Common Questions about Online RN to BSN Programs
The nursing profession is changing rapidly as nurses assume greater responsibilities in health systems and therefore require more education in leadership, community health and research. Online RN to BSN programs can help fulfill nurses’ higher education needs while maintaining their work and family obligations. Below are some common questions about online nursing programs.
Are Online RN to BSN Programs Expensive?
A common concern about online education is the price tag because many potential students are familiar with the high costs of for-profit online degree programs. Online RN to BSN programs at a not-for-profit are typically lower in cost — sometimes as little as one-fourth the cost of their for-profit counterparts’ programs. Increasingly, employers are providing financial support for such programs, including scholarships and tuition reimbursement. And, online RN to BSN programs typically do not charge out-of-state tuition, which enables students to enroll in programs further away than they might otherwise consider.
How Are Clinicals and Working with Others Handled?
Students in online RN to BSN programs complete non-clinical work online while clinical work generally occurs in the nurses’ workplaces.
Many health systems are affiliated with area universities, providing a pool of study groups and resources for students to draw from while working on their degree.
Is an Online RN to BSN Program Right for Me?
The best way to determine if an online RN to BSN program is right for you is to research the program and talk to peers in the profession. Additionally, researching options for financial aid and other resources can help with devising a solid plan for completing a program.
If you choose to expand your education via an online RN to BSN program, you will be in good company. RN to BSN program enrollment increased 10.4 percent, marking 12 years of growth in the programs, according to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing published in the fall of 2014.