The trend in online learning is growing. Most colleges and universities have nursing programs that include online courses or offer entire programs that students can complete without sitting in a classroom. An online RN to BSN program is an ideal option for working registered nurses (RN) with an associate degree who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Why Is an Online RN to BSN Program Affordable?
Brick-and-mortar schools pass on the cost of electricity, building maintenance, sports facilities and other miscellaneous expenditures to on-campus students. As a result, tuition for on-campus programs tends to be higher. Online programs save students from paying those charges.
Some schools, like Northeastern State University (NSU), let students pay by the course so they can spread out their payments. This allows students the freedom to budget their money for tuition. Not to mention, students save money on gas because they do not have to drive to a campus.
Why Are Online RN to BSN Programs Convenient?
Online RN to BSN programs are structured for the working nurse. Online programs offer multiple start dates, flexible schedules for completing and submitting assignments and self-paced study. Nursing students do not have to worry about traffic and parking. They can access courses anytime from anywhere. This permits nurses to continue working so they can earn an income while also meeting family obligations and carving out personal time.
What Should You Look for in an Online RN to BSN Program?
You want to make sure that the online RN to BSN program you are considering is suitable. The college or university should be properly accredited. It should also have a traditional campus and a good academic reputation. For example, NSU is a high-quality educational institution and its online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Do Employers Accept Nursing Degrees?
Yes. Most employers now understand that the preparation students receive in an online RN to BSN program is the same as the traditional baccalaureate track, as long as the program is accredited.
Why Should You Complete a BSN Program?
A BSN degree is rapidly becoming the preferred level of preparation by employers for entry-level nursing positions. Both the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which was renamed the National Academy of Medicine in 2015, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) endorse a BSN as the minimal educational requirement for nurses.
In its report The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, the IOM calls for 80 percent of nurses in the workforce to hold a BSN by 2020. The 2014 AACN Fact Sheet: The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice lists numerous studies that indicate baccalaureate-prepared nurses provide better patient outcomes. According to the AACN, BSN-prepared nurses have the necessary competencies to practice in a challenging and demanding healthcare system. They are prepared with critical thinking, leadership, case management and health promotion skills that result in improved patient care in all types of settings.
While affordability and flexibility are great reasons for completing an online RN to BSN program, there are additional benefits. When you earn a BSN degree, you are eligible for more nursing opportunities and higher pay. In addition, you will have job security if a BSN becomes a requirement in the future.
The NSU RN to BSN program is 100 percent online. You can complete the 30 credit hours in 10 to 24 months, depending on your rate of study. Once you have obtained your BSN, you are on the path to pursue a graduate degree, which can assist you in furthering your nursing career.
Learn more about NSU’s online RN to BSN program.
Source:
The National Academy of Medicine: Report Recommendations
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice
