Discover Top Online RN to BSN Bridge Programs in Louisiana
Getting a Rn to BSN online in Louisiana is a great option, especially if you know what universities offer virtual degrees. Keep reading to learn more.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) isn’t necessary to become a licensed RN, but it might be the next step for your professional growth. According to the National Library of Medicine, about 60% of nurses enter the field without a bachelor’s degree. However, when those nurses go back to school and get their BSN, they see an increase in their career opportunities and lifetime earnings.
Fortunately, thanks to Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs, you can complete your degree in as few as twelve months. This guide outlines what you need to know about finding an RN to BSN program online in Louisiana. Read until the end to learn about the top programs in the state, what they look like, and how a BSN can supercharge your career.
A Look at Online RN-BSN Programs in Louisiana
There are many great options to get your RN to BSN online in Louisiana. However, some programs stand out in terms of affordability, flexible online programming, and student support resources. To jumpstart your search, check out the three accredited programs we’ve spotlighted below.
LSU Alexandria
Louisiana State University’s Alexandria campus offers one of the best options to get your RN to BSN online in Louisiana. In this Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, students learn the analytical and information management skills they need to take on new responsibilities at work, as well as the necessary leadership skills to venture into nurse management. This 36-credit program can be completed in as few as two years, though students do have the flexibility to take fewer courses and graduate on a slower timeline. The program is structured with the working student in mind, meaning classes are offered at flexible times with plenty of real-time opportunities to ask professors about any materials a student didn’t understand.
At $325 per credit hour, the program is one of the most affordable in the state. To bring the cost down even more, Louisiana State University offers a robust suite of financial aid options. To apply for this ACEN-accredited program, applicants must have graduated from an accredited nursing program and have an active license in the state of Louisiana.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers an online RN to BSN that focuses on nurse leadership and the clinical reasoning skills you need to advance in your career. This degree can be completed in less than 12 months, making it the fastest of Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs. While speedy, the program still offers a quality curriculum. Students take asynchronous courses that let them learn at their own pace. Each course is eight weeks long and students can take as many courses as they want within each eight-week semester. The school also offers online tutoring, virtual technical support, and online resources from the institution’s library to all students. Students can also meet virtually with academic advisors to discuss how this degree can advance their professional career. While this CCNE-accredited program is $9,500 total, students enjoy numerous financial aid options, including an $8,500 scholarship for nurses who work at partner organizations.
University of Louisiana Monroe
The University of Louisiana Monroe’s RN to BSN online has everything a nurse could want: flexibility, affordability, and a quality curriculum. The program’s $8,570.10 total tuition is one of the most affordable in the state today. Students can choose from among flexible class times, making this program ideal for those who want to continue working while getting their degree or who have other time-consuming obligations. The program also offers a global curriculum and is ideal for students who want to explore nurse management and leadership. To help students apply what they learn in class to their careers, the program also offers online professional and student support resources. The degree culminates in a capstone course, where students summarize what they learned and how it applies to their career. The CCNE-accredited program is designed to be taken on an accelerated timeline, allowing many students graduate within 14 months. For more answers to your questions on this RN to BSN program, explore the university’s FAQ page.
FAQs About RN to BSN Online Programs in Louisiana
Most applicants have at least a few questions about Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs. Before you go down a rabbit hole trying to find the answers to the questions you have, check out ours answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below. We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from financial aid options to how long a RN to BSN program takes.
How will an RN-to-BSN program in Louisiana prepare me for more opportunities?
Southern New Hampshire University does an excellent job pointing out the benefits to getting a BSN on their blog. With a BSN, nurses can apply for a greater range of jobs, work at hospitals which require all RNs to hold a bachelor’s degree, and transition into leadership roles. Fortunately, all these benefits extend beyond New Hampshire. An RN to BSN online in Louisiana provides this same career potential!
How long is an RN to BSN program in Louisiana?
Because students completing their RN to BSN online in Louisiana are licensed nurses already, this degree option is significantly shorter than traditional full-time programs. Usually, students are able to graduate within two years–all while working full-time.
For a better idea of how long a program may take, check out the average length of three programs in Louisiana:
- Louisiana State University Alexandria: 2 years
- Franciscan University: 1-2 years
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: 1 year
How much do RN to BSN programs in Louisiana cost?
This varies greatly from program to program. For five of Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs, the average price was $307.96 per credit.
But, as you can see from the specific tuition price for these universities, exactly how much you will end up paying depends on where you end up studying:
- University of Louisiana Monroe: $291.67/credit
- Southeastern Louisiana University: $306.45/credit
- Louisiana State University Alexandria: $325/credit
- McNeese University: $300/credit
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: $316.66/credit
It’s important to note these numbers only include tuition. There may be other expenses you’re responsible for, such as student, technology, and distance learning fees.
Is there financial aid available to Louisiana RN to BSN students?
Students in Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs have ample financial aid options available to them. These include grants, scholarships, student loans, and fellowships. For nursing students interested in serving in understaffed hospitals, the federal government offers the Nurse Corp Scholarship Program. The Louisiana state government also has a long list of state-specific scholarships, though none are nursing specific at the time of the writing this article.
What requirements do I need to meet to apply for admission to RN to BSN programs in Louisiana?
Requirements for a RN to BSN online in Louisiana vary from school to school, though there are some general requirements, including an active Louisiana nursing license; a nursing degree from an accredited university; and your transcript(s) from all post-graduate coursework.
Some schools also have additional requirements. At University of Louisiana at Lafayette, for example, students must pay a $25 application fee while no fee is required at Louisiana State University Alexandria.
What should I look for in an RN to BSN degree program in Louisiana?
When exploring different programs for your RN to BSN online in Louisiana, consider objective traits that make a program stand out and subjective ones that mean a program is a good fit for you. Objective traits could include accreditation, cost, financial aid options, high quality curriculum, and student support services.
Subjective traits should be catered to your preferred learning style. If you want an asynchronous program, University of Louisiana at Lafayette might work, while the RN to BSN program at Franciscan University is a better fit for someone who wants live, interactive class sessions.
From RN to BSN: Benefits for Louisiana Nurses
You’re already a registered nurse, so what’s the benefit of going back to school to get your bachelor’s degree? According to our research, there isn’t just one—there are many. If you’re still on the fence, consider these six benefits of getting your RN to BSN in Louisiana online.
Better Patient Outcomes
Workplaces where 80% of nurses or more hold a BSN report shorter patient stays and better outcomes, according to a recent study from the University of Pennsylvania. You entered your profession to improve patients’ lives. An RN to BSN online in Louisiana better equips you to achieve this goal.
Career Advancement
Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs open up a variety of career opportunities including nurse manager and nurse specialty roles like case manager. Some employers won’t even consider hiring RNs without a bachelor’s degree for any positions. According to Joyce University, a small but growing number of employers require nurses to possess a bachelor’s degree.
Enhanced Clinical Skills
Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs provide invaluable experiences and critical thinking skills that enhance your clinical performance as a nurse. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that for every 10% increase in nurses with a BSN, patients with a critical condition face a 24% higher chance of surviving to discharge.
Expanded Knowledge Base
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing requires 900 hours of continuing education every two years for a reason; having a greater knowledge base means you are better prepared for the challenges you will encounter as a nurse. One of the best ways to make sure your knowledge base lets you treat a variety of patients with ease is to enroll in one of Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs.
Higher Earning Potential
Within their first year of nursing, BSN nurses earn more than RNs without a bachelor’s degree. In fact, one study found that those who enter nursing with an ADN and go back to school for their bachelor’s report higher lifetime earnings than those who don’t go back to school.
Personal Growth and Satisfaction
A BSN allows you to take on a greater diversity of roles, including specialized nursing positions and leadership roles. This personal growth often leads to greater overall satisfaction. In fact, Concordia University indicates that BSN nurses have a higher job satisfaction rate than their non-baccalaureate counterparts.
Advantages of Online RN to BSN Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs offer a variety of benefits compared to traditional degrees, including lower costs, increased flexibility, more independent learning options, and access to a wider variety of program types. Let’s dive into the main benefits of online programs and why so many students prefer a virtual education.
Affordability
Getting your RN to BSN online in Louisiana is often cheaper than in-person alternatives. This affordability is sometimes reflected in the tuition while other times, it’s due to simply avoiding transportation costs and hidden fees. To fully understand how getting a degree online can affect your wallet, ask each program you apply to for their online fee structure.
Flexibility and Convenience
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of an online RN to BSN program in Louisiana is the flexibility. These programs let you attend classes in your pajamas or from the break room at work and don’t require you to commute to and from campus.
Self-Paced and Asynchronous Learning
While not all online programs offer this benefit, many, including University of Louisiana at Lafayette, do. In an asynchronous program, students watch pre-recorded lectures whenever it best suits their schedule. These self-paced options make it easier to balance work, personal obligations, and assignments for your online RN to BSN program in Louisiana.
Access to a Wide Range of Programs
When you enroll in one of Louisiana’s online RN to BSN programs, you open yourself up to more program options. This includes different specialties, concentrations, tracks, and electives. Franciscan University, for example, provides three elective slots in their accelerated, online program.
