Suggestions for online RN-BSN degree

Nursing Students Online Learning

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Specializes in PACU, Stepdown, Trauma.

I'm in search of a college at which to complete my RN-BSN degree. The program needs to be CCNE accredited, with the next priority given to affordability and being able to complete it in under a year.

Since I'm considering possibly becoming an FNP in the future, is out—I'd like to maintain a good GPA for the sake of getting into a good school (one I'm looking at actually arranges clinicals!).

I'm a licensed RN working in a step-down ICU, if that matters, and graduated from an ADN program this spring with honors. I do have a previous BA, so any general ed credits needed are likely already complete.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

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Specializes in PACU, Stepdown, Trauma.

Well aware of that! I love 's concept and price point, and I think it's a great program. Unfortunately, while the programs that I'm looking at do accept credits from WGU, they transfer in as a flat 3.0 GPA, which make admission to the program somewhat unlikely (although always possible).

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I recommend that you look closely at schools that meet all of the following criteria to start with:

1. A state school in your state (less cost than going out-of state)

2. Within reasonable driving distance (in case you ever want to go there to meet with somebody)

3. Has a good academic reputation

4. If fully acredited

5. You know somebody who went there who can give you the "inside scoop"

Such a school would be most likely to fit your needs and provide you with few big, bad surprises. It may not be perfect, but it will probably be a "safe" choice with minimal risk. If you go far away and out-of-state, it will probably be more expensive and harder to resolve any difficulties that arise along the way. There may be contract problems between the school and a local facility you want to use for a clinical placement. (I work with those contract in my job, and sometimes, serious problems arise that delay students' graduations.)

If all you know about a school is what it's marketing department says ... and it's located far away ... and you don't know anyone who has gone there well ... that's risky.

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Specializes in PACU, Stepdown, Trauma.

Unfortunately, all of the schools in-state (which I have looked at already prior to posting here and have been in contact with admissions reps) take at least two years (due to the chronological order of courses required, even though I'd be going part-time since the gen-ed courses are done) and cost at least $15k by the time you do the calculations for tuition/books/fees, even if they do have an online program. The cheapest cost/credit hour is something like $413. That's too expensive/long of a time period for my taste. I have minimal student loans right now, and I'd prefer to keep it that way.

Trust me, I've done my research for the in-state options and was dissatisfied, which is why I thought I'd reach out here for names of colleges in other states.

Like I said above, I'm looking for a program that's CCNE accredited, affordable (less than $10k would be great), can be completed in a year or less and is online. I have no issues arranging one or two clinical experiences needed for a RN-BSN program—it's just not something I want to have to do for an NP program down the road.

This thread had a nice list of colleges in the sixth post down: https://allnurses.com/nursing-online-distance/affordable-online-rn-1104730.html. Was just wondering if anyone else had any based on their own experiences!

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