My wife has a BS Medical Technology from University of South Dakota and she is looking to get a BSN online. Locally they have a one year full time progam for people with health care realted BS's, but we have 3 young children and she would like to do it on line. Any suggestions?
Does she have her RN license? Most (if not all) online BSN programs that I am aware of require previous completion of the RN license. There is really no way to get all the clinical/hands-on experience from an online program. They are designed for nurses that have an RN but don't have a BS degree and would like to further their education.
WGU has a couple of BSN options http://www.wgu.edu/online_health_professions_degrees/bachelor_science_nursing_licensure Excelsior also has a BSN https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_College/School_Of_Nursing/RN_BS_in_Nursing_Degree
You can apply to this program without an RN but you are limited to doing your clinicals at the following hospitals: Currently, clinical spots are only open at the following hospitals: * Cedars-Sinai Hospital – Los Angeles, CA * Fountain Valley Regional Hospital – Fountain Valley, CA * Riverside Community Hospital – Riverside, CA * Los Alamitos Medical Center – Los Alamitos, CA * Lakewood Regional Medical Center – Lakewood, CA Here are the requirements for admission to this program from the Excelsior website: "The baccalaureate program is open to registered nurses who have successfully completed the NCLEX-RN and have a current license to practice as an RN in the United States."
>> If she has her RN, you have hundreds of options...if not, well, that's the first step. Once you have your RN, you can even jump over the BSN into master programs- but you need that RN first.
She could try applying to the Excelsior ASN program. However, if she does not have direct experience in treating patients (e.g. experience as a paramedic, LPN, etc.), then the chances of being accepted are slim to none. Anyway, it doesn't hurt to call them up and ask. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh offers a twelve-month, Accelerated Online Bachelor's to BSN program. The didactic courses are completed online, while the clinical rotations are completed at a site in your local community. The program requires three weeks in Oshkosh. There are also a number of required pre-requisite courses. In addition, your wife would need to have her CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) certification, in order to be eligible for the BSN program. Perhaps there is a local CNA program that your wife could complete prior to applying to the above program. Just a thought. Best of luck.
University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh The 1 year BSN at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh is a great find!
Thanks. I know that there is at least one other program like this out there. I'm trying to remember the name of the school. Once I remember, I'll post a follow-up message in this thread.
She does not have her RN, but does work in the hospital lab. She actually makes as much and the nurses with the BSN's, but they get to work 3 12 hour days and get paid for 40 and she has to work 5 8 hour days. One of the local universities here has a 1 year full time program to get your BSN if you already have a BS in a medical field which she does. Just tough to do with 3 little kids. Thanks for all of the great replies.