Multiple Degree Pathways
Online RT to RN Options
ASN/BSN Programs
CLASSES START
Sep 4th
20-28 Mo. Program Length | 72-120 Credits |
Online Format | ASN, BSN Degree pathways |
Multiple Degree Pathways
Online RT to RN Options
ASN/BSN Programs
Go from RT to RN online with Herzing University
| Accreditation | CCNE accredited BSN bridge option,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
|---|---|
| Finish faster | Designed for licensed respiratory therapists; take advantage of your current licensure and experience and earn a nursing degree quicker than a traditional pre-licensure program |
| Format | Core didactic (lecture) courses are delivered 100% online, including real-time and on-demand courses you can take in evenings/nights, weekends, or whenever it's convenient for you |
| Hands-on prep | Hands-on learning includes on-site clinicals and intensives requiring attendance at a designated Herzing or partner site |
| Eligibility | Available for enrollment in select states2 |
| QuickPaths | Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University |
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2024
ASN/BSN Bridge Options for Respiratory Therapists - Online!
Educational pathways from RT to RN with Herzing University include both ASN and BSN programs preparing you for a career as a registered nurse. The online degree programs provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in the nursing process, medical-surgical nursing, managing care, evidence-based practice, and much more.
Career-focused curriculum
Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.
Flexible schedule
We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.
Virtual services
Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.
Lifelong support
We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.
Rolling admissions
No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.
Classes Start September 4th
Learn More Today
Courses & curriculum details
All didactic (lecture) nursing courses in the program are delivered online through the Herzing University Canvas Learning Management System platform. Upon completing the program, you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN to earn licensure in your state.
| Program | Monthsi | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) - Bridge Option | 20 | 72 |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Bridge Option | 28 | 120 |
i. Average number of months for students to complete program
ASN Bridge Option curriculum
Required Courses in Nursing
All courses, 31.00 semester credit hours, are required.
Required Courses in General Education
Students enrolled in the ASN program must complete a minimum of 26.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. The Herzing University General Education offerings are listed below. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for additional information on general education requirement. 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications EN 104 English Composition I Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 EN 111 Information Literacy Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 11.00 Semester Credit Hours in in Science SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities HU 140 Cultural Diversity Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics MA 109 College Algebra Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social or Behavioral Science PS 105 Developmental Psychology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 * Transfer students may transfer courses that are within 1.00 semester credit hour of the courses listed above to meet these discipline requirements. Any resulting deficiency in the total of 26.00 semester credit hours required in general education may be made up with general education electives from any of the listed disciplines. Science courses being transferred in from other institutions must meet the nursing program science requirements.
Special General Education Grading Requirements
The following general education courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (70%) or better for a student to continue in the nursing program. SC 166 Microbiology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 PS 105 Developmental Psychology Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 MA 109 College Algebra Semester Credit Hours: 3.00 The following science courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (80%) or better. Only two attempts are permitted for each course and a student who fails to successfully complete in the maximum attempts is subject to dismissal from the nursing program. SC 154 Anatomy and Physiology I for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 SC 254 Anatomy and Physiology II for Nurses Semester Credit Hours: 4.00 A student who is dropped from the nursing program for failing to achieve the minimum grade specified in the courses listed above, but who otherwise meets the academic standards of the University may transfer to another Herzing degree program and/or may appeal to reapply to the ASN/AASN nursing program in a future semester.
BSN Bridge Option curriculum
What's online, and what's in-person?
Online
All didactic (lecture) courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete them online on your own schedule.
You have flexibility throughout the program to complete general education or core nursing courses at your own pace.
Practicum instructor and peer collaboration requirements will be done via distance learning and offer flexible scheduling for the synchronous, or real-time, course elements.
In-person
Practical, hands-on training remains crucial and required preparation for earning a BSN and becoming a registered nurse. Our curriculum includes:
- Clinicals. There are eight clinical courses, seven of which include precepted clinical hours. You’ll complete the precepted hours in or near your geographic area. We have a dedicated team to help you find clinical placement.
- Intensives. You’ll be required to attend two or three 2-4 day intensives at a designated Herzing or partner site depending on the degree pathway you choose. These sessions serve as crucial skill and knowledge checkpoints to ensure you’re on the right track. Intensives will take place at our Nashville campus—or a facility associated with a unique clinical partnership.
Tuition & Cost
The cost of tuition for the online RT to BSN bridge option is $755 per credit, and the online RT to ASN bridge option is $925 per credit. You can potentially save 25% on tuition for the ASN bridge through the Herzing University Inaugural Scholarship3.
You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.
Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.
You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.
Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.
Admissions requirements
Admissions requirements and program lengths vary depending on the online pathway you choose:
ASN Bridge Option admissions requirements
Requirements for enrollment in the Herzing University online Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) bridge option include:
- A high school or previous college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
- Achieve at least a composite score of 66 on the most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS); TEAS score must be from within three years of anticipated date of matriculation.
- Students who have failed one or more nursing courses in another nursing program are not eligible to enroll in the online ASN.
Eligible states for enrollment:
BSN Bridge Option admissions requirements
To qualify for the BSN bridge option, you must be a licensed practical nurse (LPN), paramedic, military medic, respiratory therapist, or cardiovascular technologist.
Additional requirements include both a GPA requirement and minimum benchmark scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS):
| Prior education | High school diploma or equivalent, PN diploma |
| Minimum GPAi | 2.5 |
| Minimum TEAS score | 66 |
| i. Students with 24 or more transferable collegiate credits will be assessed on their collegiate cumulative GPA. Otherwise, the high school GPA will be used. | |
Eligible states for enrollment:
iOrlando and Tampa regions only.
I don’t meet the enrollment requirements. Do I have any other options?
Yes! You still have multiple educational pathways to becoming an RN even if you don’t qualify for the online bridge options today:
You may qualify for our online Associate in General Studies – Pre-Nursing program.
You can begin taking college-level nursing courses now, raise your GPA, and potentially enter into our online BSN Bridge program in the future.
If you are a resident of Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Tennessee, or Wisconsin, you may be eligible for our on-campus RT to BSN Bridge Option.
Campus availability: Brookfield (near Milwaukee), Kenosha, Madison, Minneapolis, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa.
Now Through Sept 30th
Your nursing career is possible
Join Emily and embark on a complete, holistic, career-focused education preparing you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as a registered nurse.
Job outlook and pay potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurse is expected to increase 6% from 2022-2032.*
Registered nurses earn an average salary of $94,480 per year ($45.42 per hour). That would represent a raise for the average respiratory therapist in the US ($75,250 per year, $36.18 per hour).
You can take a big step forward in your nursing career by becoming an RN.
Going from RT to RN
Transitioning from respiratory therapist to RN involves broadening your knowledge and skills from a highly specialized field to the broader scope of nursing.
As a registered nurse, you’ll be the backbone of day-to-day operations in many healthcare settings. Your duties can include:
- Develop and direct treatment plans
- Counsel patients and family members
- Ensure patient comfort
- Serve as the key connection between doctors and patients
Registered Nurse ranks as the #8 Best Healthcare Job for 2023 according to U.S. News & World Report.
Can I specialize? While a nursing degree curriculum can introduce a wider spectrum of course topics, RNs can specialize in an area of their choosing with enough education and experience. You may be able to use your experience as an RT to help become a respiratory/pulmonary nurse in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. Earn your associate’s degree in nursing and you can become an RN more quickly and earn your first set of scrubs.
However, if your goal is to continue climbing the ladder to become a nurse practitioner or pursue roles in nursing leadership or administration, you may be best off enrolling in a BSN program so you can reach your goals faster.
No matter what you choose, Herzing is here to empower you to become the best nursing professional you can be.
Respiratory therapists focus on a patient’s breathing and specialize in respiratory/pulmonary procedures, while RNs provide a broader range of care with greater emphasis on holistic care of the whole person.
RTs can have a more clearly defined set of hands-on tasks they regularly perform, specializing in respiratory diagnosis, testing, and treatment.
RNs must be familiar with a wide scope of knowledge and procedures. While RNs can specialize in respiratory/pulmonary care, they can also specialize in many other areas and discover opportunities to advance their practice in the future.
There’s nothing easy about being a nurse. Nurses with a thirst for knowledge, compassion, empathy, self-awareness and a constant focus on lifelong learning are truly exceptional.
Learn more about what makes a good nurse, from the quality of the care you provide to the confident smile you wear every day.
Because nurses with a BSN have earned that next degree level and generally have the edge on the job market, they will on average earn a slightly higher salary than nurses with an ASN. However, there are always exceptions; an ASN with several years of an experience may earn a higher salary than an RN with a BSN who is just starting their career.
It’s a question of:
- What your goals are
- How quickly you want to reach them
If your goal is to go from LPN to RN quickly, the best choice may be an associate’s degree program since you may be able to become an RN in less than 2 years.
If your goal is to become an RN and potentially advance further by working towards a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), your best option is a bachelor’s degree in nursing program.
Read about the most basic differences between ADN vs. BSN and discover what's best for you.
There are many different nursing specialties to choose from. Depending on your personality, educational background and preferred working environment you can follow your own personalized path in the nursing profession.
Here are a few popular nursing specialties you may consider:
- Aesthetic or Cosmetic nurse
- Assisted living nurse
- Cardiac/cardiovascular nurse
- Emergency room nurse
- Flight nurse
- Home health nurse
- Labor and Delivery nurse (L&D)
- Med/surgical nurse
- Neonatal/NICU nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Oncology nurse
- Pediatric nurse
- Public health nurse
- Travel nurse
You can take our nursing personality quiz to get a better idea of what you might prefer in your nursing career.
Disclosures
Disclosures
- The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Herzing University Madison is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.
- Eligible states for enrollment (online BSN): Alabama, Colorado, Florida (Orlando and Tampa regions only), Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Eligible states for enrollment (online ASN): Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. - The Herzing University Inaugural Class Scholarship is available to students enrolling in the online ASN programs on or before September 4th, 2024. Continuous enrollment is required. Additionally, this inaugural scholarship will cover air and hotel expenses for travel to the two intensives in Nashville, TN. Travel will be arranged for the student.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000; View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program at http://www.acenursing.com/candidates/candidacy.asp. Note: Upon granting of initial accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the effective date of initial accreditation is the date on which the nursing program was approved by the ACEN as a candidate program that concluded in the Board of Commissions granting initial accreditation.
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
