University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights affordable RN to BSN programs.
Get Matched With RN to BSN Programs
Nursing is a fantastic profession. These healthcare heroes help patients heal and return to their lives in the best shape possible. This level of responsibility necessarily requires that all nurses undergo rigorous training to earn licenses. The training doesn't end there, since states require their RNs to continue their education in order to maintain licensure. Thus, if an RN has only an associate degree in nursing, or another non-bachelor's degree or certificate, they can opt for an RN to BSN degree program that will satisfy their state's requirements for continuing education while simultaneously elevating their professional status.
Since there are many online RN to BSN degree programs available, nurses don't even have to stop work in order to continue learning. Then, once they have graduated, they can pursue specialty certifications so they can work with the specific populations that intrigue them the most. A BSN degree also allows RNs to enter a master's degree program and thereby become nurse practitioners.
Compare Popular Online RN to BSN Programs
Top 50 Affordable RN to BSN Colleges and Universities
St. Petersburg College
Score: 100
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,682
- Out-of-State: $9,286
- Net Price: $2,132
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 74%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 23,501
- Undergrad Students: 23,501
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Score: 98.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,878
- Out-of-State: $9,992
- Net Price: $2,341
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 20,363
- Undergrad Students: 20,363
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 23:1
South Florida State College
Score: 97.35
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,165
- Out-of-State: $11,859
- Net Price: $2,579
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 2,892
- Undergrad Students: 2,892
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $31,900
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
West Virginia University at Parkersburg
Score: 94.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,420
- Out-of-State: $9,124
- Net Price: $3,029
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 30%
- Total Enrollment: 2,288
- Undergrad Students: 2,288
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Seminole State College of Florida
Score: 94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State: $11,447
- Net Price: $3,144
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 14,323
- Undergrad Students: 14,323
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
Pensacola State College
Score: 93.04
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,348
- Out-of-State: $9,407
- Net Price: $3,305
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 7,981
- Undergrad Students: 7,981
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Chipola College
Score: 92.98
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,120
- Out-of-State: $8,950
- Net Price: $3,316
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Total Enrollment: 1,826
- Undergrad Students: 1,826
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Pasco-Hernando State College
Score: 89.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,155
- Out-of-State: $12,032
- Net Price: $3,919
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 9,202
- Undergrad Students: 9,202
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $37,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
CUNY Hunter College
Score: 83.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,382
- Out-of-State: $15,332
- Net Price: $4,848
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 22,970
- Undergrad Students: 17,256
- Graduate Students: 5,714
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
CUNY Lehman College
Score: 83.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,410
- Out-of-State: $15,360
- Net Price: $4,974
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 13,015
- Undergrad Students: 11,211
- Graduate Students: 1,804
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Score: 82.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,064
- Out-of-State: $18,944
- Net Price: $5,068
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 16,426
- Undergrad Students: 13,969
- Graduate Students: 2,457
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Texas A&M International University
Score: 80.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,846
- Out-of-State: $19,382
- Net Price: $5,383
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 8,505
- Undergrad Students: 6,979
- Graduate Students: 1,526
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Miami Dade College
Score: 80.15
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State: $9,661
- Net Price: $5,478
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 47,245
- Undergrad Students: 47,245
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Dalton State College
Score: 79.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,283
- Out-of-State: $10,189
- Net Price: $5,532
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 4,527
- Undergrad Students: 4,527
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $57,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Daytona State College
Score: 78.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,106
- Out-of-State: $11,994
- Net Price: $5,674
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 11,584
- Undergrad Students: 11,584
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Gulf Coast State College
Score: 78.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,370
- Out-of-State: $8,635
- Net Price: $5,725
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 4,694
- Undergrad Students: 4,694
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
California State University-Los Angeles
Score: 78.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,818
- Out-of-State: $18,698
- Net Price: $5,801
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 26,460
- Undergrad Students: 22,737
- Graduate Students: 3,723
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Eastern Florida State College
Score: 77.49
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,496
- Out-of-State: $9,739
- Net Price: $5,927
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 13,114
- Undergrad Students: 13,114
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,300
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Georgia Highlands College
Score: 76.73
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,944
- Out-of-State: $9,296
- Net Price: $6,055
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 19%
- Total Enrollment: 4,768
- Undergrad Students: 4,768
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $52,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Colorado Mountain College
Score: 76.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,100
- Out-of-State: $12,540
- Net Price: $6,092
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 43%
- Graduation Rate: 27%
- Total Enrollment: 5,184
- Undergrad Students: 5,184
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Saint Johns River State College
Score: 75.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,830
- Out-of-State: $10,352
- Net Price: $6,187
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 6,434
- Undergrad Students: 6,434
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Fayetteville State University
Score: 74.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,969
- Out-of-State: $7,969
- Net Price: $6,355
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 6,787
- Undergrad Students: 5,748
- Graduate Students: 1,039
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
CUNY New York City College of Technology
Score: 74.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,332
- Out-of-State: $15,282
- Net Price: $6,406
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 21%
- Total Enrollment: 13,087
- Undergrad Students: 13,087
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
Chicago State University
Score: 74.41
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,754
- Out-of-State: $12,754
- Net Price: $6,446
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 2,317
- Undergrad Students: 1,450
- Graduate Students: 867
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Indiana University-Northwest
Score: 73.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State: $22,043
- Net Price: $6,553
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Total Enrollment: 3,198
- Undergrad Students: 2,860
- Graduate Students: 338
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Indiana University-Kokomo
Score: 73.21
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State: $22,043
- Net Price: $6,648
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 42%
- Total Enrollment: 2,846
- Undergrad Students: 2,669
- Graduate Students: 177
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
CUNY York College
Score: 73.08
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,358
- Out-of-State: $15,308
- Net Price: $6,670
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Total Enrollment: 6,446
- Undergrad Students: 6,199
- Graduate Students: 247
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Great Basin College
Score: 70.78
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,855
- Out-of-State: $13,448
- Net Price: $7,058
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,197
- Undergrad Students: 3,197
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Northwest Florida State College
Score: 70.64
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,246
- Out-of-State: $11,625
- Net Price: $7,082
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 4,898
- Undergrad Students: 4,898
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $64,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
College of Staten Island CUNY
Score: 69.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,490
- Out-of-State: $15,440
- Net Price: $7,217
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 10,248
- Undergrad Students: 9,299
- Graduate Students: 949
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Northern Kentucky University
Score: 69.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,896
- Out-of-State: $21,480
- Net Price: $7,259
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 15,801
- Undergrad Students: 10,776
- Graduate Students: 5,025
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Score: 69.58
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,195
- Out-of-State: $10,101
- Net Price: $7,260
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 3,647
- Undergrad Students: 3,647
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $53,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Score: 69.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,050
- Out-of-State: $14,650
- Net Price: $7,274
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 4,289
- Undergrad Students: 4,289
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $53,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Lake-Sumter State College
Score: 69.05
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,292
- Out-of-State: $13,276
- Net Price: $7,350
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 4,460
- Undergrad Students: 4,460
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $32,200
- Student-to-faculty: 26:1
California State University-Fresno
Score: 68.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,980
- Out-of-State: $18,860
- Net Price: $7,507
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 23,999
- Undergrad Students: 21,354
- Graduate Students: 2,645
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
California State University-Bakersfield
Score: 68.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,696
- Out-of-State: $19,576
- Net Price: $7,521
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 9,613
- Undergrad Students: 8,188
- Graduate Students: 1,425
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
California State University-Stanislaus
Score: 67.83
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,826
- Out-of-State: $19,706
- Net Price: $7,555
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 10,154
- Undergrad Students: 8,926
- Graduate Students: 1,228
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
College of Southern Nevada
Score: 67.06
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,110
- Out-of-State: $12,209
- Net Price: $7,685
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Total Enrollment: 28,901
- Undergrad Students: 28,901
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Florida SouthWestern State College
Score: 66.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,401
- Out-of-State: $12,979
- Net Price: $7,792
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Total Enrollment: 14,326
- Undergrad Students: 14,326
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
College of Central Florida
Score: 65.99
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,710
- Out-of-State: $10,517
- Net Price: $7,865
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 5,483
- Undergrad Students: 5,483
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
California State University-Fullerton
Score: 65.63
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,073
- Out-of-State: $18,953
- Net Price: $7,925
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 40,386
- Undergrad Students: 35,432
- Graduate Students: 4,954
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Score: 64.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,859
- Out-of-State: $19,939
- Net Price: $8,105
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 31,559
- Undergrad Students: 26,434
- Graduate Students: 5,125
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Farmingdale State College
Score: 64.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,576
- Out-of-State: $18,486
- Net Price: $8,111
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 54%
- Total Enrollment: 9,314
- Undergrad Students: 9,264
- Graduate Students: 50
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Score: 63.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,571
- Out-of-State: $7,571
- Net Price: $8,208
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 7,666
- Undergrad Students: 5,643
- Graduate Students: 2,023
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
CUNY Medgar Evers College
Score: 63.71
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,352
- Out-of-State: $15,302
- Net Price: $8,250
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 3,640
- Undergrad Students: 3,640
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Indiana University-Southeast
Score: 63.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,179
- Out-of-State: $22,043
- Net Price: $8,264
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 61%
- Graduation Rate: 35%
- Total Enrollment: 3,672
- Undergrad Students: 3,227
- Graduate Students: 445
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Oklahoma Panhandle State University
Score: 63.26
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,922
- Out-of-State: $8,673
- Net Price: $8,325
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 1,242
- Undergrad Students: 1,242
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $50,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Northern New Mexico College
Score: 62.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,400
- Out-of-State: $14,328
- Net Price: $8,383
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 40%
- Total Enrollment: 1,154
- Undergrad Students: 1,154
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
South Georgia State College
Score: 61.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,970
- Out-of-State: $9,322
- Net Price: $8,550
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Total Enrollment: 1,793
- Undergrad Students: 1,793
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $66,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Coppin State University
Score: 61.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,001
- Out-of-State: $13,789
- Net Price: $8,562
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 24%
- Total Enrollment: 2,006
- Undergrad Students: 1,757
- Graduate Students: 249
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Why a Degree from an Affordable RN to BSN School?
Nurses who want to start a career with the strongest possible foundation should consider augmenting their credentials and working life with an affordable RN to BSN program or nursing school. With this approach, students are set for long-term success and a more streamlined rise in their career. This is because, once they have a full nursing bachelor's degree, RNs can use their academic background to apply for a master's degree program. This way, nurses can gain experience in the field and then return for a master's degree and then become nurse practitioners if they so choose.
While nursing students should be mindful of their upfront net costs for tuition, books, supplies, and room/board, they should also keep a long-term view. That is, they should consider the value of an RN to BSN nursing degree program and how that will help them earn more in the long-term. In fact, a full RN to BSN program opens up a wide range of careers.
This is because, with a full bachelor's degree in nursing, healthcare professionals will be able to build on their education in many different ways. If, for instance, a nurse decides that they wish to pursue some other field, their bachelor's degree will open those doors. Some decide to enter the world of medical equipment sales, for instance, and a college degree will certainly help land an interview in that field. BSN degree holders might also find it easier to move into healthcare administration. They will also find that they have most, if not all, of the coursework necessary to enroll in an MHA degree program. Thus, a RN to BSN program will prove to be valuable in the long-term.
Choosing an Affordable RN to BSN College
Choosing the right RN to BSN degree program is not an easy thing. There are many options available, and students have many variables in play that complicate the decision-making process. Essentially, students are faced with a litany of personal and practical factors that they must weigh when determining which BSN degree program will be the best for them, providing long-term success and happiness. Some of the personal factors can include their location and how far they are willing to travel for school, but students also look at things like campus amenities, sports teams, and even whether their friends or family members are there.
Our research covers the more practical factors. We look at each RN to BSN program's educational statistics, the gross and net price, as well as other important features. Included in the educational statistics is each school's retention rate. That number shows how many first-time, full-time students return for a second year. Researchers consider a high retention rate an indication that students and their families are happy with the school's curriculum, faculty, campus resources, and more. A high retention rate also tells students that the cohort they meet in the freshman dorms is likely to remain into their second year. This statistic then can be compared with the graduation rate and the transfer-out rate. When a high retention rate is found along with a high graduation rate, students can be assured of a cohesive college experience. The transfer out might seem negative, but it can indicate that students are prepared by that school to gain admission in a more competitive school from which they will likely graduate.
We also look at factors that impact students and their families in a direct way. Tuition rates, for instance, are a huge concern for most families. We address in-state and out-of-state costs both in terms of the gross price and the average net sums. For this reason, we also look at whether schools offer online nursing degree programs. Online programs can sometimes be cheaper, and they certainly bring far-flung programs to every student's laptop.
Online Options
Nearly every school in the nation has adopted online education for at least some of their courses. The COVID pandemic made this an imperative, and these programs will likely expand and grow as a result. In fact, prior to the pandemic some schools required that students take a certain number of credits online. Yet there are 100% online degree programs for RN to BSN students.
After all, many RN to BSN students will have already started their careers and thus will prefer to continue working. An online RN to BSN degree program allows students to fit coursework into their hectic schedules. For working registered nurses, this option might be the only feasible way to complete a degree. After all, nurses frequently find that their work schedules change with little or no notice. Thus, where students in traditional classroom courses would have to skip class to accommodate problems at work, online BSN degree students can fit their degree in around the changes.
Online education also means more opportunities to attend programs that may be hundreds of miles away. For instance, Ohio University offers an online RN to BSN program which students in, say, Oregon would find inaccessible except for the online option. There many such programs nationwide that are now opening their virtual doors to students everywhere. Therefore, students can thus complete their basic RN training in a local community college or nursing institute, start working, and complete their BSN through an online RN to BSN degree program.
Are RN to BSN Programs in High Demand?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the registered nursing employment sector is growing at a good clip. The BLS is projecting a 7% rate of growth through 2029. They note that this is faster than average. Though they don't delineate RNs who hold a BSN from those without, the BLS does track nurse practitioners, who must hold a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite before they earn their status.
The employment sector that nurse practitioners inhabit is growing at a phenomenal rate. The BLS projects a 45% rate of growth through 2029. That growth rate is nearly unheard of anywhere in the economy. This necessarily places BSN programs in high demand, which would include RN to BSN programs. Nurse practitioners all need to hold at least a master's degree, and perhaps additional professional certifications on top of that. Thus, it would behoove all RNs to complete their undergraduate degrees via an RN to BSN degree program.
Find Your Online RN to BSN Program
Additionally, nurses should consider the overall growth in the healthcare industry and how an RN to BSN degree program will help them take advantage of that growth. Those who have a proclivity for administration will be well-served by entering an RN to BSN degree program. This is because a full undergraduate degree will facilitate a promotion into hospital administration. A bachelor's degree can also help nurses enter any other career field they desire if they ever wish to make a change. Along those lines, a full undergraduate degree will help them when applying for a Master of Healthcare Administration degree, or other online master's degree programs.
What Can You Do with a BSN Degree?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a terrific option for registered nurses. For those who already hold a nursing license but have not yet completed a full undergraduate degree, RN to BSN degree programs are available. These programs can open up many doors that are not available for those who don't yet hold a bachelor's degree.
Perhaps most obviously, a full BSN degree will help nurses gain additional academic credentials. With an undergraduate degree in nursing, students can apply to a master's degree and become nurse practitioners. They can also use their undergraduate credentials to enter other master's degree programs, including those that represent a transition, such as a Master of Healthcare Administration.
A BSN might even become more of the norm within healthcare. Some states are considering rule changes that require all RNs to hold a full undergraduate degree. Thus, working nurses should consider an RN to BSN degree program in order to safeguard their licenses and even open up new opportunities. A BSN degree helps nurses rise through the ranks in their health systems. The additional training will look terrific on a resume.
A BSN degree will also help nurses become specialists in areas such as oncology, pediatrics, critical care, or hospice care, among many other options. Nurses may begin their specialty training while in their degree program or use their degree to apply for the additional training. Once a nurse has a special certification, they can pursue that passion. Furthermore, once they have a BSN degree, nurses can opt to change over into a new specialty area and thereby add new dimensions to their professional success.
In fact, once they hold special certifications, nurses may have an easier time entering a master's degree program to become a nurse practitioner. Admissions counselors in graduate degree programs will love seeing the added dedication to nursing.
BSN Graduates Earn More After College
One of the chief reasons to enter an RN to BSN degree program is to earn more after college. Nurses who have an RN license make a good salary but, once they have their BSN, they will find that they have an easier time earning raises and promotions. BSN degree holders can also pursue specialty certifications that will raise their credentials to a new level. For instance, hospitals and clinics are sure to reward nurses who maintain specialty credentials in fields such as oncology, psychiatry, assisted living, hematology, or informatics, among other nursing areas.
Currently, the website Payscale.com reports that BSN degree holders earn an average salary of over $86,000. This includes all nurses at all stages of their career, and in every state and town. They also note that a nursing director earns an average of over $97,000 and nursing managers are being hired for an average salary of $90,000 or more. These salary numbers don't include any bonuses, nor do they consider other benefits, including healthcare or tuition reimbursement.
Not only do BSN degree holders earn more than those RNs without a bachelor's degree, but they also have so many more opportunities than those with only an associate degree. Nurses with a BSN have the option of working towards a long list of specialty nursing fields and they are also eligible to apply for a master's degree program. Thus, a nurse with a BSN can soon find themselves enrolled in a degree program to become a nurse practitioner.
FAQs
- What type of students should consider online RN to BSN bridge programs?
RNs who are currently working in a hospital or clinic should consider an RN to BSN degree program. That's because they can continue to work and gain experience while completing their bachelor of science degree in nursing. - Can I apply relevant learning, work, and life experiences toward credit?
This will depend on the program, but there's a low likelihood that work experience will earn students credit in a BSN program. However, students who do have multiple years of experience as an RN may find that they have an easier time gaining admission to top RN to BSN programs. - How long will it take to complete a RN to BSN degree?
Some programs list their total required credits at 120, which is equivalent to a full four-year degree program. However, students who have already completed an associate degree may transfer credits and reduce that number dramatically. - Why are clinical hours important for nurses?
Clinical hours help nurses learn to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. Since so many nursing duties are performed under extreme duress, it’s vital to learn how to regulate one's emotions and focus despite overwhelming odds. This helps calm patients who are under even more stress. - What are the admission requirements for nursing students?
Nursing students will need to provide full transcripts from every post-secondary institution they have attended. Most RN to BSN programs will require that applicants' transcripts reflect a GPA of at least 2.0, but some may have more stringent requirements. Nurses who have been in the field may also want to include their resume to demonstrate their experience level.
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