Need Help choosing online BSN program

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

I am struggling with choosing an online RN to BSN program. I prefer a short term, self guided, inexpensive program. I have another Bachelor's degree. I am hoping not to have to take extra courses if not necessary. Any input would be much appreciated!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, dementia, hospice.

Hi Windynurse!

I am in the same boat with a previous bachelor's. Selecting an RN-BSN program is daunting, isn't it? So many programs exist. At first, I was dead set on attending Western Governors University, despite the flat 3.0 GPA, as the price and format are great! However, after further deliberation, I have decided I would prefer my GPA to more accurately reflect my specific individual performance, in order to be competitive for future studies.

Have you looked at Southern New Hampshire University or Granite State College (GSC)? Both are in New Hampshire and require only nursing classes to award a BSN to nurses with a previous bachelor's degree. The SNHU program consists of five 6-credit courses, which is great and is similar to the University of Massachusetts–Boston online RN-BSN program (it requires recommendations and a clinical rotation in Boston, though everything else is online). GSC requires 7 nursing courses. However, neither program is yet CCNE accredited, being too new to have achieved such accreditation.

I am also considering Ohio University and Notre Dame College, both in Ohio.

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Specializes in hospice.

I'm in the same boat you two are, and I'll be watching this topic. I'm looking (so far) at Penn State, Chamberlain, Drexel, Grand Canyon U, Thomas Edison U, and Excelsior. I'm doing a comparison of costs and required classes. I'll let you know what I find out.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I made myself a list of programs and included info like cost, duration, pros/cons, accreditation (very important to me that it have both national and regional), extra fees like annual fees, tech fees, etc. It really helped me narrow it down.

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My wife just graduated from UAB Bsn bridge. It's a very good school

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Specializes in hospice.

If you still have the list could you please post it or PM it to me? Where did you end up doing your BSN?

I made myself a list of programs and included info like cost, duration, pros/cons, accreditation (very important to me that it have both national and regional), extra fees like annual fees, tech fees, etc. It really helped me narrow it down.
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Specializes in hospice.

Does anyone know why some online schools say that they only accept applicants from specific states? Does that have something to do with BON approval or regional accreditation?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
If you still have the list could you please post it or PM it to me? Where did you end up doing your BSN?

I don't share it now because it's from 2008, so my list is extremely outdated. I've had my BSN since 2010, things have changed, and there are literally hundreds of programs. I did my BSN at Chamberlain.

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Does anyone know why some online schools say that they only accept applicants from specific states? Does that have something to do with BON approval or regional accreditation?

Online schools have to be approved in every state individually. Many states have no requirements, so it's easy to accept students form there. Some states have more complex requirements. For example, some states may require an onsite evaluation at the HQ's before approval while others just want a copy of the program and its accreditation filed with an application. California and New York are the strictest. Most online schools have an entire department that just deals with state approvals. WGU for example is approved in all 50 states but there was a time when students from GA were not accepted because GA changed their approval process so the school couldn't accept any new students during this approval period.

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

Thanks so much for your feedback! I will definitely look into all of the above. It's nice to know there are more of us with "other bachelor's" out there. I wish they made it more straightforward. I've been getting some conflicting info from some of the programs as far as what they require when all is said and done. Please keep me posted with what you end up choosing.

Thanks,

Windynurse :)

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

Hi Wendyyvonne,

I'm so glad you suggested Granite State U and Ohio U. They both seem to be quite accommodating and reasonable. I also like the idea of a real GPA. It looks like GSU has their site visit for CCNE in a few months. Their website says you can apply online for free. I may just click that button. Do you know anyone who has actually applied there?

Thanks!

Windynurse :)

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Specializes in Maternal Newborn.

So, I just did it. I hit the APPLY NOW tab on the Granite State website. The next morning I was conditionally accepted and they had already found my RN license number to add to my application. Looks like I may only need 5-6 classes. If this works out, I will be so relieved. I'd love to hear from anyone who has actually gone there!

Thanks,

Windynurse

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