online b.s. in nursing program not a rn to bsn

Published

I am looking into my options to obtain a b.s. in nursing. I have an A.S. in applied science printing tech so my general ed prereq credits should transfer, but most programs I have found are rn to bsn or lpn to bsn etc.

One option I discussed with medtec was their A.S. rn program. After that I would have to take the rn exam, hopefully get hired and then enroll in an accelerated rn to bsn program to be paid for by my employer. I really don't like the idea of having two a.s. degrees instead of the one bsn that I really need.

What certifications should the school of my choice have?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you,

Garry

Indianapolis, IN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I doubt that you will find such a program,online BSN from scratch. Also please do some research on Med tech. If memory serves me correctly, there may be some issues with accreditation and you may run into problems later on with schools not accepting credits from there when you want to further your education

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

I think the only way schools can do 'all online' BSN degrees is if a student already has been through an actual nursing school and completed clinical requirements. I don't believe there is any way around that.

You CAN however, skip the second associates degree, finish any prereqs you may need and apply directly to regular BSN programs.. but you'll be doing the classes/clinicals in person.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"I think the only way schools can do 'all online' BSN degrees is if a student already has been through an actual nursing school and completed clinical requirements. I don't believe there is any way around that."

I agree with the above, my college won't allow anyone into any of their BSN programs unless they have been a nurse for a year. I would never knock online college because my B.S. was online at DeVry but I would not want to be a nurse by going online. I do not see how it is even possible with clinicals and all.

There are a lot of great options at colleges for night school if your work schedule interferes with traditional schools. Check out all your options!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think the way that nursing school is set up, it would be impossible to do it all online. Not only are there clinicals, but skills training in lab and checkoffs are a big part of nursing programs. There are some hybrid programs where you would do the Theory part online and still meet for skills labs,checkoffs and do clinicals and have proctored exams at school. But its not 100% online, but if for some reason someone can't be in class all day, doing theory online might work and cut down on the time they need to be in classroom.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Postpartum and Newborn.

The school I'm applying to (Western Governors University) does have an online BSN program for non-nurses, however they are only accepting students in Southern California, Texas, and Utah (and from what I hear, Florida as well). You can't have a prelicensure BSN program that is 100% online though... this program requires the student attend clinicals and labs (but all of the classroom work is online). Not sure if this is of any help to you, since you live in Indiana.

Good luck, and I hope you find the school you're looking for! =D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion.

Garry, have you taken any of the nursing pre-requisites such as A&P (most require 2 semesters or 3 quarters), microbiology, developmental psychology, nutrition, chemistry or cell biology. These are normally taken before beginning nursing school. You might have an easier time finding these classes on-line or at times that are convenient. You might even find them at a local community college. How much does it cost to get a RN through Medtech? $40-50 grand? Ouch, if that's the only program you can find that will fit your schedule, I suppose. What happens if you can't make it through the program because work and studying are overwhelming, do you get some of your money back. Are hospitals so desperate for BSNs that they will pay you to further your education at a very expensive institution..... ? I would take this one step at a time and try to digest a couple of classes at a time at a local CC.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all of your replies. I did not mean to imply that I was searching for a total online degree as I knew that there would be clinicals no matter what. I am just searching for the right program for me and noticed all of the b.s. to rn programs that don't really apply in my situation. I have not taken A&P or microbiology. I am going to look into Med tech's certifications or lack there of as I have been warned about programs lacking certification. I did find out about Western Governors programs and that the fact that the one I wanted was not available in Indiana. Most likely I will pick a two year ASN program get my RN, get a job and then get my employer to help with the cost of the BSN a little later as I have heard of that working for others. Even going that route will lead me to another three years of going to school full time and working full time starting at the age of 44, but I have worked my way through school before and I am looking forward to a more stable career.

Thanks again,

Garry in Indy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion