Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
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Why Choose the BSN at Carrington College
The Carrington College BSN program is designed specifically for registered nurses who want to advance their nursing education and expand their professional skill set.
As part of Carrington College’s School of Nursing, this RN to BSN pathway focuses on advanced nursing knowledge that can support roles involving leadership, care coordination, and healthcare quality improvement. (1)(2)
Unlike foundational nursing programs, this pathway dives deep into healthcare systems analysis, advanced health assessment, and evidence-based leadership practice. You will engage in experiential learning that challenges you to solve complex, real-world healthcare problems, equipping you with the confidence to take on management and specialized clinical roles.
Key benefits of the Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing program include:
- Flexible Online Coursework: Students complete academic coursework through a structured online learning platform, allowing them to pursue their degree while continuing their work as registered nurses.
- Advanced Nursing Knowledge: Coursework builds on prior nursing education by focusing on population health, research interpretation, healthcare systems, and professional nursing practice. (1)
- Professional Development: The program helps nurses strengthen their skills in leadership, communication, and evidence-based decision-making. (1)
- Supportive Learning Environment: Students work with experienced faculty who guide learning through coursework, discussions, and applied assignments designed for practicing nurses.
Program Details
What Will I learn
Carrington College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program builds on your experience as a registered nurse, strengthening your ability to provide safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. You’ll learn to:
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams to improve outcomes.
- Apply clinical judgment to deliver high-quality, research-driven nursing care.
- Utilize patient care technologies to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Promote professionalism and cultural humility in diverse healthcare settings.
This online RN to BSN option prepares you for leadership roles in nursing, helping you make a greater impact in patient care and healthcare innovation. (1)
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Cost & Financial Aid
Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, as well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.
Academic Cost
For complete details on current tuition costs, please refer to the Academic Catalog.
Compare programs
Once you have decided you want to pursue a rewarding career in the nursing field, choosing the right job path and career education is the next step.
Location Availability
Students searching for online RN to BSN programs often look for flexible learning options that allow them to continue working while pursuing their education. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing online format allows nurses to complete coursework while maintaining professional responsibilities. (1)
The Carrington College Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a post-licensure program offered online, and the degree is conferred by the College’s Sacramento, California campus.
Accreditation & Approvals
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.
For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Carrington College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. https://www.ccneaccreditation.org/. (5)
Course Catalog
Program Specific Disclosures
Continuing Education For Graduates
Student Outcomes
REAL WORLD SKILLS
START YOUR PATH
FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS
AFFORDABLE TUITION
MERCEDES G.
2021 STUDENT, PRACTICAL NURSING
Clinical & Experiential Learning
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing online program emphasizes professional development and applied learning experiences designed for practicing registered nurses.
Unlike entry-level nursing programs that focus on basic clinical skill development, the RN to BSN program builds on a nurse’s existing clinical experience. (1)
Experiential learning may include:
- Community or population health projects
- Healthcare leadership activities
- Evidence-based practice assignments
- Case studies involving complex patient care scenarios
These learning activities allow students to connect coursework with their real-world nursing practice.
What Will I Learn?
Critical Thinking and Communication
New Patient Care Technology
Scientific-Based Care
Safe and Professional Care
Curriculum Snapshot: BSN Focus Areas
Our curriculum focuses on expanding professional nursing competencies beyond entry-level clinical skills. (1) In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, you’ll learn how to: (1) (2)
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and care teams
- Apply clinical judgment using evidence-based practices
- Use healthcare technology to support safe, quality care
- Create respectful, patient-centered care environments
- Apply research and data to guide clinical decisions
- Practice within professional, legal, and ethical standards
BSN Career Paths & Advancement
Completing a BSN program may help registered nurses pursue expanded responsibilities within healthcare organizations. (2) (6)
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Carrington College can support roles involving:
- Charge Nurse or Team Leader: Providing coordination and support for nursing teams within clinical units
- Community or Public Health Nurse: Working with patients and communities to support health education and preventive care initiatives
- Nursing Case Manager: Coordinating patient care services across healthcare providers and treatment plans
- Clinical Educator Support Roles: Supporting nursing education and training initiatives within healthcare organizations
Students interested in learning more about nursing roles can explore our Nursing Career Guide.
Ask one of our graduates about their Carrington College experience and they’ll likely describe it as life-changing.
Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Nurse at Carrington College
Explore The School of Nursing
Student Life
The passion our students bring to their education is real. At Carrington College, we want to keep that passion going far beyond our learning experience.
All Nursing Programs
There are many different nursing programs to choose from, so you can select the career path that best suits your personal and professional goals.
Compare Programs
Once you have decided you want to pursue a rewarding career in the nursing field, choosing the right job path and career education is the next step.
Nursing Resources
Whether you’re just starting out in nursing, or taking your education to the next level, there are plenty of nursing student resources to assist you.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Figuring out how to pay for your education can be intimidating, but we’re here to help! Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Program FAQs
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A bachelor of science in nursing is an undergraduate nursing degree that builds on foundational nursing education with additional coursework in leadership, healthcare systems, and evidence-based practice. (1)
Programs like the Carrington College BSN are designed for registered nurses who want to continue their education through a structured RN to BSN program.
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BSN stands for bachelor of science in nursing.
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An RN (registered nurse) is a professional nursing license earned after completing an approved nursing program and meeting licensure requirements. (7)
A BSN refers to the bachelor of science in nursing degree. (1) Nurses may earn this degree through programs such as online RN to BSN programs after becoming licensed RNs.
In other words:
- RN = professional nursing license
- BSN = academic nursing degree
A “BSN RN” refers to a registered nurse who has earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree. While all RNs must meet licensure requirements, a BSN may support the development of additional skills used in areas such as leadership, communication, and patient care coordination. (2) (6) (7)
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Admission requirements may vary by institution, but many programs commonly require:
- An associate degree in nursing from an accredited institution, typically including a minimum number of completed semester credits
- A minimum GPA (often 2.5 or higher) on your associate degree transcript
- A current, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Completion of any required prerequisite coursework
Some programs may also consider additional criteria. For example, current Carrington College or San Joaquin Valley College nursing students in their final semester may be eligible with a Dean of Nursing recommendation.
Prospective students can review full admissions details in the Academic Catalog.
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Yes. Many registered nurses begin their education with an associate degree and later enroll in a BSN program to complete a bachelor of science in nursing. (1)
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Some healthcare organizations prefer or require nurses to hold a bachelor of science in nursing for certain leadership, management, or specialized roles. (2) Earning this degree may help nurses develop additional skills in leadership, communication, and healthcare systems.
References:
- Carrington College. “Academic Catalog.” https://carrington.edu/admissions/catalog/
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). “The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice.” https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/impact-of-education
- Federal Student Aid. “Federal Student Aid.”
https://studentaid.gov/ - Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). “Carrington College Accreditation Status.” https://www.accjc.org
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). “Accredited Baccalaureate Nursing Programs.” https://www.ccneaccreditation.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). “Registered Nurses: Occupational Outlook Handbook.”
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm - National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). “2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan and Licensure Requirements.” https://www.ncsbn.org