What is the Fastest Way for an RN to Earn a BSN Degree?

Taking a three- to four-year career hiatus to advance your nursing education isn’t likely feasible, so you may be wondering what’s the fastest way for an RN to earn a BSN degree. Registered nurses can maximize their previous training credits by entering RN-BSN programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the United States has 747 RN-BSN programs available to nurses who’ve already passed the NCLEX-RN exam. Enrolling in an RN-BSN program is the fastest stepping stone for nursing professionals to reach their full clinical potential in diverse specialties from pediatrics to geriatrics. Studying quickly means you’ll minimize the hassle and tuition payments while continuing to work and obtain the esteemed BSN credential. Here’s everything you should know about accredited nursing schools’ speediest option.

Accelerated RN-BSN Degree Curriculum

Registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can enter accelerated RN-BSN degrees and waive up to 75 percent of the bachelor’s usual requirements. Most BSN programs for RNs will accept 90 transfer credits graded at least “C,” thus leaving you only one-fourth of the 120-credit degree to finish. Some RN-BSN programs could allow credit for prior experience if you only hold a hospital-based nursing diploma. Remaining BSN courses will survey advanced clinical subjects, including community health, nursing management, nursing ethics, nutrition, and nursing research. Accredited RN-BSN degrees also frequently bypass lengthy practicums for working nurses in order save precious time.

Online vs. Traditional RN-BSN Programs

RN-BSN programs are clearly the fastest way for an RN to earn a BSN degree, but the method of course delivery could be even more rapid online. Online RN-BSN schools use cutting-edge learning technologies like Blackboard and Canvas to make nursing courses as flexible as possible. Registered nurses can find accredited online universities where five- and eight-week course sessions are exceptionally speedy. For example, the traditional two-year RN-BSN program takes just 12-18 months at schools like St. John Fisher College and Rasmussen College. RNs can even access online assignments anytime on laptops and mobile devices for squeezing study time into breaks and their cafeteria lunch hours.

Finding Fast RN-BSN Programs Online

There are over 400 accredited online RN-BSN degrees to choose from. Emphasis should be placed on accreditation because attending a nursing school without ACEN or CCNE approval could hurt your degree’s recognition by health care facilities. The National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database is an excellent search tool. Browse for programs by the registered nurse major and check the box for distance education only. Ranking publications like the U.S. News and Niche also list the year’s best nursing schools in America. When you find prospective RN-BSN online degree programs, don’t be afraid to ask about important decision factors like financial aid, curriculum length, faculty credentials, job placement, and student support.

Overall, online RN-BSN programs could take shorter than 18 months but provide a wealth of career benefits. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing means you can apply for more specialized jobs, become eligible for supervisory responsibilities, display higher diagnostic proficiency, and eventually enter graduate school for APRN study. According to Nurse Journal, the median salary for RNs jumps from $61,360 at the ADN level to $69,697 with a BSN. Plus, online colleges are affordably offering the fastest way for an RN to earn a BSN degree for a strong return on investment.