RN's, Need to Earn Your BSN? Learn at Liberty University
| School Overview | |
|---|---|
| Serves: | USA |
| Accredited by: | SACS-COC |
| Enrollment: | 9 terms per year |
| Financial Aid: | Yes |
| Scholarships: | Yes |
Popular Online Degree Completion Designed for Working Nurses
One of Liberty University's online nursing programs is the popular RN-BSN degree. This type of baccalaureate completion is typical of many distance-learning programs, an indication of its relevance to contemporary nurses. A large number of RNs begin their careers earning Associates degrees. This is the quickest route into a good job and certainly allows for plenty of advanced educational options, including the ubiquitous RN-BSN option.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing has become one of the most popular degrees and certainly is the industry standard. Nurses with a baccalaureate degree move much more quickly within their fields and have access to mid- and even upper-level supervisory and management positions. While two year degreed RNs work primarily in a supportive patient care capacity, BSNs are expected to engage with patient delivery systems, offer innovative solutions when practical, as well as use decision-making and critical thinking skills not required of their Associates degreed peers.
Requirements for Admission to the RN-BSN Program
Applicants must have a completed Associates or nursing diploma from an accredited nursing school, as well as a valid RN license. Online prospective students must have basic technical equipment such as a computer and Internet connection. Candidates must be prepared for the challenges that an online degree program demands. Working adults already balancing career and family must also learn to fit study time into their already stretched schedules. This means tired nurses could be studying late at night or on weekends and holidays. Degree programs often last from one to two years.
Curriculum
RNs must work one on one with an LU advisor for transfer of prior nursing credits. Depending upon how many transfer, candidates may be required to complete course prerequisites, including liberal arts classes. There are 30 credit hours of upper level nursing courses and 120 credit hours are necessary to satisfy the degree, but LU's policies state that BSN candidates must complete at least half of their degree coursework through the university. Upper level nursing courses include: nursing research and theory, communication for healthcare professionals, advanced patient assessment, healthcare for families, diverse populations, and general adults. BSN candidates also learn pharmacology, crisis intervention, and medical terminology.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Liberty's nursing programs.
Career Opportunity
Nurses that earn their BSNs may work more intensively within their extant specialty, pursue management duties, seek out graduate nursing degrees and advanced practice specialties, or migrate to more challenging nursing specialties. BSNs are often used within hospital nursing units as educators, charge nurses, schedulers, and for various other supervisory responsibilities.
Liberty University includes distance learning along with its traditional and blended degrees. Today over 20,000 students are served by Liberty University.
