Nurses with baccalaureate-level education have been linked to better patient outcomes, fewer errors, and lower mortality rates. Nurse educators recommend RN—BSN and Concurrent RN—BSN programs for seamless transition to the BSN and an alternate pathway for BSN attainment. RN to BSN programs build on previous learning, prepare nurses for a higher level of nursing practice, and provide RNs with the education necessary to move forward in their nursing careers.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has a long history of supporting RN-to-BSN education. According to AACN, a greater opportunity for career and educational mobility with a BSN, more opportunities for personal and professional development, and convenient location of BSN program were some of the factors influencing RN students’ decision to obtain a BSN.

“The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report encourages colleges of nursing to improve access and expedited offerings for nurses to advance their education,” said Dr. Caralise Hunt, associate dean for academic affairs at AUCON. “We are doing that by offering an online RN-to-BSN program with both traditional RN-to-BSN and concurrent RN-to-BSN options and, as of 2022, offering RN to BSN admission in all three semesters — spring, summer and fall.”

Starting Summer 2023, AUCON will admit students into the RN-to-BSN and Concurrent RN-to-BSN programs every semester. These programs are offered online to accommodate working nurses and students who are completing their associate degrees in nursing (ADN) simultaneously.

“Concurrent programs are the up and coming way to get students their BSN credentials,” said Wendy Franklin, AUCON student services coordinator. “Summer is a great time for students to begin their program as they are free from the distractions of their children’s academic schedules and the online offering provides added flexibility.

“We were already offering courses every semester, so offering summer classes for the RN-to-BSN programs did not require significant changes,” added Franklin.

Applications can be submitted online. You can apply for here for the Spring 2023 semester, or here for the Summer 2023 semester.