If you’re considering online nursing education, choosing a program that aligns with your career goals and budget is essential. Look for a program accredited by the CCNE that offers flexible start dates, pay-by-course tuition options, and one-on-one student support.
Convenience
Convenience is the degree to which a product or service meets a customer’s needs and expectations. This includes time, place, accessibility, portability, ease of use, and speed.
RN to BSN programs, like accelerated RN programs online, are designed for working nurses with existing nursing experience and an associate degree in nursing (ADN). The goal of this program is to prepare RNs to work in advanced roles in the field of nursing, and many states require a bachelor’s degree for nurses to work in specific specialty areas.
This program is 100% online and offers flexible, seven-week courses. Students can also pay for the course, and teachers can provide one-on-one support. Admission requirements vary by school but generally include a registered nurse license and the ability to pass health requirements.
Science and Math Requirements
Many RNs seek an online RN to BSN program at La Salle University that will allow them to continue their nursing education and advance their career. A BSN degree opens up more opportunities in case management, clinical leadership, and research.
UM-Flint’s nationally recognized online RN to BSN degree program is designed to help nurses adapt to the evolving healthcare environment. The program requires a minimum of 39 credits from previous college coursework and is 100% online.
Hospital and medical facility administrators reportedly regard online RN to BSN programs equally as highly as on-campus programs. However, beware of non-accredited RN to BSN programs that claim to be completed in less than a year – most nurses can’t earn their degrees this quickly. The average length of an RN to BSN program is about three years.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many nursing students are offered tuition reimbursement by their employers. While the process may vary, this benefit can help cover the costs of an online RN to BSN program.
The first step in the process is to complete the FAFSA. This helps determine eligibility for federal grants and loans and state or school-specific scholarships.
Once enrolled, a student will work with their campus of enrollment to understand the specifics of their financial aid options for an RN-to-BSN degree completion option. Additionally, many schools have scholarship programs for enrolled nursing students. These can be based on merit, need, or several other factors. For example, Capella has a nursing scholarship for working nurses interested in continuing their education. Unlike other online colleges, we offer to meet with professors and peers through discussion boards and virtual meetings.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are essential in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical patient care. They allow students to gain hands-on experience in natural healthcare settings, gaining the empathy necessary for caring for patients and cultivating skills they will use throughout their careers.
In addition, rotations introduce students to the nuances of medical diagnosis, demonstrating that symptoms are not always a “slam dunk.” This allows them to build confidence in applying textbook knowledge to real-world scenarios.
While clinical rotations require onsite participation, online programs offer flexibility in scheduling, alleviating some of the burden of attending in-person sessions. Regardless, students must prepare for this part of the program by familiarizing themselves with hospital culture and etiquette and prioritizing self-care to remain physically and mentally healthy.
Availability
Accredited colleges offer many online RN to BSN programs, and many have solid reputations. But there are also many for-profit outfits out there offering mediocre diploma mills.
Students should check that the school they are applying to is regionally accredited and has a good standing with employers and other higher education institutions. Also, they should look for a CCNE or ACEN-accredited program.
Some online RN to BSN programs may require the completion of clinicals. However, if the student has already completed these in an associate degree nursing program, they will unlikely need to meet them again. Additionally, most schools have flexible study options for busy nurses that can accommodate their work and life commitments. This includes full-time or part-time enrollment.
