University of Phoenix RN to BSN Nursing Degree Program

University of Phoenix offers two pathways for its online RN-to-BSN program:

competency-based track completable in as little as 12 months
traditional track averaging 4 years

Students choose between self-paced competency assessments or traditionally structured 5-6 week courses with weekly deadlines. The curriculum aligns with American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and Quality & Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) standards.

Academic counselors provide support up to 14 hours daily, five days weekly.

The program features 24/7/365 online class availability with 120 total credits required. Skills are embedded in coursework using labor analytics data from Lightcast.

The university accepts transfer credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions. Students average $11,000 in savings and one year off their degree through eligible credits and experience.

RN-to-BSN Admission Summary

Basic Requirements

Active, unencumbered RN license required prior to enrollment
Associate degree in nursing from accredited institution (AA, AAS, or AS with nursing emphasis)
No SAT/ACT required
No essay required
No application fee

Competency-Based Track Additional Requirements

Minimum one year full-time post-high school clinical-based RN work experience within past five years
Full-time defined as 32+ hours per week
Strong time management skills
Ability to learn independently

Transfer Credits

Accept up to 90 credits (84 maximum lower division)
Transfer credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions
Free Lopes Credit Evaluation available to estimate transfer credits
University requests transcripts at no cost when possible

Age and Academic Requirements

16+ years old
High school graduate
3.0+ unweighted GPA OR 2.5+ unweighted GPA with ACT 19 or SAT 1000

Residency Requirements

Minimum 30 semester credits must be completed at University of Phoenix
Minimum 36 upper-division (300-level or above) credits required

Curriculum

The 120-credit program includes 11 core nursing courses and 5 general education courses.

Core Nursing Courses (33 Credits)

NSGCB/302 — Professional Contemporary Nursing Role and Practice
Introduces the baccalaureate nurse’s roles—practitioner, leader, and educator—emphasizing clinical judgment, collaboration, professional values, and evidence-based practice.

NSGCB/416 — Theoretical Development and Conceptual Frameworks
Examines major nursing theories (e.g., Watson, Benner) and how theory and research inform current practice, goal setting, and closing gaps between practice and evidence.

HSNCB/376 — Health Information Technology for Nursing
Covers informatics, data management, and clinical decision support, highlighting how health IT improves patient safety, quality, and person-centered care.

NSGCB/451 — Professional Nursing Leadership Perspectives
Explores leadership and management in nursing, including change management, resource stewardship, risk/quality assessment, and interprofessional communication.

NSGCB/456 — Research Outcomes Management for the Practicing Nurse
Builds skills in formulating questions, understanding research design, and interpreting data to apply evidence and improve outcomes and practice environments.

NSGCB/426 — Integrity in Practice: Ethical and Legal Considerations
Applies ethical principles and legal standards—scope of practice, Nurse Practice Acts, and the Code of Ethics—to real-world decision making and accountability.

HSNCB/476 — Healthcare Policy and Financial Management
Links health policy, regulation, and financing to nursing practice; introduces budgeting, cost control, and fiscal responsibility for effective system leadership.

NSGCB/482 — Promoting Healthy Communities
Prepares nurses for community and public health roles using assessment, advocacy, and education to deliver evidence-based prevention and health promotion (includes 45 direct care hours).

NSGCB/468 — Influencing Quality within Healthcare
Focuses on QSEN competencies, core measures, and regulatory expectations while equipping nurses to lead quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

NSGCB/486 — Public Health: Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Applies epidemiology and public-health models to at-risk populations, addressing social determinants, infectious disease control, and global health (includes 45 direct care hours).

NSGCB/498 — Senior Leadership Practicum
Culminating capstone integrating program learning into a leadership project that uses data and evidence to advance quality, safety, and ethical practice.

General Education Courses

ENG/110: English Composition I
ENG/210: English Composition II
SCI/220T: Human Nutrition
SCI/163T: Elements of Health and Wellness
ENV/100T: Principles of Environmental Science

Program Tracks

Traditional Track:

Duration: 150 weeks average
Format: One 5-6 week course at a time
Structure: Instructor-led with weekly due dates

Competency-Based Track:

Duration: 48 weeks minimum
Format: About 4 months to complete 4 courses
Structure: Self-paced with faculty guidance and competency assessments
Schedule: 4 courses at a time, 16 weeks per course, 11 courses per year

More curriculum details available here.

Clinical Requirements

The program includes NSG/498: Senior Leadership Practicum as the capstone clinical experience. Direct care clinical hours are completed locally based on student location. California registered nurses can obtain Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification through the program.

Tuition

Traditional Program Costs

Cost per credit: $350
Credits per course: Typically 3 (range 1-6)
Resource fee per course: $170
Total per course: $1,220
Estimated total program: $48,800 (120 credits at $350/credit plus fees)

Competency-Based Program Costs

Total program cost: $9,900
Significantly reduced compared to traditional track

Cost Variables

Final costs depend on:

Transfer credits accepted (up to 90 credits)
Prior learning assessment credits
Employer tuition benefits and alliance agreements
Scholarships and federal financial aid
Credit for life experience (3 credits = 5 weeks saved)

Special Savings Programs

3+1 Transfer Pathway: Transfer up to 87 credits and save $144 per 3-credit course
Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP): Available for ADN students
Tuition Guarantee: Fixed rate from enrollment through graduation
Students with eligible credits average $11,000 savings and one year reduction

See the official tuition page for more details.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The program aligns with American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and Quality & Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) industry standards.

University of Phoenix maintains institutional accreditation and accepts credits from accredited institutions nationwide.

Program Outcomes

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% job growth for registered nurses between 2024-2034, faster than average for all occupations. The program prepares graduates for roles including Charge Nurse, Public Health Nurse (PHN), and Director of Nursing (DON).

Key skills developed include business management, communications, coordinating safe care, critical thinking, health administration, information management, leadership, professionalism, quality improvement, and strategic planning.

Related School Nursing Programs

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Various emphases including health informatics and public health nursing
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Advanced practice nursing doctorate
Nurse Practitioner Programs: Multiple specializations available
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education: For MSN graduates advancing to educator roles

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University of Phoenix RN to BSN Program