RNtoBSN.org recently ranked Delta State University's Robert E. Smith School of Nursing No. 1 in the nation for its RN-to-BSN online program.Delta State University’s Robert E. Smith School of Nursing (RESSON) received a major honor recently after being ranked No. 1 in the country for providing online RN (registered nurse) to BSN (Bachelor of Science in nursing) education.
The ranking comes from RNtoBSN.org, an organization that produced a rigorous list based on data from a wide range of sources, including The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, institution websites and state nursing boards.
RNtoBSN.org’s mission is to connect current and prospective nurses with the resources needed to pursue and obtain their BSN. Review the rankings at: http://www.rntobsn.org/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/
“We are honored to be ranked as the top RN-BSN online program in the United States,” said Dr. Lizabeth Carlson, dean of RESSON. “We have been offering flexible online nursing education to RNs for over 14 years. In addition, our nursing program is very strong as evidenced by our certification and licensure pass rates. Our program is an excellent value, especially when tuition costs are considered.”
Factors considered for the ranking were accreditation, commitment to online education, academic and career counseling services and academic quality. Delta State’s program demonstrated excellence in all areas.
“Delta State University nursing faculty have all experienced continuing their education while also holding down nursing jobs to support their families, so we work diligently to ensure our RN students have a quality experience while maintaining as much flexibility as possible,” added Carlson. “The nursing faculty members utilize every resource available to them to make the learning experience both personal and of value — online face-to-face conferencing, quick replies via email or phone to student questions and online testing.”
RN-to-BSN programs across the nation are dedicated to equipping today’s nurses with the skillsets needed to deliver a superior level of health care. Delta State University President William N. LaForge could not be more proud of RESSON’s ranking.
“We were recognized for offering a complete online education route with minimal on-site clinical practicums,” said LaForge. “What sets our school apart from others is the dedication and resources we put towards providing a first-class nursing education and at a pace and location that works for the students.
“To add to that, Delta State has a 100 percent average pass rate on the state nursing board exam. Congratulations to Dean Libby Carlson and her faculty for this much deserved recognition.”
According to RNtoBSN.org, recent overhauls to the American health care system, along with a rapidly growing population, have led to explosive growth in jobs in the nursing industry. In a landmark report published in 2011, the National Institute of Medicine highlighted the shortage of qualified nurses able to meet this demand. In response to the report, the American Nurses Association launched an initiative for all professional nurses to answer the nursing shortage and meet these needs.
Prior to this initiative, RN-to-BSN degree completion programs only existed at a handful of schools, and students were typically limited to a campus-based option. Flexibility for the working student was not a major consideration.
Today, schools have responded to the need for more degree completion programs, with Delta State ranking as the top online RN to BSN program available in the U.S.
Learn more about the award-winning opportunities at the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing at https://www.deltastate.edu/school-of-nursing.
