San Antonio offers a variety of accredited RN to BSN programs tailored to registered nurses seeking career advancement. This guide compares key program features such as tuition, duration, curriculum, admission requirements, and career outcomes across the top program.
| School | Tuition | Duration | Location | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health | $10,800 | 12 months | San Antonio | Not specified |
| San Antonio College | $10,800 (in-district) | 12 months | San Antonio | 2.5 |
| Galen College | $21,200 | 12-16 mos | San Antonio | Not specified |
Program Duration
- Baptist Health RN to BSN:
- Core courses completed in 12 months (48 weeks).
- Full program, including general education, can take up to 96 weeks.
- Galen College RN to BSN:
- Program duration ranges from 12 to 16 months, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.
- San Antonio College RN to BSN:
- Program can be completed in 12 months (3 semesters).
- Offers accelerated tracks and part-time options for flexibility.
Tuition and Costs
- Baptist Health RN to BSN:
- $10,800 for core courses (including fees and books).
- Full program, including general education, costs $39,323.
- Galen College RN to BSN:
- $21,200 for 50 credit hours.
- Additional fees: $50 per course (technology) and $75 per term (resource).
- Estimated book costs: $1,600.
- San Antonio College RN to BSN:
- Core program tuition is $10,800, including books and fees.
- Tuition varies by residency status:
- In-district: $3,168 for core credit hours.
- Out-of-district: $6,880 for core credit hours.
- Non-resident/International: $14,912 for core credit hours.
Curriculum and Coursework
Core Topics
All programs include courses in:
- Leadership and Management: Prepares nurses for leadership roles.
- Community and Public Health: Focuses on health promotion and addressing disparities.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Teaches research analysis and implementation.
Program-Specific Highlights:
- Baptist Health RN to BSN:
- Courses such as Pathophysiology, Community Health Nursing, and Nursing Leadership Practicum.
- Includes a capstone project focused on community health needs.
- Galen College RN to BSN:
- Diverse topics like Healthcare Informatics, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Applied Ethics.
- Capstone project focuses on healthcare improvement through quality initiatives.
- San Antonio College RN to BSN:
- Concept-based curriculum with courses in Informatics, Legal and Ethical Issues, and a Community Health Clinical.
- Includes a capstone project emphasizing leadership and community wellness.
Program Format and Flexibility
- Baptist Health RN to BSN:
- Fully online format with flexible scheduling for working nurses.
- Weekly assignments and online practicum experiences.
- Galen College RN to BSN:
- Fully online format with six annual start dates.
- Designed for maximum accessibility, allowing students to balance work and study.
- San Antonio College RN to BSN:
- Offers online, hybrid, and accelerated tracks.
- Minimal on-campus requirements for flexibility.
Admission Requirements
General Requirements Across All Programs:
- Active, unencumbered RN license.
- ADN or diploma in nursing from an accredited program.
- Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., anatomy, microbiology, psychology).
Program-Specific Requirements:
- Baptist Health RN to BSN:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- Transfer credits allowed for general education courses.
- Galen College RN to BSN:
- Free, streamlined application with no essays required.
- Must have completed 3 semester credit hours in Anatomy & Physiology I.
- San Antonio College RN to BSN:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Priority admission for graduates of SAC’s AAS Nursing Program.
- Letters of recommendation and official transcripts required.
Accreditation and Recognition
- Baptist Health RN to BSN: Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Galen College RN to BSN: Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- San Antonio College RN to BSN: Accredited by the ACEN and aligned with Texas Board of Nursing standards.
Accreditation ensures rigorous academic standards and career recognition for graduates.
Career Outcomes
All programs prepare graduates for leadership roles, community health positions, and advanced nursing degrees (e.g., MSN or DNP). Specific outcomes include:
- Baptist Health RN to BSN: Emphasis on leadership roles and community health initiatives.
- Galen College RN to BSN: Strong focus on diversity, healthcare policy, and graduate-level readiness.
- San Antonio College RN to BSN: Prepares for roles as nurse managers, educators, and public health professionals.
Choosing the Right Program
- Choose Baptist Health RN to BSN for affordability, comprehensive online learning, and focus on community health.
- Choose Galen College RN to BSN for flexible start dates, advanced course offerings, and streamlined admissions.
- Choose San Antonio College RN to BSN for low tuition, hybrid learning, and a strong local reputation.
San Antonio’s RN to BSN programs offer flexible, high-quality options for registered nurses looking to advance their careers. Each program has unique features, making it essential to choose one that aligns with your goals, schedule, and budget.