RNs looking to complete their bachelor’s should contact several Universities of interest to learn more about all choices. There are many different RN to BSN Programs available including online options to consider. All nursing schools are different, therefore it would be wise for potential students not to limit themselves to only one or two programs for consideration while gathering information.
Get started right away to earning your bachelors degree and possibly more money and career advancement (i.e., do not procrastinate!). If you are a registered nurse and have not yet earned your BSN (Whether you hold an ADN or diploma) you may be surprised to find out it might not take as long as you think. Stop waiting for the "right time" and find out now if an RN To BSN will work for you and your schedule. The best way to find out which one will or will not help you meet your goal is simply to contact all schools of interest to find out what they offer, how much it costs, how long it will take, how many classes you will need to complete, when you need to go, etc.. If you are like some RNs you probably want to find the fastest rn to bsn program available either online or close to where you live.
While each college or university may have many similarities, there will also be differences, which is why it is very important to contact several institutions to help you compare. The majority are campus based, but you can find several with online programs or some form of web based courses. Some may include a fast track that will allow a registered nurse to earn their B.S.N. in less then two years. Many may also offer some flexibility built in, including web based solutions. The length of courses may vary so check with each to confirm the length of time per course or semester. If you have prior college experience some colleges may allow you to apply it for credit hours. Whatever you choose, in the end you will be much better served if you research upfront. For example, do not rule out fast track degree completion if you work and live far away, as an online solution may be just what the doctor ordered!
Note: As degrees offered can vary and change the best thing to do is to contact schools directly to get the most up to date information and then compare the different choices available to you. Each institution we have listed may or may not offer a program of interest. This list may not be all inclusive and things may change so you will need to check with each institution to confirm information, requirements, and to find out how to apply.
Tips To Find The Best Program To Meet Your Goals:
When searching for the best option for you there are many things to consider. The questions and tips below may help you make a more informed decision.
- Everyone is different, what is best for you may not be best for someone else
- Use a spreadsheet (or at least a piece of paper or notepad) to prepare questions in advance before you talk with school recruiters/advisors. Indicate on your list which things are most important to you.
- Do not rule out an online option, check with at least one or two online schools to help you compare both campus based and online degrees. Also check with at least one or two campus based schools for a total minimum of 3-4 different ones.
- Is speed an issue? Do you want to complete everything as quick as possible? If so make sure to ask each institution how long it will take for completion from beginning to end. Also ask about how much flexibility you have with your classes.
- Are you looking for an innovative RN-BSN track that is progressive in nature? Or are you searching for something more traditional?
- What are you most interested in finding? More specifically do you want something which will lead to a Bachelor of Science in nursing or a Masters in nursing degree?
- What are your short-term and long-term career goals? Do you want to end up in a management position? Do you want to always work on the patient care side or do you have other aspirations? Now is the time to brain storm to create your list of questions. Do not leave off any question you can think of as you are considering a major investment of money and time which may greatly impact your future career.
- Do you want to stay in-state or travel out of state? Use our listing on the left to get started with gathering info of which school to contact for more specific information.
- Which is right for you? Bachelors or Masters? Not sure? Think about your career goals and what is required to reach them.
- The benefits of going from RN ⇒ BSN ⇒ MSN vs RN ⇒ MSN may vary. As each person has a different set of circumstances and each persons goals differ there may not really be any best choice in general for everyone which is why it is important for you to find out what will work for you based on your career goals which will ultimately help you make a decision of which option would benefit you more.
- Do you plan to continue working full-time?
- Will you need financial aid to help you pay for your education?
- Are you looking for a convenient and shorter choice or something more traditional?
- Asking yourself some of the above is a good start, but you should spend at least some time coming up with more questions for your specific goals prior to talking with a school representative.
- Also consider talking with other students or graduates to find out what to expect and what the difference is between your choices.
Note: According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) more than 600 RN to BSN programs are available nationwide.