RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (2024)

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RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (2)

About the RN to BSN Online Degree at PennWest California

Advance your nursing education and expand your career path.

The PennWest California RN to BSN online degree program is designed for registered nurses who already have completed a diploma or associate degree in nursing. The bachelor's degree in nursing offers a solid foundation in the arts and sciences that prepares you for graduate studies and career advancement.

The RN to BSN is a 100% online degree program that can be completed full time in three terms and part time in four terms when you apply to PennWest California as a transfer student.

Increase competencies in the delivery of healthcare.

Thisonline program enables experienced registered nurses to:

  • Build upon professional strengths to become outstanding nurse leaders.
  • Develop a foundation for advanced nursing education and career

PennWest California's nursing degree program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

FOR SUMMER 2020 AND FALL 2020 ONLY: If you have earned a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing but have been unable to take your licensing exam because of the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact our Admissions Office (admissions@pennwest.eduor 724-938-4404). You may be eligible for conditional admission to the RN-BSN program.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS :RN BSN

Accelerated: The 100% online program is available in an accelerated format: Students take one 16-week course and two 8-week courses each term. New nursing student cohorts begin each fall and spring.

Higher level: Other online nursing degrees just incorporate RNs into generic courses, often making the RNs repeat previous nursing knowledge. At PennWest California, RNs can expect to build upon and expand nursing knowledge at a higher level.Complete PennWest California's transfer application to receive credit for your previous nursing education.

Learn more about applying

#2

Ranking in Online U's 2016 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Nursing Programs.

16%

Employment growth for registered nurses is projected through 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.

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Degree Benefits

PennWest California'sonline nursing degree offers you exceptional benefits, including:

  • Opportunities for research in such courses as Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice.
  • Focus on the latest trends and issues in nursing and specialized areas such as family health, community health and nursing
  • Accreditation by CCNE.
  • Competitive tuition rates and fees, and availability of financial aid.
  • PennWest California partnerships with Community College of Allegheny County and Washington Health System School of Nursing to accelerate program completion.

RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (4)

Graduate Outcomes

PennWest California's RN toBSN online degree program enables graduates to advance with their current employers or move on to a wide range of professional nursing roles in diverse healthcare environments. Here is a sampling of area employers who hire PennWest California BSN graduates:

  • Allegheny Health Network.
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
  • Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
  • Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Health.
  • Pennsylvania school districts.

NursingRN BSN Online

RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (5)

Honors Society

PennWest California hosts Pi Rho, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society for nursing. Students eligible for membership must rank in the upper 35% of the class with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher. Pi Rho promotes networking and continuing education.

RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (6)

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job growth for registered nurses is increasing for a number of reasons: an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from Baby Boomers as they live longer and more active lives.

RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (7)

Graduate Study

PennWest California BSN students go on to many leading graduate nursing schools throughout the country, or they choose PennWest California's accelerated options to earn master's degrees in nursing in less time.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

Courses in the BSN curriculum prepare PennWest California nursing students for today's increasingly complex healthcare experiences and settings. They also serve as a prerequisite for admission to graduate programs in research, consulting, teaching, advanced practice or clinical specialization.

Admission Requirements

Prior to admission to RN-BSN (BSN Completion) nursing courses, the following requirements must be met:

  • Minimum 2.00 GPA in associate’s nursing degree or nursing diploma program, verified with official transcripts. For international students, scholastic record comparable to that reflected by a 2.00 GPA verified with official transcripts.
  • Graduation from an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN, formerly NLNAC) accredited associate degree or diploma program in nursing.
  • Unencumbered RN licensure in the state in which the applicant is employed in nursing. International students need to be licensed in their country of residence.

    Concurrent Admission for pre-licensure students: A student who is enrolled in a pre-licensure program is eligible to complete 300-level RN-BSN courses if he/she meets the following requirements:

  • Completed 50% or more of the pre-licensure nursing program.
  • Completed ENG II-Writing II or the equivalent with a grade of C or better.
  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.75 or higher and successfully passed all nursing courses.
  • Receives approval from the department chair/director.

    All students must successfully complete NCLEX to enroll in Leadership and Capstone courses.

    Additional information regarding acceptance from prelicensure programs for international students can be obtained by contacting the nursing department.

    Dr. Laurie Bladen or Patti Shontz

Nursing Programs for Individuals Who Want to Become Registered Nurses

Educational Partnership Programs


Become an RN through one of oureducational partnership programsand your credits will transfer easily to PennWest California's RN-to-BSN program.

Additional Resources

Top 10 Reasons To Get A BSN Degree

Accredited RN To BSN Online Program

National Nursing Shortage = Career Opportunities

RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (8)

PennWest University, including Clarion, California, and Edinboro campuses, will submit a self-study and host a site visit for our accrediting body, CCNE. The site visit will be on March 29-31, 2023. This serves as formal notification of the upcoming visit and provides an opportunity for third-party comments concerning the program’s qualifications for accreditation.

CCNE must receive written third-party comments regarding programs by no later than 21 days prior (March 1, 2023) to the first day of the scheduled on-site evaluation. CCNE accepts only signed comments. CCNE shares third-party comments with members of the evaluation team before the visit, but these comments are not shared with the program at any time during the review process. During its program review, the evaluation team considers third-party comments related to the accreditation standards. All third-party comments submitted to CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE's policy on the Conduct of Business.

If you would like to submit a third-party comment for a program under review, please submit tothirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org.

Or, if you prefer, mail comments to:

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

ATTN: Third-Party Comments

655 K Street, NW, Suite 750

Washington, DC 20001

RN-BSN Program Orientation and Student Information

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RN BSN Online Nursing Degree | Pennsylvania (2024)

FAQs

How hard is an online RN to BSN program? ›

Many nursing students find that RN to BSN programs are not overly difficult because the coursework builds upon their existing education and professional experience. Others find that the coursework is more challenging because the classes are more advanced and require a lot of writing.

Who has the easiest RN to BSN program? ›

Top Picks for Easiest Online RN to BSN Programs
  1. Western Governors University. ...
  2. University of Phoenix. ...
  3. American Public University System. ...
  4. Aspen University. ...
  5. Rasmussen College. ...
  6. Capella University. ...
  7. Grand Canyon University. ...
  8. Purdue Global.

Is an online nursing degree credible? ›

As long as the online program is accredited and the nursing graduate has passed their licensing exam, they will likely be considered just as qualified as any other candidate.

What is the easiest nursing degree to get? ›

A BSN degree is the easiest type of nursing degree to pursue if you are interested in continuing your nursing education and the advancement of your career.

Is RN to BSN worth it? ›

You'll Make More Money

The more nursing education you have, the more valuable you are to employers. And as you become more valuable to employers, you will typically make more money. Payscale reports that, on average, nurses with an associate degree earn 76k per year. Nurses with a BSN degree earn 92k per year.

How long are most RN to BSN programs? ›

Unlike typical bachelor's degree programs which last four years, RN to BSN programs can be completed in one to two years depending on how many credits are successfully transferred from the student's ADN program and enrollment type.

What is the hardest class in BSN? ›

Anatomy and Physiology, often referred to as A&P, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging classes in nursing. In this course, students embark on a journey through the intricate world of human anatomy and physiology.

What is the fastest I can get my BSN? ›

Based on Previous Education, How Long Will It Take to Get Your BSN?
  1. Up to 12 months to Get from ADN to BSN: Enroll in an RN to BSN Bridge Fast Track Program. ...
  2. Up to 19 months For Non-nursing Majors: Enroll in a Direct Entry BSN Accelerated Program. ...
  3. Up to 32 months for Undergraduates: Enroll in a Direct Entry to BSN Program.

Is a BSN one of the hardest degrees? ›

Nurses provide medical care in a range of settings, from schools to clinics to hospitals. Considered one of the hardest majors in college, it is also a physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding career.

Is online nursing harder than in person? ›

Is nursing school online easy? Once you've found an accredited online nursing school, your next question will likely be, “Is nursing school online hard?” The short answer is yes: nursing school is hard, regardless if you take classes in person or from home.

Is nursing certification online legit? ›

Reputable Online Nursing Programs are Accredited

In addition to regional and national accreditation, your nursing program should also be accredited by the either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Will my online degree be respected? ›

During your research into online programs, look for a stamp of approval from a recognized accrediting agency — preferably a regional one. If an online degree comes from a regionally or nationally accredited school, employers will know that it is reputable.

What is the quickest course to become a nurse? ›

What is the quickest way to graduate as a nurse? The quickest pathway is an APEL, as it allows you to complete training over two years instead of three. As degree-level education is necessary to work as a nurse, two years is typically the minimum amount of time to qualify.

What state is the easiest to become a RN? ›

Top 10 Easiest States to Get Nursing License
StateNLC memberTime frame for obtaining a permanent licensure
AlabamaYes2-4 weeks
GeorgiaYes10-15 days
New HampshireYes2 weeks
HawaiiNo2-15 days
6 more rows
Mar 26, 2024

What is the shortest time to get a nursing degree? ›

You can become an RN in two years with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a nursing diploma. These programs offer faster entry into a registered nursing career than a four-year degree but may limit your career advancement options later.

Is getting a BSN in nursing hard? ›

Yes, nursing is one of the more demanding courses of study one can undertake! Though the experience will differ for everyone, make sure you understand the process, know what nursing entails, and comprehend the financial requirements.

Is a BSN the hardest degree to get? ›

Few other college majors attract a higher number of hopeless dreamers. However, nursing school is not all that academically difficult, nor is it the 'hardest' college major.

Is RN easier than BSN? ›

RN-ASN vs RN-BSN Programs

The primary difference between RNs who earn an associate's degree and RNs who have earned a BSN degree is the educational requirements. Compared to a two-year associate degree program, a BSN program is typically going to cost more and take longer to complete.

How long is the Capella RN to BSN program? ›

With FlexPath, you can complete your RN-to-BSN program in under 9 months for less than $10,000.

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