Demand is continuing to grow across the U.S. for nurses. But to create a long term career path as a nurse, it’s become more and more important to have advanced training that keeps you on top of changes in techniques and health technologies, and that can prepare you to move up into management and training type positions that require a bit less physical work.
RN to BSN “completion” programs (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) are among the most popular and effective online degree options. They are widely accepted by facilities from local medical offices up to large university hospitals, and can result in a real difference in earnings over the course of a nurse’s career.
Credit Requirements
Virtually all RN to BSN online programs are a total of 180 credits. To be admitted as a student, you will generally be expected to have already taken about 60 credits in science and humanities subjects (because this is a bachelor’s degree, you need a broader range of courses than a certificate or associates program). Some schools will require that you already have particular courses like anatomy and physiology done. It’s a good idea, however, to check into several schools, as both credit and particular course requirements. You may be admitted with as few as 45 credits completed, or you may be able to transfer in as many as 125 credits for study already completed. The one thing that’s consistent across all RN to BSN completion programs is that you must have an RN license to begin study for this degree. Be aware that because BSN programs tend to emphasize a high level of critical thinking, many schools will require you to take the Nurse Entrance Test (NET) before being admitted. The test assesses basic math, science, grammar and comprehension skills and is given all over the country on a regular basis.
A unique feature on online RN to BSN degree programs is that most require you to do some clinical work in a medical facility under the supervision of a “preceptor” approved by your school. This will allow you to do the “hands on” patient care part of your studies in your home area, even if your online school is based on the opposite side of the country. Preceptors explained here.
- RN TO BSN ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS -
American Sentinal University
American Sentinal offers one of the lowest-priced RN to BSN programs available anywhere online. Its nursing completion degree program has a total tuition of $11,100. If you graduated with a nursing associate’s degree within the past 3 years, you can study in AS’s BSN program without work experience. The school has a very friendly credit transfer policy, and it’s nursing programs have accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Get information on American Sentinal University
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Illinois-based nursing school with both online and campus programs. A “fast-track” RN to BSN online completion degree is designed to be completed in just three semesters if you can work on an accelerated basis. The school is strong on offering opportunites to transfer credits. If you have an RN license you may get as many as 80 transfer hours awarded toward your BSN degree.
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Sacred Heart University
Online RN to BSN completion degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), designed to increase the nurse’s professional skills but also develop more fully as a person. School places a strong emphasis on ethics. Associate’s degree and RN license required for acceptance into program.
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Utica College
Private, upstate New York-based university that’s existed for 80 years and has been offering RN to BSN degrees for 25 years. UC’s current online completion degree in nursing is focused on boosting skills for working nurses.
Get information on Utica College
Walden University
Walden, a very large and well-known online school, emphasized their RN to BSN program’s focus on allowing you to connect via the web with other nurses all over the U.S., get a lot of personal supervision from advisors, tutors and other support staff and get your degree done without missing out on any of your personal of professional obligations.You will start with 50 quarter credits if you have an RN license gained either through an associates or diploma program, but if you have more credits in hand you can use them. You are only required to do 45 credits at Walden to get the BSN degree. Key courses include:
- Issues and trends in nursing
- Pathopharmacology
- Research and scholarship for evidence-based practice
- Public and global health
- Leadership competencies in nursing and healthcare
The time to complete the degree varies, depending on your personal study schedule.
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University of Phoenix
Largest and probably best-known online school in the U.S. (though it also operates many campuses), Phoenix offers a wide variety of nursing and health care degrees, including an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing combining clinical and liberal arts disciplines. Focuses on developing nurses for varied roles as caregivers, teachers, and managers.
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Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
97-year old school based in Orlando, FL offers 8 semester RN to BSN completion degree program that can be done in 18 months on a accelerated basis. Students must have either an RN license or a seating assignment at the NCLEX exam. Also offers a bachelor in radiological science degree, which requires an associate degree for entry. Has top-quality accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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Drexel University
Drexel is a well-known Philadelpia school founded in 1891. Online courses are highly rated by U.S. News & World Report. The BSN completion program offers mix of core courses designed to prepare nurses to deal with population-based cases and the managed care environment. Also emphasizes communication and leadership skills. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities and the National League for Nursing (NLN).
Get information on Drexel University RN to BSN program
Indiana State University
Indiana State’s online BSN program is directed toward LPNs who want to complete a bachelor degree. Students who have 73 hours of elective credits completed via previous study or equivalency tests such as CLEP, can finish their 43 credits of upper level nursing study in a 100% online environment with ISU, to prepare to take the test for RN licensure. The school has no waiting list. Costs are reasonable, with Indiana students paying about $3,800. per semester and out of state students paying about $4,700. per semester.
Get information on Indiana State University LPN to BSN program
See a list of highly rated nursing schools
I was thinking for a New Years Resolution that I would finish the online RN to BSN program I started. I can tell you from personal experience that there are two things to consider if you are thinking of doing it. First, find a school that has a traditional campus that also offers an online program. That way in the future when you send your resume out those that are still closed minded about online education will not be able to determine just from your resume how you got a degree. Second, if you are not a strong self starter do not do an online program. When you are at home and have all the distractions of your normal life available to you it can be hard to sit there and read four chapters, or to write a paper. There are lots of choices out there now. Take your time and find the right one for you.