BSN without RN

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Hey all, I'm new to the site and I'm actually not the one this question is for. My gf is wanting to become a nurse and it seems there are a lot of options out there. However she is looking for something rather unique that I can seem to find. She would like to start school in a program to get her BSN that doesn't require you to already be an RN. A second catch, she would like an online school that does the written/general online and the clinical stuff on campus/on-site. Is there anything out there like that?

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To the best of my knowledge, There are zero accredited schools in the US that allow you to get your RN online, whether ASN or BSN. There may still be a couple that offer LPN-RN online, that is, you must first have your LPN first, and as far as I know after much searching, you cannot find an LPN online either.

I would seriously question any program that claims you can do it online. & even if it did exist, I wouldn't want a nurse with an online education treating me or my loved ones.

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Also should note that I'm on Day 4 of nursing school for my RN & we're already working on each other in the classroom... You can't do that online. It's way more than just clinicals.

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Thanks for you opinion. I have actually seen several online ASN programs that provide your general education classes and some of the degree oriented classes in an online format allowing you to complete 30-45 cr online then the remainder on campus or in a clinical environment. Being someone who already holds a degree from the University of Cincinnati which I obtained though traditional on campus classes, I can personally vouch that a large portion of most degrees don't need to be done in class. With something like Nursing, there is an obvious need for the in person for the clinical aspect however the general classes that are required by all accredited colleges such as English, composition, math, social sciences, office management, arts, history can easily be done online. In addition to some degree specifics for nursing such as biology, chemistry, medical terminology, and others that done't require physical demonstrations.

Here is a link I would recommend for you to take a look at. I'm now a student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. This college has what they like to call the five ways to learn. It shows you how students can learn outside of the traditional self study or on campus styles. For what its worth Embry Riddle is regarded as one of the more prestigious aeronautical universities in the country. In my opinion format of the information is less important than the effort you put into your success (less the obvious necessarily required in person training) Five Ways to Learn, Worldwide , Embry-Riddle

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Yes many of the prereqs can be done online but many nursing programs do not except the science courses that have a lab from online schools. Also as the other poster stated it really helps to be in class for those foundamental classes in nursing. I totally understand doing the RN/BSN or LVN/BSN somewhat online because you've got a lot of the meat and potatoes of learning the nursing process, in theory as well as clinicals.Also many times people really don't look into what nursing really entails, trying to water it down takes away from this being a profession. What area are you in? Does she hold a degree in another discipline? There are accelerated BSN programs for second degree seekers.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

A student needs to actually be present to learn the skills required.Just showing up for clinicals is not enough. You have to learn the skills BEFORE you start clinicals so when you are in the clinical setting you are ready to do them. Skills labs cannot done online.Nursing cannot be compared to studying anything else.A lot of programs won't accept courses done online.

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I'm not talking about Math 101, etc. Of course those can be done online. Anatomy & Physiology requires dissection. Microbiology requires cultures done in a lab. However, I'm referring to the nursing program itself.

I looked & looked for online programs because I couldn't see how I could support my family without working full time. They simply don't exist. & now that my family 4 has gone down to a family of 2, I am in a situation where I don't have to work and can use student loans & help from family to get by while in nursing school. If I want to be a nurse, I have to put in the work.

There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

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True. If you want something you have to work for it. There isn't shortcuts in quality nursing. Good luck to you. Day 4 you must be so excited. I love nursing school.

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Specializes in Postpartum and Newborn.

Actually, there is such a program... I know for a fact because I'm in one! :) It's a prelicensure BSN (meaning no RN required), coursework done online, and labs and clinicals done on-site. The school is called Western Governors University, it's accredited by the BON, and as of now they offer the prelicensure BSN in only a few states (California, Texas, and Indiana). I'm in the California program, just started my senior year, and I've had only positive experiences. We get to do our clinicals one-on-one with a staff nurse, and so far our clinical coaches have been very impressed with our knowledge and skills. This program is no cake walk, and requires a lot of self motivation and determination. I do get a lot of strange looks when I tell people I'm going to an "online" school to get my nursing degree, but most of the skeptics I meet at clinicals change their mind after observing me for a while.

I'm a big fan of the online format, and even completed most of my nursing pre-reqs online, including Microbiology and Anatomy/Physiology (yep, it can be done, although it involved dissecting a cat in my garage and growing mold in my laundry room! :eek:). I have a previous degree in Kinesiology, and I've also completed Anat/Phys in the traditional classroom, and I actually thought the online course was more challenging.

OP, good luck to your girlfriend on her journey to the nursing profession! I hope she finds a school that fulfills her needs!

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Specializes in Peds PACU & Peds Psych.
The school is called Western Governors University, it's accredited by the BON, and as of now they offer the prelicensure BSN in only a few states (California, Texas, and Indiana).

I would just like to point out that the BON APPROVES schools; it does not ACCREDIT them.

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Specializes in Postpartum and Newborn.
I would just like to point out that the BON APPROVES schools; it does not ACCREDIT them.

Pardon me... APPROVED by the BON, ACCREDITED by the CCNE and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

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Depends where you are I think. I'm in MA and no BSN program here would allow online classes only. The only reason that's allowed in the RN-BSN programs is because you would have passed the NCLEX and it's assumed you are already working in the field and therefore have experience.

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