A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree allows you to learn more advanced nursing techniques and even, 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 through this course. There are dozens of options in each category, 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 the Programs Ranked?

All of the publications and organizations publishing have different methods for ranking BSN programs. Usually, they rely on data collected from the schools, which could include characteristics such as financial aid available, professor experience, student achievements, percentage of students accepted, average standardized test scores of students, activities available, class size, and more. Many rankings also take into consider what their peer colleges think of the programs by asking professors to rank other BSN programs.

Ranking BSN Programs Yourself

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 things that are important to you. Ask yourself the follow questions:

• Is the campus located in the area where I want to live or are there online options available?
• Where are the clinical hours available as part of this program?
• What percentage of students has jobs within six months of graduation?
• Does the college have alumni networking for past students?
• Does the college allow you to specialize in one area of medicine, and, if so, do they have the specialty that you want?
• How much does tuition cost?
• What research resources are available to students?
• How helpful are staff members?

Get online and do some research – through social networking sites, forums, and other online resources, you can talk to current and past students to learn more about each program you’re considering.

Keep in mind that the best program for you isn’t necessarily the top program on one of the published ranking lists. The best programs on each list change from year to year, and what makes them “best” may not exactly correspond to what you’re looking for in a program. While the top-ranked BSN programs are definitely some that you should consider, the best program for you is one that makes your personal criteria.

Top LPN to BSN Programs Online

Many nurses begin their careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) but soon yearn for a higher education to advance their careers. Fortunately, this is where online LPN to BSN degree programs come in handy. Below are the top fully accredited online colleges that offer such programs.

LPN to BSN Programs

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.

Other Online Nursing Degree Programs

RN to BSN RN to MSN MSN - Nurse Administrator MSN - 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 - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Informatics MSN - 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.
RN to BSN MSN - Nurse Education MSN - Nurse Management	Herzing University — At the Herzing University School of Nursing, students receive an education focused on clinical experience at the bachelor's and master's level. The curriculum across these programs focus on academic, theoretical and clinical instruction in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric and mental health nursing.
RN to BSN	Liberty University — Liberty's general online BSN program teaches students to utilize problem-solving skills to determine proper nursing techniques in the real world. Students are fostered to develop strong leadership skills for the purpose of promoting health within the workplace.
RN to BSN	South University — RNs seeking more job opportunities and professional responsibilities need look no further than South University's potentially career-changing RN to BSN program of study. Those who complete this program will be well prepared to serve in management and supervisory positions within the field of nursing.
RN to BSN	Grand Canyon University — At Grand Canyon University, an online BSN degree program is offered to individuals who are already licensed as RNs. Courses are taught by nursing education experts, and graduates of this program typically go on to become leaders in the nursing industry.
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