The world continues to move to the internet, and postsecondary education is moving right along with it. In recent years, online education has become a popular choice. And in 2020, it became a necessity for students of all ages. The outbreak of COVID-19 made classrooms a risky place, but with the accessibility of modern technology, the transition to online learning has been an easy transition for many schools nationwide. 

If you are a Registered Nurse (RN) looking to take your career to the next level with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN), you may wondering if online classes are possible. Do online BSN programs exist, in such a hands-on and clinical field? Do employers value an online nursing degree? Yes and yes. The nursing field is working towards a BSN-educated workforce, with about 80% of healthcare employers today seeking nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Online or on-campus, a BSN education is seen as highly advantageous.  

A BSN will prepare you for great opportunities within the nursing field, and you can earn it without ever putting your current career on hold. Online RN-to-BSN programs are designed for Registered Nurses who wish to advance their degree. They offer flexible schedules that can be completed part-time or full-time, online or in a hybrid format. That way, you can continue working while going back to school. 

Now, you probably have many questions before enrolling yourself in a new program. What will you learn in an online BSN program? What are the benefits of this type of program? Is it right for you, and if so, where do you begin?  

An online BSN program – such as the RN-to-BSN program at Goodwin University – is perfect for the working nurse. Let’s break down the many reasons why. As mentioned above, the program is very flexible. Online classes can be catered to fit your busy schedule. On a time crunch? The RN-to-BSN program  may be completed in just 16 months part–time! Or, if you want to take it even slower while you focus on your nursing job, that’s okay, too.  

This flexibility can make a world of difference when you are pursuing a degree while working. At Goodwin, we understand this need, which is why we make our programs as convenient as possible. If you work the night shift at a hospital, for example, you may choose to study first thing in the morning, or during your down time on-shift. If you cover the day shift, you may choose to study at night. When it comes to pursuing a degree while working in the healthcare field, an online program is often just what the doctor ordered (pun intended). 

In addition to a flexible schedule, an online BSN degree will help you up your nursing game to a new level. The curriculum of the RN-to-BSN program at Goodwin covers topics such as: 

• Clinical Nursing Leadership 
• Healthcare Policy and Advocacy 
• Public and Community Health Nursing 
• Nursing Research Methods 
• Advanced Statistics or Mathematics in Healthcare 
• Health Assessments 

You will be better able to serve your patients and offer quality care in your nursing job. According to research, nurses with a BSN typically have better treatment outcomes than those without, including reduced inpatient stays, less complications, and higher survival rates. Nurses with a BSN degree also report stronger problem-solving and critical–thinking skills. Additionally, the leadership and advocacy courses in your BSN program will help you practice nursing from a holistic, visionary, culturally competent viewpoint. And – since you will study while working – you can work toward management roles as you continue to gain experience on the floor. 

Once you’ve completed the coursework of a BSN program, you’ll be ready to practice nursing in more settings than you were when you first became an RN. You’ll have a wider range of career opportunities at: 

• Hospitals 
• Schools 
• Home health care settings 
• Physicians’ offices 
• And more 

Another perk to pursuing an online RN-to-BSN program is that you will not be starting over. You already have your core nursing classes completed, and you are an RN who is prepared to work in the nursing field. This isn’t starting over – it’s investing more education to your resume in order to enjoy a more successful career in the future. 

Goodwin offers students a fixed-tuition model, so you will know the cost of starting your degree before the first day of classes. Not only will you feel prepared for the program ahead, but you won’t have to worry about sticker shock when you get your first tuition bill. 

If you’re ready to build on to your RN skills with an online BSN program, contact Goodwin University today. We can help you advance your career and complete a program in less than two years – with the convenience of studying online and on your time. Call us at 1-800-889-3282 to request more information.