Updated February 14, 2023
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: NIKCOA / Doctor & medical health care / shuttershock
If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, online second degree BSN programs, short for bachelor of science in nursing programs, offer a fast track to a nursing career.
Because you have already completed general education requirements for a bachelor's degree, you can finish a second degree BSN online in about half the time it takes to earn a traditional BSN.
Also known as an accelerated BSN, these programs focus mainly on nursing coursework.
Just like a traditional four-year nursing degree, the second degree BSN prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses(NCLEX-RN) and employment in a variety of settings and specialties.
Our rankings of the best online accelerated second degree BSN programs highlight what to look for in a nursing program, how to apply, and how to pay for your education.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best online second-degree BSN programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you.
Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including: Academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Earning a second degree BSN online requires time, money, and effort. Unaccredited programs waste all three.
See our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.
#1 The Best Online Second-Degree BSN Programs
Immaculata University offers a 55-credit accelerated second-degree BSN. This program enrolls college graduates who want to become registered nurses. Students complete clinical study at a nursing simulation lab.
Course topics include pharmacology, nursing research, and holistic health. Students arrange their own transportation to clinical experiences. New enrollees can access discounted prerequisite courses.
#2 The Best Online Second-Degree BSN Programs
Notre Dame of Maryland University offers a hybrid or on-campus second-degree BSN. The program emphasizes inclusion, responsibility, and professional excellence.
Enrollees complete both online coursework and in-person lab simulations and clinical rotations. Like many online second degree nursing programs, this program helps students gain clinical placements near its campus.
#3 The Best Online Second-Degree BSN Programs
The University of Providence offers one of the shortest online accelerated second-degree BSN programs. Students begin in January and conclude in December of the same year.
The program requires three courses every eight weeks. Enrollees must live near one of the university's clinical sites. Students can choose either Lewistown, Montana or Anchorage, Alaska.
An online accelerated second degree BSN program should fit your personal needs while helping you achieve your professional goals. As you compare schools, pay attention to these key metrics, which form the basis for our rankings of the top programs.
Admission criteria tell you what kind of academic preparation you need to succeed in the program. Make sure you have the necessary GPA, prerequisite courses, and other requirements to gain admission to an online second degree BSN program.
All BSN programs include clinical requirements. Depending on the school, distance learners may have to travel to approved sites. Some online programs permit you to complete clinicals in your own community. Before enrolling, figure out how to fit clinical placements into your schedule.
Nursing licensure, certifications, and many jobs are available only to those who graduate from accredited programs.
Online accelerated second degree BSN programs take 12 - 24 months to complete, much shorter than other BSN degrees. You should prepare for the challenges of a fast-paced schedule and a heavy course load.
A program's National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) pass rate tells you how well the curriculum prepares students to become nurses. A high pass rate plus a high graduation rate is a good sign, while low rates may indicate that a program is ineffective or admits unprepared students.
The graduation rate tells you how many students finished their nursing degree within the expected time frame. Higher graduation rates indicate a supportive learning environment that successfully prepares nurses for practice.
Does the program's format fit your schedule and learning style? Some online second degree nursing programs offer structured formats with set class meeting times and strong faculty support, while others feature self-paced coursework.
Designed specifically for students who have already earned a degree in another field, online accelerated second degree BSN programs offer the quickest route to a nursing career and an expedited path to RN licensure.
Because students often complete all general education requirements and science prerequisites in their first bachelor's degree, the second degree program primarily covers nursing classes, labs, and clinical experiences in a rapid-paced and rigorous online format. Before applying, students should review program information to ensure their credits may still be transferrable.
The online curriculum covers the same material as a four-year campus-based BSN, including courses in evidence-based practice, community health, population-focused health, and nursing ethics.
Although distance learners should expect to fulfill in-person clinical requirements, most programs will help you find placements close to your home or within a reasonable travel distance.
Admission requirements vary by nursing program. Most schools admit candidates with a bachelor's degree in any subject, as long as they have the minimum GPA and prerequisites.
As you collect the necessary documents to apply, give yourself enough time to request official transcripts, contact your references, and prepare your personal statement.
Many learners worry about paying for another degree. The total cost of an online accelerated second degree BSN program includes tuition, any travel expenses for on-campus requirements or clinicals, books and equipment, and how many hours you expect to work while studying.
While some charge the same rate for all online students, others maintain higher tuition rates for out-of-state students.
Fortunately, there are many financial aid opportunities for nursing students. Many associations, companies, nonprofit groups, and government and private organizations offer grants and scholarships. Some federal funding opportunities provide free or discounted tuition, or loan forgiveness, for candidates who agree to work in underserved areas after graduation.
If you want to move into a career as an RN, earning a second degree BSN online provides the necessary credentials in an accelerated format. The degree prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam, which you need for state licensure. A BSN also provides the academic background for graduate work leading to advanced practice nursing roles.
Although you can qualify for the NCLEX-RN exam with a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN), the BSN curriculum covers more advanced nursing concepts and includes training in leadership and management. RNs with BSNs can expect more employment opportunities with greater responsibilities and higher salaries.
The U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of RNs to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031, adding over 203,000 openings each year.
An increasing number of healthcare providers view the BSN as the minimal educational requirement for nursing practice.
An online second degree BSN program prepares you for a variety of nursing positions and specialties, working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, and home healthcare, among other settings.
Earning a second degree BSN online gets you ready for general RN roles providing direct patient care, as well as an array of specialties. Check out this list of popular nursing specialties and careers to help you understand the options available to you.
If you have already earned a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field and have completed all the necessary prerequisites, you should be able to earn your second degree BSN in two years or less if attending full-time.
The answer depends on your ability to manage your work commitments with your program's schedule and requirements. The accelerated pace and rigorous curriculum of online second degree BSN programs may make it difficult to maintain outside employment while taking classes.
Some second degree BSN online programs do include on-campus requirements, such as orientation sessions or labs. You must complete your clinicals in person, although many programs can help you find placements in your community.
Both degrees prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exams and careers as RNs; While the ADN requires less credits, a BSN provides higher-level training leading to nursing roles beyond the entry-level and greater earning potential. A BSN also provides the academic background for nursing graduate programs.
Page Last Reviewed: November 7, 2022
Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.
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