Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN to BSN
Designed for working registered nurses
Builds analytical, leadership, and information-management skills
Emphasizes evidence-based practice and quality improvement projects
Prepares graduates for leadership roles and graduate-level nursing study
Flexible format built for busy healthcare professionals
Accredited
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Accreditation
The RN-BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, telephone 404-975-5000, www.acenursing.org.
The most recent decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioner for the RN-BSN program is Continuing Accreditation.
The RN-BSN is approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN), 17373 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, telephone 225-755-7500, www.lsbn.state.la.us.
Admissions
The BS in Nursing (RN to BSN) is designed specifically for students who have graduated from an accredited nursing program in any state and currently hold an unencumbered RN license.
Apply by
Apr 6, 2026
Classes begin
May 11, 2026
I have no college credits
To be admitted to the LSUA Bachelor of Science in Nursing online program (RN to BSN), applicants must:
- Hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited university
- Have an active, unencumbered RN license
- Have graduated from a nursing program accredited by a USDOE-recognized accrediting agency for nursing education
- Be unconditionally admitted to the university and have declared RN to BSN as a major
- Have received credit for all general education courses required by the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and earned a grade of at least "C" in each
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher
- Submit all official transcripts from other universities attended
I have some college credits
Transfer Students
Students transferring from another RN-BSN program must provide a Letter of Good Standing from the school of nursing. If the student is not in good standing, the student must wait three years before enrolling in the RN-BSN program. LSUA does give credit for core nursing courses.
Note: Students will receive credit for Nursing courses from their Associate Program. Non-Nursing courses will be evaluated on a course by course basis.
Transfer Credits: LSUA processes transfer credits in accordance with campus policies at the time the courses were taken. Prior to 2020, LSUA did not have a course repeat policy that excluded grades from GPA calculations. As a result, your stated GPA at LSUA may be affected, which could impact your admission decision.
Re-Enrollment Information for LSUA
Re-Enrollment Information for LSUA
Although LSUA has six sessions (terms) a year, there are only three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer). Summer enrollment is optional and will not affect student records.
One Semester
Students who are not enrolled for one entire semester (both Fall terms or both Spring terms) will need to complete the "I am Coming Back Form" at least two weeks before the term starts to let us know they are returning so we can reactivate their record.
More Than One Semester
Students who are not enrolled for more than one full semester (Fall ELearn1 and ELearn2 AND ELearn1 of Spring – or all of Spring ELearn1 and ELearn2 and ELearn1 of Fall) will have to reapply. Students do not have to resubmit documents that we already have but would need to submit new transcripts from any school attended while absent from LSUA. Re-entry students are eligible to be re-admitted.
Tuition
LSUA offers competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $3401
- Cost per credit hour
- $10,200
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $40,800
- Total cost with fees
*Hours for completion program are reduced provided general education and 1000 and 2000 level BIOL and CHEM are complete.
The final cost of this program will be determined once all transfer credits are evaluated. Transfer credits may apply for up to 75% of degree requirements. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if and how any prior college credits or industry credentials earned will apply toward your LSUA degree. For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Credit Transfer
A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours. However, the BS in Nursing (RN to BSN) is designed specifically for students who have graduated from an accredited nursing program in any state and currently hold an unencumbered RN license.
Most students require 45 hours to complete this bachelor’s degree, allowing you to build on your previous education and graduate faster. However, all credit hours from previous coursework will be evaluated to determine the number of hours needed. See the course listing below for all required courses.
Financial Aid Available
LSUA offers multiple ways to help you fund your education, including financial aid, veteran education benefits, and credit for prior learning. Learn More ›
1 Beginning Fall 1 2026, all LSUA fully online programs are expected to increase by 4% (tuition and fees).
Academics
Students who graduate from the online RN to BSN program will be equipped with the knowledge to become highly qualified nurses and managers.
What Will I Learn?
Graduates of this degree program will learn a variety of in-demand skills, including:
- Integrating nursing leadership theories in professional practice
- Utilizing principles of communication effectively in professional nursing practice
- Employing an evidence-based nursing practice
- Applying professional standards in nursing practice to offer quality care, collaboration, and advocacy
- Using information systems to support nursing practice
Courses
| General Education Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
ENGL 1001 - English Composition I |
3 |
ENGL 1002 - English Composition II |
3 |
General Education Social Science |
3 |
General Education Psychology |
3 |
General Education Mathematics |
3 |
MATH 2011 - General Statistics |
3 |
General Education Natural Science |
9 |
General Education Communication Studies |
3 |
General Education Humanities |
6 |
General Education Fine Arts (fine arts, music, theatre) |
3 |
Total Credit Hours |
39 |
| Major Requirements | Credits Hours |
|---|---|
Credit for 1000/2000 Nursing courses |
36 |
NURS 3000 - Professional Role Development |
3 |
NURS 3010 - Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing |
3 |
NURS 3020 - Health Assessment |
3 |
NURS 3030 - Informatics |
3 |
NURS 4005 - Pathophysiology |
3 |
NURS 4020 - Community Nursing* |
4 |
NURS 4032 - Complex Nursing Management of the Older Adult |
3 |
NURS 4040 - Introduction to Nursing Research |
3 |
NURS 4052 - Leadership and Management Scholarly Project* |
5 |
Total Credit Hours |
66 |
*Practicum courses |
| Additional Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
NURS 3001 - Nutrition and Health Promotion OR KINS 3010 - Nutrition in Wellness and Being |
3 |
Free Electives |
12 |
Total Credit Hours |
15 |
Careers
The online RN to BSN program from LSU Alexandria not only provides students with the analytical and information-management skills to go further but also empowers students to pursue leadership opportunities in the field
Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 12 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Source: BLS)
Career Opportunities
- Nurse Health Coach
- Forensic Nurse
- Clinical Research Nurse
- Nurse Manager
- Health Educator
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Quality Coordinator
- Hospice Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
