Many Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) programs take 18 to 24 months to complete, but accelerated options can cut that timeline significantly. The nursing workforce continues to grow, and many employers now prefer to hire registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If nurses hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), pursuing a BSN may open doors to leadership roles and greater career advancement.
St. Thomas University (STU) offers an online RN to BSN program for working nurses who want to complete a program at a pace that works for them. Nurses can access coursework online from anywhere, anytime, with multiple start dates each year and no campus travel required.
What Is an Online RN to BSN Program?
An online RN to BSN is a bridge program for nurses who already hold an ADN. The RN to BSN program builds on the preparation, knowledge and skills nurses acquire in their associate program and on the job.
In an online program, nurses gain competency in leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills so they can effectively collaborate with healthcare professionals and coworkers. BSN-prepared nurses understand how to deliver culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations in a variety of healthcare settings.
Moreover, students in the STU’s RN to BSN program learn how to use information technology (IT) to improve patient care decisions and increase positive outcomes. They also examine why professional development, lifelong learning and scholarship are important factors in advancing the nursing profession.
Why Is an Online RN to BSN Program a Good Choice for RNs?
Online programs are ideal for working RNs who want to continue earning a paycheck while advancing their education. Many RN to BSN programs, including STU’s, are 100% online.
Nurses in online programs do not have to travel to a campus and sit in a classroom. Instead, they can access coursework and materials whenever and wherever is most convenient. In STU’s program, nurses can complete the clinical leadership project at their current place of employment.
What Are the Advantages of Online RN to BSN Programs?
Online RN to BSN programs offer several practical advantages for nurses balancing work and school. These degree programs help nurses qualify for transformative leadership roles in nursing such as assistant director of nursing, assistant nurse manager or nurse supervisor. The following are just a few of the advantages of an online RN to BSN program:
- Affordability
- Flexible scheduling
- Multiple start dates for seven- or six-week terms
- No commuting
- Opportunity cost savings
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online RN to BSN Program?
The time to complete a BSN online varies according to the program. At STU, students may graduate from the accelerated online RN to BSN program in as few as 12 months.
The STU program includes nine core courses, varying between three-credit-hour and four-credit-hour courses, and two general education classes. To complete the 36-credit-hour program in a year, students need to take at least two courses for each of four terms and one class for the other three terms.
Why Would Students Take More Time Than Necessary to Complete the Program?
Online programs give nurses the flexibility to determine how quickly or slowly they want to complete the RN to BSN. The ability to set their own pace makes online programs a practical option for nurses managing work, family and other commitments at the same time.
Some nurses may decide to take time off from nursing so they can concentrate on coursework. Other students may need to take longer because they are working or managing personal responsibilities.
Some students may need to complete more coursework in order to satisfy prerequisite and general education requirements. Financial considerations may also affect how quickly nurses can finish an RN to BSN program. Some nurses cannot afford to complete an online program within a year. They may need to spread the costs out beyond 12 months.
Why Nurses Should Advance Their Education
The 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey found that more than 73% of RNs now hold at least a bachelor’s degree. As the nursing workforce grows more educated, nurses with only an ADN face increasing competition from BSN-prepared peers for leadership roles and advancement opportunities.
A 2023 survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) revealed nearly 70% of employers prefer BSN-prepared nurses and 25% now require a BSN for new nursing hires. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reporting a median annual wage of $93,600 for registered nurses in 2024 and projecting 5% employment growth through 2034, nurses with an ADN have strong professional and financial reasons to pursue a BSN. An online RN to BSN program can help nurses achieve their goals by positioning them for career advancement and increased earning potential.
Learn more about St. Thomas University’s online RN to BSN program.
