Online RN to BSN programs offer practicing nurses the opportunity to advance in their careers and pursue more specialized areas of nursing. These programs may be a good fit for those with busy schedules who need a program that allows them to continue working while earning their degree. RN to BSN program is known for its flexibility, allowing students to move through the curriculum as quickly or slowly as they like. You can find much discussion about the program on nursing message boards and independent review sites.
Flexibility
Most RN to BSN programs allow students to attend classes online, so there is less need to commute to campus and maintain a consistent schedule. This can be especially helpful for working nurses, who can continue their professional lives while pursuing their degrees. Moreover, online courses can often be more flexible regarding how much time the student spends in the classroom. Some colleges even offer accelerated six- or eight-week courses to earn the degree more quickly. If you choose a program that provides these kinds of flexibility, you can complete your degree in less than two years on a full-time basis.
Time-Saving
A BSN degree can open up new career opportunities in the nursing field and prepare nurses for graduate school. This can make the degree worth the investment, even if students attend expensive universities with a good reputation within the nursing community. Online classes often have short completion times, which can be challenging for some. If a student does not have the self-discipline to work independently without a teacher’s guidance, it can be very easy to fall behind in classwork and not finish on time. Luckily, the easiest RN to BSN online program is designed to be fast-paced, which can help with time management. Typically, students log in to the virtual classroom for class each day or week and complete assignments that require group or individual participation, such as PowerPoint presentations, discussions, and writing projects. Students can also usually transfer credits from previous college courses, saving even more time.
Convenience
RN to BSN online programs students can skip work to attend class. Instead, they can complete their coursework from home or during breaks at work. If they run into trouble, online support teams are usually quick to respond and can help them get back on track. Some schools even offer tuition benefits for nursing staff pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Other types of financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, are also available. If you want to get your degree as quickly as possible, consider an accelerated program that offers a full-time option. These fast-track programs typically take two semesters or 12 months to finish. Alternatively, you can opt for a part-time plan and earn your degree in 18 to 24 months. Some programs may also accept previous college credits or transfer credits from another institution. However, choosing an accredited school that meets your educational needs is important.
Affordable
In addition to tuition, an online RN-to-BSN program usually requires technology fees for online learning platforms and other resources. Students also may need to pay for class supplies and digital or physical textbooks. Some colleges offer scholarships for nursing students, and financial aid can often cover the rest. A bachelor’s degree in nursing can help nurses advance to leadership roles and gain access to specialties that aren’t open to RNs with an associate degree. Plus, a BSN can qualify RNs to work in many states that require a bachelor’s degree for RNs. It’s important to look for regional accreditation when comparing online RN-to-BSN programs. This ensures that the school meets quality standards.
Additionally, a program with regional accreditation is more likely to be accepted by employers. Lastly, look for schools with reasonable tuition and high NCLEX pass rates. These factors can make a difference in cost and time to completion.
