Oklahoma RN to BSN Programs

The nursing community continues to reach for professional excellence in evidence-based practice. With clearly articulated pathways to higher education, nurses who are interested in finding a pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree have many avenues to pursue in order to reach their goal. In addition to being earning more money, BSN nurses have greater flexibility in job openings and further opportunities to change the face of nursing care through acquiring more education.

Admissions Requirements for Oklahoma RN to BSN Programs

While admission requirements for RN to BSN programs are rigorous, applicants are already trained and licensed which brings everyone to roughly the same qualifications. With this being said, there's not much that can make your application stand out from the crowd, so students are encouraged to ensure that each aspect of their application shows excellence. Below are some common admissions requirements that RNs are bound to encounter in the application process.

• Have courses from a regionally accredited Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) program for transfer or complete equivalent courses
• Complete application and all forms
• Secondary and post-secondary academic records in the form of an official transcript
• Students within 5 years of secondary graduation must submit ACT or SAT scores
• Additional information as nursing faculty and admissions deem appropriate
• RN licensure in good standing with the state of Oklahoma
• Up to date professional resume and references

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

At Oral Roberts University in located in the thriving city of Tulsa, the RN to BSN online program is clearly articulated so that students have an understanding of the curriculum before making a commitment. In this way, nurses are able to determine which institution is best suited to their needs. Some of the upper level courses include the following:

• NUR 320 Health Promotion and Culture
• NUR 450 Health Assessment II
• NUR 497 Scholarship in Nursing
• NUR 330 EBP and Health Informatics
• HPE Fitness for Life I

Online RN to BSN Programs in Oklahoma

There are more than a dozen universities throughout the state that offer online RN to BSN programs. With so many options, RNs who are interested in pursuing their BSN don't even need to look out of the state! While most are at the university level, there are a couple that are offered through community colleges that have articulation agreements with their sister university, in order to provide convenient points of access for students throughout the state.

Featured Online School

Founded in 1972, the nursing department at the University of Central Oklahoma has been going strong ever since. Students who are interested in opening their career options and advancement opportunities should investigate program options through this and other universities in order to get the right academic fit for their personal and professional goals.

Admissions and Program Length

Accredited by the ACEN, the Southwestern Oklahoma State University RN to BSN program is offered fully online. Students from a regionally accredited college or university through the ACEN can receive a transfer credit block of 31 credits toward their degree at SWOSU. Students can complete SWOSU's program in as little as one year, or take up to five years, depending on course load. Students may enter the program in the spring, fall, or summer entry points.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Southwestern Oklahoma State University have an estimated per-semester cost of about $8,900, based on a 30-hour semester. With books totaling an additional $500 per semester, students should be aware that there are a number of additional fees that should be calculated before making a financial commitment. Finally, all students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

It's definitely not your imagination - a BSN degree holder is considered 'eligible' for almost 90% of the jobs that they apply for, as compared to the ADN holder's 55% eligibility. In the future, the base degree level may actually start at the BSN level, but for now, that's not the case. However, nurses with their baccalaureate degree will be considered first for nursing roles in areas like burn units, oncology, and gerontology to name just a few - with greater emphasis on health outcomes and less bedside tending, these roles are a natural fit for those with more credentials.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Oklahoma

Earning a BSN is easier than ever before with the growth of so many accredited online programs - and nurses are incentivized to take advantage, due to the raise in pay that will inevitably follow earning the degree. With an entry wage of about $20.50 per hour or almost $43,000 per year, ADN nurses make a good wage directly after graduation. However, it's with a BSN degree that wages really start to rise, being on average about $10,000 higher from the outset. The wage gap continues to widen between ADN and BSN degree holders every year afterward.

RN to BSN Programs

Increased salary potential is one of the benefits of graduating with a BSN degree, but it is not the only benefit. BSN nurses in Oklahoma are earning around $20,000 more than colleagues with an ADN diploma. Getting a BSN degree can also put you farther ahead in career advancements. If you are looking to earn more and become a sought after nurse for a multitude of different nursing venues, there are more than a dozen colleges in the state to help you obtain your education and career goals.