Ashland University Restructures Online RN to BSN Program
Ashland, Ohio (PRWEB) March 04, 2014 -- Those who are looking to advance their nursing careers will need to take a look at Ashland University’s new totally online RN to BSN program. The program has been restructured for more flexible progression and the tuition has been reduced by nearly 30 percent.
“We took a step back, retaining the excellence that Ashland University is well known for, revised the curriculum, shortened terms to eight week sessions, and added an opportunity for nurses to complete an area of specialization while completing their bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Faye Grund, dean of the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
“Our nursing faculty are committed to supporting the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation for seamless educational opportunities for nurses to advance their education to the baccalaureate level,” Grund continued. “The National Council of State Boards of Nursing and The Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers announced in 2013 that the percentage of nurses in the U.S. with a baccalaureate or higher degree was 61 percent. The Institute of Medicine has recommended that the profession strives to increase this to 80 percent by 2020.”
Grund added that the Ohio Board of Nursing published workforce data in 2010 indicating that 45 percent or 74,273 nurses in Ohio have a baccalaureate or higher degree. This places Ohio behind the national average. “Ashland University is committed to providing opportunity for these nurses to advance their education,” she said.
One big change is that the tuition for the RN to BSN program will be reduced to $350 per credit hour starting in the summer of 2014. “The program is all online now and the tuition has been reduced, making it one of the most affordable RN to BSN programs in the state of Ohio,” Grund said.
“Our online RN to BSN program offers the flexibility and affordability that you need to earn your BSN and impact health care in your local community,” Grund said. “This program will allow you to take your nursing career to the next level, providing you with access to leading faculty and extensive resources.”
Dr. Jackie Owens, assistant professor of nursing and director of the RN to BSN Program, said the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree prepares registered nurses to practice the art and science of professional nursing.
“Students are introduced to the profession’s theoretical knowledge base, research for evidence-based practice, international perspectives in healthcare, and application of the nursing process to improve health outcomes for families and aggregates in the community setting,” Owens said. “They will explore the role of nurse as leaders and managers; consider legal, ethical and political perspectives; and learn technological and clinical skills needed for working with patients and their families in a variety of settings. This degree also provides a strong foundation for graduate education in nursing.”
Owens said those wanting to learn more about AU’s new online RN to BSN program can go to the website at ashland.edu/rnbsn. An RN to BSN virtual open house also can be seen at http://www.ashland.edu/conhs/rn-to-bsn-virtual-open-house.
According to Owens, Ashland University’s online RN to BSN program is appropriate for nurses who have completed a diploma or associate degree in nursing and who hold a registered nurse (RN) license. “This program was designed to allow individuals to further their education while maximizing the use of their previously earned credits and work experience, creating the shortest path to a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing,” she said.
Ashland University offers both full- and part-time programs. The coursework can be completed in as short as 15 months on a full-time basis, while the part-time program takes slightly longer than two years to complete.
Ashland University, which has been ranked in the top 200 colleges and universities in U.S. News and World Report’s National Universities category, is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (http://www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students. ###
Steven Hannan, Ashland University, 419.289.5007, [email protected]
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