There are many different ways to pursue your BSN in nursing. You may choose to pursue a direct entry program or an accelerated/direct-entry program. In either case, you'll want to compare schools for their BSN programs and determine which one will best suit your needs and goals. In this article, you'll learn about two different types of programs: LPN-to-BSN programs and RN-to-BSN programs.

RN to BSN program

The RN to BSN program is designed to accommodate working nurses. Although clinical work is necessary, you can take classes online and do your homework at home. This allows for flexibility in your schedule, as well as provides clinical experience. An RN to BSN program will help you develop leadership skills and improve your communication skills. The curriculum will also give you an in-depth knowledge of nursing. The benefits of completing an RN to BSN program are many.

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Getting your BSN is a big step, but if you already have some college experience, an RN toBSN program will accept you. Most RN to BSN programs will accept transcripts for associate degrees. You may also be able to use your previous work experience in a nursing capacity. Taking online classes will allow you to take advantage of online courses, while still meeting in-person with your classmates.

LPN-to-BSN program

Aspiring RNs should consider enrolling in an LPN-to-BSN program as it is the first step in a more advanced nursing career. While the curriculum of an LPN-to-BSN program may differ slightly, the clinical experience students will receive will be varied. Students should expect to experience clinical experiences across a variety of patient types and practice settings. Some schools only require a certain number of clinical hours to satisfy state board requirements, but others will require more than these.

Most LPN-to-BSN programs award credits for previous professional knowledge. For example, many online nursing programs require that applicants take the National League for Nursing's Acceleration Challenge Exam, which does not give scores but instead verifies that a student already has a basic knowledge of nursing. This examination may count for up to 30 credits. Additionally, some LPN-to-BSN programs allow students to choose a concentration to specialize in, such as pediatrics, adult care, or nursing education.

Direct-entry program

If you are interested in a career in nursing, a direct-entry BSN RN program might be the right choice for you. Such programs include a combination of theory and hands-on activities and clinical rotations in real health care settings. While you may take some of your classes online, you will need to attend certain on-campus activities. In addition, if you live in a remote area, your program may work with you to arrange clinical rotations close to your home. Regardless of the type of direct-entry BSN RN program you choose, you should expect to learn about different care modalities, such as critical care and geriatrics.

Direct-entry BSN RN programs can last anywhere from fifteen months to three years. While some schools offer accelerated programs, the general length of the program is around 18 months to three years. You should consider how long the program will take, as this will affect the amount of money you have to spend. Also, make sure to check the cost of tuition and fees. Remember to look for scholarships and financial aid available for nursing students to offset the costs.