Online Bachelor’s in Registered Nursing degrees can help working professionals advance their careers into roles with better pay and greater responsibility. Also, many employers are beginning to require or prefer that nursing candidates earn a bachelor’s degree. Registered nurses who already hold a diploma or associate degree in nursing can earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just under one year if taking classes full-time while continuing to work. Although most BSN programs are available entirely online, many require students to complete an in-person clinical at a health care facility or organization in the area in which they live. If you are a registered nurse looking to advance into a higher position and, ultimately, command a higher salary, check out our list of the 25 most affordable online Bachelor’s in Registered Nursing degrees below.
Methodology
Registered nurses who wish to pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing will find hundreds of available programs across the U.S. Finding the best one to meet your academic and professional goals can be overwhelming, especially if you are just beginning to search for a college or university. To help, we have developed a list of the top schools in the country that are considered a “top value” in the field of registered nursing. We conducted a search for “online Bachelor’s in Registered Nursing degree” at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and narrowed down more than 400 schools into the top 25 to include on our list. We ranked each school according to factors such as student-to-faculty ratios and the cost of tuition. Once we created the list of schools we wanted to include, we made sure to cross-reference our information with each school’s website to ensure we provided the most current information possible.
Average Cost of Attendance
As you begin to narrow down the RN to BSN programs that interest you, keep in mind that the cost of the program has nothing to do with whether or not a program will meet your needs. In other words, some students find that the most expensive degrees do not offer a specialization or course in which they are interested, while the most affordable programs do. Therefore, avoid basing your decision on cost alone and instead consider the program as a whole. For the purpose of this ranking, we provided out-of-state and in-state tuition rates for you to reference, but we only awarded points according to in-state costs for the entire program.
Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000: 2 points
$30,001 or more: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Another consideration to think about as you start to compile a list of potential schools is the type of environment in which you learn best. Is there are a concentration or area of specialization within the field of nursing that is only offered at larger schools? Are you more interested in developing close relationships with faculty members and peers, an opportunity that is more common in smaller schools? When determining the size of the school, we look at the student-to-faculty ratio. Although there are certainly many positives of attending a large institution, for this ranking, we awarded the most points to schools that reported small class sizes of no more than 10 students per instructor.
Points:
10:1 or lower: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Higher than 15:1: 1 point
Ranking Top 25 Undergraduate Degree Programs in Registered Nursing
25. University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers an online RN to BSN program that consists of 31 credit hours to be completed in as few as 12 months. The CCNE-accredited program is available entirely online and is comprised of seven-week courses that prepare students for leadership and confident decision-making in patient care. Within the 120-hour program, students complete general education requirements as well as core classes that investigate key areas of the field, including clinical leadership, nursing research and quality improvement science, transcultural nursing, global health nursing, and multicultural public health nursing. Students also take one class in either business communications or management concepts and organizational theory.
Degree Options:
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Online
In-State Tuition: $9,111
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,111
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
24. Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Points: 3
Program Website
The RN to BSN online program at Southeast Missouri State University provides competency credit or course credit for professional experience and previous education, and students benefit from the flexibility of a fully online curriculum, including general education courses. Field experiences are scheduled in each student’s area of residence, and the program is comprised of 120 credit hours of study. Students must be a permanent resident of Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, or Missouri in order to be admitted into the program, which covers areas such as community health, nursing leadership and management, gerontological nursing, and research for professional practice.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science: Nursing
In-State Tuition: $8,520
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,520
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
23. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, New Mexico
Points: 3
Program Website
Eastern New Mexico University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program is available fully online and uses theoretical nursing principles to enhance students’ clinical judgment, experiential awareness, natural curiosity, and critical thinking. The ACEN-accredited program consists of 42 hours of nursing requirements in areas such as leadership, research and evidence-based practice, community health nursing, health assessment, pathophysiology, ethics, economics, integrative care concepts, and nursing theory. Students complete a nursing leadership practicum and a community health nursing practicum prior to leaving the program, and graduates are prepared for advanced career opportunities such as managerial positions within the field of nursing.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN Completion Program
In-State Tuition: $8,268
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,669
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
22. Georgia College and State University
Milledgeville, Georgia
Points: 3
Program Website
The School of Nursing at Georgia College and State University offers an RN to BSN program that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and prepares nursing professionals to support the health care needs of diverse populations. Designed for students who hold a diploma degree or associate degree in nursing, students may earn their BSN within three semesters of study. The program consists of 120 credit hours, including 23 hours of major requirements in leadership and management, community- and population-based care, nursing research in professional practice, and the legal and ethical aspects of professional nursing. Students must complete an electronic portfolio before leaving the program.
Degree Options:
Nursing (RN-BSN), B.S.N.
In-State Tuition: $8,006
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,006
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
21. California University of Pennsylvania
California, Pennsylvania
Points: 3
Program Website
Students who have already earned an associate degree or diploma in nursing may pursue the online RN to BSN degree program from the California University of Pennsylvania. Available entirely online, students can complete the CCNE-accredited program in three terms of full-time enrollment or in four terms of part-time enrollment. Students take two eight-week courses and one 16-week course each term, and the program is comprised of 45 credits in general education classes, 30 credits awarded for pre-licensure nursing classes, 12 credits for the submission of an entry-level portfolio, and 33 credits in nursing classes. Areas studied within the program include community health nursing, family health nursing, trends and issues in nursing, nursing informatics, leadership and change, research and evidence-based practice, and health assessments.
Degree Options:
RN to BSN
In-State Tuition: $7,716
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,840
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
20. Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Columbia College is designed to provide current registered nurses with a BSN degree. The curriculum consists of classes that provide a foundation for evidence-based practice, enhancing students’ collaborative, decision-making, and clinical reasoning skills that contribute to patient quality and safety processes. In addition to completing general education courses, students take classes in ethics, the social and behavioral sciences, and core courses in leadership and management, community health nursing, nursing research and evidence-based practice, health assessment, human nutrition, pathophysiology and pharmacology, and professional nursing practice. The program requires a total of 120 semester hours for graduation.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
In-State Tuition: $11,250
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,250
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
19. Granite State College
Concord, New Hampshire
Points: 4
Program Website
The CCNE-accredited RN to BSN program at Granite State College maximizes what students have already learned through their previous diploma or associate nursing program. It is also designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s and are looking to enter the field of nursing for the first time. Students complete a total of 120 credits, at least 30 of which must be earned at GSC, and applicants with a prior bachelor’s degree must only take statistics and 30 credits in nursing to complete the program. Areas of study include informatics and technology, genetics, leadership, elder care, evidence-based nursing, the emerging U.S. health care system, law and ethics, and an integrated nursing practicum experience.
Degree Options:
Nursing (RN to BSN)
In-State Tuition: $9,420
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,950
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
18. Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois
Points: 4
Program Website
The online RN to BSN completion program at Western Illinois University is designed for students who either have a diploma or associate degree in nursing and who are currently registered nurses. Coursework is available online, and in-person clinical practices/projects are arranged in the student’s area of residence. The program is comprised of 125 semester hours, including general education classes, core courses, and the RN-BSN emphasis of study. Students can expect to develop their skills and knowledge as they pertain to pathophysiology, psychopathology, nursing research, ethics and the law, transcultural nursing, genetics, health assessment, and nursing leadership, management, and policy.
Degree Options:
Online RN-BSN Completion Program
In-State Tuition: $8,883
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,883
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
17. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Odessa, Texas
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online RN to BSN program designed to enable registered nurses to move ahead with their careers using knowledge and leadership skills developed from evidence-based practice, research, and theory. The program involves 27 credit hours of study in addition to general education requirements, and classes are offered in seven-week formats. Students may complete the program within 12 months of full-time enrollment, and core areas of study include leadership in nursing, community health, issues in nursing, client assessment, research, pharmacology, and professional mobility. Through the program, students not only prepare for graduate study, but they also develop health care management skills and nursing leadership theories while learning how to advance their practice by providing care to communities, groups, families, and individuals.
Degree Options:
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Online
In-State Tuition: $7,499
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,499
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
16. Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, Georgia
Points: 4
Program Website
The School of Nursing within the Waters College of Health Professions at Georgia Southern University confers an online RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The BSN is comprised of 120 total credits, including 60 credits in core/prerequisite courses and 60 credits in nursing and elective courses. Students complete eight nursing-focused classes for a total of 28 hours of study, and GSU recommends students complete the program in three to four semesters or one to two years. Students benefit from both synchronous and asynchronous courses, taking classes within the major in areas such as nursing research, nursing leadership and management, critical analysis of nursing concepts, community health nursing, health assessment, and the conceptual basis of nursing.
Degree Options:
RN-BSN Online Program
In-State Tuition: $7,422
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,904
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
15. University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, Georgia
Points: 4
Program Website
The RN to BSN program at the University of North Georgia is designed for licensed registered nurses interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students complete 24 credits in core courses, 69 hours from the associate degree in nursing, and 27 credits from the BSN sequence to meet the total program requirement of 120 credit hours. Graduates are prepared for professional nursing practice in tertiary, secondary, and primary settings as well as to care for communities, families, and individuals as clients. Students deepen their understanding of key nursing areas such as nursing leadership, population health, research application and evidence-based practice, cultural and health assessment, nursing information management, and health regulation, finance, and policy.
Degree Options:
Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
In-State Tuition: $7,320
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,320
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
14. Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Points: 4
Program Website
The College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University offers an online RN to BSN degree designed for active registered nurses who are seeking career advancement by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Most courses last approximately five weeks, and students can choose from one of eight start dates offered each year. The CCNE-accredited program is comprised of 120 credit hours, many of which a student already completed in his or her previous education. However, students are required to take 31 credit hours in nursing courses from OU that cover topics in evidence-based nursing practice, community health nursing, family nursing, health assessment and promotion, professional nursing practice, leadership, diversity, and gerontologic nursing care.
Degree Options:
Online RN to BSN
In-State Tuition: $7,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,290
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
13. Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, Arkansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Licensed registered nurses who hold an associate degree can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southern Arkansas University. The RN to BSN completion program is offered by the Department of Nursing within the College of Science and Engineering and prepares graduates for entry-level generalist roles in which they are responsible for the caring of communities, families, and individuals. Students complete a total of 121 to 123 hours in general education, biological science, physical science, computer science, and nursing. Specifically, the nursing curriculum is comprised 64 hours in courses that cover evidence-based nursing, leadership and management, informatics nursing, nursing research, community health nursing, issues and trends in nursing, and health assessment.
Degree Options:
Nursing (RN to BSN)
In-State Tuition: $6,990
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,100
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
12. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Delhi, New York
Points: 4
Program Website
The RN to BSN program at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi is designed for working registered nurses and offers both flexibility and versatility as it is available entirely online. In addition to transferring 60 to 80 credits from a previously earned associate degree, students complete an additional 61 credits for a total of 122 credits for the BSN. Students complete a senior practicum experience as well as courses in teaching and learning nursing, population and community health nursing, leadership and management, epidemiology, health policy, health promotion, nursing research and evidence-based practice, and health assessment. Students may take courses on a part-time basis and earn their degree within five years or pursue full-time enrollment and complete the program within four semesters.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In-State Tuition: $6,870
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,240
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
11. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Fort Hays State University offers an online RN to BSN program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just three semesters. The program requires 120 credit hours, including 30 hours completed at FHSU. All RN to BSN courses are eight weeks in length, and students develop their skills and knowledge of critical areas within the field of nursing such as informatics, legal and ethical issues in health care, health promotion, community-focused care, trends facing health care, leadership and management, and health care policy and cost. Students also complete a quality improvement practicum experience in which they demonstrate what they have learned through a real-world application.
Degree Options:
RN-BSN Program
In-State Tuition: $6,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
10. University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of South Florida confers a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that provides students the opportunity to earn their BSN within three full-time semesters or five part-time semesters. Within the fully web-based program, students complete an additional 30 hours of coursework divided as follows: nine hours of nursing electives, 15 hours in core nursing courses, and six credit hours in a nursing cluster such as clinical excellence, patient/staff education, or leadership/management. All students complete courses in population health, evidence-based practice, information technology, foundations of nursing health care leadership and management, and the educational role of the nurse in health care.
Degree Options:
RN to BS
In-State Tuition: $6,335
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,250
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
9. University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Points: 4
Program Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Central Florida provides registered nurses with the foundation they need to advance into graduate studies and leadership positions. The program is available entirely online and consists of 30 credit hours of coursework that can be completed in as many as 10 semesters or in as few as three semesters, depending on how many courses a student wishes to take per term. Graduates are prepared to seek career opportunities as trainers, staff nurses, RN case managers, nurse leaders, nurse consultants, and emergency room nurses. UCF also offers an ASN to BSN for students who have completed a minimum of one semester at the associate level and who wish to earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In-State Tuition: $5,375
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,515
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
8. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Points: 4
Program Website
The Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Florida International University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree designed for licensed registered nurses seeking to advance their careers, increase their value to employers, expand their skills, and boost their marketability. The fully online, 120-credit program is comprised of coursework relevant to the workplace and delves into topics such as health assessment and promotion, community health, nursing leadership in global health care, and care, wellness, and health across cultures. A senior clinical practicum is also required. Graduates who earn a BSN become accomplished, confident nursing professionals with a strong foundation in evidence-based nursing practices.
Degree Options:
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
In-State Tuition: $5,312
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,121
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
7. Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
The online RN to BSN program at Appalachian State University is comprised of 120 credit hours of study, 30 of which are taught by ASU. Students take classes on a part-time basis and earn their degree within one year. Major courses cover areas such as nursing research, nursing leadership and management, nursing care of communities, nursing care of older adults, health assessment, concepts of professional nursing, and nursing informatics. Students also complete a professional nursing synthesis that serves as the culminating capstone course. The program may lead to certification or licensure depending on the requirements of the state in which the student lives.
Degree Options:
Nursing (RN-BSN)
In-State Tuition: $4,890
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,906
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
6. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of North Carolina Wilmington provides a fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Students complete 29 credit hours of study, including one elective and nine core courses, and they can earn their degree in as few as 12 months. A minimum of 31 credit hours must be completed at UNCW to meet the residency requirements; the remaining credits may be transferred from a previously earned associate degree or diploma. Coursework includes the study of core concepts of management and leadership, community health nursing, gerontological nursing, and contemporary issues that affect professional nursing practice.
Degree Options:
RN to BSN Online
In-State Tuition: $4,866
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,465
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
5. Great Basin College
Elko, Nevada
Points: 4
Program Website
Great Basin College offers an RN to BSN program designed for non-traditional registered nurses who hold an associate degree. Students can complete the ACEN-accredited program on a part- or full-time basis, and there is no requirement for direct practice in a clinical setting. Within the 120-credit degree, the RN to BSN program consists of 54 credits of lower- and upper-division general education courses and upper-division nursing courses. Courses are offered in diversity and health care policy in rural environments, population-focused community health theory, evidence-based practice and research in nursing, and information systems and quality management. Students also complete a senior synthesis seminar that serves as a capstone as well as practicum experiences in population-focused community health and nursing leadership and management.
Degree Options:
RN to BSN
In-State Tuition: $2,850
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,450
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29:1
4. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
The College of Health and Human Sciences at Western Carolina University offers an online RN to BSN program that helps registered nurses enhance their leadership potential, broaden their view of current clinical practice, add value to their basic education, and prepare for graduate study. The CCNE-accredited curriculum is comprised of six hours of upper-division electives and 24 hours of core nursing courses as well as practicum experiences in community health and leadership. Students take classes on a part-time basis, and they can earn their degree within four semesters. WCU enrolls students twice per year, and students can begin the RN to BSN program in either August or January.
Degree Options:
R.N. to B.S.N.
In-State Tuition: $1,616
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,670
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
3. Mississippi University for Women
Columbus, Mississippi
Points: 5
Program Website
The Mississippi University for Women confers an RN to BSN advanced placement option. Students choose from either a hybrid format that combines a classroom setting with distance learning or a fully online format in which students have the option of attending an on-campus orientation each semester. Candidates must have a valid registered nursing license to be admitted into the program. Students may complete the program within three semesters by taking 12 to 18 credits per semester, and coursework is offered in leadership and management, community nursing practice, pathophysiology, health assessment, health promotion, and theory, research, and evidence-based practice.
Degree Options:
RN-to-BSN Advanced Placement Option
In-State Tuition: $6,840
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,840
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
2. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Points: 5
Program Website
Registered nurses looking to move out of basic clinical care may consider pursuing the RN to BSN program at Fayetteville State University in order to earn an undergraduate degree. Students are able to apply coursework they have already completed toward the bachelor’s degree requirements, and the program can be completed in two and a half semesters of full-time study or five semesters of part-time study. Students complete classes in emergency care, issues and trends in nursing, community health, evidence-based practices, and health assessment as well as clinical hours in community health and a senior practicum experience. Undergraduates also benefit from FSU’s Student Nursing Association that provides mentoring, networking opportunities, community involvement, and support.
Degree Options:
Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor in Science in Nursing (BSN) Program
In-State Tuition: $3,965
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,596
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
1. Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Points: 5
Program Website
The RN to BSN program at Winston-Salem State University builds on students’ prior experience and education. Students can choose from a traditional online format that offers the flexibility of distance learning combined with the structure of set deadlines and courses, or they may opt for the learner-paced online program that allows them to complete classes on their own time, on their own schedule. Offered through the School of Health Sciences, the curriculum can be completed on a part- or full-time basis and includes the study of leadership and management, community health nursing, gerontology, nursing research, health assessment, and pathophysiology.
Degree Options:
RN to BSN
In-State Tuition: $3,550
Out-of-State Tuition: $3,550
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Registered Nursing Degree?
Students who earn a BSN are prepared with the skills and knowledge required to pursue hundreds of different jobs in the field of nursing, including some management-level roles that require higher education. Popular career options for registered nurses can be broken down into various categories and subdivisions, including:
- Rehabilitation nurses
- Nephrology nurses
- Neonatal nurses
- Genetics nurses
- Critical care nurses
- Cardiovascular nurses
- Addictions nurses
Registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in order to be certified, and each state has its own licensing requirements such as training hours to be completed after earning the degree. Registered nurses must also keep their license in good standing by completing continuing education courses annually.
Licensed registered nurses who receive additional advanced training in the field of nursing are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), many of whom also hold a master’s degree in nursing. APRNs typically become one of three professionals: nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse midwives (CNMs), or nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
Due to the number of positions one can attain with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, it becomes difficult to pinpoint one specific salary range. However, in most cases, a BSN allows students to command higher salaries than those with merely a nursing diploma or associate degree. Below are a few data points compiled from PayScale that show the differences in average yearly salaries for students with nursing diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: $80,000
- Associate Degree in Nursing: $67,000
- Nursing Diploma: $62,000
Keep in mind that earnings will depend on the specific job title held. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses commanded an average yearly salary of $71,730 as of May 2018, while medical and health services managers earned $99,730 that same year.
What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Registered Nursing?
Although many registered nurses find success with a diploma or associate degree in nursing, pursuing a bachelor’s degree can set candidates apart when it comes to seeking employment. The most popular route for registered nurses is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a program that provides foundational coursework in order to prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to advance within the field. Most BSN degrees also require a minimum of one clinical residency or internship in which students benefit from hands-on, supervised training at a local health care organization or facility.
Because many registered nurses continue to work while pursuing their education, more schools are offering online BSN programs in addition to traditional brick-and-mortar programs. There is no difference between the two; distance learners complete the same curriculum as on-campus students, leading to a significant number of job opportunities for graduates. Some BSN programs also offer courses on a fast-track or accelerated basis, allowing students to earn their degree in as few as one or two years. Finally, the online format in which students can study at home can be ideal for those with childcare constraints, part-time jobs, or other conflicting commitments that interfere with the traditional method of learning.
What Courses Will You Take in a Bachelor’s in Nursing Degree?
Online degrees in nursing prepare graduates to seek employment in various settings such as private homes, long-term care or nursing facilities, hospitals, and physicians’ offices. While nurses may attain positions with an associate degree or diploma, more employers are requiring students to hold a bachelor’s degree. Although every school and program is different, nearly all require courses with clinical hours that allow students to gain hands-on, real-world experience in the field. Some of the most common concentrations one might come across in online bachelor’s degrees in nursing include nursing forensics, nursing informatics, and nursing management.
Courses that you will take in a bachelor’s in nursing degree vary depending on the school. While some offer a broad, general overview of the field of nursing, others focus on the technical knowledge and skills required to become a successful nurse professional. Nearly all online bachelor’s degrees in nursing offer courses in the following areas:
- Evidence-based nursing and research
- Health assessment
- Leadership
- Current issues and trends facing health care
- Health care policy
- Health care promotion
- Community health nursing
- Nursing care of older adults
- Health assessment
- Nursing informatics
The length of time it takes to complete an online bachelor’s degree in nursing program will depend on a number of factors, including whether you take classes on a part- or full-time basis as well as the number and type of courses the school offers each term. In addition, some schools allow students to complete classes at their own pace and on their own time, while others organize students into a cohort in which they move through the program and complete assignments via the same schedule as their classmates. Those who opt for an individually paced program generally have more flexibility with how quickly they would like to complete their degree. In addition, students who are registered nurses or who have an associate degree are able to transfer more credits into the BSN degree, thus shortening the number of credits required to finish the program.
Whether you are just testing the waters in the field of nursing or you are looking to advance in your current role within a health care organization, a bachelor’s degree in nursing can help you gain more responsibility, expand your knowledge, further develop your skills, and command a higher salary. When choosing an online BSN program to meet your academic and professional goals, remember that cost is not everything, and that the quality and type of the courses offered are of greater importance. We hope that our list of the 25 top value, affordable online Bachelor’s in Registered Nursing degrees serves as a solid starting point as you move into or advance within this exciting and rewarding field.
AS Staff
April 2019
This concludes our ranking of the 25 Top Value Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Registered Nursing.
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