Are there any RN-BSN programs that are not online?

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Apr 9, 2013

There are lots and lots of brick and mortar BSN programs. But, I think you will be hard-pressed to find a BSN-completion program where you could 'go away to college' in the traditional sense.

RN-to-BSN programs are designed for working adults, which is why so many are online and at night.

Congrats on your ADN and good luck!!

grownuprosie · Apr 9, 2013

All of my local universities that have RN-BSN programs are designed for working adults. As such, they only have class one day a week with a lot of independent coursework. That is the theme in my neighborhood anyway.

Stephalump · Apr 9, 2013

I agree, I don't think you'll find that. RN- BSN programs are for professional working adults. Professional working adults don't live in dorm rooms :-) They enjoy having their own bathrooms and no curfews!

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2013

Why is living on campus so essential to you? Some of the on campus RN-BSN programs do offer afternoon classes, perhaps that would be an option for you

july06 · Apr 9, 2013

Well I'm only 19 and I want to get the college experience that everyone else my age is getting. And I'm not graduating yet, I still have 2 years. I don't even know if I've been accepted into the program yet lol. And I had a 5 pm class my first semester of college and I kept falling asleep in it so I don't think the whole night class thing will work for me.

grownuprosie · Apr 9, 2013

I know the feeling. I started nursing school when I was 22. I am 24 now. This is my first degree. It was really sad for me when I realized that I was not going to have the "college experience" and the dorm room shenanigans that all my friends talk about. More than half my class is over 30 and I suspect you will be surprised to discover the same with your program. Any RN-BSN program is going to have a lot of older people too. Keep in mind though, that by the time you get your ADN, you will be 21. While I did not live in the dorms, I still went out with friends and did stupid things as people in their early 20's are likely to do. Your experience will be different, but not necessarily worse than the typical college adventure. I hope you find what you are looking for. If not, you will eventually come to terms that your life will be a bit different than that of your peers and that is OK.

Stephalump · Apr 9, 2013

Well I'm only 19 and I want to get the college experience that everyone else my age is getting. And I'm not graduating yet I still have 2 years. I don't even know if I've been accepted into the program yet lol. And I had a 5 pm class my first semester of college and I kept falling asleep in it so I don't think the whole night class thing will work for me.[/quote']
Then maybe you should consider applying to BSN programs?
An associates degree in nursing isn't the same as an associates degree in something like English, where you can do the first part at a CC and then go do a traditional 2 years at a university.

gabriellegoss · Apr 9, 2013

I started nursing school at 18.. And have not once complained about the lack of a social life. In my opinion, if you are worried about "the college experience" that you aren't getting then maybe you have some growing up to do. That should not be a priority.

gabriellegoss · Apr 9, 2013

And to add to that, there is very little time for "the college experience " with all the work involved in nursing school.

grownuprosie · Apr 9, 2013

I started nursing school at 18.. And have not once complained about the lack of a social life. In my opinion, if you are worried about "the college experience" that you aren't getting then maybe you have some growing up to do. That should not be a priority.

I could not disagree more. there is nothing wrong with wanting a traditional college experience. You did not miss it, but that is you. your comment was unnecessarily abrasive to a kid asking for advice. I am actually impressed that she is thinking through the decision and researching beforehand. I think stephalump made a great suggestion that a BSN would be a good route because it could get her closer to that experience.

july06 · Apr 10, 2013

Thanks for the advice everybody. I was going to go the BSN route if I didn't get into the ADN program. But I believe I found an RN-MSN program that's not online. So i'm going to look into going there.