Many nurses with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing want to upgrade their skills. This has led to a boom in the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on the Collegiate Nurse Training Programs (CCNE) accredited online RN to BSN programs. RN to BSN can be completed in 2 semesters on a full-time plan, or you can take courses at your own pace via the self-paced UW FLEX option.
Flexibility
If you’re looking for a degree that will give you more career opportunities, then the easiest RN to BSN online program is worth considering. These programs are usually shorter and do not involve clinical, allowing students to complete their degree more timely than traditional on-campus degrees. In addition, many of these programs do not require a high GPA for admission, making them ideal for nurses with an associate or diploma degree who want to advance their careers. However, it would help if you were prepared to work. You may need to log in 3-4 times a week for class participation, and some courses require weekly projects or group discussions. A good tip is to use time-tracking apps to help you manage your study schedule.
Personalized Support
Many RN to BSN students are working nurses, and finding an online program that considers that is important. Look for a university that offers an easy-to-use platform that works well with your existing devices and apps and online support options like chat or video conferencing. Additionally, it’s good to know if your university has programs that help you apply insights gained from classwork to situations encountered on the job. This helps ensure your skills are up to date and ready for the next challenge in your nursing career.
Convenience
Many nurses find that online learning is more convenient than traditional classroom-based classes. They don’t have to worry about scheduling meetings with their professors or other students; they can take courses at a time that works best for them. Additionally, they can save on gas and other expenses associated with traveling to and from class or clinical. The ease of use offered by these programs can be especially helpful for nurses with busy schedules. RNs who earn their BSN may also see a salary increase when they apply for jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree.
Experienced Faculty
Choose a program that features RN-to-BSN faculty with the academic credentials, practical experiences, continued professional development and national professional certifications to deliver quality nursing education. Your BSN will help you advance your career in healthcare. This is one of the most important factors when selecting an online RN to BSN program. Another consideration is whether or not a recognized nursing association accredits the program. This will ensure that the program meets standards set by the government, potential future employers and graduate schools you may want to apply to. Additionally, some programs have special offers that can make attending more affordable. This grant covers tuition costs for the first course, textbook fees and a limited number of interactive assessment attempts.