OnlineRN to BSN Programs
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WHAT IS AN ACCREDITED ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM?
Online RN to BSN programs are designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or diploma who want to complete their bachelor’s degree. These programs are accredited and available online, making it convenient for busy RNs to continue their education while working. Through these programs, RNs can develop leadership, management, and research skills while enhancing their nursing knowledge and expertise.
Online RN to BSN programs offer degree completion options for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who have an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma. The program is designed to be flexible for RNs who are busy working, and the online format allows them to earn a bachelor’s degree at their own pace. The curriculum of online RN to BSN programs covers various topics, such as emerging trends in health care therapies, health assessment, health promotion, community nursing, and leadership and management in nursing. These programs also provide clinical experiences to help RNs gain hands-on practice in a chosen nursing specialty.
If you’re considering advancing your nursing education, you should know that the demand for nurses with a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. is increasing faster than average. There’s a growing need for qualified nurses to care for the aging population and those with chronic health conditions. As there may be competition for these critical positions, pursuing your BSN sooner rather than later could be a wise decision.
TYPES OF ONLINE RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAMS
B.S. in Nursing, RN to BSN Purdue Global University
This program places a strong emphasis on leadership and management skills. Students have the opportunity to customize their studies by choosing nursing elective courses that align with certifications recognized by Magnet®, a recognition program for nursing excellence.
Course Examples:
- Palliative Care Nursing
- Case Management
- Faith Community Nursing
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
BS in Cyber Security
This program combines the principles of nursing with a spiritual perspective, emphasizing the idea of nursing as a calling and a science. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide compassionate care while incorporating their faith and values into their practice.
Course Examples:
- New Testament
- Population Health
- Healthcare Informatics
CCNE
MS in Cyber Security
This program emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making and integrates Christian values and principles into the nursing profession. It is designed for adult learners who are already registered nurses and seeks to maximize their strengths as they pursue their bachelor’s degree.
Course Examples:
- Cyber Security and Policy
- Terrorism and Organized Crime
- Security Risk Management
CCNE
RN TO BSN PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Accredited online RN to BSN programs adhere to professional nursing standards and guidelines outlined in The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008). While each program may have its own distinct characteristics, this framework ensures that core nursing competencies are covered. Typically, a BSN degree requires students to complete between 120 to 180 credit hours. RNs who enroll in RN to BSN programs may have already earned between 50 to 90 of these credits, depending on their previous nursing program. Schools will review transcripts to determine a student’s individualized track of study.
WHAT DO RN TO BSN DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?
Online RN to BSN programs cover a wide range of topics related to healthcare, including leadership, case management, informatics, and public health nursing. Students may also explore emerging trends in healthcare therapies and research to gain a better understanding of the complex demands of the healthcare industry. These programs aim to prepare graduates to make ethical decisions in both direct and indirect patient care and work effectively with other healthcare professionals. Additionally, students may develop skills to address critical issues such as population health.
In addition to the core nursing skills, online RN to BSN programs may also include science-based learning covering topics such as health assessment, health promotion, and community nursing. This allows students to apply scientific findings to real-world scenarios. Towards the end of the program, students may be required to complete a project proposal aimed at resolving an issue or problem in nursing practice. Some schools may also require students to work on a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and e-portfolio to showcase their skills to potential employers.
Some common courses include:
Regulatory Guidelines: This course may examine the way nurses help others and follow the rules. You could also learn about rules that apply to the nursing profession.
Care Management:You may learn about ways to care for patients and manage a schedule. Subjects could include research skills and strategies for treating patients.
Family, Community and Global Health: The best ways to keep families and communities healthy may be taught. You could learn ways to prevent the spread of diseases and then teach others.
Healthcare Informatics: Project management is an important part of nursing. You may learn the newest technology and how it is used to improve healthcare.
Public Health Nursing:You may be taught how proper nutrition affects public health. This course could include lessons on health promotion and disease prevention.
Professional Dynamics: Many who work in nursing write articles and give speeches on healthcare issues. This course may teach you to become a thought leader in healthcare.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAM?
Completing an online RN to BSN program in approximately two years is feasible for licensed RNs holding an ADN degree, provided they commence their ADN studies at another accredited institution. By doing so, they can earn transfer credits that can help reduce the number of BSN credits they need to complete.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM COST?
The tuition fees for an online RN to BSN program are typically determined by various factors such as the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time) and the number of transfer credits they have. As an illustration, RN students who possess an ADN degree may be granted 50 to 90 credits out of the required 120 credits for a BSN, resulting in reduced overall costs. Additionally, there are opportunities to save on tuition fees, such as discounts for military students and veterans. Recent statistics reveal that in-state tuition fees stand at an average of $6,899, while out-of-state tuition fees are substantially higher, averaging at $30,310. Both rates have seen a slight increase, with in-state and out-of-state tuition fees rising by 3.84% and 1.32%, respectively.
| School | # of Credits Required | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
| Purdue Global University | 180 | $315 | $28,350 (with 90 transfer credits) |
| Colorado Christian University | 120 | $315 | $11,340 (with 84 transfer credits) |
| Grand Canyon University | 120 | $470 | $14,100 (with 90 transfer credits) |
RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAM EXAMPLES
| School | # Of Credits Required | Start Dates | Minimum Months To Complete |
| Purdue Global | 180 | Multiple | 18 |
| Colorado Christian University | 120 | Multiple | 15 |
| Grand Canyon University | 120 | Multiple | 12 |
TOP SCHOOLS FOR ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Last check, there were 283,318 degrees awarded to students in registered nursing, nursing research and nursing administration. The majority of these for registered nursing at the bachelor’s degree level.
| School | 2017 Degrees Awarded | 2019/20 Tuition (Out Of State Unless *) |
| Chamberlain University Illinois | 9,808 | $19,909* |
| Western Governors University | 9,399 | $6,670* |
| Grand Canyon University | 6,589 | $17,800* |
| Walden University | 4,172 | $12,150* |
| The University Of Texas At Arlington | 4,128 | $28,129 |
| Ohio University Main Campus | 2,685 | $22,406 |
| University Of Phoenix Arizona | 1,874 | $9,552 |
CHOOSING AN ACCREDITED RN TO BSN PROGRAM
Opting for an accredited RN to BSN program can significantly benefit online nursing students for various reasons. Accreditation refers to a voluntary and self-regulatory evaluation process that nursing schools undergo to ensure that their courses and faculty meet specific standards. Accrediting agencies also conduct on-site visits to evaluate the quality and relevance of the education provided. This process ensures that the college provides contemporary and ethical nursing education and that support systems are in place to assist students in achieving their goals. Such support systems may include financial aid, transfer credit policies, library services, among others. Accredited colleges and universities are the only ones eligible to offer financial aid, making this a crucial aspect for those hoping to access federal funding.
It’s important to note that when a nursing school’s RN to BSN program receives approval, it is typically for a specific duration, after which the school must undergo another evaluation to maintain its accreditation. This ensures that the school continues to meet professional nursing standards and remains committed to improvement. For students, this means learning current and up-to-date methods, rather than outdated ones. Opting for an accredited RN to BSN program enables students to verify that their school has met nursing standards with integrity. One can also check their school’s accreditation status on an agency database. It’s worth noting that only regionally or nationally accredited colleges and universities can offer accredited RN to BSN programs.
Such programs may be approved by:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accredited nursing schools are the only ones that permit students to transfer credits between institutions. This is crucial not only for transferring from an ADN to a BSN program but also for future endeavors, such as pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. It is important to note that obtaining a license to practice nursing requires graduation from an approved nursing program, which qualifies individuals to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX RN). Additionally, other credentialing agencies may request copies of your academic transcripts.
CAREERS WITH A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING DEGREE
Currently, there are more than 4.28 million individuals employed in the nursing industry, including registered nurses, nursing educators, and nursing researchers, and this figure is increasing at a rate of 4.06%. The average age of the nursing workforce is 42.8 years old, and the number of workers in this field is decreasing. The majority of individuals with degrees in nursing are women, making up 86.8% of the workforce.
TOP SALARIES BY STATE FOR NURSING DEGREE HOLDERS
Take a look below at the States with the highest employment level of Registered Nursing professionals.
| State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
| California | 294,510 | $106,950 |
| Hawaii | 11,310 | $98,080 |
| District Of Columbia | 11,110 | $92,350 |
| Massachusetts | 80,630 | $92,140 |
| Oregon | 36,020 | $91,080 |
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN NURSING?
CRITICAL CARE NURSE
REGISTERED NURSE
TRAVEL NURSE OR REGISTERED NURSE
Travel nurses perform similar duties to non-traveling nurses, such as maintaining accurate patient records, administering medications, and coordinating patient care across different departments within a hospital. However, travel nurses are typically employed by staffing agencies and work as contracted employees, often on short-term assignments that can take them to different locations across the country or even around the world. Despite the constant change in work environment, travel nurses are expected to provide the same level of quality care as their non-traveling counterparts, ensuring that patients receive the proper treatment regardless of where they are located.