How Long Does it Take to Complete an RN to BSN Online Program?

Registered nurses (RNs) who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) but can’t afford to quit their jobs often wonder who long it takes to complete an RN to BSN online program. The RN to BSN online programs are a popular choice for RNs who cannot attend college full-time at a campus. They offer the same excellent training found in traditional on-campus nursing programs but can be completed in less time. With dedication and a strong commitment to studying, a student can complete the RN to BSN online program in just a couple of years. Learn more about online RN to BSN programs.

Overview of RN to BSN Program

The RN to BSN program is similar to a regular BSN program, but it takes less time to complete than the BSN program. A student pursuing a traditional BSN can expect to be in college for four years. An RN with an associate’s degree can complete the RN to BSN program in two years. Typical online nursing programs cannot be completed 100 percent online because nursing programs require a clinical component. However, students in the RN to BSN program are already nurses and will have already completed the clinical education either when they were earning the RN degree or through current employment as an RN.

How Long Is the RN to BSN Online Program

One of the most attractive features of the RN to BSN online program is that students can complete the program in the convenience of their home at their own pace. Typically, the online version of the RN to BSN program can be completed in the same amount of time as the on-campus version, which is two to three years. Students who are willing to put in a little extra time and commitment can shave off a year and complete the RN to BSN program online in 18 months to two years.

Differences Between Online and On-Campus RN to BSN Program

Whether a student chooses to complete the RN to BSN program online or at a brick-and-mortar college, the result is the same. Both graduates will have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and both will be ready to work as an RN in an advanced nursing position. Here are a few of the differences between the two programs:

• Completion Time – The conventional BSN program generally takes four years to complete. The RN to BSN program can be completed in two to three years. It takes less time because the RN already has a nursing degree and has completed many of the required nursing courses. The online version can be completed in less time if the student is willing to put in extra time and effort and complete courses quicker.
• Quality of Education – With so many online nursing degrees available and with the popularity of online nursing programs increasing every year, nursing schools are making sure to make their programs are as good if not better than traditional nursing programs. Medical facilities also look at online nursing degrees as highly as those earned at an actual college.
• College Experience – One of the main differences between online and on-campus nursing programs is that the students don’t have as much student interaction in online programs. However, some programs do offer students resources on how they can communicate and network with other healthcare professionals or nursing students in their areas.

Related Resource: 20 Best Affordable Colleges for RN-BSN Online

Registered nurses play an important role in the healthcare industry and continue to be in demand according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These medical professionals are expected to experience employment growth of 12 percent between 2018 and 2028 with about 371,500 new RN jobs created by 2028. Because RNs with bachelor’s degrees tend to earn higher wages, many RNs choose to complete an RN to BSN online program.

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