Are Online RN to BSN Degrees Legitimate?

If you became a registered nurse after getting your associate degree in nursing (ADN), you've probably heard that completing a bachelor's degree in the field can help you advance your career. Ready to take this step yourself? Completing an RN to BSN degree program can help you get there.

Many RN to BSN programs are available online. But are these programs legit?

Accredited RN to BSN degrees are legitimate and will be treated the same as a degree earned on a campus. Online degrees provide many benefits, such as flexible class schedules and the option to study full-time or part-time.

Do Employers Respect Online RN to BSN Degrees?

One of the most commonly asked questions is do employers respect online RN to BSN degrees?

As long as the degree comes from an accredited school, most employers don't care whether you obtained your degree online or on-campus.

Online degrees have become increasingly common in recent years. More and more busy, nontraditional students are looking to further their education, and careers, through online learning.

As a result, more and more employers are hiring candidates who obtained online degrees. These employers are finding that online degrees, in general, are every bit as legitimate as in-person degrees.

What's more, RN to BSN programs are uniquely suited to online students because these students already have their RN licenses. Chances are, most students in an RN to BSN program already have clinical experience and patient care experience from their ADN program and from working as a nurse.

So, all that's still required to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is coursework: advanced nursing courses and general education courses. Learners can easily complete all of these courses online.

What To Look for in an Online RN to BSN Degree Program

A quick Google search will reveal that there are a lot of online RN to BSN programs. As an aspiring BSN student, how do you narrow down the options?

Let's take a look at some things to consider when choosing your ideal online program.

Accreditation

As noted, the most important factor for online nursing students is choosing an accredited nursing program. Any program you consider should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Type of Nursing Program

There are different types and levels of online nursing degrees. Some of the available options include:

• Bachelor's degrees (RN to BSN, traditional BSN, ABSN)
• Master's degrees (Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), RN to MSN)
• Doctoral degrees (Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP))

If you have an associate degree in nursing, you will most likely want to complete an RN to BSN program. On the other hand, if you hope to become an advanced practice nurse or pursue leadership positions, you may be able to enter an online MSN program without first obtaining your bachelor's.

Reputation

While a school's reputation isn't as important as its accreditation status, choosing a nursing school that is well-known and respected can make you a more desirable job candidate, giving you an advantage when pursuing top positions after graduation.

Look for third-party reviewing sites to see what graduates and current students have to say about the school.

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Degrees

Many schools that offer online degrees are private, for-profit institutions. These schools tend to focus on making a profit, which has led many people to wonder about the quality of education they offer.

That said, for-profit institutions often offer affordable online RN to BSN programs and more flexible online courses than nonprofit schools, so they can be a great choice for those juggling a lot of responsibilities and needing a highly flexible program option.

Graduation Rates

A school's graduation rates can tell you a lot about the coursework offered and the types of students that attend the school.

Generally speaking, you'll probably want to choose a school with higher graduation rates, as these typically provide higher-quality education. It's also a good idea to look at a school's average GPA to get a sense of how challenging the coursework is.

Differences Between Online Nursing Programs and In-Person Degrees

Online nursing programs are completed partially or fully online. As such, they are usually highly flexible, allowing students to study whenever and wherever it's convenient for them.

In-person programs typically have set class times, so they are not as flexible as online programs. They also typically contain more hands-on learning components than online programs.

Both online and in-person RN to BSN programs exist, but since students in these programs already have real-world nursing experience, they can easily complete the required credit hours to obtain a bachelor's degree online.

Career Opportunities for Graduates of an Online RN to BSN Program

Those who graduate with a BSN degree have developed advanced critical thinking and leadership skills. As such, they have access to a wider array of healthcare job opportunities than those who hold an ASN degree alone. Some of the roles you could pursue include:

• travel nurse
• nurse educator
• Director of Nursing
• legal nurse consultant

Additionally, it will be easier for you to pursue an MSN degree, which could open up additional opportunities as a nurse practitioner, nursing specialist, or midwife.

Featured RN to BSN Online Programs

Pursuing higher education can be a great career move if you're an RN. Want to learn more about some of the best online RN to BSN programs? Let's take a closer look.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a large public school with a reputation for academic greatness. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its online nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

An online Bachelor of Science in Nursing is available with an RN to BSN track. This program consists of 10 classes, each of which is 7.5 weeks long. All coursework is completed in a flexible online format.

2. Ohio University

Ohio University is another large public school that offers some of its degrees online. The school's online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

This highly flexible program is one of the most affordable of its kind and has also been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top programs in the country. Nine courses are required to complete the program, all of which can be completed online.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school with a large online enrollment. It offers several nursing programs, including an RN to BSN, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Students at this school receive 45 credits for their RN license and can transfer in an additional 45 college credits. The program offers affordable tuition, multiple yearly start dates, eight-week classes, and the ability to study on your schedule.

4. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is an online-only school offering various career-focused degrees, including an RN to BSN program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

This school offers a generous transfer policy, affordable term tuition rates, and a competency-based education model, allowing students maximum flexibility as they work through their courses. This is an exceptional program for students hoping to improve patient outcomes and advance their careers.

5. National University

National University provides the majority of its degrees in a convenient online format designed for busy students. The school is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, and its RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education.

The RN to BSN program offers a rolling admissions policy, allowing you to start school anytime. Courses are available in convenient four- and eight-week sessions, making it possible to graduate more quickly and pursue your new career opportunities as a BSN nurse.