RN to BSN Online Program Suggestions

Stressed.Student.Nurse · Feb 4, 2020

Hello! I figured I would respond as I am in my second semester at my local community college in the ADN program. I have been researching RN to BSN programs online and feel like a state school is the way to go. The best advice I could give is to see if your school has any affiliate or partner schools for a discounted tuition. They usually have that in the transfer office or just look on your school's transfer website. Sometimes you can receive discounted tuition just for attending that community college at the university they partner with.

I live in Pennsylvania and looking to apply to PA State Schools. I do not have a bachelor's degree, so receiving a degree from a PA University is a goal of mine. It's funny how there are so many Youtube videos on Nursing school acceptance, but barely any on RN to BSN programs other than WGU or Capella, etc.

I currently work at a hospital as a Phlebotomist and a lot of coworkers that either have an ADN or Diploma from a Nursing school went to Ohio University online since our hospital basically covers the tuition price. But do what is best for you! As long as it is an accredited program, you will be good.

Golden_RN, MSN · Feb 4, 2020

I completed an RN-BSN online program at a state university in CA. There were clinicals, but very few (something like 48 hours/semester or similar number + a long weekend on campus). Since it was a state university it was the most affordable option. It is not self-paced, but typical semester timeline.

Honestly I do not think that affordable, self-paced programs exist.

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 4, 2020

I usually recommend that people check out their state universities first for a couple of reasons:

1. They are usually cheaper (assuming you are a legal resident of that state)

2. They are usually of reasonable quality. They might not be the most prestigious school in the world, but their quality is usually reasonable as their mission is to serve the public (not make a profit).

3. They are usually located within a reasonable driving distance away. If you ever wanted to visit campus to resolve an issue, meet with a faculty member, use school resources, etc., you could probably drive there. That's hard to do with a school that is the whole way across the country away.

4. If you plan on remaining in the state (or live in a state very nearby) after graduation, employers would have heard of the school and would be aware that the school's graduates were reasonably well educated. Going to a school that nobody has heard of located 1000 away does little to help you when job hunting.

5. You are most likely to find people in your area who have attended the local state school -- and they may be able to give you good advice about the program, etc.