What are the Top RN to BSN Schools?

Prospects for nurses are increasing in all areas of the country. This is in part due to the expansion of the healthcare system. Another contributing factor is the aging baby boomer population. The result of these two areas has left a shortage of nurses. Employment rates are expected to grow by almost 25% by 2016. Although a two-year degree is required for a graduate to be able to sit for NCLEX-RN, many are attending four-year Bachelor’s degree programs. These degrees teach research, leadership, theory and nursing management in addition to the basic nursing skills. They use cutting edge technology and the focus on the latest healthcare techniques. Here are a few of the top RN to BSN schools in the United States.

They are accredited and provide many career options for their students. Chamberlain College of Nursing has 120 years of experience in training nurses, from RN to BSN degrees to Graduate level nursing programs. They offer campus based classes as well as an online program. Their Fast-Track completion program is open to Registered Nurses only. It enables nurses to advance their careers in as little as three academic semesters. This online program is flexible enough to enable students to attend while working full time. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an online completion program that is designed to help registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor’s degree.

Its goals are to help students increase their knowledge in evidence-based care, ethical practices and clinical decision-making. Program access is 24/7 and is designed to be completed at the student’s own pace. Although summer sessions take place on campus only, they are not required for degree completion. Jacksonville University offers a degree program that focuses on research and health promotion using new technologies. An existing RN certificate is counted as part of the graduation requirements. The University of Saint Mary’s RN to BSN program is designed to prepare students to be ethical, effective leaders in their organization and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The RN to BSN degree offered by Indiana State University teaches nurses on the job whenever possible. They understand that moving from an RN to a Bachelor’s degree is a big step. As a result, they teach students to manage floors, create schedules and handle payroll issues. This expanding of skill sets allows nurses to increase their opportunities and enable them to find new positions in their chosen career. Patient care and nursing methods are blended with computer applications and administration. The top schools offering accelerated programs are fully accredited. Although many are completed entirely online, others offer a blend of the campus and online environment. These programs have been developed to provide in-depth training that can be utilized by the student immediately.