Traditional vs. online: How long does it take to get a BSN?

Rising demands for skilled nursing professionals have put nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees in a prime position for employment opportunities and career growth.¹ As we dive into the world of nursing education, we'll explore the varying paths one can take to earn a BSN—comparing traditional and online programs—and how Oklahoma City University (OCU) an expedient path for aspiring nurses to reach new professional heights.

Traditional RN-BSN Programs

At the core of any BSN degree experience is a curriculum designed to build expertise in clinical practice, patient care, and medical knowledge. In a traditional on-campus RN to BSN program, students engage in a blend of rigorous coursework including topics like biology, pharmacology, healthcare ethics and hands-on clinical experience that bring their studies to life. Depending on the nursing school and degree program, students may also need to complete general education requirements such as math, science, humanities and communication courses.

Typically, a traditional BSN also includes clinical rotations that allow students to explore areas of specific interest within nursing. These might range from pediatrics to mental health care, giving students a taste of the varied career opportunities awaiting them post-graduation.

Admissions for traditional RN to BSN programs

The admissions process for on-ground nursing programs can be competitive, often requiring prerequisites in natural and social sciences, letters of recommendation, and a demonstrated commitment to the nursing profession.

While online learning has increased in popularity, a traditional nursing program might be attractive to those who value in-person interaction and the tangible learning experiences that arise from being on campus. These programs lay a solid groundwork for professional practice and personal growth, as future nurses are forged in the fires of both academic and real-world challenges.

Online RN-BSN programs

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs represent a contemporary approach to nursing school that respects the complexity of life and the diverse needs of students.

Online BSN programs are carefully designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, mothers, fathers, and those with personal commitments that require a non-traditional academic schedule. Courses are typically offered asynchronously, which means students can log in to complete coursework at times most convenient for them, without sacrificing the depth and quality of their education.

Curriculum-wise, registered nurses attending nursing school online study the same comprehensive array of subjects that on-campus students do, from health assessments and community health to leadership and research. If you enroll in a legitimate nursing program approved by the state nursing regulatory board, the online nursing classes in your BSN program will still be taught by distinguished faculty with real-world experience in many aspects of nursing practice. Virtual simulations and local clinical practicum placements ensure that students receive the practical training necessary to develop real nursing skills while earning their BSN degree.

Admissions for online RN to BSN programs

Admissions processes for online BSN programs might differ slightly from traditional ones, with a focus on determining a candidate's readiness for online learning and their ability to excel in a more self-directed environment. However, the core requirements, such as prerequisite coursework and a passion for nursing, remain the same.

Comparing BSN program length

Time is one of the most valuable resources for aspiring BSN nurses, so you should choose to enroll in a nursing school that respects your schedule. Whether online or on-campus, if you're entering nursing school without a registered nurse license, earning your BSN will likely take up to four years. By comparison, a registered nurse who chooses an online RN-BSN, the program can take two years or fewer.

Online BSN programs are often structured to accommodate the unique needs of each student, offering more flexibility in program delivery and ultimately length. Oklahoma City University also provides an accelerated RN-MSN program, which gives registered nurses a chance to expedite their journey toward an advanced degree and master's-level nursing roles. While earning an MSN will take longer than the RN to BSN, combining the nursing degrees into one program ultimately takes less time than earning a BSN and an MSN in separate enrollments. If you're a registered nurse who's planning to earn a master's level nursing degree, the accelerated program could be a great opportunity to get ahead.

Factors influencing program duration

The path to obtaining a BSN is unique to every student, with several elements contributing to the overall program duration:

• Prerequisite education: Entry into BSN programs often requires completion of prerequisite courses. Depending on how many credits a student has already earned, this can lengthen or shorten the path to a degree.
• Transfer credits: Students who transfer from another institution or program might find that previously earned credits can expedite their education—making an earlier graduation a possibility. Registered nurses who have completed a significant amount of continuing education credits may be able to apply those to their nursing degree.
• Part-time vs. full-time enrollment: Full-time students are likely to complete their program faster than those opting for part-time study, which stretches the degree over a longer period to manage other life commitments.
• Accelerated pathways: For RNs aiming for a Master of Science in Nursing, accelerated RN-MSN programs, like those offered by OCU, can reduce overall time by directly transitioning advanced coursework from the BSN into the MSN curriculum.
• Learning format: Online students might progress through their program at a different pace than traditional students due to the flexibility and self-directed nature of the virtual learning environment.
• Personal circumstances: Individual factors like work, family responsibilities, and personal health can impact the ability to take on a full course load, affecting the time to degree completion.
• Institutional policies: Each university has its own policies regarding maximum and minimum credits per semester, course availability, and progression standards that can influence how quickly students move through the program.

With these variables in mind, you can make informed decisions about your educational journey, aligning your nursing career goals and daily obligations with a high-quality degree program.

How long does it take to get a BSN at OCU?

At Oklahoma City University (OCU), RN-BSN online students complete nine courses totaling 30 credits. Five of those courses are core nursing courses, totaling 8 credits, and four courses cover adult degree completion program (ADCP) electives, totaling 12 credits. Most students can complete the program in just one year, or two semesters. Students interested in a part-time academic course load can finish the program in as few as 24 months. For a closer look, you can download a sample curriculum plan here.

As for the online RN-MSN, students complete 13 credits of baccalaureate-level classes before they begin graduate-level coursework. Their graduate coursework consists of 12 credits of core master’s-level nursing courses and 21 credits within their chosen specialty: Education, Leadership or Community-based Public Health. An RN-MSN student can complete the program in as few as 24 months, or six semesters.

Earn your online RN-BSN degree in from OCU

OCU's online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a testament to the university's forward-thinking spirit. Students in the online programs find themselves among a community of learners who, though separated by distance, are connected through a shared ambition to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to health care. OCU prides itself on offering flexible, quality online RN-BSN and RN-MSN programs with nursing curricula tailored to the demands of modern health care. As the healthcare environment becomes increasingly complex, the value of a BSN degree in advancing one's nursing career has never been more evident.² OCU's commitment to providing an education that is both rigorous and accessible paves the way for professionals to ascend to new levels of expertise, leadership, and compassionate care.

Discover the difference an OCU nursing degree can make in your life and career. Explore OCU's nursing programs, connect with our admissions team, and take the next step towards expanding your professional horizons. To learn more, schedule a call with one of OCU's admissions outreach advisors.