Are online RN to BSN/MSN programs legitimate?

I am SERIOUSLY considering going back to school for RN to BSN or MSN. I have NO idea how to go about choosing a program though. Obviously, it will be based in part on which specialty I want (still mulling that one over). But my big concerns are 1) Are online programs legitimate and respected by hiring nurse managers 2) Which ones are the best??? How does one even go about deciding which to choose??

I'm looking for opinions on "well-known" programs as well such as Kaplan, Chamberlain, UWM's BSN@Home, Colorado Technical University, University of Phoenix, etc.... I'm not opposed to some more "obscure" options either, but I need to find a way to verify quality/ranking, etc. (More concerned about quality and accreditation than ranking, but ranking doesn't hurt either).

I'm also looking for opinions regarding programs that have NO clinical requirement. I don't really know if I trust the sound of that, but I'm already working full time and have a family....

I don't need an "Ivy League" education but I want a high quality program that is respected and known for being good. I've done research all over the internet and most of what I come up with are the websites that schools pay for advertisements on. I don't trust ANY of those sites at all. Are there sites out there that don't allow schools to pay for advertising? Even the U.S. News Best Colleges Lists allow paid advertisements now! Disappointing!!

I have NO idea how I will be able to handle working three 12s a week and having two kids and a husband while attending a rigorous program, but I think it is time that I do it.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated! Classes are starting in a couple of weeks here, so I doubt I'll make it in time for the upcoming semester, but maybe the one after that.

Expedient replies are appreciated!

26 Answers

Specializes in ER.

I went to Ohio University but I live in Ohio. There was a huge push for it in both states that I have worked in. The main reason is the benefit and all managers have mentioned that they push people to go for it. So yes, online RN to BSN programs can be respected. Generally, it more seems to be experience with the BSN a plus. The only time I was asked for my diploma was yesterday and they didn't care which nursing diploma they had a copy of.

Specializes in Telemetry.

Have you researched Western Governors University? It is not available in every state, but those that do offer it give you the opportunity to earn RN-BSN with no clinical component so long as you are actively employed as an RN. The program is online and does not have to take very long and the cost is very reasonable. The downside is that if you complete the program, you earn a 3.00 regardless of how well you did. This might matter if you plan on pursuing further education such as MSN.

Indiana University has an online Nursing Program

I haven't attended IU but it does have a good reputation in the area.

Indiana University RN to BSN Degree Completion

"Earn your Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) while you work—no matter where you live. You set the pace of your education."

Look into WGUs RN-BSN program you might like it...you can go at your own pace, I've read on various nursing boards about people who have finished it in 8 months-a year (they werent working or cut their hours down, so they could study more & get through the program faster).

Then if you decide to go for your MSN later down the line, WGU offers that as well. UOP also has a masters program.

Specializes in Acute, Adult Gerontology.

Texas Tech university is working for me. Completely online, and cheap. 2 semesters/ 6 months to complete. It costs

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

A lot of well-respected, brick and mortal universities have online programs now. Check those out. If your state university system has such a program, it would probably be a lot cheaper than those schools that exist only in online form. You get the benefits of the online format -- but also the benefits of the traditional brick and mortar school.

Also, be wary of the "for-profits." You have to remember that their primary motive is to make money and earn a profit for their shareholders -- whether they help you or society or not. The non-profit schools (private or public) and the state supported schools exist to serve society. Going to a school in your own geographic region that also has a brick and mortar program also makes it easier to actually meet with a member of your faculty face-to-face in the event that you have some difficulties or if you just want a little extra attention. It's impossible to do that with most of the big online school because their faculty is often spread out all over the country, may only teach part time, etc.

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I live in NC and went to one of the online programs offered through my state universities. (RN-BSN) I did not have to go the campus, no clinical (we had assignments that took us into the community) and it took me a calender year. I ended up with a scholarship I did not pursue just because I had a good GPA. Total cost to me was less than my ADN. Look into your state universities!!!

Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.

i just applied to SNHU online RN BSN program. i heard great things about this program. its a non profit brick and mortar university in Manchester, NH. no outside clinicals and affordable tuition. you must complete 10 nursing courses along with any gen ed classes needed to to complete. each class is 9 weeks in length and costs $960/class.

Specializes in Progressive Care/ICU Stepdown.

I was just accepted to VCU'S RN-BS program which is (almost?) entirely online, and designed to be done while working as an RN.

It's a well known, respected school, so I'm not worried on that front.

I would definitely suggest looking into local/semi-local Universities and seeing what online or hybrid programs they offer.

Specializes in Nursing Leadership.

In my experience it doesn't matter. All people care about are the letters after your name. I earned my LPN at a local technical school, my ADN/RN online with Excelsior and will finish my BSN at a local brick and mortar state college. All anyone really cares about is the LPN, RN, BSN, MSN or DNP.

If you are planning to continue past your BSN, I recommend NOT doing the BSN online. Some of my ADN online credits were not accepted in my BSN state college program so I had to re-take those classes. I can only imagine trying to transfer online BSN credits to a local college MSN program, it wouldn't be pretty!

I know there are some fully only MSN programs but they are not available for the NP license. I think what I am trying to explain is if you want to become an NP, go brick and mortar. If you want to become anything except an NP but still need a master's, then consider online programs.

Specializes in ER.

Ohio University was very respected and encouraged by all nurse managers I spoke to during hiring. I strongly recommend it. There is a "clinical" component but it was sort of more a research project with an RN who can guide your research. Some other projects involved people.

My ADN had a partnership with OU so everything was accepted. I don't think there will be a major issue overall if you go to a partner school. I am doing my MSN online and was accepted with no issues except a stat requirement

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

"If you are planning to continue past your BSN, I recommend NOT doing the BSN online. Some of my ADN online credits were not accepted in my BSN state college program so I had to re-take those classes. I can only imagine trying to transfer online BSN credits to a local college MSN program, it wouldn't be pretty!"

I did my ADN at a comm college and my RN-BSN online at a state university. I then got my MSN. I had zero trouble transferring any credits I needed from previous degrees. My MSN was mostly online. Private teaching university/hospital where I work. No trouble whatsoever.

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