{"id":10542,"date":"2022-12-28T09:53:11","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T14:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=10542"},"modified":"2024-12-13T17:12:05","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T22:12:05","slug":"choosing-an-online-rn-to-bsn-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/choosing-an-online-rn-to-bsn-program\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose an Online RN-to-BSN Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

To become a Registered Nurse (RN), a student must earn a nursing degree from an accredited and state-approved nursing school. The nursing graduate must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam and adhere to all other state licensing requirements<\/a> to practice.<\/p>\n

However, not all educational paths to the RN profession are the same. Some nursing hopefuls enroll directly into an Associate Degree in Nursing<\/a> (ADN) program, pass their licensure, gain experience, and proceed to attend an RN-to-BSN program.<\/a><\/p>\n

If you are a seasoned Registered Nurse, you may be seeking a Bachelor\u2019s in Nursing (BSN) program that can streamline your success. You may have a desire to advance your nursing credentials, job title, or even salary potential, and a BSN degree is the ticket to getting there. The most efficient pathway to obtaining this degree is through an RN-to-BSN program. This type of program offers a fast and flexible track towards earning your bachelor\u2019s degree, and is designed specifically for already working RNs. Many RN-to-BSN programs can also be completed entirely online, for added convenience.<\/p>\n

The Significance of Selecting an RN-to-BSN Program<\/h2>\n

With a BSN degree, nurses can help to elevate the patient experience, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the healthcare profession. In fact, according to studies recounted by The American Association of Colleges of Nursing<\/a> (AACN), RNs who have earned their bachelor\u2019s degree in nursing are better prepared in areas related to quality and safety. The AACN also informed that BSN-prepared nurses lower the prospect of patient mortality.<\/p>\n

If you want to better your nursing skills and provide optimal patient outcomes, an RN-to-BSN degree program is a great next step. However, it is important to find a program that meets your needs, whether you are looking for part-time, full-time, accelerated, or online RN-to-BSN options. It is also important to find a program that is accredited.<\/p>\n

Below, we explore four fundamental elements to look for when seeking the best online RN-to-BSN program for you.<\/p>\n

What to Look for in an Online RN-to-BSN Program<\/h2>\n

1. Accredited Academics<\/h3>\n

When examining RN-to-BSN programs online, future BSN nurses should look for institutions with a well-respected reputation within the healthcare industry.<\/p>\n

A nursing school\u2019s accreditation status impacts students’ ability to receive financial aid, as well as their eligibility for licensure and employment. Beyond regional legitimacy, prospective nursing students should look for accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education<\/a> (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing<\/a> (ACEN).<\/p>\n

Goodwin University\u2019s online RN-to-BSN program, for instance, is accredited<\/a> by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. As an added advantage, Goodwin is also a member of SARA and can offer its online program to residents of other SARA states.<\/a><\/p>\n

2. A Comprehensive and Advanced Curriculum<\/h2>\n

In addition to being accredited, the RN-to-BSN curriculum<\/a> and program outcomes<\/a> are substantial to the potential knowledge and success of the nursing student.<\/p>\n

Core BSN classes should be comprehensive and compelling \u2014 covering a range of healthcare content throughout the patient lifespan. It should build upon what you already have learned in your early nursing classes and your experience in the field.<\/p>\n

As an example of a program\u2019s far-reaching focus, Goodwin University\u2019s RN-to-BSN students study some of the following courses:<\/p>\n