The field of nursing is changing. Are you ready? In the past, an RN degree was sufficient for a career in nursing.
But because of demographic realities like an aging population as well as the changing role of nurses themselves, employers are increasingly looking for a BSN as a minimum requirement for employment.
In fact, the BSN is becoming so prominent that the American Association of Colleges of Nursing now recommends it as minimal preparation for professional practice.
And even if you are well into your nursing career, there are many reasons to upgrade your RN to a BSN:
Nurses with a BSN are able to demand higher salaries.[footnote]http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary[/footnote]
A BSN is necessary for leadership positions, nurse practitioner programs, or graduate education.
Hospitals with Magnet Recognition prefer to hire nurses with a BSN.
Soon, a BSN will be the standard for all nurses who desire job security and opportunities for career advancement. This reality has led to a huge increase in the number of RN to BSN programs available – many delivered exclusively online, with flexible scheduling and affordable tuition.
The sheer volume of available online programs makes the task of wading through program websites a time-consuming and daunting task – so we at College Choice have done it for you.
What Are the Best RN to BSN Degrees?
Our ranking takes into account a number of factors.
We've sifted through the data, weighing program accreditation, national reputation, tuition costs, and early career earnings of graduates—to come up with a composite score that balances academic excellence with the all-important return on investment.
A few things to be aware of as you peruse the list:
Accreditation is extremely important. All schools on our list are regionally accredited, and all schools have further credentials from either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Some programs have face-to-face or practicum requirements that necessitate travel, so be sure to look into that before applying.
The number of credits you will need to complete the degree will vary on how many credits you are able to transfer into the program. Most BSN degrees are around 120 credits total – most RN to BSN programs include around 30 credits of nursing courses with clinicals and electives.
Good luck in your search – we hope our list helps you find the best program for you!
Rankings
See our rankings methodology page.
