After the pandemic pushed healthcare systems to their limits, employers have had to adapt to the modern medical landscape. As such, there is a growing demand for highly educated nursing professionals. Potential employers are now seeking students with at least a bachelor’s degree and may favor them over only registered nurse (RN) qualifications. However, in response to this demand, many RNs are turning to the best online bachelor’s Nursing programs to complete their education in a fast and flexible format.
With hospitals having adapted, so have students, their studies, and their schools. Today’s online bachelor’s Nursing programs offer the same academic work as traditional in-person degrees, with added flexibility to meet the needs of working professionals.
Choosing the right program is essential for students looking to make a meaningful impact in healthcare. Below, we’ll help shed some light on what an RN to BSN program looks like.
What is an RN to BSN program?
If you’re already a licensed RN, you may be considering an online RN to BSN program to take the next step in your career. An online RN to BSN can offer one of the fastest paths to success in the medical field. But what would the program look like for you?
An RN to BSN program is designed specifically for RNs who have earned an associate degree or a nursing diploma and are aiming to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program offers courses in leadership, public health, evidence-based practice, advanced patient care, and more.
One of the key advantages of this program is speed. Many programs are accelerated and can be completed in as little as 12 months, making them one of the most efficient routes to a bachelor’s degree. They’re also built for flexibility, catering to nurses actively working while studying. An online RN to BSN program can be a game-changer for those looking for the best online bachelor’s Nursing programs.
Also, many nurses often recommend asynchronous online courses instead of synchronous ones. 98% of online nursing and healthcare students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others over physical courses.
Why choose an RN to BSN program?
There are many reasons to consider enrolling in an RN to BSN program, especially for nurses wanting long-term career development in less time. Aside from that, let’s break down the benefits one by one:
Fast and flexible
The RN to BSN program is, first and foremost, designed for busy professionals. Students in the medical field are often up to their necks in work, even without coursework. Your education shouldn’t be drowning you as well. With asynchronous courses, you can complete assignments on their schedule before a night shift or on a weekend afternoon. This flexibility makes it easier to balance work, family, and education.
Transfer credits
Some programs accept generous transfer credits—think up to 90 credits and a fast-track to graduation. This option is fantastic for transferring RNs seeking their degree as quickly as possible.
Job security
In the modern working field, many graduates fear job stability. It’s a reasonable fear, so it’s important to reinforce job security with strong degrees and credentials. Having a BSN can increase job security due to the growing demand for highly educated nurses, especially in settings prioritizing higher degrees. In fact, the employment for healthcare treating or diagnosing practitioners is projected to grow nine percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the growth of RNs at six percent. With a BSN, many jobs also open up, especially in the leadership areas of nursing.
Career-focused curriculum
The RN to BSN program won’t simply throw knowledge at you and call it a day. Instead, the program wants to prepare you for leadership and careers after nursing. Online RN to BSN courses focus on topics relevant to today’s nursing field, like community health, health informatics, and patient safety. A BSN gives more opportunities to move into leadership roles within whatever medical organization you’re a part of. So, this program provides you with the tools to prepare you for those roles and titles.
What to look for in an RN to BSN program
When you’re looking for the best online bachelor’s Nursing programs, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching. First, prioritize quality and flexibility in your program. A surefire way to recognize quality programs is with accreditation from organizations like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the ACEN. You should also look for flexible formats that fit your lifestyle, including short-term classes, multiple start dates, or self-paced options like hybrid and virtual. Other things to look out for are clearly stated tuition costs and financial aid, so you don’t have to break the bank for classes. Reliable support services like academic advising and 24/7 tech support are also important to look out for, since they can keep you on track for success.
Is an online RN to BSN program right for you?
If you’re a working RN looking to take your career to the next level, then yes, an online RN to BSN program could be what you need. That’s why many RN to BSN programs are fully online. A BSN is becoming the standard for nurses who want to move into leadership, improve patient experiences, and make more money. There’s no better time than now to catch up and secure a strong career in nursing for yourself. Enrolling in one of the best online bachelor’s Nursing programs gives you a chance to challenge yourself and grow your career beyond your dreams.
Take the next step
Constant learning and adaptation are necessary in healthcare, so choosing one of the top online bachelor’s Nursing programs is both strategic and necessary. Whether you’re seeking promotions, transitioning into public health, or preparing for graduate-level study, a BSN paves the way for you to explore anything.
Ready to push forward in nursing? The online RN to BSN program at University of Bridgeport could be the right fit. It’s designed to meet your needs with flexibility, transfer-friendly policies, and a career-focused curriculum.