LPN to BSN and BSN Program Rankings

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A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree allows you to learn more advanced nursing techniques and in some cases, specialize in one area of medicine. You can enter a BSN program if you’re a registered nurse with your associate’s degree, or you can join an LPN to BSN program to become a registered nurse. There are many different options, so how should you determine which BSN program to attend?

Who Ranks BSN Programs?

Program rankings can be a big help when it comes to finding a school. A number of publications and organizations rank college programs, and some specifically look at nursing degrees. The most popular of these rankings lists are U.S. News & World Report and the National Institutes of Health. Both publish annual lists of BSN programs that are accredited by national nursing associations.

How Are Programs Ranked?

Each publication and organization has a different method for ranking BSN programs. Typically, school ratings are based on the following criteria:

Financial aid options
Professor experience
Student achievements
Percentage of students accepted
Average standardized test scores
Activities available
Class size

Nursing School Rankings

With the demand for qualified nurses greater than ever, many schools now offer a range of degree programs. From online, accelerated, to traditional campus programs, students have a variety of educational choices. The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, releases nursing school rankings each year. Visit the organization’s website to view rankings that are organized by state, hospital, medical school and more.

In addition to ranking criteria, make sure to do a self-assessment to verify the program meets your career goals. The following questions will help you gather the information needed to make the best decision:

Do I have the time and financial resources required to be successful in the program?
Have I investigated my options thoroughly through online research, visiting institutions and speaking with admissions representatives?
What type of nursing job am I seeking when I finish the program, and does the school offer the specialization I’m interested in?
Is the school accredited, and if so, by which accrediting body?

Additional Ranking Criteria to Consider

While it is important to check out some of the rankings used to compare BSN programs, this should not be the only way you look for the best program for you. Create your own ranking list of colleges, based not only on the characteristics listed above, but also on criteria that is important to you. Ask yourself the follow questions:

Does the school offer online classes?
What are the clinical hours required in order to graduate?
What percentage of students have jobs within six months of graduation?
Does the college have an alumni networking association?
How much is tuition and other student fees?
Does the school offer financial aid or scholarship programs?
How helpful are staff members?

Start by going online and doing some research. Visit social networking sites, forums, and other online resources that connect you with former and current students to learn more about each program you’re considering.

Keep in mind that the best program for you might not be a top-ranked program. The best programs on each list change from year to year, and what makes them the “best” may not correspond to what you’re looking. While the top-ranked BSN programs are definitely some worth considering, the best program for you is one that meets your personal criteria.

LPN to BSN College Programs

Many nurses begin their careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) but to advance their careers they need more education. Below are the top fully accredited online colleges that offer LPN to BSN degree programs. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

LPN to BSN	Indiana State University – Indiana State offers the only online LPN to BSN degree program whose curriculum is designed specifically for LPNs looking for RN training. The coursework is completed mostly online, with only the required clinical hours needing completion at a local facility. This program is highly rated because of its affordability and flexibility. Read in-depth review of Indiana State University.
LPN to BSN	The College Network – Start working toward your LPN to BSN degree from one of the various universities that form the College Network. You can earn an NLNAC-accredited degree completely online with no campus attendance required. And best of all, you should be able to earn your degree at a more convenient pace and cheaper price. Read in-depth review of The College Network.
	Select a subject and degree level, then click "Find My Degree" to browse 100+ online nursing schools offering relevant accredited programs.
RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Administrator MSN in Nurse Educator	Kaplan University – Kaplan University’s College of Nursing is designed to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals via an advanced online environment. The university features a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, which includes the specializations of nurse administrator and nurse educator. Courses are taught by experienced professionals that bring their real-world skills into the classroom.
RN to BSN MS in Nursing PhD in Nursing More Nursing Degrees	University of Phoenix – The University of Phoenix College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offers students a wide variety of bachelors, masters, and doctorate nursing programs. These degree programs both enhance the knowledge of registered nurses and provide advanced training opportunities.
BS in Nursing RN to MSN MSN in Nurse Education MSN in Nurse Informatics MSN in Nurse Management	Walden University – Walden’s University online nursing programs offers degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Students are able to obtain their bachelors in as little as 18 months. A certificate in Education, Informatics, or Leadership & Management is also available. Programs are dedicated to empowering students to become agents of change in the healthcare field.