The Best Online Second-Degree BSN Programs
In the healthcare field, registered nurses (RNs) are highly skilled professionals who provide specialized care to patients in various settings. Their duties involve a wide range of clinical tasks, such as administering medications, carrying out patient evaluations, providing wound care and bandaging, obtaining vital signs, and patient and family education, among others.
To be eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), one must have completed either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Opting for a BSN can lead to increased earning potential, a wider range of job options, and more opportunities for career growth compared to those who hold an ADN degree.
Completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a great way to increase your earning potential and expand your career options. These programs typically take between 3-4 years to complete, depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. However, if you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may be able to obtain a BSN degree in less time. Many colleges and universities offer BSN programs, some of which are available in an online hybrid learning format.
When it comes to pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you can expect to gain a well-rounded education that includes lectures, skills labs, and clinical rotations. BSN programs aim to develop critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based practice skills, which are essential for becoming a competent and safe nursing professional. By participating in various types of learning experiences, you’ll acquire the expertise and knowledge needed to excel in your career.
After finishing the BSN program, you will have earned a degree in nursing. However, it’s crucial to note that having a degree alone doesn’t allow you to practice nursing professionally. That’s because you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a nursing license. This exam serves as an assessment tool to determine if you have the essential knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective nursing care.
Once you have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN exam, the next step is to apply for a nursing license in your practicing state. It is important to keep in mind that nursing licenses need to be renewed periodically, typically every two years. The renewal process varies by state and involves fulfilling specific requirements such as practicing hours or continuing education hours. As a nurse, it is your responsibility to keep track of your renewal hours and submit them before your license expires.
Can You Complete a BSN Program Online?
Yes, you can, but it will be in a hybrid format. No BSN program is 100% online because nursing is a profession that requires a lot of hands-on practice. Hybrid BSN programs allow students to complete their lectures and most, if not all, of their coursework online. However, hands-on portions of the curriculum, such as skills labs and clinical rotations, must still be completed in person. The amount of hands-on clinical time students are required to have is dictated by the state’s board of nursing, not by the individual nursing school.
For those that do not already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field or an Associate Degree in Nursing, most online hybrid BSN programs take around the same time to complete as a traditional program, usually between 3-4 years. However, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, it can take you significantly less time to obtain your BSN, usually between 1-2 years.
Online vs. Traditional BSN Programs: Which is Right for You?
There are different types of BSN programs available to aspiring RNs, including hybrid and traditional programs. Both types of programs offer valuable education, training, and experiences that are necessary for a successful nursing career.
Traditional BSN programs provide opportunities for direct interaction with instructors and peers, which can be beneficial for students who prefer face-to-face instruction. Additionally, the more structured schedule of traditional programs can be helpful for those who need a strict routine to succeed academically.
Hybrid programs are more flexible and convenient, which is great for students with jobs, families, and other responsibilities. However, online programs may not be a good fit for those who are unskilled with technology or struggle with self-motivation regarding self-paced online learning. Additionally, second-degree BSN programs are usually accelerated, making them even more rigorous and academically intense than traditional programs.
Ultimately, the choice between an online or traditional BSN program comes down to your learning preferences and how much flexibility you need in order to balance nursing school with your other personal obligations.
The following five online second-degree BSN programs are considered some of the best in the country, due to achieving NCLEX-RN pass rates higher than the national average of 82.3% :
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 83%
Online/Hybrid Option: Yes
Accredited? Yes
The University of Massachusetts offers an accelerated BSN program specifically designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to become a nurse. The 12-month program offers online, concept-based lectures with in-person simulation and clinical experiences.
The program offers three admissions per year, in the summer, fall, and spring. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning. The program also places a high priority on integrating technology while providing experiences that cultivate necessary workforce skills.
The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Burlington, Massachusetts
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93%
Online/Hybrid Option: Yes
Accredited? Yes
Northeastern University offers an accelerated BSN program designed for students who already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Students can earn their BSN in as little as 16 months of full-time study. They offer three start dates per year, in January, May, and September.
The program is offered in a hybrid format, consisting of a rigorous blend of online and onsite instruction. Northeastern’s nursing program utilizes state-of-the-art clinical equipment during student learning activities and maintains strong partnerships with Boston-area healthcare employers.
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Chicago, Illinois
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.3%
Online/Hybrid Option: Yes
Accredited? Yes
Loyola University offers an accelerated BSN program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The program takes 16 months of full-time study to complete and consists of both online and in-person components. There are two start dates per year, in January and August.
The accelerated BSN curriculum provides a comprehensive nursing education over four semesters. The curriculum consists of online nursing courses, onsite skills and simulation labs, and onsite clinical rotations at leading healthcare facilities in the Chicago area.
Loyola University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94%
Online/Hybrid Option: Yes
Accredited? Yes
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers a hybrid accelerated BSN program designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to obtain a nursing degree. The program takes 12 months of full-time study to complete, with start dates offered in February, May, and October of each year.
The rigorous accelerated BSN curriculum encompasses the highest quality nursing education, utilizing both online and in-person instructional components. Nursing theory courses are offered completely online, while skills lab and clinical rotations are completed face-to-face.
The University of Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Location: Arlington, Virginia
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.7%
Online/Hybrid Option: Yes
Accredited? Yes
Marymount University offers a hybrid accelerated BSN program designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. The program takes 16 months of full-time study to complete.
The curriculum offers online coursework, in-person skills lab, clinical rotations, and an immersive on-campus residency. The program boasts clinical placement services and dedicated support services for its students, as well.
Marymount University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
