Are you a busy RN who desires more career satisfaction, better salary and higher job security? The skills and education acquired from online BSN degrees can open doors to new opportunities and lead to higher earning potential. According to the US Census Bureau, a BA/BS holder earns on the average at least $10,000 more per year than someone with an associate degree. Higher education may also mean better job security as many employers value employees with more knowledge and training.
Components of Online BSN Degrees
Classes – An online bachelor of nursing degree normally consists of 120 to128 credits of general education and nursing courses. Incoming RNs may transfer approved credits earned from previous academic programs. A typical online BSN curriculum covers a wide range of health-related topics, such as: patient assessment, nursing research, clinical pharmacology, community health nursing, and management and leadership.
Clinical – Some courses come with a practicum component. This is the only part of the curriculum that does not take place online. Instead, students get assigned to work at health agencies in their respective areas. Clinical work is a valuable part of training because it creates situations for students to apply the skills and knowledge learned in online classes to real-life challenges.
Getting Into Online RN to BSN Programs
Each nursing school has its own admission requirements. The distance BSN program at University of Wisconsin in Green Bay (UW-Green Bay) requires its applicants to have, among other criteria, a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a valid RN license. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), students must also fulfill technical requirements, such as having access to a computer and stable internet connection.
Financing Online Bachelor of Nursing Degree
Attainment of a bachelor’s degree requires time, commitment and financial resources. Consider state universities and colleges as they often have more affordable tuition rates for state residents. The one-year online RN to BSN program at UNC-Chapel Hill costs about $6,500 for North Carolina residents and over $22,000 for non-resident students. In addition to financial aid options from schools and government, check with current employers for tuition reimbursement possibilities. Some employers have programs to help their employees shoulder the expenses of higher education and training. There are also private scholarships available for nursing students.
RN to BSN Online: Is Distance Learning for You?
The nursing program at UNC-Chapel Hill advises prospective students to research and reflect before pursuing online BSN degrees. Distance learning gives students more flexibility and autonomy, but it also demands students to be good at self motivation, independent learning, distance communication, and more.
With the right attitude, dedication and an online RN to BSN program that meets your needs, you will be able to pursue a fulfilling career transition from a RN to a BSN nurse.
Sources:
“The Big Payoff: Education Attainment and Synthetic Estimates of Work-Life Earnings.” US Census Bureau, 2002
“Admission/Application.” University of Wisconsin – Green Bay
“RN-BSN Online Program – Estimated Cost of Attendance – 2010-2011 Academic Year.” University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“ Is Online Learning for You? ” University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
