Since a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a college-level degree, obtaining a BSN typically requires students to earn 120 credit hours. These hours usually include 60 undergraduate credits, 30 upper-division nursing course credits, and 30 credits from clinical training and equivalency exams. Most RN to BSN programs take approximately two years to complete. Fortunately, it is possible to advance from an ADN to a BSN much faster if you enroll in an online RN to BSN program since undergraduate credits from your associate degree may transfer to your BSN program.
There are several factors that influence the time it takes to achieve a BSN, including transferable credits from previous nursing programs, the pace of the courses, and the course load taken on by each student. At Northern Kentucky University, it’s possible to complete the RN to BSN program in as few as 10 months.
Before embarking on the ADN-to-BSN journey, there are many variables to consider.
Full- or Part-Time
The time it will take to progress from an ADN to a BSN depends heavily on your individual circumstances and the amount of time you commit to the coursework. AllNursingSchools.com points out, “Part-time options are also available online and on campus, though they will extend your time in school.” It is a trade-off, depending on what level of coursework you feel you can handle.
If you will be working and taking care of your family while in school, you may prefer a flexible online program that you can enroll in part time. If you have a burning desire to get through the program as quickly as possible and you’re willing to devote larger chunks of time each week to your studies, taking on a heavier course load might be the better route.
Online or On-Campus
As AllNursingSchools.com puts it, “Some people thrive in an on-campus setting with lots of interaction with peers and professors, whereas other students may be more suitable for an online program if they need to work at their own pace or want a less-expensive education option.”
The convenience of online courses makes them the popular choice for students who need school to conform to their schedule rather than the other way around. Not only can you work school around your daily schedule, you can also speed up or slow down the time it takes to earn your advanced education as you progress.
Regardless of whether you’re completing your studies in a classroom or at your computer, the coursework and expectations are similar. This means that if you choose to go the online route, you will not be at a disadvantage compared to your peers who attended a brick-and-mortar college.
Narrowing Your Options
Each path from ADN to BSN can result in different completion times for each student. Whether full-time or part-time, online or on-campus, there is no shortage of options for ADNs looking to further their education. For those who want to speed up the transition, Northern Kentucky University’s 30-credit-hour online program may be the best path forward in your career.
Learn more about the Northern Kentucky University online RN to BSN program.
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Related Testimonials
RN to BSN Student Krista Harmon Deepens Appreciation for Nurses of All Specialties
Kentucky Native Cheryl Dyer Returns to NKU Via Online RN to BSN Program
Dr. Michelle Teschendorf Leading NKU RN to BSN Program Into Future
Sources:
The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing: Bridging the Gap: Seamless RN to BSN Degree Transitions
AllNursingSchools.com: Earning Your Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Can Expand Your Career Options
