Is an online BSN degree frowned upon by employers?

Nursing Students Online Learning

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ICU, ED.

I just graduated from an ADN program and am contemplating whether to pursue my RN to BSN through an online program such as or just enroll at the local brick and mortar state college.I have been told that online education and degrees are the wave of the future. However, other people have told me that an online degree is frowned upon by employers. I also read one job listing at the local hospital where i am from clearly stating that online degrees are acceptable. Are BSN degrees really frowned upon? Why have online RN-BSN programs to begin with if they are not accepted?

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I have know some darned good nurses out of non-traditional programs like Excelsior. If you have the structure and commitment, go for it!

I have heard some other nurses say that it's not as hard, clinicals much shorter, yadda-yadda. But they have no idea!

I think the testing would be about the same, since it's the same subject material. But I think clinicals would be WAY more challenging condensed as it is.

I guess you'll have people that judge your education, that can't be stopped. As for me, I am a RN, ADN--so I hear flak for not being a "real, BSN" nurse. I just let it go. I am for sure, a REAL RN!

Good luck!

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I hope not because I just applied for that type of program. I would love the more expensive in state program with clinical hours, but it's about 5 times the cost or approximately $15,000 more. I can't afford that much for prestige. :/

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

It has not been my experience that online RN-BSN programs are looked down upon. Honestly, most hiring managers don't care where you got it, just that you have it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Keep looking. Many well respected, traditional schools have launched online RN-BSN programs. When you graduate from one of these, your diploma looks just the same as everyone else. They are generally much less expensive and have a solid infrastructure, including professional nursing professors & instructors (rather than part-timers). For instance, the University of Tx at Arlington online RN-BSN program is just ~ $5000 - can't beat that with a stick!

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Quick response: Highly doubt it.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
For instance, the University of Tx at Arlington online RN-BSN program is just ~ $5000 - can't beat that with a stick!

Quick disclaimer: it only costs that little if you have ALL pre-requisite classes completed. Ask me how I know ;) Though even with the pre-reqs that I did have to take with them, my total UTA tuition will still be under $10k

IMO, unless you put "online program" next to the school's name on your resume, or if you attend a school that is well-known to be online (e.g., U of Phoenix, Excelsior, etc.), I doubt they'd even know it was on online program unless you told them. And no one I've ever encountered during my last job hunt cared where the school was, just that I was in the process of getting the degree.

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