Accelerated Online RN to BSN Programs: Finding a School
Fast-track online RN to BSN programs can make going back to school while juggling a full-time job far more convenient. Use EduMed’s guide to explore real programs, learn how they work online, and get answers to FAQs from nursing students just like you.
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Nursing Nursing Ed.Inside Accelerated Online RN to BSN Programs
A major shift has occurred in nursing, with over 70% of nurses in the US, including over half the nurses entering the profession, holding a BSN or higher degree. This increase in education level has been shown to improve the quality of care patients receive and the competency of the nurses who provide it.
If you’re already an RN, the quickest way to get your BSN is through a fast-track program. To aid your search for the right program, EduMed profiled three high-quality online, accelerated bridge programs. From accreditation status to cost to unique program features, the insights can help you determine what makes a fast-track RN to BSN program worth considering.
Franklin University
Franklin University’s bridge program is one of the fastest RN to BSN programs available online, offering a streamlined path for nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to level up their education and careers.
The program’s unique, dynamic curriculum is delivered through e-books, videos, and outside research, all of which is provided at no additional cost to the student.
It includes courses in:
- Nursing leadership and management
- Community and population health
- Health informatics
- Healthcare law and ethics
- Healthcare quality
- Evidence-based practice
The degree also requires students to complete a capstone course and project. There is no clinical component to Franklin University’s fast-track RN to BSN program.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Online
Purdue Global
Purdue Global provides a unique approach among the fastest RN to BSN programs available online. Purdue’s ExcelTrack RN-to-BSN program emphasizes moving nurses past content they have already mastered by allowing enrolled students to take assessments to demonstrate prior knowledge.
Alternatively, students can work quickly through familiar content in one-credit modules, maximizing the time they spend on new content.
Didactic instruction is delivered entirely online, but students in this fast-track BSN program must complete a clinical rotation in person in the health facility of their choice within their community.
Enrollment windows open every couple months, so students can dive into their studies when they are ready.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
SUNY Brockport
The online Fast-Track RN to BSN program at SUNY Brockport is accredited by the commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and designed for adult learners and working nurses. Students must hold an unencumbered New York Registered Nurse license to be considered for admission to the program.
The university provides an online concierge service for remote students to request assistance in their degree programs and receive referrals to campus service offices. The program boasts that an impressive 50% of Fast-Track students move into nursing leadership positions within one year of graduation, making SUNY Brockport a quality choice for nurses eager to gain career mobility.
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Programs that might interest you:
Support Center: Student FAQs
We’ve walked you through some of the best and fastest RN to BSN programs available online, but you may have lingering questions.
Keep reading to explore answers to some of the most common questions prospective students have and get the information you need to determine if an accelerated online program is right for you.
Are online accelerated RN to BSN programs as reputable as traditional on-campus options?
In many cases, yes. Like a traditional program, you’ll want to look at an online program’s accreditation status (with CCNE being the gold standard), outcomes (including NCLEX pass rates), and curriculum offerings. NCLEX success rates provide a general picture of how successfully a school is preparing its students.
Other quality indicators include the support services offered by the university and the school’s reputation with your state’s board of nursing.
Can I continue working while enrolled in an accelerated RN to BSN program?
Yes, many fast-track RN to BSN programs are specifically designed for working nurses. A variety of features, including self-paced, asynchronous courses, make it possible for RNs to continue working while advancing their education.
Your employer will benefit from and likely be supportive of you earning your BSN, but be open about your needs and availability while enrolled in your program. Honest communication will help your employer understand if you need to change your schedule or take time off work to focus on school.
Is a fast-track RN to BSN program for everyone?
Fast-track RN to BSN programs aren’t a good fit for all. Generally, they’re better for people who have more free time since the curriculum is delivered at an accelerated pace. For example, if you work full-time as a nurse and are a primary caregiver for small children, a traditional RN to BSN program may better suit your lifestyle than a fast-track one.
Is financial aid available for students in accelerated online RN to BSN programs?
You can receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and student loans regardless of the pace of your program. The first step in qualifying for many of these is to fill out the FAFSA. You can also reach out to your university’s financial aid office for information about available nursing-specific scholarships and grants.
There are also scholarships specifically for RNs looking to earn their BSN. For more help finding a program that fits your budget, check out our guide to the most affordable online RN to BSN programs.
How are clinicals arranged in fast-track RN to BSN programs?
Many online programs allow you to complete requisite clinical rotations in your community under the supervision of an approved preceptor on site. It will likely be your responsibility to find an appropriate site and preceptor.
Some fast-track RN to BSN degree programs do not require clinical rotations, but instead require students to complete a capstone course or project.
Challenges (& Solutions) of Accelerated RN to BSN Programs
If you’re an RN, you know that nursing school is hard work, but that doesn’t mean you know what to expect from a fast-track RN to BSN program. We’ve outlined some of the most common challenges students face in these programs and solutions to help you manage them.
Challenge: Assuming They’re Easier Than Traditional Programs
Many RNs pursuing fast-track online RN to BSN programs make the mistake of believing their BSN-level school work will be easier than that of their ADN. Depending on your time-management skills, online fast-track programs may actually be more challenging than a traditional program.
Solution: Connect with others who have completed online programs, particularly fast-track RN to BSN options. Prepare thoroughly and treat your classes with the same level of dedication and focus you would if you were taking them in-person.
A study published in BMC Nursing indicates that some students found online school more challenging because of the level of written work required compared to face-to-face programs. Research your program thoroughly and talk to professors and current students to mentally prepare for the workload.
Expert Insight
Online study requires autonomy and self-discipline. If your courses aren’t synchronous (no set class times), it will take disciple to set your own study schedule and actually stick to it. As a prior online student, I suggest setting aside study days or committing to a certain number of study hours per week to stay ahead of coursework.
Challenge: Not Creating a Solid Study Space
Work, school, and home life can easily blend together and distract from one another if you don’t set up an environment conducive to learning.
Solution: Before beginning your program, set up a space that is conducive to learning that’s relatively quiet, has reduced distractions, and offers proper associations, including furniture that promotes healthy posture and a space that is not likely to tempt you to neglect schoolwork.
A recent study found that online students need to carefully consider the physical, social, and behavioral aspects of their study environments.
Challenge: Neglecting Self Care
Nurses are prone to neglecting their own self-care. This problem becomes even more troublesome when you are trying to balance your professional, personal, and academic obligations.
Solution: Before you begin your fast-track RN to BSN online program, reflect on what helps you feel your best. Prioritizing sleep and a healthy diet will not only help you avoid burnout, but also help you perform better in your classes.
Intentionally structuring your time to include rest and leisure will help protect your mental health throughout the duration of your program, which also improves academic performance.
Challenge: Not Making a Financial Plan
Tuition is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the cost of a degree, even a fast-track RN to BSN online. Failing to account for other costs such as textbooks and special course fees can create financial stress.
Solution: Investigate the costs of each program carefully and make a detailed plan of all the costs involved. Use a budget to help you prepare for your income versus expenses during your program. Carefully consider hidden expenses such as convenience foods or the need for an upgraded personal computer.
Saving up to cover these costs before beginning your degree can help mitigate unforeseen costs and lower your financial burden.
