Online and Distance Learning

This page gives you more information about the reasons why being a Registered Nurse is sometimes not enough (RN vs BSN), what is involved in studying online nursing at Bachelor's level, the colleges where you can study an online BSN, the jobs for nurses with a BSN, and how much you can expect to earn after completion.

Reasons for taking an online BSN

There are several advantages to getting your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree if you have the time and money to do it. An online BSN will give you a solid foundation in the theory behind nursing and in how nursing practice fits into the overall environment of health care. Many of the best nursing jobs - specialties like Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), Nurse Administrator, and so on - require a BSN degree or even a Masters degree as well. And you can usually earn a higher salary after completing an online BSN.

What is studied in an online BSN Program?

A online BSN program usually includes courses in: biological, physical, and social sciences, humanities, together with more specialized courses in health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, information technology, ethics, human diversity, management theory, and health care system and policies.

Selected schools offering an online BSN

University of Phoenix Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) which develops the professional knowledge and skills of working registered nurses (an RN is required to enroll in this program).

South University offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completion program is designed for working registered nurses who want maximum scheduling flexibility. Students explore palliative care, gerontological nursing, complementary and alternative nursing methods, as well as enhance their skills in patient-teaching, staff-motivation and management. Qualified RN’s can receive up to 45 credit hours for experience and earn a BSN degree in 18 as little as months.

National American University (NAU) Online offers an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. All students develop the critical thinking and collaborative skills necessary to create optimal patient outcomes as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Norwich University - Online offers an online Nursing program to create strong, visionary nurse leaders who demonstrate advanced critical thinking, communication, and decision making skills to ensure quality outcomes within the complex systems of the health care continuum.

For more, see the list of online BSN schools and links in the column to the right.

Online BSN Programs for LPNs

A very popular nursing program is the LPN to BSN program. The LPN to BSN program builds on the basic education, skills, and experience of the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) who wishes to transition to the professional nursing role. 

Note that the LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) and LPN are the same credential.

Online BSN Programs for RNs

Most BSN programs seem to be for Registered Nurses wishing to upgrade to a degree. Click here to read more about online BSN programs for RNs.

BSN Programs for holders of other degrees

Accelerated BSN programs (lasting 12 to 18 months) are available for individuals who have a Bachelor’s or higher degree in another field and who are interested in moving into nursing.  

More information about online BSN programs

Explore the links on this page to find out more about suitable schools for pursuing an online BSN.

If you don't find what you want here or want to make a comment, you can always discuss it in the online BSN topic of the online subjects and programs forum.

Campus Programs

For those students who feel that online learning and distance education is not for them, the web site also has a section on campus programs. 

You can also search for a program or a school near you.