Campus RN to BSN Programs

Campus RN to BSN Programs

Amanda Gamboa, RN, BSN

Updated

Reviewed by NursingEducation Staff

As the need for BSN prepared nurses increases, you may be thinking about moving from your RN license to a BSN degree. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report The Future of Nursing has a goal of 80% BSN prepared nurses by 2020. You may have hit a wall in your place of employment because you don’t have the education you need for the role you want to be in.

You have a Registered Nurse (RN) license, but you have decided that you want to pursue further education. What are your options for getting a Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN)? You really have three options for continuing your formal education: a bricks-and-mortar school at a college or university, an online program, or a hybrid of these two.

What is a Campus RN-to-BSN Program?

A campus RN-to-BSN program is the most traditional model for nursing education. In this program, you enroll in a college or university and attend all classes on campus or at one of the affiliates of the campus. Often called a “bricks and mortar” program, the on campus option was the only option before the advent of computers and the internet.

What are the Prerequisites for a Campus RN-to-BSN program?

Although specific requirements will vary from school to school, all RN-to-BSN programs will require:

Depending on the program you select, you might also be required to have a minimum grade point average in your basic nursing program. Although most programs will accept an ADN or Diploma degree, you should always check the specific requirements for the programs you are interested in. Depending on the program, you may also be able to transfer credits you already have from your Diploma or ADN program. Some programs even offer testing programs that will allow you to show your competency by taking an examination to “test out” of some of the basic courses in the program.

Although a personal computer and internet connection are not required for a bricks and mortar education, almost any baccalaureate degree will require access to a computer. The advantage to being on campus is that you will be able to use computers on campus.

Is a Campus RN-to-BSN Program Right for Me?

A campus RN-to-BSN program will be perfect for you if you learn better in a face-to-face and hands on environment. Many students want and need the face-to-face interaction offered in the clinical setting. The campus option is a great option if you can take time off from your current job for didactic classroom teaching. If you do not like technology and using a computer is a chore for you, the bricks and mortar option might be perfect for you.

What Campus RN-to-BSN Programs are Available?

A great place to start when you are looking for an affordable RN-to-BSN program is with a college or university close to you that has an established nursing program. The advantages are many: you probably already have housing in the area, if there are different in-state and out-of-state fees, you will qualify for the lower amount, and it is very likely that the nursing program has established relationships with clinical practice sites in the area which may increase the likelihood that you can do at least part of your clinical work at your current work site. Additionally, some programs require RN licensure in the state where the program is located.

When searching for RN-to-BSN programs, ensure that your options are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). If your program is not accredited, you may be ineligible to take the NCLEX in certain states. The cost of programs varies by institution and is also impacted by if and how many credits you are able to transfer into the program. By using the National Center for Education Statistics’s College Navigator tool, you can easily compare factors like cost, admission rates, accreditation, and campus safety amongst the institutions that interest you.