Healthcare is an ever-changing industry characterized by innovation, research and quality improvement. Lifelong learning is necessary to remain competitive in your chosen field, especially in terms of higher learning and career advancement opportunities. This is certainly true for the profession of nursing.
As the U.S. population ages and the number of patients with complex care needs increases, highly skilled, knowledgeable registered nurses (RNs) will be in demand. Critical thinking, leadership, research, advocacy, education and health promotion are just a few of the valuable skills that can set an RN above the competition. If you are currently practicing as an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Diploma in Nursing, building on your current skills and advancing your education by completing an online RN to BSN program is a worthwhile investment.
Where Do I Find the Time?
Perhaps you are ready to take the next step toward building on your current experience as an RN but feel that your life is too busy to take on one more endeavor. Family responsibilities and a full-time job can leave you feeling that you have little time to invest in yourself. However, there are options available that will give you the opportunity to further your education without taking a great deal of your time. At Northeastern State University, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) online in under a year.
Why Is Online Learning a Good Option?
According to “Student Engagement in Online Nursing Courses” by Hampton and Pearce, online programs allow students to complete coursework on their own time without interference to family and work obligations. Quartz Media goes on to say that technology has changed the way we live and work, so the way we learn is adapting to fit that norm. “It’s returning us to a need for specialized learning, for individualized education that is custom-tailored to one’s needs.”
What Skills Do I Need to Be Successful in Online Learning?
To be a successful online student, “one needs to be well organized, be self-motivated, and have good time management skills to keep up with the pace of the course,” according to Hampton and Pearce. Being engaged with your profession and remaining socially connected in courses through multiple modes of communication are also key success factors. If these are traits you already have or are willing to adopt to earn your BSN, online learning can be an excellent fit.
How Many Courses or Credit Hours Will I Need to Complete?
NSU’s online RN to BSN program consists of nine core nursing courses for a total of 30 credit hours. Each course lasts seven weeks, so if you take one course at a time, you can complete the program in 63 weeks. Taking two courses at a time enables you to complete the program in 10 months. NSU’s shorter-duration courses allow for a more flexible schedule, with several start dates available throughout the year.
How Quickly Can I Complete the Program?
The minimum amount of time required for program completion is 10 months, and the maximum time allowed to complete the program once core courses are started is five years. If you need pre- or co-requisites, you can take those courses online along with the core nursing courses at whatever pace works for your schedule.
Earning your BSN while juggling family and work obligations can seem like a tall order. However, there are options that allow you to gain valuable knowledge and continue your journey of lifelong learning without spending years in school. An accelerated online RN to BSN program like NSU’s offers flexibility through shorter courses and more start dates throughout the year. Invest time in your education and ensure success for your future by earning your BSN in under a year at NSU.
Learn more about the NSU online RN to BSN program.
Sources:
Nurse Educator: Student Engagement in Online Nursing Courses
