There are several routes in getting your BSN. I went the path of an Associates degree from a Community College, some people prefer going right into a Bachelor’s program. This article is aimed more for the students who have their RN license with an Associates Degree looking to further your education and career, by entering into BSN program. This will over lap with any one trying to find any type of an educational program.
#1 Know what you want in a school
Do you dream of your educational experiences? If so, what comes to mind? Think this question through; this will be the critical determination in the perfect program for you. Do you imagine the traditional school, where you go to class, the professor in front of the lecture hall, and you the student in the classroom, or are you sitting at your kitchen with your laptop open while making dinner? The best idea is to sit down and put pen to paper as to what you want in the program. Also, think about your day-to-day. I feel that you shouldn’t work full time and go to nursing school, but if your situation proves that you must or if you have kids, you may want to find a school where their nursing classes and clinical experiences are at night. Nursing schools, much like nursing itself, can be flexible if you know what you want and ask the right questions.
#2 Whats your school wish list
So, you have a list of everything you’re looking for in a school, now time to make a list of schools in your area or schools you are interested in attending. My BSN is from The University of Alabama; I was able to participate in the courses while living and working in Austin, TX. The world of academia doesn’t single out only the schools in your area; online allows several students to study in their state and receive an education from a university states away. I was able to walk at graduations and cross the stage in Tuscaloosa, my first and last time on the campus was graduation. Keep in mind not all colleges have the same online representation as others, but it doesn’t mean that a school you always wanted a degree from can’t be on your list.
#3 Dr. Google Search
No idea where to start; well, my answer always is “Google that.” That’s right, go up to the search bar and put in “RN to BSN programs,” if you want to focus that search to only schools in your area add “near me” or your state. That will give you at least a jump-off point to making your list from item #2. This search will also enlighten you on the online programs and other options available in the academic realm.
#4 BON or public health department website
Every state has a state-run entity that sanctions the nursing licenses, it might be called something different state-to-state. In Connecticut, it’s the Department of Public Health, Texas, and Nevada both have state Board of Nursing. These websites are beneficial to both the nurse and the student. The online site usually has a link to every credited school, both two and four programs. Not only will this list out every single school to consider but also NCLEX pass rates, which will shed some light on the school’s academic record. The community college I went to had a requirement of keeping at least a 73-grade point average, and most programs have similar specifications to continue being a student. The website will also have information on what you need to do to keep the license from year to year of every other year, how often you have to renew, and whether you need CEUs or not, this information is also state-by-state.
#5 SNA Conference or Local Nurse Conferences
In my first year of nursing school as the Secretary for my school’s chapter Student’s Nursing Association, I was able to go to the National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The trade show hall, my favorite part of the convention, I found the table for The University of Alabama, now being that my in-laws are alumni of the school I went up to the table to at least see what they have to offer. It was at the table that I learned that the school had a completely online program for RN-to-BSN, with clinical experiences that I completed within Austin, TX. I am so glad that I was able to experience the convention and advise everyone to get involved in your school’s chapter, it opens up doors and opportunities. The conference not only had several schools, both online and traditional, but also job opportunities, usually for that location, and other Nursing Organizations that students early on in their career will benefit from learning about or become active members.
Searching for a nursing program can be overwhelming, making a list of schools, and also what you want and what you need will help you find the best school for your situation. Where did you find your program, whether Associates, Bachelors or RN-to-BSN?