What is an RN to BSN Program?
When nursing careers first really started gaining traction an associates degree in nursing (ADN) was the way to go. As time has gone on though, the new baseline education for nursing has begun to shift to a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). This means that you may be wanting to learn about RN to BSN Programs. This may be a good career move for you given that many hospitals and healthcare institutions are shifting to requiring nurses they hire to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
Additionally, nurses with a BSN tend to make more than those with an ADN. So what is an RN to BSN bridge program? These programs recognize the experience and education that ADN RNs already have and prepare them to practice as RNs with a BSN. They are programs that are usually around 1-2 years in length that enhance your education patient care skills through additional coursework and clinical experiences compared to what you have previously had.
These programs may require that you have completed certain courses in your ADN programs and some require a certain amount of RN employment experience, so it is essential that you check with the schools that you are applying to as to what their requirements are.
Best Ranked RN to BSN Programs in Your State
Elevate your nursing career with our curated list of the best RN to BSN programs in each state. Transitioning from a Registered Nurse (RN) to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) opens doors to broader career prospects and deeper clinical knowledge. Our guide spotlights premier programs close to you, paving a well-marked path towards achieving your enhanced nursing ambitions.
See our ranking methodology for RN-to-BSN degree programs.
Why Should I Earn a Bachelor’s in Nursing?
Getting your bachelor’s will offer many advantages to you and your nursing career. Not only will you likely earn more money and have more career options and flexibility, but you will also be able to enhance the level of care you provide to patients. BSN prepared nurses are trained in providing evidence based care and using research to inform their practice.
They can advance their career by not only changing the specialty that they work in but after accumulating experience they can also transition into more leadership and management roles.
With your BSN you will be able to enhance your career and the nursing field as a whole. Additionally, should you choose to continue your education further and receive your master’s in the future your will be able to do so. Chances are you already have experience as an RN. By getting your BSN colleagues and employers will be more likely to recognize you for the expert nurse that you are.
RN to BSN Programs
List RN to BSN Programs State by State
University | Offered as | City/State |
---|---|---|
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock | Campus, Hybrid | Little Rock, AR |
Fresno Pacific University | Campus, Hybrid | Fresno, CA |
Colorado State University-Pueblo | Campus | Pueblo, CO |
Miami Dade Community College | Campus | Miami, FL |
Lewis-Clark State College | Campus | Lewiston, ID |
Saint Francis Medical Center – College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Peoria, IL |
Valparaiso University | Campus, Hybrid | Valparaiso, IN |
University of Louisville-Louisville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Louisville, KY |
Frederick Community College | Campus | Frederick, MD |
Worcester State College (WSU) | Campus | Worcester, MA |
The College of Saint Scholastica | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Duluth, MN |
St Luke’s College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kansas City, MO |
Thomas Edison State College | Campus, Online | Trenton, NJ |
Mt St Marys College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Newburgh, NY |
Fayetteville State University | Campus, Online | Fayetteville, NC |
Hondros College | Campus, Online | Westerville, OH |
Alvernia University | Campus, Online | Reading, PA |
Waynesburg University | Campus | Waynesburg, PA |
University of Memphis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Memphis, TN |
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lubbock, TX |
Washington State University | Campus, Hybrid | Pullman, WA |
Western Wyoming Community College | Campus | Rock Springs, WY |
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | Campus, Online | Colorado Springs, CO |
Long Island University-Post | Campus | , NY |
Linfield University | Campus, Online | McMinnville, OR |
Marshall University Pt. Pleasant Campus | Online | , AZ |
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville | Campus, Online | Fayetteville, AR |
Grossmont College | Campus | El Cajon, CA |
Central Connecticut State University | Campus | New Britain, CT |
University of North Florida | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jacksonville, FL |
Blessing Rieman College of Nursing | Campus, Online | Quincy, IL |
Saint Anthony College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | Rockford, IL |
Briar Cliff University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Sioux City, IA |
Morehead State University | Campus, Online | Morehead, KY |
Frostburg State University | Campus, Online | Frostburg, MD |
Baker College of Flint | Campus, Online | Owosso, MI |
Winona State University | Campus, Hybrid | Winona, MN |
Southeast Missouri State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Cape Girardeau, MO |
The College of New Jersey | Campus, Hybrid | Ewing, NJ |
The College of New Rochelle-ASDBS | Campus | , NY |
Gardner-Webb University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boiling Springs, NC |
Kent State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kent, OH |
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania | Campus, Hybrid | Bloomsburg, PA |
West Chester University of Pennsylvania | Campus, Online | West Chester, PA |
Milligan College | Campus | Milligan College, TN |
Southern Utah University | Campus | Cedar City, UT |
University of Washington | Campus | Seattle, WA |
University of Wyoming | Campus | Laramie, WY |
University of the District of Columbia | Campus | Washington, DC |
East Carolina University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Greenville, NC |
Stratford University | Campus | Alexandria, VA |
Mary Baldwin University | Staunton, VA | |
University of Central Arkansas – Conway | Campus, Online | Conway, AR |
Holy Names University | Campus | Oakland, CA |
Goodwin College | Campus | East Hartford, CT |
Pensacola State College | Campus, Online | Pensacola, FL |
Bradley University | Campus, Online | Peoria, IL |
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Edwardsville, IL |
Grand View University | Campus | Des Moines, IA |
Murray State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Murray, KY |
Notre Dame of Maryland University | Campus | Baltimore, MD |
Davenport University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Grand Rapids, MI |
Delta State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Cleveland, MS |
Missouri State University-Springfield | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Springfield, MO |
William Paterson University of New Jersey | Campus, Hybrid | Wayne, NJ |
Roberts Wesleyan College | Campus, Online | Rochester, NY |
University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Charlotte, NC |
Lourdes University (Lourdes College) | Campus | Sylvania, OH |
California University of Pennsylvania | Campus, Online | California, PA |
Widener University-Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chester, PA |
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Online | Chattanooga, TN |
Castleton University | Campus | Castleton, VT |
Wenatchee Valley College | Campus | Wenatchee, WA |
ECPI University | Campus, Online | Virginia Beach, VA |
Georgia College and State University | Campus, Online | , GA |
Pfeiffer University | Campus, Online | Misenheimer, NC |
California State University-Channel Islands | Campus | Camarillo, CA |
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Campus, Online | Fort Smith, AR |
Mount St Mary’s University-Los Angeles | Campus | Los Angeles, CA |
Sacred Heart University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fairfield, CT |
St. Petersburg College | Campus, Online | St. Petersburg, FL |
DePaul University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Chicago, IL |
Oak Point University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Oak Brook, IL |
University of Iowa | Campus, Hybrid | Iowa City, IA |
Northern Kentucky University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Highland Heights, KY |
Salisbury University | Campus, Hybrid | Salisbury, MD |
University of Detroit Mercy | Campus | Detroit, MI |
University of Mississippi Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jackson, MS |
University of Providence | Campus, Online | Great Falls, MT |
New Mexico Highlands University | Campus, Online | Las Vegas, NM |
Russell Sage College | Campus, Hybrid | Troy, NY |
University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Campus, Hybrid | Greensboro, NC |
Malone University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Canton, OH |
Carlow University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
Wilkes University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
The University of Tennessee-Martin | Campus, Online | Martin, TN |
Southern Vermont College | Campus, Online | Bennington, VT |
Bluefield State College Bluefield Campus LPN-ADN | Campus, Online | Bluefield, WV |
Brandman University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Irvine, CA |
Wichita State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wichita, KS |
Herzing University – Akron Campus | Campus | Akron, OH |
Colorado Technical University-Online | Campus, Online | Colorado Springs, CO |
California Baptist University | Campus, Online | Riverside, CA |
National University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | La Jolla, CA |
Southern Connecticut State University | Campus | New Haven, CT |
Santa Fe College | Campus, Online | Gainesville, FL |
Eastern Illinois University | Campus, Online | Charleston, IL |
Western Illinois University | Campus, Online | Macomb, IL |
Mercy College of Health Sciences | Campus, Online | Des Moines, IA |
Spalding University | Campus, Hybrid | Louisville, KY |
Towson University | Campus | Towson, MD |
Eastern Michigan University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Ypsilanti, MI |
Mississippi University for Women | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Columbus, MS |
University of Nebraska Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Omaha, NE |
University of New Mexico College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Albuquerque, NM |
St. John Fisher College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Rochester, NY |
University of North Carolina Wilmington | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wilmington, NC |
Mercy College of Northwest Ohio | Campus, Online | Toledo, OH |
Chatham University | Campus, Online | Pittsburgh, PA |
Rhode Island College | Campus, Hybrid | Providence, RI |
Tennessee Technological University | Campus, Online | Cookeville, TN |
University of Vermont | Campus, Hybrid | Burlington, VT |
Davis & Elkins College | Campus, Online | Elkins, WV |
Pennsylvania College of Technology | Campus | Williamsport, PA |
Galen College of Nursing-Louisville | Campus | Louisville, KY |
Notre Dame College | Campus, Online | Cleveland, OH |
Nightingale College | Campus, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
University of Alabama in Huntsville | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Huntsville, AL |
California State University-Bakersfield | Campus, Hybrid | Bakersfield, CA |
San Diego State University | Campus | San Diego, CA |
Western Connecticut State University | Campus, Hybrid | Danbury, CT |
Tallahassee Community College | Campus | Tallahassee, FL |
Elmhurst University | Campus | Elmhurst, IL |
Anderson University | Campus | Anderson, IN |
Mount Mercy University | Campus | Cedar Rapids, IA |
Louisiana State University of Alexandria | Campus | Alexandria, LA |
Stevenson University | Campus, Online | Stevenson, MD |
Madonna University | Campus, Hybrid | Livonia, MI |
Mississippi College | Campus, Online | Clinton, MS |
Nebraska Wesleyan University | Campus | Lincoln, NE |
Western NM University/BSN | Campus, Online | Silver City, NM |
Farmingdale State College | Campus | Farmingdale, NY |
University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Campus | Pembroke, NC |
Mount Carmel College of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Columbus, OH |
Drexel University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Philadelphia, PA |
University of Rhode Island | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Kingston, RI |
Union University | Campus, Hybrid | Jackson, TN |
Hampton University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hampton, VA |
Shepherd University | Campus, Hybrid | Shepherdstown, WV |
California State University-San Marcos | Campus, Hybrid, Online | San Marcos, CA |
Union College | Campus | Barbourville, KY |
Gwynedd Mercy College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | , PA |
Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | Campus, Online | Fayette, MO |
University of Alabama | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Tuscaloosa, AL |
California State University-Stanislaus | Campus, Online | Turlock, CA |
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University | Campus, Online | San Jose, CA |
Delaware Technical Community College-Terry | Campus, Online | Dover, DE |
The University of West Florida | Campus, Online | Pensacola, FL |
Benedictine University | Campus | Lisle, IL |
Ball State University | Campus, Online | Muncie, IN |
Saint Ambrose University | Campus | Davenport, IA |
McNeese State University | Campus, Online | Lake Charles, LA |
American International College | Campus, Hybrid | Springfield, MA |
Michigan State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | East Lansing, MI |
University of Southern Mississippi | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hattiesburg, MS |
University of Nevada-Reno | Campus, Hybrid | Reno, NV |
Adelphi University | Campus, Hybrid | Garden City, NY |
University at Buffalo | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Buffalo, NY |
Queens University of Charlotte | Campus | Charlotte, NC |
Muskingum University | Campus | New Concord, OH |
Gannon University | Campus, Online | Erie, PA |
Salve Regina University | Campus, Hybrid | Newport, RI |
East Texas Baptist University | Campus | Marshall, TX |
James Madison University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Harrisonburg, VA |
West Liberty University | Campus | West Liberty, WV |
Capella University | Campus, Online | Minneapolis, MN |
Univ. of Louisiana Monroe | Campus, Online | , LA |
Moravian College | Campus, Hybrid | Bethlehem, PA |
Stanbridge University | Campus, Online | Irvine, CA |
Auburn University at Montgomery | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Montgomery, AL |
California State University-San Bernardino | Campus | San Bernardino, CA |
Vanguard University of Southern California | Campus | Costa Mesa, CA |
Delaware Technical Community College-Stanton/Wilmington | Campus, Online | , DE |
Columbus State University | Campus, Online | Columbus, GA |
Mennonite Nursing at Illinois State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Normal, IL |
Goshen College | Campus, Online | Goshen, IN |
Upper Iowa University | Campus, Online | Fayette, IA |
Nicholls State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Thibodaux, LA |
Bristol Community College | Campus, Online | Fall River, MA |
University of Michigan-Flint | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Flint, MI |
William Carey University | Campus, Online | Hattiesburg, MS |
Great Basin College | Campus, Online | Elko, NV |
CUNY Hunter College | Campus, Hybrid | New York, NY |
Stony Brook University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Stony Brook, NY |
Winston-Salem State University | Campus, Online | Winston-Salem, NC |
Ohio University-Main Campus (Athens) | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Athens, OH |
Holy Family University | Campus | Philadelphia, PA |
Clemson University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Clemson, SC |
University of Houston-Victoria | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Victoria, TX |
Liberty University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lynchburg, VA |
West Virginia University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Morgantown, WV |
Carolinas College of Health Sciences | Campus | Charlotte, NC |
University of Maryland-Baltimore | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Baltimore, MD |
Anderson University | Campus, Online | Anderson, SC |
United States University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | San Diego, CA |
Jacksonville State University | Campus | Jacksonville, AL |
California State University-Chico | Campus, Online | Chico, CA |
Walden University | Campus, Online | Minneapolis, MN |
University of Delaware | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Newark, DE |
South University-Savannah | Campus, Online | Savannah, GA |
Lakeview College of Nursing | Campus | Danville, IL |
Purdue University-Fort Wayne | Campus, Online | Fort Wayne, IN |
Fort Hays State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Hays, KS |
University of Louisiana Monroe | Online | Monroe, LA |
Laboure College | Campus | Milton, MA |
Oakland University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Rochester Hills, MI |
Cox College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Springfield, MO |
Truckee Meadows Community College | Campus | Reno, NV |
CUNY Lehman College | Campus, Hybrid | Bronx, NY |
SUNY College at Plattsburgh | Campus, Online | Plattsburgh, NY |
Western Carolina University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Cullowhee, NC |
University of Toledo | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Toledo, OH |
Immaculata University | Campus, Online | Immaculata, PA |
Lander University | Campus, Online | Greenwood, SC |
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Campus, Hybrid | Belton, TX |
Marymount University | Campus, Hybrid | Arlington, VA |
Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wheeling, WV |
Western Governors University | Campus, Online | Salt Lake City, UT |
Framingham State University | Campus | Framingham, MA |
King University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | , TN |
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix | Campus, Hybrid | Phoenix, AZ |
John C Calhoun State Community College | Campus | Tanner, AL |
California State University-Dominguez Hills | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Carson, CA |
Adams State University | Campus, Online | Alamosa, CO |
George Washington University | Campus, Online | Washington, DC |
Georgia Southwestern State University | Campus, Online | Americus, GA |
Lewis University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Romeoville, IL |
University of Indianapolis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
University of Kansas Medical Center | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lawrence, KS |
Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Natchitoches, LA |
Curry College | Campus | Milton, MA |
Saginaw Valley State University | Campus, Hybrid | University Center, MI |
University of Central Missouri | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Warrensburg, MO |
Colby-Sawyer College | Campus, Online | New London, NH |
York College | Campus | Jamaica, NY |
Downstate Health Sciences University | Campus, Hybrid | Brooklyn, NY |
University of Mary | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Bismarck, ND |
Ursuline College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pepper Pike, OH |
La Salle University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Philadelphia, PA |
University of South Carolina-Aiken | Campus, Online | Aiken, SC |
Midwestern State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Wichita Falls, TX |
Old Dominion University | Campus, Online | Norfolk, VA |
Alverno College | Campus, Online | Milwaukee, WI |
Nevada State University | Campus, Online | Henderson, NV |
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | Campus, Hybrid, Online | North Dartmouth, MA |
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Campus, Hybrid, Online | , TN |
ECPI University – Orlando | Campus | Lake Mary, FL |
University of Mobile | Campus, Online | Mobile, AL |
California State University-Fresno | Campus, Online | Fresno, CA |
Arapahoe Community College | Campus | Littleton, CO |
Howard University | Campus, Hybrid | Washington, DC |
Georgia Southern University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Statesboro, GA |
Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences | Campus | Rock Island, IL |
University of Southern Indiana | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Evansville, IN |
Kansas Wesleyan University | Campus | Salina, KS |
Fransciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | Campus, Online | Baton Rouge, LA |
Emmanuel College | Campus | Boston, MA |
Finlandia University | Campus, Online | Hancock, MI |
Columbia College | Campus, Online | Columbia, MO |
Rivier University | Campus, Hybrid | Nashua, NH |
D’Youville College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Buffalo, NY |
SUNY Empire State College | Campus, Online | Saratoga Springs, NY |
University of North Dakota | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Grand Forks, ND |
Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | North Canton, OH |
Misericordia University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Dallas, PA |
University of South Carolina-Beaufort | Campus | Bluffton, SC |
Prairie View A & M University | Campus, Online | Prairie View, TX |
Radford University (Roanoke) | Campus, Online | Radford, VA |
Concordia University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Mequon, WI |
American Public University System | Campus, Online | Charles Town, WV |
Westfield State University | Campus | Westfield, MA |
Texas State University San Marcos and St. David School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid | San Marcos, TX |
Unitek College | Campus, Online | Fremont, CA |
University of North Alabama | Campus, Online | Florence, AL |
California State University-East Bay | Campus | Hayward, CA |
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – Traditional | Campus, Online | Colorado Springs, CO |
Broward Community College (Broward College) | Campus | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
University of West Georgia | Campus, Online | Carrollton, GA |
McKendree University | Campus, Online | Lebanon, IL |
Indiana University-Kokomo | Campus, Online | Kokomo, IN |
MidAmerica Nazarene University | Campus, Online | Olathe, KS |
University of Louisiana at Lafayette | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lafayette, LA |
Fitchburg State University | Campus, Online | Fitchburg, MA |
Western Michigan University | Campus, Online | Kalamazoo, MI |
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
Saint Anselm College | Campus | Manchester, NH |
Dominican College of Blauvelt | Campus, Hybrid | Orangeburg, NY |
Upstate Medical University | Campus, Hybrid | Syracuse, NY |
North Dakota State University (Combined NDSU Fargo campus and NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health Bismarck) | Campus, Hybrid | Fargo, ND |
Wright State University-Main Campus | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Dayton, OH |
Mount Aloysius College | Campus, Online | Cresson, PA |
University of South Carolina-Upstate | Campus, Online | Spartanburg, SC |
Stephen F Austin State University | Campus, Online | Nacogdoches, TX |
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing | Campus, Online | Richmond, VA |
Marian University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fond Du Lac, WI |
South University-Montgomery | Campus | Montgomery, AL |
Siena Heights University | Campus, Online | Adrian, MI |
University of Texas of the Permian Basin | Campus, Online | Odessa, TX |
South University | Campus | Glen Allen, VA |
University of Alaska Anchorage | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Anchorage, AK |
California State University-Long Beach | Campus | Long Beach, CA |
Colorado Christian University | Campus, Online | Lakewood, CO |
Florida Atlantic University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boca Raton, FL |
University of Hawaii at Hilo | Campus, Hybrid | Hilo, HI |
Methodist College | Campus, Online | Peoria, IL |
Indiana University-South Bend | Campus, Online | South Bend, IN |
Pittsburg State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pittsburg, KS |
Husson University | Campus, Hybrid | Bangor, ME |
North Shore Community College | Campus | Danvers, MA |
Bemidji State University | Campus, Online | Bemidji, MN |
Maryville University of Saint Louis | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Saint Louis, MO |
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Campus, Hybrid | Teaneck, NJ |
Keuka College | Campus, Hybrid | Keuka Park, NY |
Utica College | Campus, Online | Utica, NY |
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Campus | Canton, OH |
Youngstown State University | Campus, Online | Youngstown, OH |
Pennsylvania State University | Campus, Hybrid | University Park, PA |
National American University | Campus, Online | Rapid City, SD |
Tarleton State University | Campus | Stephenville, TX |
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise | Campus | Wise, VA |
Silver Lake College of the Holy Family | Campus | Manitowoc, WI |
PIMA Medical Institute-Tucson | Campus, Online | Tucson, AZ |
Herzing University-Minneapolis | Campus | St. Louis Park, MN |
Longwood University | Campus | Farmville, VA |
Touro University | Campus, Online | Henderson, NV |
Grand Canyon University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Phoenix, AZ |
California State University-Los Angeles | Campus | Los Angeles, CA |
Colorado Mesa University – Traditional | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Grand Junction, CO |
Jacksonville University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jacksonville, FL |
Hawaii Pacific University | Campus | Honolulu, HI |
North Park University | Campus | Chicago, IL |
Indiana University-Southeast | Campus, Online | New Albany, IN |
Washburn University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Topeka, KS |
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine | Campus, Online | Standish, ME |
Regis College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Weston, MA |
Minnesota State University-Mankato | Campus, Hybrid | Mankato, MN |
Missouri Western State University | Campus | Saint Joseph, MO |
New Jersey City University | Campus | Jersey City, NJ |
Le Moyne College | Campus, Hybrid | Syracuse, NY |
Appalachian State University | Campus, Online | Boone, NC |
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Campus, Online | Cincinnati, OH |
Oklahoma Wesleyan University | Campus | Bartlesville, OK |
Saint Francis University | Campus | Loretto, PA |
University of South Dakota | Campus, Online | Vermillion, SD |
The University of Texas at El Paso | Campus, Online | El Paso, TX |
Virginia Commonwealth University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Richmond, VA |
Viterbo College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | La Crosse, WI |
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | Campus | Pine Bluff, AR |
Central Methodist University | Campus | , MO |
Southside Virginia Community College | Campus | Alberta, VA |
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus | Campus, Online | University Park, PA |
Northern Arizona University | Campus, Online | Flagstaff, AZ |
California State University-Northridge | Campus | Northridge, CA |
University of Northern Colorado | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Greeley, CO |
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
Boise State University | Campus, Online | Boise, ID |
Northern Illinois University | Campus, Hybrid | Dekalb, IL |
Marian University | Campus, Online | Indianapolis, IN |
Eastern Kentucky University | Campus, Online | Richmond, KY |
Washington Adventist University | Campus | Takoma Park, MD |
Salem State University | Campus, Hybrid | Salem, MA |
Metropolitan State University | Campus | Saint Paul, MN |
University of Missouri-Columbia | Campus, Online | Columbia, MO |
Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies | Campus, Hybrid | West Long Branch, NJ |
Mercy College | Campus, Online | Dobbs Ferry, NY |
Barton College | Campus | Wilson, NC |
Cleveland State University | Campus, Online | Cleveland, OH |
University of Central Oklahoma – Edmond | Campus | Edmond, OK |
University of Scranton | Campus, Hybrid | Scranton, PA |
East Tennessee State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Johnson City, TN |
Texas Woman’s University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Denton, TX |
Bellevue College | Campus | Bellevue, WA |
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Eau Claire, WI |
Point Loma Nazarene University | Campus | San Diego, CA |
Rutgers University-Camden | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Camden, NJ |
Walla Walla University | Campus | College Place, WA |
South Georgia State College | Campus | Douglas, GA |
University of Phoenix-Phoenix Campus | Campus, Online | Tempe, AZ |
California State University-Sacramento | Campus | Sacramento, CA |
Regis University-Choice | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Denver, CO |
State College of Florida-Manatee−Sarasota | Campus, Online | Bradenton, FL |
Idaho State University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Pocatello, ID |
Olivet Nazarene University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Bourbonnais, IL |
Indiana Wesleyan University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Marion, IN |
Kentucky Christian University | Campus, Online | Grayson, KY |
Coppin State University | Campus | Baltimore, MD |
Simmons University | Campus, Hybrid | Boston, MA |
Minnesota State University-Moorhead | Campus, Online | Moorhead, MN |
Park University | Campus, Online | Parkville, MO |
St Peter’s University (St Peter’s College) | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Jersey City, NJ |
Molloy College | Campus | Rockville Centre, NY |
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | Campus, Online | Concord, NC |
Defiance College | Campus, Online | Defiance, OH |
Oral Roberts University | Campus | Tulsa, OK |
Temple University | Campus, Hybrid | Philadelphia, PA |
Martin Methodist College | Campus, Online | Pulaski, TN |
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Houston, TX |
Olympic College | Campus | Bremerton, WA |
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Campus, Online | Green Bay, WI |
Simpson University | Campus | Redding, CA |
New Mexico State University – Doña Ana Community College | Campus | Las Cruces, NM |
Herzing University | Campus | Winter Park, FL |
Texas A & M University-Central Texas | Campus, Online | Killeen, TX |
Entrance Requirements for RN to BSN Programs
The pathway to furthering your nursing education and advancing your career with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) involves navigating the specific entrance requirements of RN to BSN programs. Transitioning from a Registered Nurse (RN) to a BSN-prepared nurse often presents new opportunities for growth, leadership, and specialized nursing roles.
To facilitate this transition smoothly, prospective students should be aware of, and prepare for, the various requirements for entrance into these programs. Key requirements typically include RN certification and licensure, the completion of prerequisite courses, procurement of letters of recommendation, maintenance of a competitive GPA, and the process of submitting comprehensive applications.
These components ensure that you are well-prepared to take on the rigorous coursework and clinical practice integral to BSN programs.
- RN certification and Licensure: You will need to have taken and passed the NCLEX and be registered as an RN in a state in order to apply for these programs.
- Complete pre-requisites: Be sure to see if the schools you are applying to require any extra classes. You should have completed most pre-requisites through your ADN program but it never hurts to check!
- Letters of recommendation: You will most likely need a few letters of recommendation from former professors and/or employers. It helps to have a list ready and notify them ahead of time.
- GPA: You may have to meet a certain GPA requirement from your ADN program. Usually this is around a 3.0 but check with your program to verify.
- Submit applications: Submitting your applications will involve answering questions, writing essays, and gathering your transcripts, letters of recommendations, and other documents that may be required. Most applications also involve a processing fee.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Along with the aforementioned elements, a detailed and up-to-date resume or CV is often required. This document should showcase your nursing experiences, skills, and accomplishments to help the admissions committee understand your professional background and potential for success in the program.
How Long Does it Take to Complete an RN to BSN Program?
The duration of RN to BSN programs can differ based on a number of factors, the most influential being your pace of study—full-time or part-time. However, on average, the typical timeframe for completing an RN to BSN program is about 2 years.
This estimation is based on the concept that, in most cases, you have already completed 2 years of study for your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and BSN programs traditionally span 4 years. The remaining 2 years are what you would then need to top up your RN qualification to a BSN degree. The below sections elaborate further on how the pace of study influences the time required to complete an RN to BSN program.
Full-time RN to BSN Programs: If you choose to enroll in an RN to BSN program full-time, you are looking at approximately 2 years of continuous study. This option is ideal for those who can devote a significant amount of their time to coursework and are looking to earn their BSN as quickly as possible. The exact timeline, however, depends on the curriculum and structure of your chosen program.
Full-Time RN to BSN Programs |
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Duration: Approximately 2 years |
Ideal for: Individuals with ample time to devote to studies |
Factors: Program curriculum and structure |
Part-time RN to BSN Programs: If you are juggling other commitments, like work or family, part-time RN to BSN programs offer more flexibility but will take longer to complete. The duration can stretch to 3-4 years or more, depending on the pace at which you take courses.
Part-Time RN to BSN Programs |
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Duration: Approximately 3-4 years or more |
Ideal for: Individuals balancing work or family commitments |
Factors: Pace at which courses are taken |
In summary, while the time required to complete RN to BSN programs varies depending on your pace of study and program structure, the effort invested invariably pays off in the form of enhanced career opportunities and the potential for increased salary.
Online RN to BSN Programs
Recognizing the high-demand nature of the nursing profession, it is clear that nurses are some of the most industrious professionals in the healthcare field. Balancing the rigors of career commitments with personal life often leaves limited room for additional pursuits, such as furthering education.
Fortunately, the flexibility and convenience of online RN to BSN programs have made the path towards career advancement more accessible for busy nurses. These programs allow you to attend classes, complete assignments, participate in quizzes, and engage in class discussions from the comfort of your home or preferred location. This flexibility underscores the recognition of the demanding schedules that characterize the nursing profession.
Online RN to BSN Programs: Online programs provide the flexibility to study from anywhere, making it possible to fit your academic commitments around your professional and personal obligations. All coursework, except for clinical experiences, can be completed online.
Online RN to BSN Programs |
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Flexibility: Study from anywhere |
Ideal for: Busy professionals balancing multiple commitments |
Components: Classes, assignments, quizzes, and class discussions |
Exception: Clinical experiences |
As you explore your options for online RN to BSN programs, it is crucial to verify the accreditation status of your chosen institution. Accreditation by recognized bodies such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) adds credibility to your degree and simplifies the process of advancing to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in the future, should you choose to do so.
Accreditation for RN to BSN Programs: Accreditation by ACEN or CCNE is an important factor to consider when researching online programs, as it ensures quality education and makes transitioning to higher level programs easier.
Accreditation for RN to BSN Programs |
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Importance: Ensures quality education |
Facilitates: Transition to MSN programs |
Recognized bodies: ACEN, CCNE |
Lastly, while the majority of your BSN coursework can be completed online, it is important to note that you may still need to fulfill clinical experience requirements. As these cannot be completed online, schools typically assist in organizing these clinical experiences in locations that are convenient for their students.
Clinical Experiences in RN to BSN Programs: These are in-person experiences that are typically arranged in a convenient location by your school.
Clinical Experiences in RN to BSN Programs |
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Nature: In-person |
Location: Organized by the school in a convenient location |
Thus, online RN to BSN programs serve as a practical and flexible path for busy nursing professionals to advance their educational qualifications and career prospects.
Learn more in our Guide the Online RN programs.
Hybrid RN to BSN
Hybrid RN to BSN programs are a combination of online course work and face to face classroom. Typically, you will find 50% of the time will be online and the other 50% of the time you will spend in a classroom. How an instructor divides this time up can often be up to the instructor.
These types of programs have become more of the norm across many university and college settings. Hybrid format allows for students to engage with each other and the professor face-to-face while still allowing for some of the convinces of online programs.
Campus or Face-to-Face RN to BSN
Campus or face-to-face RN to BSN programs will have the majority of courses/classes held at a traditional classroom. This could be in a college, university or in some cases there are partnerships with healthcare institutions and the classroom is heal within the hospital.
Although the majority of the courses/classes are face to face there is typically an online instruction component, requiring some engagement with online learning. Check to see if the college is offering an open-house or if you can schedule a conference call to go over some of your questions.
Accelerated RN to BSN Nursing Programs
Most colleges and universities follow 12-13 week semesters; accelerated BSN programs may not follow a typical semester and have class over a six week period. Accelerated nursing programs are specifically geared toward students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in something else. These students have already proven their ability to manage time, study effectively and retain knowledge.
In addition, they have already taken most foundational courses in a bachelor’s degree program. While there may be some science pre-requisites to complete, almost all courses in an accelerated nursing program are focused specifically on the skills needed to be an RN.
Second Degree BSN
In a standard BSN program, students spend at least the first year, and sometimes the first two years, taking only foundational bachelor’s degree courses; nursing courses do not typically begin until the sophomore or junior year, and even then, they are often mixed in with other college courses. The student in an accelerated nursing program takes only the nursing courses, significantly shortening the time it takes to complete the degree.
Most programs take between 11 and 18 months. A key component of any BSN degree is the clinical. Students in accelerated programs receive the same number of clinical hours as do their standard BSN counterparts. The benefits of these programs can be great, in that students can earn their degree in half the time it takes when compared to programs with traditional classes.
The downfall is that the course work is not reduced, and students will be required to produce the same amount of homework, studying, and/or presentations in a shorter period of time. These programs are great for the individual that has the time, but for nurses juggling jobs, family and schooling, this can be very stressful.
Learn more in our Guide to Second Degree BSN programs.
Accelerated Online Nursing Programs
For all types of accelerated nursing programs, one of the biggest challenges is fitting education into an already established work and family life. Juggling schedules to allow for commute time, classes, and studying can make the prospect seem overwhelming.
Online education has come a long way in the past decade, and many students are finding this be the solution. Credible colleges and universities across the country, in including some Ivy League schools, are offering these accelerated online courses, ensuring students that they get the highest quality education, even online.
Because the course material is presented in a variety of formats, and most of those formats can be accessed at any time for the duration of the course, students can create their own schedule of class and study time. Plus, they do not have to allow extra time and money to cover commuting and parking.
Nursing students in online programs do not miss out on the multiple learning opportunities that are available to students in brick and mortar institutions; class forums, online office hours, discussion boards, and even video conferencing and chat programs allow students to learn in a variety of ways from a variety of source.
Students also complete their clinicals locally, and are still required to complete the same number of clinical hours as their campus-based counterparts. Overall, choosing the right school may be easy or a challenge for some students to choose, however, researching schools will allow you to make an informed choice in selecting a program that will best suit your needs.
What RN Specializations Are Available
You will not specialize in particular field during your BSN program. However, if you want to work in a particular clinical area, having your BSN will enable you to be a competitive candidate for the most sought after clinical settings. Some examples of where you can work as a nurse after earning your BSN are:
- Labor and Delivery: As a labor and delivery nurse you will work as a part of a team to provide care for the laboring mother and infant before, during, and immediately after birth.
- Emergency Room: You will be a vital team member working in a fast paced environment providing care to people who are acutely injured or ill.
- Travel Nurse: You will have the opportunity to travel the country and/or world while providing nursing care to patients in your area of expertise.
- Trauma Nurse: You will work hard to help stabilize patients in life threatening situations due to injuries they may have received from accidents.
- Medical/Surgical Nurse: You will work on a hospital floor caring for patients who are recovering from a diverse range of surgeries or acute or chronic illnesses.
- Operating Room Nurse: As an OR nurse you will actively participate in patient care while they undergo surgery.
Learn more about nursing specialties.
What Courses Will I Take in My RN to BSN Degree Program?
Your existing education and experience will be valued and acknowledged, ensuring you won’t have to duplicate past coursework. Note that the curriculum can vary among different programs. As a result, it’s critical to thoroughly research prospective programs, making certain that they align with your individual needs.
The courses within the program are meticulously designed to provide the remaining pieces of nursing education not covered in your ADN. This learning journey will equip you to leverage research and evidence to elevate the quality of patient care, simultaneously fostering your critical thinking capabilities. Consequently, you will be poised to make meaningful contributions not only to your patients’ lives but to the broader nursing profession as well.
Furthermore, a cornerstone of all bachelor’s degree programs includes coursework in humanities and liberal arts, elements not typically part of ADN programs. Even though they may seem unrelated to nursing, many students appreciate these requisite electives (often providing a degree of choice within each subject) as they offer an opportunity to widen their horizons and venture into unfamiliar academic territories.
You can generally expect to encounter courses similar to the ones offered at representative RN to BSN programs, such as the University of Washington’s RN to BSN Program:
- Transitions in Professional Nursing: This class covers the transition from being a registered nurse to a bachelor’s level nurse. It explores new roles, responsibilities, and the increased scope of practice.
- Advanced English Composition: This course focuses on developing advanced writing and critical reading skills, key for success in any professional field.
- RN Health Assessment: This course enhances the skills RNs use to assess the health of their patients.
- Elective 1 & 2: These are courses chosen by the student, offering the opportunity to broaden knowledge in areas outside of nursing.
- RN Collaborative Healthcare: This course promotes the concept of teamwork in healthcare, focusing on how nurses collaborate with other professionals to deliver quality care.
- Statistical Reasoning for the Health Sciences: This course equips students with the skills needed to interpret and apply statistical data within healthcare contexts.
- RN Evidence Based Practice: This course fosters understanding and application of evidence-based practices in nursing.
- Political Science: This course examines the political systems and structures that affect healthcare policy.
- Humanities Elective: This course provides exposure to areas such as literature, philosophy, and the arts, promoting well-rounded knowledge and critical thinking skills.
- RN Community Health Nursing: This course focuses on nursing practices that promote the health of communities.
- History Elective: This elective allows students to delve into specific historical eras or topics of interest.
- RN Capstone Course: This culminating course allows students to integrate and apply their learned skills in a comprehensive project or experience.
- RN Information Systems in Healthcare: This course explores the use of information technology in managing patient care and improving healthcare outcomes.
RN to BSN Transition or Professional Nursing Role Class
One of the very first classes nurses will take in an RN to BSN program is a contemporary, transition or professional nursing role class. This type of class provides the foundation for a synthesis of prior educational learning and work experience with baccalaureate educational preparation for your BSN.
For some nurses who have been out of school for several years or even decades, this is a great introduction to the RN to BSN program.
The concepts discussed in the course often cover professional role, critical thinking and communication. Theories of nursing and healthcare are often explored in relationship to professional nursing practice. This course enhances previous learning experiences and your transition into the baccalaureate-nursing role.
Research Class for Nursing
A nursing research class introduces the importance of research concepts, which are fundamental to the discipline of nursing. BSN research classes often focus on the research process in the discovery of knowledge and the relevance of research outcomes to nursing practice.
Beginning research concepts such as formulating research questions and hypothesis are often explored. You will most likely have to research topics and prepare literature reviews, which are essential to research and evidence based practices.
Statistics Class for Nursing
Statistic class is perhaps one of the more challenging classes you will take in your RN to BSN program. A basic understanding of statistic is essential in the healthcare sector. This class is typically an introductory class and you will learn basic statistical concepts such as: hypothesis testing, data collection, normal distributions, bell curve, and probabilities. You will most likely have to learn how to calculate standard deviations and probabilities.
Pathophysiology BSN Class
One class essential for a BSN degree is a Pathophysiology class. Many diploma and associate degree programs integrated pathophysiology contents throughout the different nursing courses. Pathophysiology involves an understanding of how cells, tissues, organs and organ systems respond to varying disease processes.
Health Assessment BSN Class
Health assessment is a core educational component of all nursing educational programs. For many diploma and ADN nurses, health assessment was integrated throughout the nursing classes and clinicals. In a BSN program health assessment is a separate class and college credit is given. Most RNs utilize health assessment skills in their clinical practice and this course will be a refresher for most RNs.
Basic components of a health assessment class include:
- Assessing the health of patients and families throughout the life span.
- Basic techniques of a physical exam and health assessment.
- Basic interviewing and history taking skills.
- Recognizing and interpretation of normal findings.
- Recognizing normal findings from the most common abnormal findings
Population or Community Health BSN Class
One core class missing in many diploma and associate degree program is a community health or population course. This is a critical course and instrumental in understanding about healthcare in a more global and comprehensive way. These courses typically focus on the nurses’ role in disease prevention and health promotion in a community and/or global perspective.
Concepts such as environmental health and epidemiology are explored and the impact to ones’ health. Most RN to BSN programs will require a clinical component and often the community nursing class is where you will complete this requirement. This may mean that you will shadow and spend time with a nurse who works in a community with underserved populations or complete a community project such as a community needs assessment.
Top Concepts taught in a Community Nursing course
- Disease prevention
- Health and wellness promotion programs
- Health screening
- High risk and at risk behaviors
- Immunizations
- Lifestyle choices
- Cultural difference between the populations
- Marginalized and underserved populations
Nursing Leadership and Management
Nursing leadership and management is a class which most RN to BSN schools require. In this class you can expect to learn about the principles of leadership and management and how they may be applied to healthcare settings. Students often learn about the skills needed to complete management and administrative tasks, as well as principals of human material resources, health care finances, professional organizations and ethical implications.
A BSN degree is a fundamental degree for nursing managers, supervisors, directors and any nurse in administrations. Some school implement a clinical requirement for this class and may you shadowing a nurse leader or nurse manager. This allows the RN student to observe firsthand who BSN prepared nurses apply their skills in leadership and management roles.
Nutrition Class
A nutrition class is a core requirement for any BSN programs. In many ADN programs you may have taken a 2 or 3 credit nutrition course, which may be transferable into the RN to BSN program. However, for some ADN programs and diploma programs the nutrition content was often covered within the different nursing classes and not a separate class. For example, when you were learning about Diabetes Mellitus, the diabetic diet was covered. Although it met the requirements for the nutrition component, it was not a separate class and did not award college credits. For many nurses this will be a course that will need to be taken.
You can expect to find most of these topics in a BSN nutrition class
- The types of nutrients needed for healthy body and diet
- How nutrients are used within the body, cells and various organs
- How nutrition affects your health
- How the body responds to too much or too little nutrients
- How your body uses nutrients
- How nutrition affects the various disease process and importance of specific diets for specific diseases and illness
- How your nutrient needs change at different stages of life; infancy, childhood, adulthood, older years
RN to BSN Clinical Requirements
The clinical requirements for your RN to BSN program will vary depending on the school. Since you already completed the requirements necessary for the NCLEX exam you will not need to repeat clinical rotations within certain populations like you did during your ADN program.
Most RN to BSN programs will require some sort of clinical experience. Some schools like Chamberlain University will help you organize those experiences where you already work.
This will allow you increased flexibility as you juggle school and working, while also providing you with an opportunity to put to practice your new skills and education so that you can begin to incorporate your BSN education into your regular practice. Take practice test at our NCLEX study guide.
How Much Are RN to BSN Programs?
Fortunately this will be cheaper than doing 4 years of a bachelors degree. While education in the US is pricey, there are many options to get it paid for. Especially in the field of nursing. Since some employers are encouraging and/or requiring ADN trained nurses to continue their education and earn their BSN this may give you some negotiating power.
If you are currently employed, see if your employer will cover the cost of your education. They should see it as an investment in an already valuable employee. Be sure to do a thorough cost analysis of the schools you are applying to.
Online programs may be less expensive than in person ones, and state schools typically offer lower tuition rates than private universities. Here are examples of tuition costs between two RN to BSN programs:
- Chamberlain University: $590 per credit or about $29,500 for the program
- Fitchburg State: $9,952 for the program
The programs below may also be able to help cover the costs of your education if you choose to work in medically underserved locations or if you have a certain type of loan. You can also use our guide How to Pay for Nursing School and Scholarship guide to help you figure out tuition costs and payment.
- Military Programs
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
- Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness
- Perkins Loan Cancellation
Our state guides can help you research what resources you may have close to home as well!
How Much Do Nurses with a BSN Earn?
While it may cost some money to get your BSN, your salary will likely be higher and your options for career growth greater. With your BSN you can expect to earn a competitive salary, and coupled with your experience you will live comfortably. With an MSN you are about to earn a very competitive salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017 the median salary for RNs was $70,000. While this includes ADN trained RNs, with your BSN you can expect to earn the higher salaries that make up this statistic. Additionally, certain clinical areas such as intensive care units (ICUs) that often require a BSN trained nurse may pay higher. Find additional RN Salary information.
References:
- Denisco, S. M., Barker, A. M., Advanced practice nursing: Essential knowledge for the profession. Burlington, MA: Jones and Barlett Learning.
- U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29-1141 Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment Statistics. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291141.htm
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center, Magnet Recognition Program® Overview, American Nurses Credentialing Center, Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/Magnet/ProgramOverview.
- Ali, N. S., Hodson-Carlton, K., & Ryan, M. Students’ perceptions of online learning: Implications for teaching. Nurse Educator, 29(3), 111-115