What are the best schools?

norlns24 · May 22, 2014

Angelica322,

No, as long as the program is currently fully accredited (hugely important!) with a solid track record, you should be okay. However, if you are particularly concerned about this but still want to go the online route, I would suggest investigating online programs from traditional universities. From what I understand, many of these programs grant degrees to online students indistinguishable from the degrees granted to face-to-face students (at least in some instances...double check with each school/ program to be certain!).

I do not know if ASU, Ohio U, or Duke offer RN to BSN/ MSN online degrees specifically (per your inquiry), but you might want to start your search with these programs because they are 3 universities generally well-known and well-regarded for their online offerings. From there, you can investigate exactly which program/ degree is offered, how often you actually have to show up on campus (which might affect your decision depending on where you live), how clinicals are structured, and cost. The nice thing is, accreditation should not be an issue with any of these 3 programs. Also, FYI I believe most online programs offered by brick and mortar institutions require at least 1 visit to campus (for some type of orientation); some (I believe, for instance, Duke) require 1 visit per academic year. FYI Duke might not have RN to BSN (they might just have BSN to MSN/ DON).....double check by doing a search. How often you need to physically show up on campus is definitely something to consider when choosing a program.

You can also broaden your search to other brick & mortar schools offering online programs beyond the 3 I mentioned above, as I'm sure there are many others worth investigating (some possibly close to home). More schools are adding online programs all of the time, esp. RN to BSN.

Good luck!!