Working as a registered nurse (RN) is demanding and rewarding. It also requires managing many professional and personal responsibilities and earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree may seem challenging for busy RNs.
Are there part-time RN to BSN programs online for full-time working professionals? Yes, there are, and they can be a game-changer for registered nurses looking to advance their careers in an in-demand industry.
Read on to explore more about the degree and find examples of accredited institutions that offer RN to BSN programs for registered nurses with part-time options through the convenience of distance education.
What Exactly Is an RN to BSN Online Program?
The nursing profession is dynamic, and there is currently a high demand for nurses with bachelor's degrees to fill certain healthcare positions.
A Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is ideal for RNs looking to expand their education, work in management roles, and increase their income.
An online RN to BSN is a popular choice for registered nurses since it allows them to earn the degree through flexible distance learning, usually in less time than a traditional bachelor's program.
These bachelor's in nursing programs are tailored to build on current knowledge and experiences of registered nurses who need an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing to apply.
Individuals seeking this degree must also have an active and unencumbered RN license and at least a 2.5 GPA to gain admission to these programs.
Examples of Topics Covered in an Online RN to BSN
Nurses enrolled in an RN to BSN program learn what it takes to get ahead in their careers and gain foundational skills for advanced nursing and healthcare studies, and many individuals pursue graduate school.
The topics that are covered explore physical and social sciences and focus on various areas. These include nursing leadership, ethics, and informatics. Students also study subjects like evidence-based nursing practices, community health nursing, and holistic health assessments.
Research and current healthcare trends are also typically addressed. The core courses in an online RN to BSN degree fluctuate according to the program and the school.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Part-Time RN to BSN Online Program?
Keeping the demanding schedules of RNs in mind, many schools offer full-time or part-time RN to BSN programs online, meaning students take classes and complete coursework around their schedule and other commitments.
Registered nurses can take three or four years to complete a part-time RN to BSN program. RNs can finish this degree in one or two years when attending on a full-time basis with year-round enrollment.
The length of a part-time RN to BSN program through online learning can vary since it depends on the specific school and structure of the program and other factors.
What Factors into the Completion Time for a Part-Time RN to BSN Degree?
The length of a part-time RN to BSN degree includes how many classes are taken each semester and how many hours an individual can commit. Full-time students enroll in about five courses a semester, while part-timers usually only take two or three.
Other considerations are the number of nursing core courses and general education credits still needed after factoring in the allowable number of transfer credits.
A Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science typically requires 120 credit hours, with about 30 core nursing courses needed to graduate.
RN to BSN programs allow students to transfer applicable credits earned from their ADN or diploma or earn credit for experience, which helps RNs finish their bachelor's degree in nursing in less time.
These flexible and convenient degrees accessible through distance learning in a part-time or full-time capacity help nurses achieve educational and career goals while accommodating their busy lifestyles.
How To Choose an Online RN to BSN Part-Time Program
When enrolling in part-time RN to BSN programs online, students must research and pick one that works with their commitments and schedule and aligns with their goals and values.
If registered nurses are looking for part-time enrollment to complete their bachelor's degree in nursing, it is essential to consider certain things. Here are a few factors to think about when contemplating which part-time RN to BSN degree to choose.
Accreditation
Make sure the institution or selected program is accredited by an approved agency such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Doing so ensures the RN to BSN program meets high-quality education standards and will be recognized by potential employers and other organizations.
Course Structure
To accommodate the schedules of registered nurses juggling multiple responsibilities, a part-time RN to BSN program must provide a course structure that works for the individual.
For instance, some programs offer asynchronous learning where students can study at their own pace. Others may require specific login times to interact with instructors or attend lectures, and it is vital to choose the right structure.
Online Support Services
Many institutions offer support services for online learners, which is handy for nursing students studying part-time who may need guidance while earning their degree.
Access to academic advisors, tutors, or technical assistance is key to succeeding in an online learning environment and is important for selecting a part-time RN to BSN program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of tuition varies between schools and programs, as do RN to BSN financial aid and scholarship opportunities, which is a huge consideration for deciding on a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Students must take the time to research all applicable costs and decide on the best value for their investment in terms of educational quality and prospects for career advancement.
Examples of Part-Time Online RN to BSN Programs
What schools allow enrollment in part-time RN to BSN programs online? The good news is there are many available through distance learning from accredited institutions.
Below are a few options for registered nurses to explore when looking for part-time RN to BSN programs available through online learning.
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington is a public institution that provides an online RN to BSN program through its College of Nursing and Health Innovation with full-time and part-time options.
It teaches globally focused health promotion strategies and essential nursing leadership skills, and it costs $257 per credit. Students can transfer up to 29 credit hours from ADN or nursing diploma programs.
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a part-time RN to BSN track through online education geared toward registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.
It ranks among the most affordable online colleges, costing just $129.18 per credit for residents, while non-residents pay $552.62 per credit.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University allows part-time or full-time study for its online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It requires 120 credits, and students can transfer up to 33 credits.
Students engage in various topics, such as nursing research and evidence-based practices. This RN to BSN program costs $626 per credit hour.
Find Part-Time RN to BSN Online Programs Today
There are many part-time RN to BSN programs online for registered nurses to take advantage of, and learning about the degree and available options is important for finding the right one to enroll in today.