For some ADN-prepared nurses, obtaining a BSN degree was their intent when starting their ADN program. These individuals may be considering furthering their education beyond a BSN and pursuing a graduate degree.

If continuing your education beyond the BSN is even a slight possibility, consider what graduate degree you desire and select a BSN program that best prepares you for your graduate studies. This includes programs with clinical courses if you plan to become an NP. You may also consider schools of nursing that offer the advanced degree you desire.

If your decision to earn your BSN is based on legislative or employer requirements, or if you are undecided about your future professional plans, consider choosing a program that provides the greatest long-term option, including those that are accredited with a strong reputation. The least expensive and quickest option may not be the best choice in the long run.  

The decision to return for your BSN may be based on organizational or legislative requirements to obtain your BSN in a certain timeframe. Make sure you consider the program length including completing prerequisite or general education requirements to complete the degree in the required timeline.

The number and type of transfer credits each RN to BSN program accepts varies and can impact the time to graduation. If a student previously earned credits at a university that offers an RN to BSN program, they may have met many graduation requirements.

Some RN to BSN programs require students to complete general education (also known as liberal arts) graduation requirements in addition to nursing courses. The content in these additional general education courses improves decision-making and critical thinking skills, as well as provides content that can inform nursing practice in nuanced ways.

Several RN to BSN programs have affiliation or concurrent enrollment agreements in place with ADN programs. Concurrent enrollment programs are designed for students still in their ADN program to also enroll in an RN to BSN program, ultimately decreasing the time it takes to earn a BSN degree. Concurrent enrollment agreements also have financial aid and advising implications. Affiliation agreements typically lack the coordination of financial aid that concurrent enrollment programs provide, but help students move more seamlessly between ADN and RN to BSN programs. Therefore, students are encouraged to find out whether their ADN program has one of these types of agreements as it can impact the number and type of transfer credits, and credits remaining for graduation.

Traditional semester or term length courses allow more time to explore concepts and master content, with assignments spread out over a longer period of time. This course length allows students to take more credits per semester; however, requires the student to divide their time between multiple courses. If a student chooses courses that includes meeting face-to-face, then they need to consider frequency of face-to-face meetings, the time and distance traveled for classes, including clinical experiences. For students, a general rule of thumb is to allow three hours of homework time for every credit hour they are taking. This helps students determine which length of courses may work best for them. 

Working RN to BSN students must make sure that their work schedule aligns with the format of courses chosen. If their work schedule is flexible, they may choose from several course options. If their work schedule is fixed, they need to consider availability for face-to-face or hybrid meeting dates. Even if the courses are offered on-line, students need to know if there are scheduled synchronous meeting dates to consider with their work schedule.

Is my work schedule flexible or fixed? Will I be able to commute to campus regularly for face-to-face courses, and how much time does the commute require?

RN to BSN students often have other time demands to consider, such as family or social responsibilities. Caring for children, or participating in their after-school events, the availability of childcare (and cost), or caring for aging family members are major considerations in returning to school. RN to BSN students may also be involved in their communities, serving on committees or in other roles. A thoughtful self-assessment regarding these important time demands includes resources to help meet these demands such as family assistance with childcare or caring for family members like aging parents or grandparents. Cultural considerations are also important, as the expectations of participating in family events and traditions vary by culture.

It is important for RNs to be active in the community, especially in leadership roles as this advances the profession. The time commitment for these volunteer roles is another consideration. RN to BSN students need to consider the flexibility of these time demands, if they can take a hiatus from community involvement, or if the requirements can be modified or incorporated into academic work while earning their BSN. 

What support systems do I have that can assist in my success in the program? Can any of my responsibilities be modified or incorporated into my coursework?

What do I need to submit for a complete application? How does this fit with my personal timeline? 

Programs often have application deadlines to both the university and the RN to BSN program. Students must keep these deadlines in mind and allow enough time to prepare application materials by the deadline. This may include sending official transcripts showing previous course work, applications or essays to complete, and paying any application fees.  It is also important to note the start dates of a program and how that aligns with other decision-making factors.

What scholarships or loans are available to help finance your education and what are their requirements/timelines?

Many universities require students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for both loans and scholarships. As the name implies, it is free. Never pay a fee for completing this form. The FAFSA determines the estimated level of family contribution, and any federal aid available for the student. You should note any deadlines for filing the FAFSA for each semester of school, how the financial aid package is dispersed (over just fall and winter semester, or fall, winter, and summer semester), and any separate application requirements for the summer semester.

Additionally, there are unique questions related to adult learners such as home assets and expenses, which only a financial aid representative can answer. You should connect with a school financial aid representative to explore payment options for your education including possible scholarships or grants available to nontraditional students. Loans typically need to be repaid whereas scholarships do not require repayment if the student is in good academic standing.

• What are the requirements, documents, or timelines to consider?
• For employer-paid benefits, is there a repayment term if you do not complete your degree? 
• Is there a work requirement for every semester you receive tuition reimbursement? If so, do you need to stay in the same role or can you change roles with your new degree?

If you are currently employed as an RN, you should investigate whether your employer participates in tuition reimbursement and which schools are eligible for this benefit.  Employers may require the employee to commit to a specific time of employment after graduation or once monies are dispersed.

Academic support is key even for students with a strong academic history. Formal academic writing is an area where many RN to BSN students require assistance. This includes academic writing style, which means following a certain style such as American Psychological Association (APA) for references and paper format. Writing support may be available in the form of a formal writing center, or in peer proofing and writing support. Tutoring can be especially helpful in mastering time-saving and effective study techniques, or mastering content that is new, complex, or challenging such as statistics, advanced pathophysiology, or general education courses. 

A strong, consistent relationship with an academic advisor is important for RN to BSN students. They can help develop you develop a progression plan to meet graduation requirements based on your unique student needs and timelines. An academic advisor can also help you navigate organizational resources, scholarships, or other support available to you. They can also assist with enrollment or registration concerns, and how to navigate the academic system should unexpected life events occur that may change your academic progression plan.

Many schools have specific departments supporting the needs of students who served in the military. There are unique benefits to Veterans such as tuition assistance, or peer support that are often overlooked. Connecting with a Veteran’s Office can ensure that RN to BSN students receive all of the benefits entitled to those who served our country. This may also be an area where Veterans can find support from fellow Veterans who are enrolled in the academic institution.

Support for students who have different learning styles, or need accommodations is often best vetted through a disability support office. This office or department can help you receive needed or entitled benefits, or assess for learning needs. This support can make the difference between success and not completing a program. If you definitely or possibly require these services, don't hesitate to reach out and explore the options available.

Identity support groups include those with a specific ethnic or gender identity, such as African American, Hispanic, Asian, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer or questioning (LGBTQ). The social support from others in these groups can provide peer support to help you succeed in your program. There may also be identity-based scholarships available that are more known to members of these groups.

Technical support is important regardless of the delivery format, as many programs incorporate some aspect of technology into their coursework. It is important to know the type and hours of support offered for technology, especially if the majority of your coursework will occur outside of normal business hours. Ask if your prospective program has computer labs that can serve as a dedicated learning space, especially if high-speed internet is not available at your home. Support for the Learning Management System (LMS) such as Blackboard or Desire to Learn is also important as you become familiar with the delivery method for online learning.

When selecting an RN to BSN program, you should inquire about the type, length, and format of clinical or experiential learning. It is important to know your role in securing clinical placement or a preceptor and the types of learning experiences required. You may struggle to find a preceptor or learning experience on your own if there are multiple schools of nursing in the area, which can delay your progression and time to graduation.