Online BSN or on campus....which is better?

[litebrightgirl]

Hello, I am going to a community college in Illinois to become a RN. I will be finished with my pre reqs by the end of the Fall 2008 semester and hopefully be accepted into the Fall 2009 nursing class. Anyway. I wanted to know if it is better to get my ADN and then transfer to a online BSN college or go on campus to complete my BSN? Are there clinicals with doing an online program or on campus? I also have the option to take the ADN. I have a LOT of questions so all reponses and questions are welcomed. :)

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

It may depend on what kind of RN-BSN programs are available in your area. I did the LPN-RN program via distance ed at Excelsior, but chose to get my BSN at a local brick-and-mortar, because it offered a convenient format for those who work full time. We had class once a week (all day, either Wed. or Sat., whichever worked best). Some courses were offered online through Blackboard as well. I was able to do this as a full time student, while working full time.

I just wanted interaction with other students, and I already knew several other nurses in the program, so it was a good choice for me.

Most RN-BSN programs only have clinicals for community health. I had to do 40 hours for that, plus participate in/plan a health fair for a specific population. It was quite fun and interesting to learn more about that area of health care, though.

I say look at the programs in your area- most RN-BSN programs assume their students are working full time, so there are some creative options there. If you don't find anything to your liking, there are some great online programs as well. It all depends on what you think would be best for you and your situation.

[studentinnursing]

i saw a post but it was from 2005 about rn-bsn program at florida hospital college of health sciences. i'd love to hear from somebody who attended their rn-bsn online; i plan to obtain my master's after and was concerned about the credit being accepted, but florida hospital also offers an msn program on campus; can't imagine bsn credit isn't accepted there, since they are the same college. but i will also be applying to two others for my msn and don't know yet if they accept/recognize the credit.

i'm also interested in the area, lots of teaching hospitals, some of the best in the country, so even if i don't choose online, i may apply there. the advisor informed me that the rn-bsn has the exact curriculum as their on-campus rn-bsn and nowhere will it state on the transcript it was online.

the advisor there has given me a list of prereq's i will need (i asked what additional classes i could take before applying when i have an "extra" spot while doing my prereq's for adn now) and they did! seems like a great school.

they have all the accreditation i think is required (still researching). i pasted it in below, what is listed in info advisor gave me regarding their accreditation. if anybody has attended/completed this program, i would be greatly appreciated to receive any info you are willing to share.

florida hospital college of health sciences is fully accredited:

southern association of colleges and schools

1866 southern lane

decatur, ga 30033-4097

phone: [phone]

fax: [phone] or at www.sacs.org

the seventh-day adventist board of regents

the bachelor's program is accredited by:

national league for nursing accrediting commission (nlnac)

61 broadway - 33rd floor

new york, ny 10005

[studentinnursing]

I would be greatly appreciative.