As a dedicated nurse who wants to advance your career, one of your nursing goals may be earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), but you have responsibilities. Personal and professional obligations can make it nearly impossible to find time to attend class.
One of the advantages of modern education is that you can earn your degree through an online RN to BSN program. These programs offer convenience and flexibility for the working nurse, and they typically save you both money and time. Other benefits of online programs include the following:
- Eligibility for programs outside your geographical area
- Access to lectures and other class materials as often as you need
- The option to review coursework and material prior to joining discussions
- Meeting and networking with other students from around the country
Determine Your Nursing Goals
Earning a BSN can broaden your evidence-based clinical knowledge, improve your decision-making and critical thinking, and advance your nursing leadership skills. Choosing the right online RN to BSN program depends on your nursing goals.
Take the time to decide what your career interests and ambitions are. Do you want to become a supervisor, manager or executive? Do you want to earn an advanced degree and become a nurse practitioner, nurse educator or research nurse? Do you want to specialize in a particular area of nursing?
Choosing an Online Program
Now that you know your nursing goals, here are some questions to consider when selecting an online degree program:
- Do the program’s courses fit your goals?
- Does the pacing work with your schedule?
- What types of learning modules and resources does the program use?
- Who are the faculty, and what support will you receive?
- Is technical support readily available?
- Can you meet the admission requirements?
- Is the program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)?
- What is the cost, and are payment plans available?
- Does the program have clinical requirements?
You also need to consider your financial resources and the support system you will need while you complete the program. Arrange a support system of family and friends who understand how important completing your degree is to you and can help you carve out time for your studies.
Aligning an online RN to BSN program with your nursing goals can help you advance your career, improve your earning potential, and expand your employment opportunities.
Learn more about the Arkansas State University online RN to BSN program.