Program Overview

Iowa State’s RN-to-BSN program is designed for registered nurses who hold an associate degree in nursing or are NCLEX eligible. You will complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while gaining the knowledge and skills expected of professional nurses across today’s diverse healthcare settings.

Built for working nurses, this degree-completion program blends on-campus and online learning to support your goals and your schedule. Students meet on campus on Tuesdays for face-to-face nursing courses and complete the remainder of their coursework online, combining flexibility with a rigorous, engaging curriculum that prepares you for the next step in your nursing career.

What You Will Learn

Throughout the program, you will develop knowledge, skills, and experience in four essential areas: research, leadership, population health, and self-care/health promotion. You will learn to provide professional, culturally responsive care that honors the dignity and uniqueness of every individual and community. These learning experiences help you approach new challenges with confidence and contribute meaningfully to the health of the populations you serve.

Further Your Nursing Career

Earning your BSN opens doors to career advancement and future graduate study in nursing. In addition to roles as a bedside nurse in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, BSN-prepared nurses are well-positioned for career paths such as public or community health nurse, health policy nurse, nurse informaticist, clinical research nurse, forensic nurse, nurse health coach, and more.

Program Length & Format

The RN-to-BSN program admits a new cohort each fall and can be completed in 2 semesters of full-time study or 4 semesters of part-time study. Learning takes place in a hybrid format: you come to campus in Ames each Tuesday for program courses and complete the rest of your coursework online, supporting flexibility, work–life balance, and steady progress toward your BSN. To further support working RNs, Iowa State’s RN-to-BSN program has no textbook fees for nursing courses. You will access required materials through provided digital and open resources, reducing out-of-pocket expenses as you advance your education.

Students are balancing careers, families, and academic goals. Removing barriers and creating flexible, high-quality learning opportunities helps ensure your education is accessible, affordable, and future-focused.