Wondering if general education courses will slow you down? Unsure if you've taken the right prerequisites? We've simplified this process: rather than looking for individual course requirements, we transfer your associate's degree as one block of credits. That means you don't need to complete (or pay for) prerequisites before you start your degree.
Accelerated Bachelor's Degree w/Pathway to MSN
Online RN to BSN to MSN Program
Earn your RN to BSN degree entirely online from a nationally ranked, accredited program. While pursuing your accelerated online bachelor’s degree, you will also complete three graduate-level courses. Taking your education beyond a traditional BSN will elevate your patient care—and allow you to advance into our on-campus MSN program.
At a Glance
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Offered as
Bachelor's
100% Online
Credits
30, pending review of AS & RN transfer credits
Avg. Time to Completion
3 semesters
College/School
Explore the RN to BSN to MSN Accelerated Program
Widener's RN to BSN program is offered 100% online and provides RNs an accelerated pathway to earn a BSN degree in as little as three semesters. Here, you'll build on your existing strengths and develop your leadership skills to deliver high-quality care while elevating your nursing credentials and preparing for expanded nursing roles.
Widener's RN to BSN program is designed with flexibility in mind. In addition to 100% online course delivery with no on-site requirements, the program enables you to start whenever you're ready—fall, spring, or summer. Complete the program on your own time. You'll also go further, faster by transforming transfer credits from previous college courses into program credits.
Our curriculum also uniquely includes three graduate-level courses that give RN-BSN students the option to seamlessly advance into an MSN program after graduation—all while saving time and tuition.
Unsure if the RN to BSN to MSN program is the best nursing pathway for you? We've got you covered!
- If you haven't received your RN licensure, our traditional BSN degree program is right for you.
- To expedite your MSN without earning a BSN, pursue an RN-MSN pathway within our nursing master's degree programs.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.”
RN-BSN-MSN Program Information
With a curriculum based on American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) standards, you'll advance your nursing knowledge in a framework that prepares you to tackle modern health care challenges.
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Graduate with a nine-credit head-start on your master's degree, thanks to a curriculum that incorporates three graduate-level nursing courses. By completing these courses as part of your bachelor's degree, you'll benefit from a 50% lower tuition rate. Whether you want to roll into a master's degree or hang onto your credits for future study, you'll graduate a step ahead.
Upon completion of your BSN, you may start one of our MSN programs right away or at a later date. These credits never expire and are a great way to earn a master's degree at an accelerated rate. Future MSN courses may be offered in-person, hybrid, or online and are offered at the graduate MSN tuition rate.
Take Your BSN Degree Further
Widener offers two tracks to an MSN for registered nurses—helping you take your nursing education further, faster. As an RN, you have the option to pursue a BSN with graduate-level courses that will put you on the pathway to an MSN or bypass the BSN and go straight from an RN to an MSN.
Accelerated RN to BSN with Master's Courses & Discounted Rates
For students who want to pursue a master's degree and are required to have a BSN for work.
- Jumpstart your graduate education. You take three graduate-level courses on your way to completing the RN-to-BSN degree—helping you earn your master's degree faster and at a discounted price!
RN to MSN Accelerated Pathway
For students who want to earn only a master's degree, bypassing their BSN.
Select a nursing master's program to learn more about accelerated RN to MSN options.
If you are a current student wishing to apply for a graduate degree pathway program, complete your application online or contact your academic advisor. Please note, as a current student you do not need to pay an additional application fee when applying for a master's program.
After completing your BSN, continue your nursing education through one of our doctoral pathway programs:
If you are a current student wishing to apply for a graduate degree pathway program, complete your application online or contact your academic advisor.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for BSN Nurses
Why Study Nursing at Widener?
Receive Personalized Faculty Mentorship & Student Community Support
Online BSN classes provide learning environments that will allow you to engage with peers and faculty. Here, you’ll benefit from close faculty mentorship from full-time professors who want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish.
Even though you will not meet as a class at a set time, you will have access to our expert faculty and a great community of students.
Strengthen Your Nursing Network with Faculty Experts, Engaged Students & Accomplished Alumni
Nursing majors have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations to expand their network and engage with nursing students, faculty, and alums, including the Widener University Student Nurses' Association (WUSNA), American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Sigma-International Honors Society, and more. After you graduate, you'll also be welcomed into an expansive Widener School of Nursing alumni network.
Student Stories
Nursing Program Highlights
Our Faculty
I consider myself to be compassionate and caring, and strive to engage my students in respectful dialogue. Teaching is a collaborative process between students and faculty, and there is a reciprocal relationship as we all learn from each other. As an advanced holistic nurse, I incorporate self-care, self-responsibility, spirituality, and reflection in my teaching and seek to be a role model for my students.
Recent News
This Father-Daughter Duo Shared a Passion for Nursing. Now They Share an Alma Mater.
Commencement is a milestone moment. For Gary and Stephanie Pollino, this commencement season is even more special as the father-daughter duo will both receive bachelor degrees from the School of Nursing.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- Associate degree from an accredited nursing program
- Evidence of current licensure with eligibility for licensure in Pennsylvania
- Don’t yet have your RN license, but planning for licensure in the near future? You may apply to our program at any time. You must be licensed prior to your first class.
- GPA Requirements: 3.0 or higher
- If you have a GPA of 2.5-2.99, you can be conditionally accepted into the program. To be officially admitted into the program, you must complete 6 credits at Widener and earn a B or better.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education
- Successful completion of an approved undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better prior to enrollment
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Learn more about applying as an international student
English Proficiency Requirements for Nursing Students
International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
View English Proficiency Requirements
International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service.
The School of Nursing requires a passing score on the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Qualifying Examination. The CGFNS Qualifying Examination is a prerequisite for taking the Registered Nurse Licensing Examination in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Application materials are available from the CGFNS website.
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as an adult and continuing studies student
Paths to Savings
Widener Scholarships for Adult Learners
Widener is proud to offer several endowed scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled adult and continuing studies students. These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies and made possible through generous donor gifts. And the best part? Unlike loans, scholarship awards are yours to keep without the need to pay them back. Students are also welcome to reapply every year.
Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Adult & Continuing Studies Admissions Office
-
Hyatt Hall
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
Jill C. Gilbert
Assistant Director of Admissions and Enrollment
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #316
- (610) 499-1229
- jcgilbert@widener.edu