Rasmussen University Streamlines its CCNE-Accredited RN to BSN Program to Offer Course Credit for Active RNs and Reduce Overall Credit Load

Refreshed fully online program recognizes nurses' experience, reduces required credits and offers greater practicum flexibility for working professionals

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (Rasmussen), today announced a refresh of its online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to help working nurses advance their education more efficiently while maintaining the high-quality curriculum and outcomes students expect. Enrollment is now underway with classes beginning in October.

The refreshed CCNE-accredited¹ RN to BSN program introduces several enhancements aimed at recognizing nurses' prior education and professional experience, including opportunities for additional course waivers, a reduced overall credit load and a more flexible practicum experience. The curriculum remains fully aligned with program outcomes, professional standards and accreditation requirements.

"Today's nurses are balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities and a desire to continue growing professionally," said Dr. Kathy Kump, nursing dean, RN to BSN program at Rasmussen. "These program enhancements recognize the knowledge, and experience nurses already bring to the profession while providing a streamlined pathway to earning a BSN. Our goal is to help students advance their education and career opportunities without sacrificing the quality and rigor of their learning experience."

New Enhancements Help Nurses Save Time and Advance Faster

One of the most significant enhancements is a new opportunity for eligible students to receive a waiver of up to 28 general education credits based on their active RN license and professional nursing experience². This recognition of prior learning can help reduce the total number of credits required, lower tuition costs and allow students to move more quickly into baccalaureate-level nursing coursework.

The refreshed program also features a flexible, project-based practicum experience that can often be completed within a student's current work environment. While the program no longer includes a specific practicum hour requirement, the practicum experience remains fully compliant with CCNE accreditation standards and continues to provide students with opportunities to apply their learning in real-world healthcare settings.

About the RN-BSN Program

Designed specifically for licensed registered nurses seeking to expand their knowledge and advance their careers, the online RN to BSN program at Rasmussen helps students strengthen leadership skills, build expertise in evidence-based practice and develop a professional identity as advocates and leaders in healthcare.

Additional benefits of the RN to BSN program include:

• Completion in as few as 12 months³ for eligible students
• Fully online coursework designed for working nurses
• Opportunities to develop leadership and professional nursing skills
• Ability to transfer up to 134 credits, representing nearly 75% of program requirements
• Curriculum focused on today's evolving healthcare environment
• Potential tuition savings: Nurses employed by one of more than 380 Rasmussen University alliances may qualify for the Corporate Alliance Grant, with an estimated program cost of $11,490.⁴

To learn more about the refreshed online RN to BSN program at Rasmussen, please visit: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/rn-bsn/

¹The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 655 K Street NW, Suite 750 l Washington, DC 20001 l 202-887-6791

²For RN to BSN students to qualify for the up to 28 general education credits waiver, the student must provide all of the following:

• Proof of a current, active and unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license.
  
• Documentation of at least six (6) months of full-time employment or a minimum of twelve (12) months part-time in a position that requires licensure as a registered nurse (RN) by submission of a completed Employment Verification Form signed by the employer(s).

Please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details or speak to an admissions representative.

³Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.

⁴Tuition for the RN to BSN program is $300 per credit for 50 credits. Tuition and fees breakdown: $15,000 in tuition + $500 in fees = $15,500 estimated total tuition and fees. The STA3215 Inferential Statistics and Analytics course can be completed as a self-directed assessment.

Additional savings opportunities you may qualify for:

• RN to BSN students who successfully complete STA3215 as a self-directed assessment save up to $1,250 (with an assessment cost of $149) = $14,399 estimated total tuition and fees.
  
• Rasmussen University alumni who qualify for the RN to BSN Alumni Grant and complete STA3215 as a self-directed assessment save up to $2,870 (with an assessment cost of $149) = $12,779 estimated total tuition and fees.
  
• RN to BSN students who qualify for the Corporate Alliance Grant and complete STA3215 as a self-directed assessment save up to $12,790 = $11,490 estimated total tuition and fees.

Please see the Rasmussen University Catalog for details or speak to an admissions representative.

About Rasmussen University part of American Public University System:
Rasmussen University part of American Public University System (Rasmussen), combines a rich history of educational excellence with the strength of a system dedicated to preparing students for service-oriented careers. Ramussen is committed to enriching communities by delivering innovative, career-focused education and maintaining a longstanding commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. Rasmussen offers undergraduate and graduate programs online and across 20 Rasmussen campuses nationwide in eight areas of study, including nursing, health sciences, business, technology, and social services. Since 1900, Rasmussen has been creating opportunities, transforming lives, and strengthening communities through student-centered education that prepares graduates for in-demand careers. Learn more at www.Rasmussen.edu.

About American Public University System:
American Public University System (the System), provides postsecondary education that transforms lives, advances careers, and improves communities. With over 109,000 students and 250,000 alumni worldwide, the System includes American Military University (AMU), American Public University (APU), Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. 

The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI).

About American Public Education, Inc.:
American Public Education, Inc. (Nasdaq: APEI) is a leading provider of career-focused higher education, delivering respected, innovative, and affordable programs and services through the American Public University System (the System). Through the System, APEI prepares students for service-oriented careers while expanding access to high-quality, workforce-relevant education.

Contact: Molly Andersen
Mobile: 903.920.4366
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Rasmussen University