Trident University International Launches New Online RN-to-BSN Degree Program Option

The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, which can increase the demand for highly skilled professionals capable of navigating complex patient care environments. To help meet these changing clinical needs, Trident University International has expanded its online program offerings to include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN).

This degree completion program is designed specifically for working nurses. The curriculum aims to provide advanced education that helps students prepare to assume leadership, management, and care coordination roles across the healthcare continuum.

The Role of Advanced Education in Modern Nursing

Modern healthcare environments often call for a comprehensive understanding of evidence-based practice, informatics, and interprofessional communication. Choosing to enroll in an online RN-to-BSN program can help working nurses build upon their foundational knowledge, focusing on clinical reasoning skills designed to optimize patient care across diverse populations. Earning a bachelor of science in nursing online provides an academic pathway for professionals looking to pursue management opportunities and adapt to changing clinical settings.

Introducing Trident's Online RN-to-BSN Program

Trident’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) is a programmatically accredited online degree completion program. The curriculum is structured to help bridge the gap between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma and the advanced theoretical frameworks utilized in professional nursing practice.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students entering the program focus on core competencies intended to support daily practice. The curriculum is designed to help graduates prepare to:

• Demonstrate interprofessional communication to promote collaborative care across diverse populations.
• Utilize empirical evidence and evidence-based frameworks to support critical thinking and clinical reasoning.
• Apply principles of professional practice and human interaction to enhance patient care outcomes.
• Implement evidence-based practice concepts when managing or leading across the healthcare continuum.
• Integrate professional, legal, and ethical standards to support social justice and caring in nursing practice.
• Incorporate information and technology to communicate, mitigate error, and support a culture of quality and safety.

Admission and Degree Requirements

To apply for admission into the RN-BSN program, applicants must meet the general admission requirements of the university along with specific program criteria, which include evidence of:

• Graduation from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), or a Nursing Diploma program.
• An active and unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).

The program requires a total of 120 credits for degree completion. The credit breakdown includes:

• General Education Courses: 36 Credits
• Core Courses: 36 Credits
• Nursing Elective Courses: 15 Credits
• General Elective Courses: 33 Credits

Important Program Disclaimer: This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment. Trident has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

Curriculum and Specialized Coursework

The RN-BSN curriculum offers a well-rounded education covering pathopharmacology, physical assessment, community health, and ethics. Students complete 36 credits of core courses, including:

• NUR 300 Professional Nursing Role Transition (3 Credits): Examines historical and future trends of nursing compared to your current practice.
• NUR 306 Informatics for Nursing and Healthcare (3 Credits): Explores health information management applications, basic informatics concepts, and electronic medical records.
• NUR 400 Introduction to Nursing Leadership and Management (3 Credits): Focuses on the role of the nurse as a leader to help improve healthcare outcomes.
• NUR 406 Community and Population Health Nursing (3 Credits): Explores family and community units of care, and includes a local practicum component.
• CAP 402 Capstone (3 Credits): A culminating project that provides students the opportunity to apply theoretical and evidence-based knowledge to clinical situations.

Additionally, students can customize their path by completing 15 credits of nursing electives. Available options include specialized topics such as Innovations in Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing, Teaching and Learning in Nursing, Quality Management in Nursing and Healthcare, Gerontology Nursing, or Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Healthcare.

Why Choose Trident for Your Nursing Studies

Trident’s EdActive™ Learning Approach offers working professionals the flexibility of 100% online, asynchronous classes, making it easier to manage your schedule around existing shift work. New nursing classes begin every 6 weeks.

Under Trident's credit hour policy, students should expect to dedicate approximately 17 hours per week for an eight-week, 3-semester credit course.

To help make your studies more affordable, Trident accepts block transfers of your prior associate degree or diploma coursework. This requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater for the block transfers. Eligible students can transfer up to 90 semester credits, though at least 30 upper-level nursing credits, including all practicum courses, must be completed directly at Trident.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Educational Goals

Are you ready to grow your nursing skill set, expand your healthcare leadership capacity, and study evidence-based nursing practice?

Click here to learn more about Trident’s online RN-to-BSN degree program options and view admissions requirements.

Trident cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2245021 07/2026