The availability of online nursing programs makes it easier than ever to meet this demand. With employers increasingly seeking registered nurses (RNs) who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, individuals who complete an online BSN program will be especially well-positioned to capitalize on the growing opportunities in the field.  

RN to BSN programs, in particular, provide a streamlined pathway that leverages nurses’ prior education and clinical experience to fast-track the process for earning a bachelor’s degree. 

For healthcare professionals in Missouri wondering, can you get a nursing degree online?, the answer is yes. An online nursing degree program represents an ideal way forward for nurses who want to pursue a degree without putting their career on hold. 

What Does an Online Nursing Degree Entail? 

Online nursing degree programs allow aspiring or practicing nurses to earn their degree on a flexible, self-paced schedule. As such, getting a nursing degree online is particularly popular with working professionals who need to balance their studies with work and family responsibilities.  

A growing number of online learning program options are available for all levels of nursing degrees, from prelicensure Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and BSN programs to RN to BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs for working RNs looking to advance in their careers. 

While most lectures, coursework and assessments are delivered online in these programs, any courses that require real-world, in-person experience such as clinicals and residencies can generally be completed in the students’ geographic area (or where they have an RN license, if applicable) with an approved preceptor. 

Admission Requirements 

Online nursing program admission requirements vary depending on the program type and school.  

Generally, prospective students must meet a minimum GPA based on their prior academic performance, whether in high school or a postsecondary program, to qualify. For RN to BSN programs, they also often must have completed prerequisite coursework in various science, math and general education subjects, such as Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology and English Composition. Some programs also require incoming students to pass a background check.  

For RN to BSN and advanced degree programs, students must possess a valid nursing license. Some programs may require nursing field experience. 

To comply with state licensure regulations, some online nursing programs may be restricted to students from certain geographic areas. Applicants to SEMO Online’s RN to BSN program, for example, must reside in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky or Arkansas. 

Curriculum and Program Length 

As with admission requirements, the curriculum and length of online nursing programs vary based on the specific program. However, they are similar to their in-person counterparts.  

Students earning an undergraduate nursing degree online can expect to take pre-nursing classes such as biology, chemistry, algebra, statistics and English, if they have not previously completed these courses.  

Nursing-focused courses may include microbiology, health assessments, pharmacology, gerontological nursing, nursing leadership and population health. RN to BSN programs are designed to build upon RNs’ existing skills and experience, often focusing more on nursing research and principles of leadership and management. Some nursing programs also have clinical, practicum or residency requirements. 

Online nursing programs typically range from one to four years in duration. RN to BSN programs are generally among the shortest nursing programs — generally taking one year to complete on a full-time schedule or two years on a part-time schedule — since they take into account a nurse’s existing education. 

Are Online Nursing Degrees Available in Missouri? 

There are a number of online degree programs available to aspiring and existing nurses in Missouri. The online RN to BSN program offered by SEMO Online, for example, offers a flexible, fully online format designed with busy professionals in mind. The program’s curriculum helps nurses build on their existing knowledge and experience to advance their careers, covering topics ranging from holistic patient assessment to nursing leadership and management. 

Benefits of Pursuing an Online Nursing Degree 

Pursuing an online nursing degree offers several distinct advantages, including increased flexibility and the ability to advance academically without the need to relocate or interrupt one’s career.  

The most notable benefits of an online nursing education include the following:  

Keep Working While in School 

One of the key benefits of getting a nursing degree online is that it allows students to balance their employment and other responsibilities with their education. Online programs are generally flexible, and many offer asynchronous scheduling, enabling students to work at their own pace.  

This flexibility can be particularly key for first-generation and low-income students, who often must work to get themselves through school. 

Learn From Home 

Another inherent advantage of online nursing programs is that they allow students to pursue their education from the comfort of their own home. This helps learners save time and money by not having to commute, minimize or avoid childcare expenses and create a personalized study environment that fits their needs. It also eliminates the need for students in rural or less-populated areas to temporarily relocate to attend school. 

Strong Demand for RNs, Including in Missouri 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of registered nurses will increase by 6 percent nationally between 2023 and 2033, resulting in nearly 200,000 new jobs.  

Regionally, nurse employment growth is largely expected to outpace the national average, according to Projections Central, creating abundant opportunities in Missouri and surrounding states: 

• ​​Missouri: 9.9 percent projected employment growth; 7,620 new jobs 

• Arkansas: 7.5 percent projected employment growth; 2,170 new jobs 

• Kentucky: 6.6 percent projected employment growth; 3,100 new jobs 

• Illinois: 3.1 percent projected employment growth; 4,260 new jobs 

Strong Demand for BSN-Trained Nurses 

Earning a BSN online can help RNs stand out in the job market. A recent survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN) revealed that 72 percent of employers prefer nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree, while 28 percent require new hires to hold a bachelor’s degree. With the growing need for nurses with upgraded skills, online RN to BSN programs are increasingly popular.  

Elevate Your Career with an Online BSN  

As the need for healthcare services intensifies in Missouri and beyond, BSN-prepared nurses stand out for their expertise and leadership potential. Online RN to BSN programs provide a flexible and accelerated route to this valuable credential, enabling RNs to help meet the demand and access new employment opportunities without disrupting their professional lives.  

If you’re a working nurse looking to take the next step in your career, explore the RN to BSN program at SEMO Online. The program’s focused curriculum is designed to leverage your existing education, allowing you to complete the program in as little as a year.  

Learn how SEMO Online can help you achieve your professional goals.