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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 –
Grand Canyon University
A large private school offering online degrees at a relatively moderate price for a school with strong name recognition across the country. Grand Canyon has a wide array of bachelors degrees in addition to it’s nursing program:
Get information on Grand Canyon’s RN to BSN Program
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.
Get information on Chamberlain College of Nursing
Kaplan University
A very large and well-known school with over 40,000 students on 11 campuses and in a large online degree program, and quality accreditation. Offers a very wide range of degrees in:.
Get information on Kaplan University
Concordia College
Concordia is a private college located just outside New York City. It’s fully online RN to BS program builds on your RN qualifications and nursing experience to prepare you for leadership roles in today’s increasingly complex healthcare industry. The online RN to BS Nursing Completion Program allows qualified, admitted students to transfer up to 90 credits of college-level coursework from your associate’s degree or nursing diploma program.
Get information on Concordia
Colorado Technical University
CTU is a large institution based on Colorado Springs with over 25,000 students. It has regional accreditation (the best kind) and has been ranked #1 Best for Vets in the category for online and non-traditional universities by Military Times Magazine. The school’s tuition is at the affordable end of the spectrum for online schools. CTU offers a BSN completion type degree.
Get information on Colorado Technical University
Wilkes University
Wilkes University is a private school based in Pennsylvania, founded in in 1933. It’s online RN to BS program is designed specifically for practicing RNs like you, who want to upgrade from an associate’s degree (AAN or ASN) or nursing diploma to a full, accredited nursing baccalaureate degree. The RN to BS online program is built around a 31-credit Nursing Core Curriculum.