What do potential employers really think about online BSN degrees?

Nurses General Nursing Nursing Q/A

I have seen many people on here who have gone from ADN to BSN via online route. Do employers question this during your interviewing process? Do you feel they prefer those who actually completed their BSN on-campus vs. online?

I'm concerned that my employers may not take my online degree as seriously since I completed it from another state school by way of internet. can any of you give me some honest feedback? any suggestions? I just don't want my degree to seem worth less just because I completed it online...and I am also wondering if my BSN diploma will state " BSN"...or "online BSN".

Thank you in advance!

12 Answers

You will have an ASN as entry level, and will work as an RN while then completing your BSN online? For acute care, I think more weight is placed on entry level education and experience. If the BSN completion program is NLN and otherwise accredited, it seems to be treated the same as a brick and mortar school degree, MSN programs don't seem to treat "online" as different from a non-online program. Some universities "real" RN-to-BSN degrees involve a large online component, to make it easier for the nontraditional students.

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I've hired nurses in a past life. In weighing whether to hire someone with an online degree or not, I'd want to know alot about the clinical experience the person received during their education. I think it could vary alot. Without ample clinical experience, I think the person with an online degree would be very deficient.

I think what really matters are your clinical skills. If they are strong and you already have some time under your belt, it doesn't matter whether your BSN is from an online or on-campus program.

Employers generally do not show interest in one's education. They insure your license is unencumbered and do show interest in your experience.

Specializes in Cardiac.

In general, the online is the same as the in school. The exception would be those diploma mill schools.

My BSN is completely online, and I am doing the exact same work as the people who take in on campus. The exact same classes. The only difference is that instead of having someone teach me in a classroom, I have to teach myself.

I'd like to take the classes in person, because they would be SO much easier!

Even so, employers don't care either way.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I did both my BSN and MSN from University of Phoenix. Though pricey it was fully accredited and I have had absolutely no problem with jobs. I was an experienced RN (8 years) prior to returning to school.

I say go for it.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree that employers are more accepting of online degrees than they used to be. However, I would advise you to get that online degree from a "known" school -- one that has a strong reputation around the country.

One suggestion is to get it from a college that also has a brick and mortar program. That is usually taken as a sign that the school is legitimate and not just a diploma mill. A lot of well-known universities that have been major players in the field of nursing education for many years are now offering online options. Choosing such a school gives you the benefit of their long-established brick and mortar reputation even though you are doing your program online.

Another possibility is to get it from a school such as the Univ. of Phoenix that is well-known all over the country.

Schools that are most likely to raise questions are ones that are 100% online (with no brick and mortar campus anywhere) ... and programs that are brand new and untested.

But if you choose a program that is from a well-known and well-respected school that has been around for a while, I think you are unlikely to find much if any resistence to it.

Specializes in oncology, med/surg (all kinds).

the on line degrees are getting more respectable than they have been. you should look for accreditation, such as NLN. if a school says it is accredited, you should see by whom. experience and attitude count more.

Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Noper! My managers are looking for people who are experienced. I am realizing how long it takes to train a new nurse into someone competent enough to practice in the RR. It is a LONG hard process and being BSN online/on campus has NOTHING to do with it.

Find an online bsn program that belongs to a brick and mortar school. There are many. If you get it from University of Phoenix or Excelsior, the employer would instantly know it from an online. If you get it from Umass Amherst online, your employer will never need to know. Honestly in the interview are you gonna tell them you got your degree online? I have mixed emotions about online programs. I knew someone that got bachelors in business completely online, and part of me was bothered that someone could get a bachelors so fast. I was also a bit annoyed because i knew that he probaly would not have gotten those high grades in a traditional classroom setting. But at the same time i knew he had to write allot of papers, do allot of research from legitmate sources, and do more homework, but no tests. So I like many others have mixed views online degrees.

Specializes in Stroke Seizure/LTC/SNF/LTAC.

I live in the Midwest, but am still a Cali resident, too. I had an Associate's Degree and am working on my BSN through an online program that does have a brick-and-mortar school. Many online BSN programs (mine does) require you to do clinicals that you arrange. The program is structured so that I completed most of the theory before doing my clinicals. Two of those clinicals are recommended to be taken with the theory. That really helped me put it in practice. :cheers:

I have 11 more units to complete in the Fall while working full-time (yeah, I'm silly like that) and plan on flying to California to walk the stage in December :yeah: Like other posters said, make sure your nursing program is NLN accredited. I also think it's a good idea to get some working experience before going in to the BSN program. :twocents:

The employers I have contacted don't care much where you went to school, but they do care about what experience you have.:smokin::wink2:

Specializes in Stroke Seizure/LTC/SNF/LTAC.
Find an online bsn program that belongs to a brick and mortar school. There are many. If you get it from University of Phoenix or Excelsior, the employer would instantly know it from an online. If you get it from Umass Amherst online, your employer will never need to know. Honestly in the interview are you gonna tell them you got your degree online? I have mixed emotions about online programs. I knew someone that got bachelors in business completely online, and part of me was bothered that someone could get a bachelors so fast. I was also a bit annoyed because i knew that he probaly would not have gotten those high grades in a traditional classroom setting. But at the same time i knew he had to write allot of papers, do allot of research from legitmate sources, and do more homework, but no tests. So I like many others have mixed views online degrees.

In my previous life, I got a Bachelor's and Master's in Business through independent study (no online back then!). I had PLENTY of tests! I was able to get through it quickly as compared to traditional school, but it accomplished my goals of working full-time, raising my children and getting an education as fast as possible.:smokin::chuckle

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