How an Online RN to BSN Helped a Nurse Advance Her Career

It’s becoming more evident that nurses should have a bachelor’s degree. A lot of hospitals now require that all new nurses hold the degree, and for current nurses, it’s difficult to move up without a one.

Thankfully, online RN to BSN degrees allow current nurses to advance their education without sacrificing work and personal commitments. But how does it work? And what is it really like? We interviewed Tatiana Soltani, BSN, RN, who currently works as an ICU nurse, to get her perspective.

1. Why did you choose to earn your RN to BSN online?

I chose an online RN to BSN program for convenience. I work full time and have a family, so being able to work at my own pace on my own schedule was a priority for me.

2. How does an online RN to BSN work?

It works much the same as a traditional school as far as classes and assignments. Each course had either required papers to write or (proctored) exams to take. The difference is that there is no “due date” other than finishing by the end of the semester to avoid an incomplete. Additionally, the program I chose is self-paced. That means that as long as I completed the required 12 units a semester, I could do more for the same base price. I actually completed my entire course load of 16 classes and 43 units in one semester and saved a lot of money. It wasn’t something I set out to do, specifically, but just worked out that way. Conversely, if you didn’t have extra time, you could just do 12 units and even take breaks up to 3 months between semesters.

Founded in 1908, D’Youville College has several rigorous online degree programs avail…

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King University, located in Bristol, Tenn., offers numerous online degrees for adult …

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Rivier University provides affordable, career-advancing online degree programs with a…

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3. How often did you have clinicals? How did the placement work?

My school counted full-time work experience concurrent with schooling as meeting most clinical requirements. For the community health class, we conducted field work in our community and wrote a paper about a healthcare topic affecting our own population. For that, we had to have a preceptor and keep a log with time spent and locations visited with contact information. We did have to find our own preceptors that met school criteria, (which) proved to be the most challenging thing for me because the (California board of registered nursing) is very strict on maintaining certain standards. Students in other states did not have to meet the requirement of a preceptor.

4. What were the benefits of getting your RN to BSN online? Challenges?

The benefits were . . . the convenience factor and also being able to save money by completing the program in (one) semester. The challenges I faced were mostly finding a preceptor to oversee my community health clinical hours and some software issues with the exam proctoring service.

5. What skills are necessary for a person pursuing an online RN to BSN?

You have to be really motivated and a good independent learner. Yes, there are resources if you don’t understand the material, but it takes extra time and scheduling. It also helps if you’re computer savvy to know how to access and use materials provided. Having social media, also, is beneficial for reaching out to fellow students for support and clarification.

6. What advice would you give to a person debating whether to get their RN to BSN online?

I would highly recommend researching several programs to find the one that is right for you. There are many programs, and they all have very different costs and requirements. Find out if it is accredited, first and foremost, and ask around for friends/coworkers that went to those schools to get (their) experience. Also, if you plan on continuing on in your field find out how getting a BSN from that school will affect you.

7. Why did you want/choose to be a nurse?

I fought it for a long time, actually! I have a large family of nurses, and it was never something that interested me. I was in the Army in an unrelated field, and when I got out, I found it hard to find a decent job. I finally relented and started nursing school and was surprised to find out how much I loved it. I guess it was always “meant to be,” even though I didn’t know it!

8. What are your professional goals for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

My next goal is to get my critical care certification and move on to an advanced degree in nursing. I haven’t decided what specialization I want to pursue yet, so I’m keeping my options open.

9. Is there anything else you think readers would find interesting/helpful?

Look in to seeing if your employer offers tuition assistance and if your chosen program would qualify. That’s a great way to keep costs down.

Taking Advantage of Online Learning

Online degree options offer a great opportunity for nurses to advance their education without having to sacrifice flexibility. That’s highlighted with one of the most popular online degree options in the RN to BSN. Current nurses can obtain a desirable degree while they maintain their work and personal commitments.

In a convenient online learning environment, nurses can gain the skills and knowledge to grow their career and achieve their goals. All of that happens without having to commute to and from a college or university. Studying and coursework takes place when and where it works best for nurses, which can vary significantly based on their schedules.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$465: The online online MSN from Bethel University prepares registered nurses for career advancement as nurse leaders in administration and education roles. It emphasizes evidence-based practice and includes core coursework in information systems, statistical literacy, advanced theory and more. Through a rigorous curriculum focused on effective communication and decision-making, this program promotes excellence in holistic, patient-centered care.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$499: The online Master of Science in Nursing program from Concordia University, St. Paul is designed for professional nurses who require the flexibility of attending classes on their schedule and are ready to advance their career. This program gives you the skills to lead teams in the complex and evolving healthcare system.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$700: D’Youville College’s online Master of Science in Nursing can prepare you for management roles and train you to become a change agent in your field. Combining a solid theoretical base with extensive practical training, you’ll gain the comprehensive learning experience you need to successfully advance to the next phase of your career. Choose between two concentrations: clinical focus and management and leadership.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$825: The online Master of Science in Nursing program from Fairleigh Dickinson University offers two concentrations to suit your professional goals: family nurse practitioner and nursing education. Depending on your concentration, the program prepares you to diagnose and treat diverse patients or become an instructor in collegiate nursing programs. Through a state-of-the-art curriculum, you’ll acquire the training you need to effectively work with students, parents, and patients.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$605.00: Advance your career through continued education with King University’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Choose between two concentrations: nurse educator and administrator. Featuring a cohort model, the program allows you to earn your degree with the same group of peers. The program lets you collaborate on courses and projects and relay real-life work experiences into class discussions for a more interactive academic experience.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$630: Move into a leadership or education role with the ACEN-accredited online Master of Science in Nursing program from Rivier University. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and health systems management. Prepare to enhance patient care, improve the health outcomes and quality of life for others, and influence the next generation of nurses. The flexible, online format of the programs can be designed around professional and personal schedules.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$500: Develop the skills needed to care for patients of all ages and meet the needs of tomorrow’s nurses with UWF’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Learn from experienced educators as you learn how to implement research- and evidence-based practices. This program helps you prepare for national exams, an academic career, or doctoral studies. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse executive.
MS in Nursing (MSN) Education LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$590: Take your nursing career to the next level with Notre Dame College’s online Master of Science in Nursing Education. Designed for working nurses who wish to become instructors in the field, the program emphasizes leadership, ethics, and advocacy. You will gain hands-on experience that can be immediately applied to the real world through a required 120-hour practicum.
MS in Nursing (MSN) with FNP Track LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Discover how to contribute to excellence in healthcare and provide quality, evidence-based and holistic primary care to diverse communities throughout the lifespan with Campbellsville University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a track in family nursing practice. The program teaches you how to be an effective, independent practitioner and use evidence-based practice to promote health and manage care for patients and families across the lifespan as you gain 660 clinical hours of experience.
RN to BSN LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$500: Designed for working nurses who seek to earn their bachelor’s degree, the online RN to BSN program at D’Youville College offers you a convenient and quality pathway toward elevating your career. The comprehensive curriculum teaches leadership skills within a service-oriented environment, and you will study topics such as vulnerable populations, evidence-based practice, and professional issues in nursing.
RN to BSN LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$600: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online RN-BSN program trains working nurses for management and leadership positions. As a student, you’ll learn how to deliver comprehensive care to individuals and families in all environments and gain the skills necessary to make you competitive in the job market. Explore topics such as health assessment, pathophysiology, nursing administration and education, and more.
RN to BSN LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Illinois College’s fully online RN to BSN program is designed to educate nurses for the needs of the future and covers a host of essential topics for advancing your education, such as bioethics, health policy, nursing research, and disease management. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
RN to BSN LocationCanton, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$260: Malone University’s online RN-BSN program is designed for working nurses seeking to advance their careers and finish their bachelor’s degree. As a working professional, you will grow in professional competence and Christ-like compassion as you learn from a comprehensive curriculum that combines academically rigorous classes with biblical principles.
RN to BSN LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$240: Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame College. Designed for working nurses, the program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills, and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization as you gain practical training in the field.
RN to BSN LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$375: Transform your nursing career and earn an in-demand degree with the online RN to BSN degree program from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your career opportunities in nursing while fulfilling the educational requirements of many healthcare employers. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
RN to BSN LocationPortsmouth, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$278: Led by experienced nurse educators, Shawnee State University’s RN to BSN online program features small class sizes, personalized attention, and dedication to your future success. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the accelerated curriculum equips you with the quality education needed to advance your career or pursue graduate studies.
RN to BSN LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Advance your nursing career and impact the lives of others with an ACEN-accredited RN to BSN online from Rivier University. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions and master’s-level educational opportunities. The program’s flexible, convenient format can be designed around professional and personal schedules. Students with an active RN license will be awarded transfer credit for their experience and can finish the program faster.
RN to BSN LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$200: Southeastern University’s online RN to BSN program offers working registered nurses the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree without interfering with their busy professional schedules. When you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you expand your knowledge and gain skills that are directly applicable to your nursing career. Become a top nursing professionals who provide the best possible healthcare services and patient care.
RN to BSN LocationDavenport, IL Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$386: Our fully online RN-BSN program is a bachelor’s completion program designed for working nurses and prepares you for career advancement in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum is specifically designed for working nurses and can enable you to progress in your career, while opening doors to new opportunities. SAU’s faculty are real-world professionals with nursing specialty expertise who have mentored and prepared nurses for diverse and fulfilling healthcare careers.
RN to BSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$282.13: Gain more skills for career advancement in nursing and increased earning potential with the online RN to BSN from the University of West Florida. Through the program, you will demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession as you advance your knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice, high-quality care, communication, and leadership. The CCNE-accredited program is taught by educators who are highly experienced in a variety of areas in the field, and you will gain their insight into nursing practices and the healthcare system.
RN to BSN LocationAda, OK Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$264.25 In-State, $541.19 Out-of-State: Designed specifically for those who currently hold their RN license, the RN to BSN online program enables nurses to provide safe, quality, patient-centered care in an environment of teamwork and collaboration. You’ll learn evidence-based practice, informatics, successful communication and other skills that will improve your effectiveness as a healthcare professional.
RN to BSN LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$420: Concordia University, St. Paul’s online RN to BSN program advances the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals through an integration of learning and experience. Using a combination of theoretical inquiry and practical application, you will gain insight into ethics in healthcare, professional and evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, leadership, management, care coordination, and community health.
RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic-Franciscan Cost Per Credit$460: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
RN to BSN LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405: Bethel University’s RN to BSN online program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical training you need to take on more challenging roles in your workplace and advance in your profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s curriculum trains you in a host of areas required for the modern nurse, such as pharmacology, patient and family centered care, community-based nursing, global health, nursing informatics, and more.