Nursing is an essential part of the health sector with a growing demand ranging from the corporate world to elderly homes. Most hospitals are now requiring nurses to carry an advanced degree that brings in a more significant pay as an incentive. However, nurses with an associate’s degree often find it difficult to earn a degree with a full-time job.
Registered nurses who are degree holders usually get higher pay than those holding an associate’s degree or lower. Nurses earned roughly around $77,600 per year and this wage is projected to climb by up to 6% per year until 2031.
Several schools are already embracing technology as a means for working professionals to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The online degree for RN to BSN programs provides a convenient solution for the busy adult learner.
If you’re planning to take on an online degree, institutions offering this program generally should earn accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and state-specific board of nursing.
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METHODOLOGY
Helping prospective students navigate their options, we rounded up the 10 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Nursing with the following criteria exercised to make our list:
- This list explores the highly regarded web-based undergraduate programs with the most attractive academic features.
- We provide in detail the rigorous online coursework of each program, with emphasis on the curriculum and classes that are conducted on top-rated virtual learning platforms.
- Admission and graduation requirements are cited on this list.
- The credentials and competencies of the faculty members are mentioned as well, to highlight the quality of instruction that online students receive.
- Some of these accredited online schools for the Bachelor’s in Nursing programs on this list deliver fast-track completion options through credit transfers offered to qualified students.
- We also disclose the online academic institutions’ tuition rates, as affordability is a top criterion for application among online students.
- All schools making the list are also governed by the proper accrediting bodies.
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Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s in Nursing
West Texas A&M University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is suitable for licensed vocational nurses (LVN) planning to earn a higher degree in this sector. Learning and work experiences may be credited after evaluation. Full-time students can finish the course within one to two years if they have available credits for transfer.
Clinical requirements can be accomplished through case studies, mentored experiences, and simulations. Students who graduated from this program may also qualify for a rebate post-graduation.
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Through the UW Flexible Option program, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program can now be earned entirely online. Previous work skills or learning experience is necessary is a requirement before enrollment.
This is a 124-degree program with 60 credits coming from your associate degree curriculum. Students will also have to pass a competency assessment. The Higher Learning Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education have accredited the university.
Penn State World Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated RN to BSN
The Penn State University World Campus also provides an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing curriculum for distant learners with a valid U.S. RN license who’d want to earn a higher degree for this course. Clinical requirements can be fulfilled in nearby institutions acknowledged by Penn State University.
Through the Accelerated RN to BSN program, students can finish their degree in less time as the courses are compressed into 7 ½ sessions. Students can earn one from three of special certificates:
- Nursing Management,
- Nursing Forensics
- and Nursing Informatics.
This is accredited by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Thomas Edison State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
This is for registered nurses in nearby states who’d want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing online. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, this institute provides an opportunity for working nurses to pursue a higher degree through their RN to BSN/MSN program.
This is a 120-credit hour curriculum that students can enroll in any day provided that they complete at least three credits in this university every 12 months. Credit transfers are available for work-related experiences, and associate degrees earned prior to enrollment.
American Public University
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
APU’s online Bachelor of Science in Nursing is open for all U.S. registered nurses who have a full-time job, individuals holding an associate’s degree, have military experience, or if you have previous college credits.
Acknowledged by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, APU’s nursing program has three focus concepts:
- Practitioner,
- Leader
- and Scientist.
All students must complete all requirements within five years of enrollment.
Purdue University Global
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing – ExcelTrack™ BSN
Registered nurses looking to add a degree on Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the RN to BSN program can look into Purdue University. This 180-credit hour curriculum can be accomplished within 18 months for students pursuing this full-time. Nurses are only required to finish their required clinical experience in their home location. You can also opt to customize the courses aligned with certifications you choose acknowledged by Magnet®†.
Students can take the classes in 10 weeks length at 15 to 18 hours per week. This institution also offers a Master of Science in Nursing Bridge program after students graduate from this course. Students can also opt for the ExcelTrack™ BSN program that customizes the courses they’d like to take.
University of Florida
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Through UFC Online, registered nurses can look into their fully online Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students with prior learning experience can transfer up to 29 credits to accelerate their learning curve. You can opt to have substitute 9-credit hours from your graduate coursework to further shorten the time needed to earn the degree.
Unlike traditional class settings, students can complete this degree much more quicker than their conventional counterparts. This nursing program is accredited by the Florida State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Indiana State University
Online Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse to BSN – Registered Nurse to BSN
Nurses looking to advance their careers as a nurse can look into the Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse to BSN or Registered Nurse to BSN degree program from this university. The fully online Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) caters to licensed nurses looking for flexibility in getting a degree.
Approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. and Indiana State Board of Nursing, this is a 35-credit hour in the nursing major. Baccalaureate Track for Registered Nurses is available for experienced nurses in getting full or partial credit for individual courses and getting the BSN degree in a shorter time. For nurses living in the United States, this is a flexible option for earning a degree with a full-time job.
University of North Alabama
Online Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing
Through North Alabama Online, registered nurses can pursue a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students will undergo one semester taking up Nursing courses while the institution provides the 30-credit hours of pre-Nursing courses.
Students outside the state will have the same in-state tuition fee, making this one of the most affordable RN to BSN programs available online. Clinical experience can be accomplished in your home location.
University of Texas – Arlington
Accelerated RN to BSN Program
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an accelerated program available in UTA entirely delivered online. Approved by the Higher Learning Commission and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, full-time students can earn their nursing degree in as little as fifteen months.
This is a 121-credit hour suitable for experienced nurses with 70-credit hours prior to enrollment. The RN to BSN Online is catered toward customized courses you need to earn a BSN degree in as short as nine months.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How soon can I complete the Bachelor in Nursing program?
Traditional nursing degrees require two to four years to accomplish. However, online degrees provide a faster method for working nurses an opportunity to transfer their credits and go for an accelerated program.
Full-time students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing online in a span of nine months up to two years.
Registered Nurse to BSN or licensed nurse to BSN programs are available for students looking for some flexibility in finishing their degree. Accelerated degree options from previous college credits, associate’s degrees, or work experience (whether clinical, community, or military background) will also help you earn a BSN degree faster.
What is the career outlook for Bachelor in Nursing holders?
Nurses with BSN degrees are not only limited to a clinical environment. With the projected growth of the aging population, long-term care options, and outpatient care centers, these institutions will never fail to hire more healthcare personnel such as registered nurses to meet the growing demand.
Residential care facilities are also potential places for nurses to grow their careers by assisting the elderly such as those with Alzheimer’s disease. Outpatient centers specifically catered to same-day chemotherapy, surgery, and rehabilitation may also require skilled nurses to handle such needs.
Are there scholarships and financial aid options available in an online Bachelor in Nursing program?
While working experience and previous college credits may shorten the time and amount spent on tuition, federal grants, and scholarships are available for eligible students. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a known institution that provides financial aid even for online students.
Military grants such as Student Aid, Go Army, and Air Force ROTC is placed to look for this type. Student loans such as FinAid and Health Resources and Services Administration are also available for nurses looking for financial support.