WHAT IS AN ACCREDITED ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM?
Accredited online RN to BSN programs are degree completion options for licensed registered nurses (RNs) with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or diploma. Since many RNs are busy, the online RN to BSN format make it possible to earn a bachelor’s degree while at work. Students of online RN to BSN programs often hone nursing skills while learning how to lead, manage and research.
Some courses cover emerging trends in health care therapies and health assessment. Others may discuss health promotion and community nursing. A clinical aspect helps RNs get hands on practice and experience in a chosen nursing niche. Why earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)? Nurses with a BSN may take on a wider scope of professional duties and higher salaries than licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Earning a BSN also puts you one step closer to a master’s degree or doctorate if your goal is advanced practice nursing.
If you are ready to take the next step in your nursing education, the demand for nurses who possess a bachelor’s degree in the U.S. is growing faster than average. There’s a need for qualified nurses to care for the elderly and those with chronic health issues. Since you may face some competition for these critical jobs, it might be a smart choice to pursue your BSN soon.
TYPES OF ONLINE RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAMS
B.S. in Nursing, RN to BSN Purdue Global University
This program stresses leadership and management. Students may tailor studies with nursing elective courses aligned to certifications recognized by Magnet®
Course Examples:
- Palliative Care Nursing
- Case Management
- Faith Community Nursing
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Master of Science in Psychology
This program may empower students to practice nursing as ministry. It views nursing as both a sacred calling and a science
Course Examples:
- New Testament
- Population Health
- Healthcare Informatics
CCNE
B.S. in Nursing, Registered Nurse RN to BSN
This program highlights ethical and Christian decision making while maximizing strengths of the adult RN learner
Course Examples:
- Family centered Health Promotion
- Professional Dynamics
- Health Assessment
CCNE
RN TO BSN PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Accredited online RN to BSN program follow professional nursing standards and guidelines. These are set out in The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008). While every program has some unique features, this framework ensures a program covers core nursing skills. A typical BSN degree may task students to complete 120 to 180 credit hours. Nurses who enter RN to BSN programs may have 50 to 90 of these credits done. To determine your track of study, a school will look at original transcripts from a completed nursing program.
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Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
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University of Arizona Global Campus
- 99% of University of Arizona Global Campus students study online
- University of Arizona Global Campus offers affordable tuition, so college is accessible to many students.
- he University of Arizona Global Campus (formerly Ashford University) is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Available Programs
Accounting and Finance, Information Technology, Political Science…
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Western Governors University
- Award-winning programs created to help you succeed.
- A quality education doesn’t have to be expensive. Earn an accredited degree for less.
- Programs start monthly – Apply free this week!
Sponsored Schools
WHAT DO RN TO BSN DEGREE COURSES LOOK LIKE?
The RN to BSN degree courses encompass various areas of study essential for nursing practice. These include health care leadership, case management, collaboration with peers, and exploring subjects like informatics and public health nursing. Consequently, graduates are equipped to navigate ethical challenges in both direct patient care and broader healthcare settings.
Many programs also delve into emerging healthcare trends and research, providing insights into the intricate demands of fields like population health. Scientific learning involves topics such as health assessment, health promotion, and family-centered nursing, offering the skills to translate scientific data into practical contexts.
Towards the program’s conclusion, students may undertake a project to address nursing practice issues. Some institutions may require the development of a Curriculum Vitae (CV) or an e-portfolio to showcase their skills to potential employers.
Some common courses include:
Regulatory Guidelines: This course may examine the way nurses help others and follow the rules. You could also learn about rules that apply to the nursing profession.
Care Management: You may learn about ways to care for patients and manage a schedule. Subjects could include research skills and strategies for treating patients.
Family, Community and Global Health: The best ways to keep families and communities healthy may be taught. You could learn ways to prevent the spread of diseases and then teach others.
Healthcare Informatics: Project management is an important part of nursing. You may learn the newest technology and how it is used to improve healthcare.
Public Health Nursing: You may be taught how proper nutrition affects public health. This course could include lessons on health promotion and disease prevention.
Professional Dynamics: Many who work in nursing write articles and give speeches on healthcare issues. This course may teach you to become a thought leader in healthcare.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE AN ONLINE RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAM?
If you are already a licensed RN and have an ADN, you might complete an online RN to BSN program in about two years.
For this to happen, you’ll need to start your ADN degree at another accredited college or university. This enables you to earn the transfer credits that reduce your BSN credit requirements.
RN TO BSN DEGREE PROGRAM EXAMPLES
| School | # of Credits Required | Start Dates | Minimum Months to Complete |
| Purdue Global | 180 | Multiple | 18 |
| Colorado Christian University | 120 | Multiple | 15 |
| Grand Canyon University | 120 | Multiple | 12 |
HOW MUCH DOES AN ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAM COST?
The cost of an online RN to BSN program often depends on whether you study on a full or part time basis and how many transfer credits you have. For instance, of the 120 credits required for a BSN, RN students with an ADN degree may enter with 50 to 90 credits thus reducing the overall cost. There may also be ways to save such as discounts for veterans and military students.
Recent data also shows that there is a difference in the average in state tuition ($7,684) and out of state tuition ($33,952). Both rates are rising by 2.45% and 2.17% respectively.
| School | # of Credits Required | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
| Purdue Global University | 180 | $315 | $28,350 (with 90 transfer credits) |
| Colorado Christian University | 120 | $315 | $11,340 (with 84 transfer credits) |
| Grand Canyon University | 120 | $470 | $14,100 (with 90 transfer credits) |
TOP SCHOOLS FOR ONLINE RN TO BSN PROGRAMS
Last check, there were 319,502 degrees awarded to students in registered nursing, nursing research and nursing administration. The majority of these for registered nursing at the bachelor’s degree level.
| School | 2022 Degrees awarded | 2023/24 Tuition (out of state unless *) |
| Chamberlain University Illinois | 12,645 | $20,410* |
| Western Governors University | 13,940 | $8,010* |
| Grand Canyon University | 6,909 | $17,800* |
| Walden University | 5,207 | $12,483* |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 4,803 | $29,299 |
| Ohio University Main Campus | 2,209 | $23,720 |
| University of Phoenix Arizona | 1,327 | $9,552 |
Estimated for full time, beginning undergrad students
CHOOSING AN ACCREDITED RN TO BSN PROGRAM
There are several reasons why choosing an accredited RN to BSN program can make a difference to an online nursing student.
What does it mean to be an accredited nursing program? Accreditation is a voluntary and self regulatory process. When a school applies for approval, the agency evaluates the courses and faculty. It also makes on site visits.
These things ensure that the college is providing nursing education that is contemporary and ethical. They also check that support systems are in place to help students reach goals. This includes financial aid, transfer credit policies, library services and so on. Only accredited colleges and universities are eligible to offer financial aid. If you are hoping to take part in federal funding, this aspect is vital.
Also, when an institution receives an approval for its RN to BSN program, such a status lasts for a specific period of time. As such, the school cannot rest on its laurels. It has to keep the standards up and continually improve itself. For a student, this could mean studying current methods rather than outdated ones.
When you choose an accredited RN to BSN program, you’ll thus be able to see it has met professional nursing standards with integrity. You can also check the status of your school/program on an agency database.
Only regionally or nationally accredited colleges and universities are able to offer accredited RN to BSN programs.
Such programs may be approved by:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
As we have discussed, only accredited nursing schools allow students to transfer credits from one to another. This is important for now (transfer from ADN to BSN) as much as for later if you want to roll your bachelor’s into a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. You should also know that to become licensed nurses must graduate from an approved nursing program. This will allow them to take and pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX RN). Likewise, other credentialing agencies will also ask for your transcripts.