Registered Nurses typically work in shifts to cover all 24 hours of the day. They may be required to work nights, holidays and weekends.
To become an RN, aspiring nurses can follow three different paths – a diploma program, an associate degree in Nursing (AND) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. For nurses who are already working, RN to BSN programs are an excellent option for career advancement. And with several institutions now offering these programs in online and hybrid formats, this option is becoming quite popular.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 cheap online RN to BSN programs available in the US. These programs have been taken from bestvalueschools.com and are in no particular order.
Central Methodist University
CMU has a challenging and rewarding RN to BSN program that is designed to give students a solid theoretical and practical foundation. Students are exposed to a variety of medical subjects, along with the importance of leadership skills, communication, research and diagnosis. You will have the opportunity to take classes such as Data Analysis for Allied Health, Home Health and Rural Health.
Western Governors University
The RN to BSN program at the Western Governors gives you the opportunity to expand your skills beyond the basics of nursing. You will be given advanced instructions in evidence-based practice as well as patient safety and technology integration into healthcare systems. 84% of the graduates at the Western Governors University finish this program within 24 months, becoming qualified enough to work in hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics.
Mississippi University for Women
The RN to BSN program at MUW has been consistently ranked among the top online/hybrid programs in the field. The University offers two flexible options – the Total Distance Option, which is an online option designed to fit into the schedule of a working nurse, and a Partial Distance Option, which is a combination of online and classroom learning.
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida offers a one-of-a-kind Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that is ideal for registered nurses currently working. The program is entirely online, with a completion time of five part-time semesters or three full-time semesters. The programs offered by the USF are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
University of Texas – Arlington
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation at UTA has a one-of-a-kind RN to BSN program that is designed to build up on your existing nursing skills. It provides research-based learning opportunities, along with giving students a solid understanding of leadership skills required for healthcare. The program at the UTA is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and can be completed in as few as 9 months.
University of Louisiana – Lafayette
The University of Louisiana – Lafayette offers a 100% online RN to BSN program that teaches students the application of nursing theories in professional practice, along with the application of leadership skills in healthcare. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and has one of the lowest total tuition fees.
University of Southern Indiana
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Southern Indiana offers an RN to BSN program with great flexibility and a short time span to complete. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the program can be completed in 8 weeks and has multiple start dates throughout the year. All courses are offered in a distance-learning format, giving students the opportunity to set their own pace.
Ohio University
The RN to BSN program at the Ohio University is flexible and designed to suit the schedule of currently employed nurses who want to further their careers. It gives students the opportunity to review study materials online and submit assignments anywhere and at any time. The university also gives students the advantage of flexible and affordable payment options. The Ohio University has education options for RNs in almost every stage of their careers.
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri offers an extensive variety of coursework in its RN to BSN program. The University offers an eight-week long course format with two semesters and the option of a flexible part-time schedule. As part of this program, students are expected to complete multiple advance level courses in nursing, such as Health and Physical Assessment, Concepts of Community Health Nursing and Socio-Economic Factors Impacting Health, etc.
University of Arkansas
The RN to BSN program at the University of Arkansas has courses that are taught by full-time faculty members in a one-year format. The program is entirely online and can be completed in a 3 or 5 semester plan. Students graduating from this program are exposed to evidence-based practice opportunities and are also made to collaborate with a mentor. The program includes eleven online courses that are taught through the University of Arkansas Global Campus. One of these courses is a clinical immersion course that you can complete in your geographic area.
Jobs with a BSN Degree
Once you have completed an online RN to BSN degree, many career opportunities would open up for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth in this field is expected to be at 15% between 2016 and 2026. You may be able to find employment in hospitals, ambulatory healthcare and nursing and residential care facilities.
