New Hampshire RN to BSN Bridge Programs
There are several New Hampshire universities with RN to BSN bridge programs that offer a good deal of flexibility for working nurses. If you are interested in expanding your nursing knowledge base, refining your patient care skills, and developing your professional practice, obtaining your Baccalaureate may be the way to do it.
At BestNursingDegree.com, we believe that an educated nurse is a powerful member of the healthcare team, and we are here to help you meet your educational goals. We’ve compiled a list of all the RN to BSN programs available to nurses in NH, to save you time and effort while you search for schools. Our featured schools offer flexible online programs, while allowing you to complete your degree at your own pace.
Curriculum of RN to BSN Programs in New Hampshire
The requirements to enroll in an RN-BSN program include possessing an active New Hampshire RN license, completion of prerequisite courses, an official transcript from an accredited university and maintenance of the required GPA.
Most online campuses are accessible 24/7, and coursework is typically offered in an online hybrid format, with approximately two classes that must be taken on campus. Some universities have financial aid available even for the student taking only one course. You can find additional financial aid resources here.
One college offers a satellite course reaching the more outlying areas of NH, by coordinating with a local hospital. The two “on-campus” courses are available at the hospital, and the balance can be completed on a home computer. This is a great example of the strategic partnerships that are being developed in an effort to streamline education for working nurses in order to create a more highly educated workforce.
The typical classes required for the RN–BSN program include:
- Introduction to Professional Nursing
- Legal and Ethical Foundations
- Clinical Specialty Settings
- Nursing Leadership and the Management
- Patient–Centered Assessments
- Nursing Research and Evidenced–Based Practice
- Community and Global Health
- Policy, Law, Ethics and Regulation and I
- Holistic Healthcare Nursing Practice
- Nursing Capstone Practicum
In order to obtain your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in New Hampshire, 120 credit hours must be earned. Many times, schools will apply credits previously earned to your RN to BSN program, further expediting your ability to expand your education.
Careers for RN to BSN graduates in New Hampshire
The global healthcare environment has become increasingly complex, prompting many changes in how nursing care is delivered. As a result, The American Nurses Association recommends nurses work towards achieving higher educational degrees, in accordance with the landmark report by the Institute of Medicine entitled The Future of Nursing:Leading Change, Advancing Health.The New Hampshire Nurse’s Association works closely with the American Nurses Association as an advocate for nurses and patients allowing nurses the opportunity to be part of a united voice.
According to the U.S. Nursing Workforce Report of 2013, 55% of RNs nationwide are Bachelor’s prepared, with a call for 80% of RNs to hold BSNs by 2020 (IOM, 2011) As a result of both state and nationwide figures, the state has joined many others in creating the New Hampshire Action Coalition, which is tasked with leading the way to a more educated nursing workforce, and ultimately, the improved health of the state’s residents.
There are over two million licensed RNs in the United States as of 2010,, earning a mean average income of $64,690. Registered Nurses in NH enjoy a slightly higher average salary, reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (May, 2012) earning an average annual income of $67,930. They further report a salary range of $45,040 to $94,720, when experience and educational level are taken into account.
Earning your BSN can open up leadership roles in hospitals and other more complex positions. Outside the hospital setting, the BSN nurse can often find administrative positions in nursing homes, insurance companies, hospice care and government organizations. Other promising areas include pharmaceutical companies, educational organizations, and medical research.
This may be an ideal time to return to school, as there are several programs that can facilitate earning your Bachelor’s degree in New Hampshire. We welcome you to take advantage of the resources we have provided by requesting information from the many schools that offer RN to BSN programs in NH.
RN to BSN Programs for New Hampshire Nurses Include:
- Keene State College: Keene State’s RN to BSN program is relatively new and provides another option for New Hampshire nurses. Working nurses who are interested in the program are encouraged to apply early, as admission to the program is competitive.
- University of New Hampshire: Nursing advisors at the University of New Hampshire work with RN to BSN students to develop individualized plans of study that respect students’ past experiences and take into consideration their personal and professional goals. Over one-third of the programs RN to BSN grads eventually complete a graduate degree.
- Plymouth State University RN to BSN courses at Plymouth State are generally completed in a four semester sequence. Students typically take six to nine credits per semester. Depending on a student’s previous background, additional general education classes may be required as well.
