026 Best Online Degrees - Nursing = Learn.org

    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 a CNEA or 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

    Applicant Materials:

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

    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. 

    See our Nursing Licensure Requirements page for more information.

    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 Rutgers 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 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 students with disabilities, and students are not required or expected to disclose disabilities when they apply to Rutgers Health Programs, unless accommodations are needed during the application process. You can rest assured that we are committed to creating an equal-access environment and supporting your needs during your time at Rutgers.