Your work is more than a job — it’s a sacred calling. You meet people in their weakest, most vulnerable, and joyful moments. Your patients need more than your skills and technology alone; they need your compassion, humble strength, and spiritual understanding.

PLNU’s School of Nursing offers a compelling RN to BSN program in a fully online format designed for working nurses. Evidence-based instruction, mentoring, and a practical in-person clinical component will build on the educational experience already achieved when preparing for your RN license. 

Faithfully serve others — and fulfill your purpose.

Earn your BSN in a convenient online format

This flexible online format is designed for busy nurses to continue their education in a tight-knit, supportive online community while allowing them to manage their own schedules. 

Learn nursing on your terms

This online program gives you the flexibility to learn when and where you want. You can complete coursework in the comfort of your home, favorite coffee shop, or local library while choosing a study schedule that works best for you. 

Online learning is perfect for those who learn in ways that aren’t often found in traditional classrooms — watching instructional videos, listening to audio lectures at your preferred speed, or dedicating extra study time to tricky topics. You can always connect with professors to help find the best ways to absorb and apply your learning.

Time for life’s commitments, even for the busiest nurses

Learning shouldn’t prevent you from doing what you love. Coursework is designed to be flexible to your needs and help you balance your other life commitments. 

While completing this program, you’ll still be able to continue spending time with family, thriving at your full- or part-time workplace, or leisure time. 

Healthcare-focused community without commuting

Commuting can be stressful and time-consuming — especially in San Diego. Thankfully, you can learn online while still benefiting from PLNU’s strong focus on community. In this program, you’ll meaningfully connect with other students online as you learn and grow in your leadership expertise.

You’ll also have access to top-tier mentorship from professors and advisors. They’ll help you to leverage your strengths to expand your connections and career opportunities. You’ll be able to access resources tailored to you and your career goals. 

A seamless transition from your ADN

A counselor and coordinator will work with you through every step of your journey to complete your bachelor’s, from helping you transfer previously-earned credit to working alongside you with care and encouragement as you earn your degree and complete your clinical hours. You won’t feel like you’re starting a brand-new program — rather, it will be a natural continuation of your previous education experience.

For students who don’t yet have their ADN, check out our fully-online concurrent enrollment program for students wanting to earn their ADN and BSN simultaneously.

"As an ADN graduate myself, I am excited about the opportunities this RN to BSN program provides for nurses. This program paves the way for nurses to fulfill lifelong learning goals and pursue professional adventures."

Michelle Federe Riingen, DNP, RN, CNS-BC
Dean, School of Nursing

Stay up-to-date in the nursing field

A BSN is quickly becoming the industry standard, with many hospitals requiring RNs be enrolled in a BSN program as a requirement for being hired or promoted to a leadership position. Currently, BSN-prepared nurses are eligible for 37 percent more jobs and have considerably higher earning potential over the course of their careers.   

Clinically prepared

In this program, you’ll complete community outreach clinical hours required by your BSN. These hours also allow you to graduate and earn a California Public Health Nurse Certification, making you more marketable and employable with industry-relevant skills and experiences.

Enhance your degree by adding a Minor

Adding a minor to your Accelerated undergraduate program can be a great opportunity to broaden your knowledge, increase career opportunities, and foster personal growth. Explore subjects like Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Communication, Management, Creative Digital Media, and Child Development. Choosing to add a minor can make your degree more versatile, well-rounded, and appealing to future employers. PLNU Counselors are ready to help you integrate a minor into your academic plan. Discover the benefits of a minor at PLNU today!

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and post-graduate advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) certificate program at Point Loma Nazarene University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

Program start date(s):

• Summer 2025 — May 12, 2025
• Fall 2025 — September 2, 2025

Start Application

Program prerequisites 

Students must have completed or be currently enrolled in an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) program to be eligible. 

A concurrent enrollment program is also offered to earn your ADN and BSN simultaneously. This program is also all-online.

The selection process

We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. That’s why we are committed to reviewing it thoroughly and giving it the individual care and attention it deserves. We believe you have more to offer than just a GPA, which is why there is no numeric formula that determines admittance. Rather, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admittance into the program. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you’re unsure of your qualifications.

To be admitted into PLNU's degree completion program, you must have completed at least 40 semester hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of at least a 2.75 from an accredited institution as evidenced by an official transcript sent directly from each college or university attended.* A 3.0 GPA is required for the concurrent enrollment plan.

Application checklist

1. Submit online application for admission.
2. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended.
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Records
   3900 Lomaland Drive
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

Start Application

*All documentation can be submitted through the online application except for your transcripts, which must be mailed or emailed.

State authorization

State authorization is a formal determination by a state that Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online (distance education) courses and/or offer internships within that state. Student location is based on where a student is physically located while taking courses. Students taking face-to-face courses are located in California, regardless of their home state at the time of application.

If a student moves to another state after admission to a program and/or enrollment in an online course, continuation within the program and/or course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized to offer distance education courses in that state. If a student wishes to conduct an internship outside California, they must select a state where it is permitted. It is the student's responsibility to notify PLNU of any change in their physical location, other than incidental travel. Refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online (distance education) and/or internships outside California.

Professional licensure or certification

This program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and meets the requirements for licensure or certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. For information about PLNU programs and out-of-state educational requirements for professional licensure or certification, please refer to our Disclosures page. Information about out-of-state requirements in Nursing are available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

The versatile set of skills you’ll develop by pursuing a degree in nursing from PLNU prepares you for nursing in a variety of settings. PLNU nursing alumni have held various positions in hospitals, K-12 schools, clinics, medical missions, and public health institutions. PLNU cultivates passion, professionalism, and a values-driven approach to work in a context that intersects your intellect and faith, equipping you to become a trustworthy and prepared leader in your workplace.

At PLNU, our School of Nursing (SON) centers on two fundamental elements of nursing:

• The human and spiritual aspects of nursing. 
• The physical and technical skills necessary to faithfully serve patients.

When you complete the RN to BSN degree completion program, you will be able to:

• Inquire Faithfully: Demonstrate knowledge, skill, and behavior of the evidence-based practice of nursing, which integrates growth in reasoning, analysis, decision-making, and the application of theory with the goal of advocating for others and/or self. This includes holistic nursing skills and the nursing process.
• Lead Faithfully: Incorporate a foundational relationship with Christ and others and embrace a willingness to serve others in the midst of life circumstances (e.g., illness, injustice, poverty). You’ll model the need for “Sabbath Rest” as a means for personal renewal and true care of self to optimally serve others. You’ll also incorporate the characteristics of a servant leader, including humility, courage, forgiveness, and discernment.
• Communicate Faithfully: Actively engage in the dynamic interactive process that’s both intrapersonal and interpersonal with the goal of advocating for others and/or self. This includes effective, culturally appropriate communication that conveys information, thoughts, actions, and feelings through the use of verbal and nonverbal skills.
• Follow Faithfully: Integrate the ordinary work* by complying with and adhering to regulatory and professional standards (e.g American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, California Board of Registered Nursing, Scope of Nursing Practice, School Of Nursing Handbook). This includes taking responsibility, being accountable for all actions, and treating others with respect and dignity.
• Care Faithfully: Embrace a calling to the ministry of compassionate care for all people in response to God’s grace, which aims to foster optimal health and bring comfort in suffering and death.

*Defined as claiming the challenge from Florence Nightingale that nursing is a “divine imposed duty of ordinary work.”

Making a lasting impact on patients and families

Upon completion of PLNU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing you’ll be equipped with knowledge of how to provide quality care and support in the medical field. The nursing program prepares you with a versatile set of skills to flourish in a variety of settings within nursing positions or departmental management. 

If you’re ready to make an impact with a nursing degree and begin your journey at PLNU, get connected with one of our counselors to support and answer any questions you may have. Or, you can apply today!

For information about the courses required for the RN to BSN, Online program, view the PLNU Catalog.

Course Information