What to look for in an online RN to BSN program
Obtaining an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one of the best ways an RN can advance a career in the nursing profession. Nurses with a bachelor’s degree earn a higher average yearly salary than those without a BSN and health care organizations and employers regularly seek out highly educated personnel to fill their staffing needs. With the decision made to continue professional development, an ambitious registered nurse (RN) needs to know what to look for in an online RN to BSN program.
What is a BSN?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the logical next step in the educational ladder after obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and working as an RN. While an ADN includes education and clinical training to prepare students for licensing exams, the four-year degree includes required general education courses and nursing-specific curricula. Registered nurses need only complete the additional requirements to receive their BSN.
Benefits
After completing a BSN, nurses are qualified to practice in all health care settings, which provides the greatest flexibility in career choice. BSN graduates are well prepared to work in critical care, public health, home health organizations, neighborhood clinics, hospitals and more. Job titles can include: informatics nurse, nurse advocate and medical-surgical nurse, among others. Completing a BSN improves a resume as well, which is important as health care organizations are increasingly hiring baccalaureate-level nurses. A BSN is also a required to continue professional development with a Master in Science in Nursing and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice or becoming a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.
Financial benefits also accompany a BSN. The average annual salary for various nursing positions requiring an ADN is $68,000. Nursing positions for those with a BSN have an average annual salary of $82,000.
Accreditation
One of the most important factors to consider when searching for an online RN to BSN program is accreditation. Accredited programs are guaranteed to meet certain academic and professional standards. These standards are important in the health care industry and employers often require that the education their employees received meets those standards. Being accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ensures the courses completed meet the quality and integrity expected by nurses, patients and health care employers.
Cost
Finances can be a burden to overcome when considering professional development. However, health care organizations and employers may provide financial incentives and reimbursements for these pursuits. Additionally, scholarships, flexible payment plans and other financial aid may be available through colleges and universities.
Ohio University’s online RN to BSN program is available in 23 states and offers one of the lowest tuition rates.
Scheduling
Working professionals need educational offerings that work with their busy schedules. Some programs will boast 100 percent online availability yet still require face-to-face clinical requirements. Before committing to a program, be sure to know the required visits (if any) to a school, training facility or clinical practice.
Course length and availability is another factor to consider when it comes to scheduling. Some programs offer flexible start dates and course completion timelines which can be important to prospective students seeking to advance their careers.
How long does it take to finish a BSN?
A total of 120 semester credits is required for universities to confer a BSN. RN to BSN programs require students to be registered nurses. Previous educational credits earned may transfer to the BSN degree program. Speak to admission specialists and utilize online sources such as Transferology to determine which credits from previous institutions can be transferred. Nurses will also want to ask whether required general education courses can be completed online if previously coursework is not applicable.
Hear from one of the alumna of our online RN to BSN program:
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Sources
https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/bachelors-degree
https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/rn-bsn
https://www.aacnnursing.org/Students/Your-Nursing-Career-A-Look-at-the-Facts
https://nursejournal.org/bsn-degree/bsn-degree-rn-differences/