The best online RN to BSN programs offer the flexibility students need to take classes and also continue to work as a nurse. The work of a nurse is arguably the most crucial in the entire healthcare system, making the best online nursing programs critical to nursing education. Direct care for patients suffering from physical or psychological illness is often considered more of a calling than a salaried profession. But that undervalues nurses – without them, healthcare would grind to a halt. A thorough, accurate, and holistic training of nurses is, therefore, mandatory to achieve the required credentials and competencies, including passing the RN licensing exam in your state.
The key to really earning your worth as a nurse is your education. Can you earn your RN degree online? Yes, and quite conveniently for working nurses. The best online nursing programs will provide working nurses with all they need to pass their RN exam, and extend their education beyond the basics of an associate’s degree in nursing to a full Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). There is a wealth of accredited RN to BSN online programs that give nurses the chance to earn more pay, take on more responsibility, and prove their worth.
Crunching Numbers: Ranking the Best Online Nursing Programs
Featured Programs
To rank the best online nursing programs, Nursing School Hub surveyed only accredited RN to BSN online programs across the US (see “Are Online Nursing Programs Accredited?” below). We ranked programs according to several key factors to determine their value:
- Cost
- Student Reviews
- Institutional Outcomes
- Accreditation
With this as the criteria, Nursing School Hub has named the Top 25 Online RN to BSN Degree Programs. These top 25 include some of the biggest nursing schools in the US and some of the finest small institutions in the world. What they all have in common is providing nurses with the best online nursing programs available.
We collected data from the following sources: Niche reviews, College Scorecard, National Center for Education Statistics, and the institution’s own websites.
1. University of Arkansas – U of A Online
The University of Arkansas’ online RN to BSN degree program defines what it means to be one of the best online nursing programs in the nation. U of A Online offers working RNs access to an accredited RN to BSN online program that combines affordability, quality, and returns on investment like no other program in the Deep South. Working nurses are qualified to apply as long as they have a current RN license in their state, and proof that they are currently employed as a nurse. All coursework is online – students never have to visit campus – and well-prepared students can finish their BSN in as little as one year.
The University of Arkansas is the state’s flagship and its primary public research university, providing Arkansas’s people with accessible higher education since 1871. U of A has always had practical, applied education at its center, and that is true nowhere as much as the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, the state’s foremost nursing program. In recent years, to reach out to the state’s many rural residents, the University of Arkansas has become a nationally-recognized leader in online education, giving Arkansawyers a lifeline for better education, better pay, and better opportunity no matter where they are.
2. University of Central Florida – UCF Online
One of the best online nursing programs in the country, the University of Central Florida online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for working nurses looking to advance their nursing careers. This online BSN course is offered for registered nurses who wish to advance their leadership and clinical roles. The program is available on a full-time or part-time basis and it’s a 30-credit hour curriculum. Those who have prior coursework may have up to 29 hours of credits awarded to them; that, plus a reduced tuition and fee waiver makes UCF a top value as well.
The University of Florida is a public research institution, and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree at UCF is one of the highest-ranking in the country. Admission to UCF’s online BSN programs is done three times a year, the applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. UCF’s online RN to BSN degree will also make it easier for the student to pursue a graduate degree; UCF’s nursing master’s programs are regularly ranked among the best in the US.
3. CUNY School of Professional Studies
The CUNY School of Professional Studies online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is one of the best accredited RN to BSN online programs in the country. The RN to BS in Nursing provides students with the necessary credentials to retain relevance and advance in the profession. To help students develop and demonstrate competency in the field, the college draws on the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
The CUNY School of Professional Studies is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is part of one of the world’s top public university systems – The City University of New York. The college was ranked in the top 5 percent by U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs. CUNY School of Professional Studies offers undergraduate, graduate, and advanced certificates programs in nursing that are all fully online.
4. Florida International University – FIU Online
Florida International University’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is one of the best online nursing programs in the country. At FIU, all curriculum courses in nursing are offered online to facilitate learning together. The college’s online BSN program is designed to put registered nurses in the country on a fast track to success. The application process is easy, and the tuition is very affordable. To apply, working nurses are required to submit transcripts for all courses they’ve completed toward their ADN or beyond.
Florida International University is a top-ranking college, both nationally and regionally. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is one of the best-rated in the country. When you graduate from FIU, you become part of over 200,000 alumni internationally. Florida International University is accredited by SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) for associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Connect with confidence as you advance your nursing career at FIU.
5. Ohio State University – Ohio State Online
Ohio State University’s online RN to BSN degree program prepares qualified registered nurses to advance in their careers. One of the best accredited RN to BSN online programs, OSU’s BSN online nursing program is offered through the university’s College of Nursing, based in Columbus, Ohio. If you are a registered nurse looking for an opportunity to advance your credentials, this RN to BSN program presents a good opportunity for you to do that. Enroll in one of the most reputable online RN to BSN programs with affordable tuition at Ohio State.
OSU is a top-ranking institution in the country when it comes to accredited RN to BSN online programs. In 2018, the US News and World Report ranked the university’s online degree programs as the best in the country. Fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Ohio State University School of Nursing is known throughout the world for its level of academic excellence and expertise.
6. Sam Houston State University – SHSU Online
Sam Houston State University’s online RN to BSN program is one of the best online nursing programs in the nation. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Sam Houston State University will equip you with the credentials you need to be in leadership positions and further academic degrees in nursing. This is one of the best online RN to BSN degree programs in the country; it will open more doors in your nursing career.
Sam Houston State University is one of the highest-ranking institutions of higher learning in the state of Texas and in the country. The university has proven to be one of the best institutions to enroll in a BSN online nursing degree. In the state of Texas, Sam Houston State University’s RN to BSN program is ranked at the top. The country’s leading institutions in higher education information, resources, and rankings agree that SHSU’s online RN to BSN degree program is one of the best in the country.
7. University of North Florida – UNF Distance Learning
The University of North Florida’s online RN to BSN program has proven to be one of the best accredited RN to BSN online programs anywhere. The online Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is designed for registered nurses looking to advance their careers. All students get personalized attention. Upon completion, the student is awarded 30 hours of Nursing Validation Credits. The program provides foundational experience in community nursing practice under the instruction of highly qualified faculty members. Tuition for the RN to BSN program is affordable.
The University of North Florida is a nationally ranked institution known for providing diverse and affordable online degree programs. By enrolling in the University of North Florida’s online RN to BSN degree, working nurses get an opportunity to earn a degree in one of the best colleges in the state. According to a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking, the University of North Florida is one of the best universities in the region, while the college’s online degree programs are highly ranked both in the state of Florida and in the country.
8. University of Massachusetts – UMassOnline
The University of Massachusetts online RN to BS in Nursing is one of the best online nursing programs for registered nurses. If you are a registered nurse looking to advance your career, this is one of the top accredited RN to BSN online programs you can find. To earn the UMass Amherst BSN, students must successfully complete 120 credits. With a proven reputation for excellence in the job market, the university’s online RN to BSN program is one of the best in the country.
University of Massachusetts College of Nursing is a high-ranking institution accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The RN to BSN program at the University of Massachusetts’s College of Nursing is designed to meet the needs of a registered nurse with other life responsibilities through a combination of student-tailored practice and online instruction.
9. Fort Hays State University – Fort Hays State University Virtual College
The Fort Hays State University online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for registered nurses looking to further their education. One of the best online nursing programs in the US, FHSU’s RN to BSN online program equips the student with the credentials necessary to advance in the field and puts them on a fast track to professional success. Incoming students can enroll during any semester. As an online RN to BSN student at FHSU, you can expand your knowledge and leadership skills in the field of nursing in less than three semesters.
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is one of the best regional universities in the Midwest. With an enrollment of approximately 15,100 students (6,882 online), FHSU is also one of the largest public universities in Kansas, crucial to professional and workforce education for the state. The college is governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. The college’s online programs, including the RN to BSN program, are ranked among the best in the country, and FHSU’s nursing degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
10. Western Illinois University – Western Online
One of the nation’s top-ranked accredited RN to BSN online programs, Western Illinois University’s online RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree online is available for qualified applicants. To qualify for Western Illinois University’s online RN to BSN degree, one must be a working nurse with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. You also need to be a registered nurse with a current state RN license to qualify. The course schedule is planned on a case-by-case basis for every student. In terms of ROI, the college’s online RN to BSN degree is one of the best in the country.
Western Illinois University is a high-ranking institution both in the state of Illinois and in the country, regularly ranked among the top Midwestern public universities. The college is best known in the country and the region for its highly rated online degree programs. The college also boasts a 100 percent job placement rate after graduation for online RN to BSN students. Western Illinois University’s Online RN-BSN Completion Program is also Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved.
11. West Texas A&M University
Based in Canyon, Texas, the West Texas A&M University online Nursing (RN-B.S.N.) degree gives working nurses one of the best online nursing programs in the West. The college’s RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing who are looking for an opportunity to advance their careers. Graduates get to advance into management and other leadership positions. The RN to BSN program is accessible through an online delivery system and offers good value in standard tuition and fees for online RN to BSN students.
West Texas A&M University is a top-rated institution in the United States. The university’s RN to BSN program is one of the most respected in the country. Numerous educational rankings resources, including the 2018 US News and World Report, have recognized West Texas A&M University’s online RN to BSN program for quality and value. The RN to BSN degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
12. Georgia Southern University – Georgia On My Line
Georgia Southern University’s online RN-BSN degree program is built for students who are looking for an opportunity to advance their nursing careers with one of the top accredited RN to BSN online programs. The online RN to BSN is designed for registered nurses hoping to achieve professional advancement and personal enrichment by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This online program presents the student with an opportunity to diversify in fields such as quality assurance and risk management at pocket-friendly tuition fees.
Founded in 1906, Georgia Southern University is a public research university; one of the best in the state. The college’s online RN to BSN program is well respected, locally and internationally. The college has built a reputation for producing some of the most qualified professionals in the medical field. Since its founding, the college’s hallmark has been a culture of engagement that bridges theory with practice to promote the student’s growth and life success.
13. Southeast Missouri State University – Southeast Online
Southeast Missouri State University’s RN to BSN Online Program is designed to turn the student’s nursing career into a well-rounded professional that meets the needs of today’s dynamic medical field. One of the best accredited RN to BSN online programs provides the student a way to increase his/her advancement opportunities and become more marketable. To qualify, one must be a working nurse with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. The university offers an affordable offers a standard tuition rate for online degree students.
Known for its dynamic, ground-breaking academics, Southeast Missouri State University is one of the best-ranking regional universities in the Midwest. The college’s online degree programs are highly rated, including the online RN to BSN program. The online RN to BSN program features the same as the on-campus version of the program, the only difference is the flexible and convenient asynchronous format for an online degree. All applicants must be permanent residents of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, or Arkansas.
14. Arizona State University – ASU Online
The Arizona State University Online Nursing RN to BSN degree program helps prepare students as nursing professionals with one of the best online nursing programs in the US. In doing so, students gain preparation for the multi-faceted demands that the healthcare landscape frequently experiences through their work during an innovative online curriculum. In as little as fifteen to eighteen months, students will obtain the skills necessary to become client advocates, effective communicators, and critical thinkers who demonstrate population-based, holistic perspectives. Because they’re part of accredited RN to BN online programs, students have an opportunity to become part of one of the nation’s top nursing schools whereby they can learn from an acclaimed nursing facility.
While ASU Online receives its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, there are also specialty accreditations as well. For example, the Doctor of Nursing Practice has accreditation from the Arizona State Board of Nursing/Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). According to U.S. News World & Report, Arizona State University ranks number six for its online programs, with its online Bachelor’s programs coming in at number four. With students engaging in careers including a Certified Nursing Assistant, Clinical Nursing Assistant, Critical Care Nurse, and Intensive Care Nurse with a median salary of between $25,100 and $66,640, it’s no wonder this field is experiencing growth.
15. New England Institute of Technology
When thinking about affordability and convenience, the New England Institute of Technology’s online RN to BSN degree program may be one of the best online nursing programs imaginable. During this ten-week-long series of courses, students will obtain skills in information technology implementation, become health care advocates, make evidence-based decisions, become effective communicators, demonstrate professionalism, employ leadership principles, and synthesize knowledge related to the nursing practice. While their curriculum may not be one of the easiest online RN to BSN programs, students are touting that they’re receiving a high return on their investment regarding the program’s value and faculty’s involvement.
Because it’s critical to select an online degree program featuring the best rankings, the New England Institute of Technology doesn’t disappoint. You’ll also find them in the top 10 U.S. News and World Report’s national rankings for online Bachelor’s programs for 2017. Equally as important is the institute’s accreditation, and this is not left to chance either in that their RN to BSN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
16. University of Illinois Chicago – UIC Extended Campus
For those who are seeking an online degree program that’s similar to a classroom setting, the University of Illinois Chicago’s RN to BSN Online degree program is one of the best online nursing programs. What sets UIC apart from all of the rest is that there’s a 94% graduation rate. Therefore, there’s proof that the advisors and faculty provide ongoing support to students throughout their educational journey. Obtaining a BSN online nursing degree at the University of Illinois Chicago prepares students for their nursing careers because they’ll have skills in understanding policies, procedures, leadership applications, application of nursing skills, research concepts, health assessments, and more.
UIC takes its accreditation process seriously and ensures that its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctor of nursing degrees have accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Currently, UIC ranks #2 according to U.S. World News & Report’s online programs, and they’re in the #15 position for Best Online Bachelor Programs. For those who would like to obtain additional knowledge regarding UIC’s RN to BSN program, they provide an informational webinar. Attendance of this webinar ensures students’ questions will have answers; they’ll meet their advisor, a better understanding of the university’s concepts throughout the program will be developed, and students will have a better grasp of the program’s unique benefits.
17. Northern Arizona University – NAU Online
For prospective students who are already working as registered nurses (RNs) and have an interest in earning their bachelor’s degree in nursing, Northern Arizona University’s RN-BSN/CEP online program is one of the best accredited RN to BSN online programs. Upon graduation, students will have the skills necessary to obtain jobs in fields including Public Health Nursing, School Nursing, Nursing Leadership, and to Teach Nursing in clinical settings. Some examples of these skills include critical reasoning, clinical prevention and practice, professional communication, leadership in a healthcare setting, and global health engagement. Students who have already graduated from a diploma-nursing or nationally accredited associate degree program have eligibility for applying to this BSN online nursing program.
Students who engage in NAU’s online degree program will find that, in addition to seeing some of the best online nursing programs, everything has accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Additionally, U.S. World News & Report currently ranks this university at #4 for its online programs. The first and most significant, goal the university strives to achieve is increasing faculty, staff, and student retention. In doing so, they hope to develop an environment that facilitates lifelong learning, continues to identify opportunities, and that mentors at-risk students.
18. Loyola University New Orleans
Among the best accredited RN to BSN online programs, Loyola University New Orleans’ online RN to BSN program enables students to build their careers. In addition to having a design specifically for RNs who are working, it helps those who have an interest in pursuing graduate study to build their careers. Throughout the 120-credit-hour degree program, students will focus on a curriculum with a basis on developing skills in nursing leadership, population health nursing, nursing informatics, and nursing research. While pursuing these accredited RN to BSN online programs, students can still focus on their current careers as registered nurses.
Students attending this online program can rest assured knowing it received its accreditation through the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). According to U.S. News World & Report, the university is ranking #39 overall among the Best Online Nursing Programs. Loyola is Catholic, and Jesuit, and is dedicated to educating an individual as a whole. Therefore, they expect students to embrace faith, justice, service, and truth. With this set of ideas and goals in mind, the university is incredibly selective regarding student admissions.
19. Southern Illinois University -Edwardsville
In as little as one year, those who are already working as RNs can complete Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Accelerated RN to BS in Nursing program online. If students are displaced, underemployed, or unemployed, they may be eligible for employment training grants offered through the federal government. These grants are also available to those who are economically disadvantaged, as well as for veterans, and are available for up to two years. Students should contact the Employment and Training Department in their county to determine eligibility.
Students may have concerns that an accelerated program may not have accreditation, but this is not the case at SIUE. Their nursing programs are accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The same concerns may exist regarding rankings, but this is also not the case. According to U.S. World News & Report, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville holds the #2 spot for best Online Programs overall. The university’s core values include embracing citizenship, excellence, inclusion, integrity, and wisdom. The culmination of these visions helps develop their mission of developing leaders, professionals, and scholars who can help shape an ever-evolving world.
20. Loyola University Chicago – Loyola Online
Students can complete the Loyola University Chicago online RN to BSN degree program – one of the nation’s best online nursing programs – in as few as three semesters. Because the program is available entirely online for those who are already licensed and professional nurses, the courses feature advancement in education featuring high standards for enhancing the quality of health care and opportunities for career advancement. Students participating in this program will obtain skills that will assist them in career advancement including service, critical thinking, and leadership. Students will find this is one of the easiest online RN to BSN programs because they can work on their studies without compromising the quality of their education or their work schedule.
One of the most significant features of being part of an accelerated program is that it’s also one that’s fully accredited. The RN to BSN program in nursing at Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. According to U.S. World News & Report, Loyola University Chicago currently ranks #14 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. Being a Jesuit, Catholic university, its mission is to prepare nursing and healthcare professionals through transformative education. Of the many goals, the university outlines for their degree programs, the goals for their BSN program include preparing nurses to professionally and competently deliver care in the nursing industry.
21. University of Missouri-St. Louis – UMSL NOW
The University of Missouri-St. Louis online RN to BSN degree program can be completed entirely online, through blended UMSL campus programs, or through blended off-campus at select locations. In doing so, it’s possible for students to receive a flexible and comprehensive educational experience according to their terms and learning style. Those participating in this program will obtain skills necessary for career advancement including evidence-based practice, health assessment, leadership, nursing research, and population health. Students who are still on the fence regarding which is the best online nursing program can attend the BSN Preview Day to obtain more information about the College of Nursing at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
UM-St. Louis receives its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, and their BSN and DNP programs are each accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Currently, according to U.S. World News & Report, the University of Missouri-St. Louis ranks in the top 25 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The College of Nursing’s mission is to help shape the future of healthcare and nursing globally, locally, nationally, and regionally through education, policy, practice, and research.
22. Lamar University – LU Online
Lamar University’s accredited RN to BSN online programs allow students to complete one of the best online nursing programs in just 13 months. Not only will students receive preparation for professional nursing practices, but they’ll also receive the credentials, knowledge, and skills necessary to achieve career advancement. Students will have opportunities to explore coursework including experience-based practice, community nursing, nursing leadership, management courses, and holistic health assessment. Students can plan their entire degree and curriculum online, as well as their schedule, in a straightforward manner. Because these are BSN online nursing courses, students can continue working full-time while completing their degree.
Because accreditation is a top priority for those who are obtaining their degree, Lamar University hasn’t left that detail out. Their School of Nursing is fully accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education. Rankings are just as significant to many students and, with that in mind, U.S. World & Report ranks Lamar University at #77 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. And, because students are looking at how affordable colleges and universities are, they can rest assured that Lamar University will not disappoint. They held high rankings for several consecutive years regarding being one of the most affordable online universities.
23. Indiana University – IU Online
Earning a degree while working has become a priority for many nursing professionals and, with that in mind, Indiana University’s accredited RN to BSN online program is a top choice. Working students can take nursing courses that are web-based and utilize video technologies instead of attending classes on campus. In doing so, they can use flexible course schedules to obtain their degree in twelve to twenty-four months. Students participating in what is considered an outstanding online RN to BSN program will focus on curriculum including complementary therapies, genetics, and informatics.
Indiana University has received its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and has specialized nursing accreditations from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Students who are interested in enrolling in the online program can take heart in the fact that it’s currently ranked in the top 50 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. Indiana University has been educating students for 200 years and is implementing a strategic plan for its bicentennial anniversary. In doing so, it’s their mission to help students achieve their goals economically, socially, civically, and culturally.
24. Northwestern College – Northwestern College Online
When working while receiving an education is not only a priority, but faith-based learning is also an integral part of the student’s goals, Northwestern College’s accredited RN to BSN online programs strive to meet those objectives. They have a full understanding of the demanding schedules nursing professionals face. Therefore, they’ve developed a two-year program that features customizations based on the student’s schedules. In addition to featuring a schedule that fits with their work and life balance, the program also features optimal affordability. It’s also possible for students to transfer any existing credits to help them achieve their goals faster. When researching accredited RN to BSN online programs, students can trust that this one will meet their needs.
Because students have enough to worry about let alone whether the school they’re selecting has accreditation, Northwestern College has taken care of that concern by receiving its accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing and receiving approval by the Iowa Board of Nursing. With that in mind, students can trust that they’re receiving the best possible education for their money. For those students who are still on the fence regarding which university to pick, Northwestern enrollment counselors will work with each student to create a custom plan of study to see their required courses and how long they will take to complete. The personal attention and encouragement throughout the program are valuable for students balancing many responsibilities in addition to their education.
25. Bowling Green State University – BGSU eCampus
When students have already earned their associate or diploma in nursing and would like to advance their degree, Bowling Green State University’s online RN-BSN Completion Program is one of the best online nursing programs in the nation. Therefore, RNs can achieve their educational goals while still working full-time. Because the classes are available entirely online, students can select between receiving their degrees in as little as one year or as many as four. Two of the most integral parts of this curriculum include decision-making and critical thinking skills. Those pursuing this BSN in online nursing can expect to obtain the skills necessary to advance their careers in that they’ll be able to promote, restore, and maintain the health of others.
Bowling Green State University’s School of Nursing’s RN to BSN program receives its accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the university overall receives its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. Regarding its ranking, students will find that it’s tied at #77 for Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees according to U.S. World News & Report. Its mission is to ensure students are receiving a superior educational experience through the use of innovative programs, strong professional partnerships, and practical experiences that are rigorous. It’s through these practices that the college hopes to help enhance and promote the safety and well-being of the individuals throughout their communities.
What are the Benefits of Getting an RN to BSN Online?
Attaining an academic qualification like a diploma or a degree in the nursing field is not an end in itself but the beginning of an epic journey. The whole process, however, has been made very simple with accredited RN to BSN online programs and can be conveniently done from the comfort of your home or workstation. A nurse can therefore easily become an RM online after registering and passing NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination).
Here are some of the advantages of accredited RN to BSN online programs:
- The distance barrier in accessing an RN or BSN program or instructors is eliminated.
- Exams and classes are taken and attended at your own pace and convenience.
- Electronic/remote contact with patients is enhanced through the acquired communication skills.
- Improves grades since you only ask for exams when ready and not under pressure.
- Grants you the best learning environment away from the crowds, which can feel very comfortable.
- More economical and efficient use of time – no need to travel.
- Improves your concentration and quality of learning technical content.
- Develops a borderless network of professionals for career posterity.
Can You Earn Your RN Degree Online?
Yes, you can. A certificate or a diploma in nursing is taken as the starting point for most RNs who start work as licensed practical nurses (LPNs). After the successful completion of the board’s coursework, they obtain an associate’s degree (ADN) and take the NCLEX exam to become an RN. It’s also important to consider completing an online RN program ahead of the regular nursing exam to get ready in real-time before the work begins. An LPN has the option of pursuing an online BSN (Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing) program, the majority of which permit only RN to BSN enrolment. So, the answer to the question: Can you earn your RN degree online? – is an emphatic YES.
Are Online Nursing Programs Accredited?
Working nurses looking for the best online nursing programs may wonder: Are online nursing programs accredited? It is of utmost importance for aspiring students to ensure that their target nursing program is duly recognized by the hosting state’s regulatory board. So, YES, the best online nursing programs are accredited, but that is not always the case with every institution out there. Make sure that the nursing school you’re considering is regionally accredited at the very least. Also look for nursing school accreditation, including the main two:
Accreditation Commission For Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
If you’re looking for specialization like nurse anesthesia or nurse-midwifery, look for nursing schools with more specialized accreditations. Some research, therefore, is necessary to avoid institutions without accreditation – only an accredited degree program provides you with proper preparation to excel in NCLEX exams.
Getting an RN to BSN Online: No Clinicals Required?
Nursing has proven to be one of the fields that are most effective for online education, particularly since almost all online nursing students are already working in the field; they are already placed to incorporate real-world experience into their learning and apply their learning right away in their jobs. Because of that, it may be possible to find online RN to BSN programs that require no labs or clinical. Courses like anatomy, for instance, can be effectively completed online and enriched by a technology called virtual simulation that makes the learning process more vivid, engaging, and fun.
However, most online nursing programs will require some on-campus time. Often, that includes orientation sessions or final exams. Most online nursing schools, though, give you the chance to do your clinical experience in your home region – sometimes in the hospital or clinic where you already work. It’s another reason more working nurses are choosing accredited RN to BSN online programs.
What are the Easiest Online RN to BSN Programs?
No BSN program is easy. Being a nurse is demanding, so becoming a nurse is also demanding. But what makes the easiest online RN to BSN programs isn’t how easy the tests are, but how accessible and convenient the program is. There are several paths for working nurses to earn their BSN online:
- ADN to BSN
- RN to BSN
- Accelerated BSN
- BSN for Non-Nurses
- RN-MSN Bridge
You can search online for the easiest online RN to BSN programs from reputable nursing schools. The only measure is to ensure that the school is accredited. Advancing your nursing career in specialty areas is a smart choice, since it both increases your productivity, and makes this profession more rewarding and fulfilling (personally and financially).
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