Choice among on-line RN-BSN programs

Nursing Students Online Learning

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I've been looking into the various on-line RN-BSN programs for a few weeks now. There are dozens of such programs but I've managed to narrow the candidates down to just two: Ohio Univer and UT-Arlington. These 2 schools make my shortlist because each is a brick & mortar school, their on-line programs are an extension of their traditional classroom programs, each school is generally recognized outside of their immediate geographical area and tuition at both is reasonable. I admit that these criteria are somewhat arbitrary but all of them are important to me for reasons that are a bit difficult to quantify (except of course for the last one).

I've read through lots of posts on this site about RN-BSN on-line programs and while there are a couple of threads about both OU and UT-A, I would have expected more. Is there are reason that these 2 programs are not more popular? Are there any current or former students out there with opinions and advice about them? Am I overlooking other schools that meet the criteria I've set out?

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

I am limited to an on-line program in spite of the cost. Txspadequeen, how many and what courses did you complete in that time frame? Is that FT with concurrent courses? I'll look again at that program. Seems when I did there were lots of non-nursing courses I'd have to take. Thought I was all set with Ohio Univ but this lack of communication has me worried I can't be done in a year. I still don't have a course map for the program and it's been weeks since they received my transcripts. Thank you for any details you can offer.

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The Texas Tech program looks more straightforward than most. The website even offers prospective students the option of an unofficial transcript evaluation (not clear whether this is for TX residents only or is an open offer to all). Unlike the other TX schools I've looked into, there doesn't seem to be the Texas state history and government course that I've been told is required by all state-supported colleges in TX in the TT curriculum. Maybe I just missed it. Anyway, you can check the program out via this link: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/son/undergrad/faq.aspx

TT is significantly more expensive than UT-A - the total for the program for an out-of-state student is $16,406 ($13,950 and $2,456 for tuition and fees respectively). You may also want to check out Jacksonville U which is about the same cost and also seems pretty easy to deal with.

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I was just accepted to OU and plan to start classes once I complete Statistics (its not required to complete general ed courses first but I want to get them all out the way so I can focus on my nursing courses).

I have a cousin and former classmate who both started the program last term and they absolutely LOVE IT.

From what I've been told by my cousin and former classmate, the lectures and course information is all delivered via video and students have access to all the resources they need to submit papers, assignments etc. (library, on line tutorial, APA guidelines).

They accepted all my credits from my ASN program and if I take two nursing courses at a time, I could be done in a year.

I heard the professors are great and the assignments are reasonable for the courses being only 5 weeks long. Both received A's in the first course, "Professional Transitions".

I'm looking forward to starting and being done as soon as possible.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Great info nevergonnagiveup! I'm still waiting and waiting for a transcripts eval. Will you start with NUR 300 as a solo and then take two concurrent classes; or will they allow you to start with two courses? I too want to get Stats out of the way. How are you completing your course? Thanks for the encouraging comments.

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Great info nevergonnagiveup! I'm still waiting and waiting for a transcripts eval. Will you start with NUR 300 as a solo and then take two concurrent classes; or will they allow you to start with two courses? I too want to get Stats out of the way. How are you completing your course? Thanks for the encouraging comments.

You can take one or two courses when initially starting. I think I'm going to take one just to start to get a feel of how assignments are graded, get comfortable with the online resources and be able to effectively manage my time to complete everything within the five weeks. Once I've mastered that, I will double up.

I'm taking Stats at a college campus in my area because I keep hearing its a killer course so I don't want to chance it and take it online and not do well. OU does offer it online.

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Thanks nevergonnagiveup.

It's good to find out that there are indeed folks in the RN-BSN program at OU - even better to hear positive things about it. I'm going through the application process right now (not looking forward to arranging for transcripts from 7 schools) and plan to start NUR 300 in the summer session. Not certain that I will take more than one course per semester - I often put in 60 - 70 weeks at work and 2 classes might be pushing it. Even at one though, it shouldn't take much more than a year to get through the program (assuming that you've already completed the other required courses).

Don't sweat statistics - it's not as difficult as you probably think it is. As with any math-based area of study, the key is to keep working sample problems. It's my firm belief that almost no one comes out of the womb as a math wiz (OK, maybe a few like Newton or Turing) and that nearly everyone can develop an aptitude for math if they're willing to put in the time.

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Thanks nevergonnagiveup.

It's good to find out that there are indeed folks in the RN-BSN program at OU - even better to hear positive things about it. I'm going through the application process right now (not looking forward to arranging for transcripts from 7 schools) and plan to start NUR 300 in the summer session. Not certain that I will take more than one course per semester - I often put in 60 - 70 weeks at work and 2 classes might be pushing it. Even at one though, it shouldn't take much more than a year to get through the program (assuming that you've already completed the other required courses).

Don't sweat statistics - it's not as difficult as you probably think it is. As with any math-based area of study, the key is to keep working sample problems. It's my firm belief that almost no one comes out of the womb as a math wiz (OK, maybe a few like Newton or Turing) and that nearly everyone can develop an aptitude for math if they're willing to put in the time.

Thanks for the encouraging words! My husband took Stats last semester and continues to frighten me on how difficult it is. It good to hear some positive feedback from someone.

And I agree working 60-70 hours a week and taking two courses might be a bit much. But like you said, even if you take one course at a time, you could still finish within or a little over a year.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

This sounds good. I'm encouraged. So you received credit for all the other electives? How did they evaluate the upper level English requirement? I'm hoping they're generous with transfer credits. I've got a gazillion credit hours from 4 colleges, a BS and a AAS...it comes down to course by course evaluation for equivalency. Crossing my fingers I hear soon!

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Thank you all for posting all this information about RN to BSN programs. I, too have been researching online programs and cost has been a major deterrent to enrolling. Ohio University is very affordable and doable. Im pretty sure it is a new program, which is why I haven't come across it until now. However, it is accredited and I like the 5 week "semester" format. Thank you again for the info!!

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

I like the 5 week course idea as well. I think it will be a good program and pretty past to move through. Good luck to everyone!

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I didn't get credit for the Junior Level English requirement but I pretty much got for everything else except Stats and a Cross Cultural course which I will take World History in the summer. You should receive most if not all your credits if you have a Bachelor already. I only have credits from my ASN degree. They do take a while to give you your course map.

I've heard the first course Professional Transitions is pretty easy. Mainly papers and weekly posts to different topics.

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I didn't get credit for the Junior Level English requirement but I pretty much got for everything else except Stats and a Cross Cultural course which I will take World History in the summer. You should receive most if not all your credits if you have a Bachelor already. I only have credits from my ASN degree. They do take a while to give you your course map.

I've heard the first course Professional Transitions is pretty easy. Mainly papers and weekly posts to different topics.

My application to OU is on its way. I'm hoping that the combination of 3 previous degrees - one heavy in the humanities, fine arts and social sciences another with more that a few graduate courses in quantitative anyalsis, economics and management and the AAS-N - will satisfy all but the required nursing courses. My conversation with the admissions advisor about what would transfer to OU was encouraging but certainly no guarantee. My backup will be the UT-A program, where I know that I need at least 2 non-nursing courses (Texas state history being one).

Will post more on this as I move through the process.

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