Top 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

Advancing your education can be intimidating, especially if you return to school after many years out of the classroom. But, securing a registered nurse (RN) job with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is more challenging than ever. Healthcare institutions, especially magnet hospitals, highly encourage nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

Fortunately, you can earn a nursing bachelor’s degree quickly with a 6-month RN to BSN program. Though challenging, these programs can rev up your career, making you more competitive for the positions you want. Read on to learn more about how you can advance your education and career prospects in just half a year.

What Are 6-Month RN to BSN Programs?

RN to BSN programs are specific programs aimed at registered nurses who have already completed an ADN program and want to earn a BSN. Traditional BSN bridge programs take about one year, but 6-month RN to BSN programs cut that timeline in half.

Going from RN to BSN in 6 months is a challenge, especially when working full-time at the bedside. Given the condensed timeline, these programs are fast-paced, intense, and often difficult to complete. They are ideal for working nurses who can finish the required coursework despite the time constraints.

Advantages of a 6-Month RN to BSN Program

BSN bridge programs vary in length, with the fastest RN to BSN programs lasting six months. These accelerated RN to BSN programs do have some disadvantages, but there are plenty of advantages, which include:

• Fast-paced program
• Cost
• Flexibility
• Increase hiring and salary potential
• Increased autonomy

Top 6-Month RN to BSN Programs

1. University of Texas Health Houston

Students can complete UTH's BSN bridge in 2 semesters, earning a bachelor's-level nursing degree in 6 months. This RN to BSN program in Texas includes didactic courses and clinical rotations. Students can complete their clinicals at Texas Medical Center or other healthcare facilities in the state.

UT offers three start dates for its RN to BSN classes. In addition to the 6 month RN program, UTH offers a traditional three-semester and flexible five-semester path for interested ADN nurses.

• Tuition: $8,463 (total cost)
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• Application Deadline: 
  • Spring: September 1st
  • Summer: January 15th
  • Fall: March 15th
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (713) 500-2145
  • Email: [email protected]
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

2. University of Utah

University of Utah applicants get a dedicated academic advisor who helps them determine the best progression plan for their education. Students can complete the 6-month nursing program and earn a BSN in as little as two semesters. However, the university will allow them to complete it in up to four semesters if necessary.

Students may choose from three available start dates, making it ideal for working professionals who need flexibility as they swiftly complete their education.

• Tuition: $260 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Application Deadline: June 1st and November 1st
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (801) 587-7605
  • Email: [email protected]
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Also home to one of the top ABSN programs in Texas, TTUHSU offers a 30-credit RN-BSN bridge. The program allows RNs to earn a BSN in six to eight short months. Because of the curriculum's design, the program only allows full-time students to take 2 to 3 courses at a time.

Students at TTUHSC must participate in clinicals - but not in the traditional sense. The university encourages students to complete the needed clinicals at their place of employment. 

• Tuition: 
  • In-state: $215 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $635 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Spring: November 15th
  • Summer: April 1st
  • Fall:  August 1st
• Contact Info: (325) 696-0500
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

4. Georgia Southern University 

GSU designed its RN to BSN bridge program specifically for working nurses. Students can complete it in as little as two semesters, making it one of the fastest ADN to BSN programs available. However, if two semesters aren't feasible, students have up to five years to complete it. 

GSU also has one of the lowest tuition rates amongst available 6-month RN to BSN programs. Regardless, students still have several scholarships available to them.

• Tuition: $187 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Contact Info: 
  • Email Address: [email protected]
  • Phone Number: (912) 478-5242
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

5. University of Central Oklahoma

The RN to BSN program at the University of Central Oklahoma offers 100% online classes to working professionals. Courses are eight weeks long and students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at UCO. 

Interested students are highly encouraged to attend one of the virtual RN2BS Coffee Chats held on the first Wednesday of the month in the morning and evening. Students will have the opportunity to speak to program coordinators and advisors and ask questions about the program.

• Tuition: 
  • In-state: $8,500
  • Out-of-state: $8,750
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Spring: December 1st 
  • Fall: July 1st 
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone Number: (405) 974-2000
  • Email Address: [email protected] 
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

6. The University of Toledo

University of Toledo's BSN bridge is the first Ohio program to receive recognition from Quality Matters for its courses and faculty. Additionally, the program is affordable for residents and non-residents alike. Unlike other schools, the University of Toledo only charges an additional $5 for out-of-state student tuition.

There is a dual partnership between the University of Toledo and Owens Community College as well as Saddleback College. Students will earn their ADN degree and then after successfully passing the NCLEX will move into the RN to BSN program at Toledo. 

• Tuition: 
  • In-state: $428.53 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $433.53 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: July 1st 
  • Spring: November 1st
• Contact Info:
  • Phone: (800) 586-5336
  • Email: [email protected]
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

7. Midwestern State University

Midwestern State University’s 6-month RN Transition Program is ideal for working professionals who can complete it in 2 semesters. But if this fast-paced program doesn’t work, students can slow the pace and complete it in four semesters.

MSU Texas also has partnerships with local community colleges to help ADN graduates transition into RN-to-BSN bridge programs. Students interested in the RN Transition Program are required to apply to MSU in addition to the program. Students must meet the admission criteria not only from the nursing program but also from the university. 

• Tuition: 
  • In-state: $544.70 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $953.70 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: August 1st
  • Spring: December 1st
  • Summer 1: May 1st
  • Summer 2: June 1st
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (972) 899-8414
  • Email: [email protected]
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

8. Delta State University

Students at Delta State can apply anytime to the 6-month RN to BSN program. However, they must submit all application material by February 15th for the application to be complete. 

Delta State University’s program prepares students for management positions and those interested in advancing their education. 

• Tuition: 
  • Fall semester: $351 per credit hour
  • Spring semester: $469 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: Rolling 
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (662) 846-4255 
  • Email: [email protected]
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

9. George Mason University

The RN to BSN program at GMU requires students to hold an RN license. Students can complete the program in as little as two full-time semesters. Classes are offered in a seven-week format, and students are required to complete a practicum. Students admitted with a prior non-nursing bachelor's degree are required to complete at least 30 credit hours at Mason beyond the first degree. 

• Tuition: 
  • Fall semester: $420.50 per credit hour
  • Spring semester: $1,427.50 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: January 15th 
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (703) 993-1000
  • Email: [email protected]
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

10. University of South Alabama

The RN to BSN Pathway at South Alabama is specifically designed for nurses with an RN license who want to expand their education and earn a BSN. The program is taught entirely online, allowing for maximum flexibility, especially for students who work full-time and/or have family commitments. 

• Tuition: $328 per credit hour
• Program Length: 6 Months
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: March 15th
  • Spring: July 15th
  • Summer: January 15^th
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone: (251) 445-9400
  • Email: [email protected]
• Online Options Available? Yes
• Website

Next Steps: Getting Into an RN to BSN Program

Sometimes the fastest degree tracks aren't the easiest RN to BSN programs to get into. 6-month RN to BSN programs are harder to find than other more casual-paced options. Therefore, getting into these schools may be more competitive. Also, some programs require RN licensure within the state despite being entirely online. That further limits available program options. 

Put your best foot forward on applications by being thoroughly prepared. Read our RN to BSN guide to find out everything you need to know about going from an ADN to a BSN, including requirements, coursework, cost, and much more.