How to Choose an RN to BSN Completion Program

"I had three job offers before graduation," Nancy, an RN from Wisconsin, says. "After working for six years with only an Associate's degree under my belt, I was amazed at how many more opportunities having my BSN degree gave me."

An RN to BSN completion program will prepare you for a professional career as a registered nurse in a hospital, clinic or research facility. However, not all RN to BSN programs are created alike. Most programs will include coursework in nursing science, natural and behavioral sciences, management, leadership, and liberal arts. The academic focus is typically on creating and enhancing your communication and critical thinking skills and providing you with good problem-solving techniques. But does each program offer identical coursework and approach the teaching of nursing skills in the same way?

Of course not! Certain RN to BSN programs have a stronger liberal arts foundation while others might offer more classes in math and science. Some programs have a more hands-on approach while others are structured around seminars and lectures. And you can be sure that the application requirements for different programs will have variations.

With all the options available to you in an RN to BSN Completion program, how do you choose the right one for you? The first thing to be aware of is that the highest-rated program, the most expensive program, or the program that all your friends are choosing is not necessarily the right program for you!

"I met my two best buds while I was getting my Associate's degree," says John, a critical care RN from Alaska. "We all wanted to get our BSN degree, and we just assumed we'd go to the same school."

However, John and his friends found that they had very different career goals and family situations. One RN got his BSN degree from a traditional brick-and-mortar college that took 3 years to complete and required him to work only part-time while in school in order to accomodate class and clinical schedules. Another chose an online institution that prides itself on its interactive teaching style, and John picked an online RN to BS in nursing program that allowed him to transfer the highest number of previously earned credits.

Apart from course content, class scheduling, and entrance requirements, you should evaluate each RN to BSN Completion program through the lens of your future career. Will this program help make you attractive to future employers? Will it position you as an RN who's mastered necessary skills and can handle shared responsibility, complex situations, and challenging interpersonal communication?

Make sure you talk to graduates of the programs you're interested in. Ideally, you'll meet someone who's followed a career path similar to your desired one. This can help you evaluate whether or not the program is a good match for your goals.

"I had already picked a well-known program at a prestigious university," says Carla, a geriatrics RN. "But then I ran into two nurses who had graduated from a different program and were basically doing exactly what I wanted to be doing...they talked about how well their program had prepared them for understanding family dynamics, analyzing patient outcomes and working on a team...I ended up switching programs because I was so impressed with their confidence."

After speaking to graduates of various programs and comparing the entrance requirements and coursework, you'll probably find that you can rely on your gut to tell you which program is the best match for you. If you're still unsure, use this handy questionnaire to evaluate the programs you're comparing:

- What specific methods does the program use to teach you to assess individual patient needs and create patient care plans?

- How much and what kind of research does the program require you to do?

- Will you be trained to evaluate your own leadership potential and learn how to become a strong leader in health care? Is leadership training woven into all your coursework or do you take specific classes in this subject?

- How will you study community health and disease prevention? What populations does the coursework focus on?

There is no right or wrong answer to these questions, but the answers should help you get a better sense of the nuances of different programs and appreciate what makes each one special.

Are you ready to take the next step? You already know the benefits of an RN to BSN Completion program, and by now you should have a better understanding of how to choose the best program for you. Get started today by gathering information on various programs. You could be graduating with a BSN degree in a year or less-prepared for the next challenges and opportunities of your nursing career.

Find The RN to BSNProgram That's Right For You

Diploma, ADN RNs, and Foreign trained RNs -earn your BSN degree in as little as 12 months and start enjoying better earnings, increased responsibility and authority, more job options, and far more opportunities for career advancement.Explore our featured nursing schools, learn more about each RN to BSN program, and request free, no obligation information from schools with programs that match your needs:

Search Online RN to BSN Degree Programs

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The College Network

Online

Start your nursing career with The College Network. Earn your NLNAC/CCNE Accredited nursing degree online from one of our partner universities: Regis University, Indiana State University, Angelo State University and more at 1/2 the cost and time of traditional universities with no campus attendance, no wait list and local clinicals.

Programs:

• RN to MS in Nursing - Regis University (Licensed RNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - AS in Nursing (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)
• LPN/LVN to RN - BS in Nursing - Indiana St. - (Licensed LPN/LVNs only)

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• MS in Nursing (RN Required)
• M.S. in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Online
Costa Mesa
Fresno
Los Angeles
San Jose
Sacramento
San Francisco
Diamond Bar
Elk Grove
Gardena
Pasadena
Rancho Cordova
Oakland
Bakersfield
Lathrop
Lancaster
Livermore
Salida
Fairfield
Roseville
Woodland Hills
Murrieta
Ontario
Palm Desert

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• M.S. in Nursing (MSN) - RN Track
• Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - General

West Coast University

Campus

Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.

Programs:

• RN to BSN
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• LVN to BSN

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Ontario

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Campus

Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing

Campus Locations:

Addison

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• B.S. in Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N)
• M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
• M.S. in Nursing: Health Care Informatics (Bridge)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Roseman University

Online

The USN accelerated online program offers accelerated nursing education that allows you to earn a BSN in just 14 months. This new program blends the personal convenience of online course study with enriching clinical learning in Henderson, Nevada.

Programs:

• Accelerated BSN

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Online

Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.

Programs:

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Midwifery/Womens Health Nurse Practitioner

University of St. Mary

Online

Give your career a boost with University of Saint Mary. We offer online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to help make your educational and professional goals a reality.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing

California College San Diego

Campus

California College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing (Online)
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (Online)
• Bachelor of Science Completion in Nursing Administration

Campus Locations:

San Marcos
National City
San Diego

Kaplan College - KHE

Campus

Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

Programs:

• Diploma: Vocational Nursing
• Diploma: Nurse Assistant Training Program
• Diploma: Patient Care Assistant/Technician

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Vista

Saint Peter's College

Online

Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.

Programs:

• RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Career Colleges of America

Campus

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America. We have four campuses in the Los Angeles area offering a wide variety of allied health training programs.

Programs:

• Vocational Nurse
• Nurse Assistant

Campus Locations:

South Gate
San Bernardino
Los Angeles
Gardena

American Career College

Campus

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC's programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Ontario
Anaheim
Los Angeles

Carrington College California

Campus

Carrington College California offers the programs you need to begin a career in healthcare. Choose from Healthcare, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Pharmacy Technology, or Veterinary Services.

Programs:

• AS in Vocational Nursing
• Certificate in Vocational Nursing
• AS in Registered Nursing

Campus Locations:

Antioch
San Jose
Sacramento
San Leandro

Santa Barbara Business College

Campus

California is home to beautiful landscapes, a diverse population and countless things to do. Santa Barbara Business College is a California technical school that helps people just like you learn skills for their career. After all, without a good career, it can be difficult to enjoy all the wonderful things California has to offer.

SBBCollege is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. For information on graduation rates, median debt of graduates who completed these programs and other important information, visit http://www.sbbcollege.edu/consumerinformation/disclosures.php. SBBCollege offers financial aid to those who qualify.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Santa Maria
Rancho Mirage

Intercoast Colleges

Campus

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Fairfield

Charter College

Campus

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Canyon Country

Institute of Technology

Campus

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.it-colleges.edu/disclosure

Programs:

• Vocational Nursing-Diploma

Campus Locations:

Redding

Summit College

Campus

Get your career started with an education from Summit College. We offer programs in legal office assisting, licensed vocational nursing, office administration, administrative and clinical medical assisting, medical billing and coding, dental assisting, and accounting assisting.

Programs:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse

Campus Locations:

Anaheim
Colton

Saint Xavier University

Campus

“Success with Purpose” is the hallmark of a Saint Xavier University education that is grounded in the tradition of liberal arts. SXU offers graduate and post-graduate programs that are recognized and respected by employers and delivered by professional faculty who are experts in their fields. Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, SXU is Chicago's oldest Catholic University, and it is recognized as one of the top 40 comprehensive master's universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges 2010.

Programs:

• MSN in Executive Leadership
• MSN in Clinical Leadership
• Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Locations:

Chicago

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Nursing, MS

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

CBD College

Campus

Get career training with CBD College. We offer an associate degree in vocational nursing, plus diploma programs for careers in the fields of medical massage therapy/physical therapy, pharmacy tech, surgical technology, and vocational nursing.

Programs:

• Associate of Applied Sciences in Vocational Nursing
• Vocational Nursing

Campus Locations:

Los Angeles

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Health Care Aide