Moving Forward With An Online RN To BSN Program

Quite a few quality schools now offer an online rn to bsn program (bachelor of science in nursing) because it works well as a distance learning option. An rn to bsn is a “completion” type program, designed mainly for nurses who have job experience and done some college-level study, and who want to position themselves to move up into management or administrative positions in nursing. This type of program focuses on improving a nurse’s communication and critical thinking and decision-making skills, all of which involve more book and lecture-based study that can be done online. Associates in nursing programs, on the other hand, tend to be more hands-on, and harder to teach online.

Flexible Credits
An online rn to bsn program can be completed with absolutely no visits to a campus in many cases. Because many of the students are working registered nurses, colleges, are generally very aware that nursing bachelor programs must be very friendly to adult learners, and flexible enough to fit into their busy schedules. About 180 credits are usually required, including credits from previous college level study. Most schools will allow you to take anywhere from a single course in a semester up to a full load of 12, depending on how much time you can dedicate to your studies.

As the admission counselor for your online rn to bsn program about transferring credits you have already accumulated toward your bachelor of science degree. Most schools will accept not only the credits from an associate’s degree, but even more. In some cases, transferred credits may take care of up to 70% of your total course load, which means it won’t take you very long to complete your bsn. You can also get credit if you have already completed a bachelors degree in a non-nursing specialty. In addition, a significant number of credits may be awarded to you for simply having your RN license.

Just be aware that if you have come close to completing an rn to bsn degree already, the most advanced courses may not be transferrable to a new school. But don’t be afraid to ask – admissions counselors at online schools in particular will usually try to be as helpful as possible.

Admission And Course of Study
A typical online rn to bsn program will require that you have already completed about 60 humanities and science type credits. Undergraduate credits in everything from humanities to psychology or arts may be used to cover your degree requirements for the rn to bsn. Most schools also require you to have taken science courses like anatomy and physiology. You’ll generally be required to be proficient in English language, show your state RN license, provide transcripts from any school you have previously studied at and fill out an application that will include a statement of what you want to accomplish in your career as a nurse. Because of the higher level of critical thinking skills emphasized in bsn programs, many schools also require that you take the Nurse Entrance Test (NET), which assesses your skills at basic math, science reading and comprehension and grammar. The NET is given regularly on a national basis.

The remaining credits will typically be a mix of courses like Gerontology, Research in Nursing Practice, Community Nursing and Informatics (more on courses for an rn to bsn degree here). There is almost always some clinical study required for this degree. In an online rn to bsn program, that’s handled by working with a preceptor in your locality, who oversees your hands-on work. Be aware that it’s easier to get a preceptor if you live in an area where there are large hospitals or medical practices.

A Step Up
A distance learning bsn degree can be a great step up you can get without interrupting your life or your current career, and it’s probably a good way to keep yourself competitive. So many nurses are opting for a bachelors degree today that it’s getting harder to get a really desirable job without one, particularly at one of the larger, well-funded medical centers. This degree can also give you an opportunity to move into some of the more cutting-edge specialties in nursing, which means you could achieve a salary increase and do more interesting work as well. In terms of specialties, it’s important to take a very close look at the curriculum before signing on to any online rn to bsn program. Some of them have a very strong technology focus, with a lot of course work in computer science, research, informatics and similar subjects. Others are a bit more focused on decision making, scholarship and communications. Make sure you pick a program that will help you reach your particular career goals in nursing.