Online RN to BSN Programs

gingerpeachee · Jan 27, 2013

The number one thing you want is an accredited program. The rest is going to boil down to whats affordable/convenient for your lifestyle.

If I had all the money in the world I would go to one of the 2 private schools in my area and do the blended programs they offer (online and in classroom). I really prefer to meet my teacher, sit in a classroom and enjoy a lecture where I can ask questions and participate in discussions.

Chamberlin is popular in my hospital because its 100% online and there are no practicum or clinical classes to attend. Personally, its not for me, I really learn a lot from hands on real life situations and at $590 a credit I could just go to a private school in my area. Its also one of the fastest track colleges and will accept the most credits out of most of the colleges you'll look at.

For me, I'm doing SUNY Delhi online. Its a state university in NY for tuition is almost affordable and requires I think 16 credits of practicum courses in a clinical setting with a preceptor. Its going to take forever to get through, but its my best option for right now.

See whats available in your area and then get going (especially if you're going to chip away at it bit by bit like I am).

ETA: Is it worth it to continue your education?

For me, some of my nursing classes have really been beneficial in the workplace. Pathophysiology was amazing, I understood so much more of what was going on with my patients. The hospitals in my area that pay more all want a BSN and I will go on to become an advanced practice nurse, or get my masters in another area, so for me its the only way to go.

Certification as a specialty nurse in your area of practice can also be very beneficial.

chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 28, 2013

Look for both CCNE and regional accreditation (such as Middle States, New England, etc). Some of the for-profit programs have this (University of Phoenix is one) but most do not have regional academic accreditation. This may not matter but could be very important if you ever decide to continue your nursing education beyond the BSN.

As far as tuition, gingerpeachee has given you one suggestion and here are some others: UTexas-Arlington, Slippery Rock State (PA), Thomas Edison (NJ), Ft Hayes State (KS), U Wyoming and Ohio U. All of these are fully accredited and have classroom as well as on-line RN-BSN programs, and all are under $10k.

I'm sure there are many more - these are just the ones I'm familiar with. Full disclosure: I finished the Ohio U program last year and even with books included, spent under $9k. Your experience may not be quite the same, since I had all of the prerequisites satisfied and two other courses waived on the basis of my graduate degree. Regardless, the OU tuition is very reasonable and program is decent if a bit frustrating.

Best of luck to you.

happyinillinois · Jan 28, 2013

WGU. Read through posts on here. I haven't heard of 1 person who regretted it.UOTE=lydespain;7134822]Hey everyone! I am going to be graduating soon with my RN and I am looking into good, yet inexpensive RN to BSN programs. What programs have you heard of or personally gone through? What are important things to research and pay attention to when selecting a BSN program? Many nurse who have gone through my program are not choosing to go on and get a Bachelor's in Nursing. Is it worth it to continue my education? Thank you in advance for all advice and suggestions! :)

lydespain · Jan 28, 2013

Thanks so much for your response! With these programs do they make you pay out-of-state tuition if you don't live in those particular states? I live on the west coast and so out-of state tuition may play a factor in these programs.

lydespain · Jan 28, 2013

I see that you are from New York. I lived in upstate NY for a year and a half and I absolutely loved it! Do the SUNY campuses charge out of state tuition for their online programs?

tfree · Jan 28, 2013

I want to second gingerpeachee and Chuckster's feedback recommending choosing a program which is fully accredited - nationally and regionally. You want to look for a university with regional accreditation and a RN to BSN program which is nationally accredited by either CCNE or NLNAC.

Also- be advised that CCNE now requires RN to BSN programs to have a clinical component in order to receive initial accreditation or re-accreditation. Personally I would steer clear of any RN to BSN program with no clinical component not just because this could impact their re-accreditation, but nursing is a practice discipline.... for me, I am pursuing my BSN because I want to expand my skill-set to include community health and leadership- which I am now getting from the clinical component in my chosen program :)