UF Online has risen to No. 5 in the 2019 rankings by U.S. News & World Report for the best online programs in the country, up from No. 12 in 2018. The University of Florida College of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN program is offered via the UF Online pathway.
The RN-to-BSN program is an online program designed for registered nurses who have earned an associate’s degree in nursing and are looking to advance their education by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“In 2010, the Institute of Medicine released ‘The Future of Nursing’ report that calls for 80 percent of the nursing workforce to be baccalaureate-prepared by the year 2020,” said Versie Johnson-Mallard, PhD, RN, FAAN, College of Nursing associate dean for student affairs. “At UF, the RN-to-BSN program is positioning students for a seamless transition from associate to bachelor’s degree in nursing and advance their professional registered nursing careers.”
The RN-to-BSN program allows the flexibility of earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through the convenience of an online program with the same elite faculty and rigor that makes UF a leading university and top research institution.
“Nursing is a full partner in the professional health care team, and we believe that nurses are both the backbone – and the heart – of the American health care system,” said Anna McDaniel, PhD, RN, FAAN, UF College of Nursing dean and the Linda Harman Aiken Professor. “As nurses, we are familiar with the importance of being properly prepared and receiving a solid educational foundation. I commend all associate’s degree nurses for taking the next step in their careers by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Florida.”
The RN-to-BSN program is one of 20 majors in the UF Online program offered by nine UF colleges.
“This recognition from U.S. News is a reflection of the astounding efforts by the UF faculty and staff, plus the hard work of our online students and UF Online alumni,” said Evangeline Tsibris Cummings, assistant provost and director of UF Online. “In only five years, we have reached a notable accomplishment – a national ranking among the top five online undergraduate programs. The University of Florida continues to be devoted to creating the best online undergraduate pathway with rigorous academic coursework and a rich, engaging student experience.”
UF Online was ranked No. 5 based on the following factors: engagement (35 percent); services and technology (25 percent); faculty credentials and training (20 percent); and expert opinion (20 percent). The program earned a score of 95 out of a total of 100 points. UF Online’s rise in the rankings can be attributed to several factors, such as having high marks in categories including: faculty with a terminal degree, affordable tuition, retention rates, and technologies available to students. This year, UF Online also earned improved scores in areas such as graduation rates, average class sizes and learning analytics platforms.
Learn more about the UF College of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN program. Review the rankings for the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs on the U.S. News site. Read more details about UF Online in its U.S. News profile.
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The University of Florida, ranked No. 8 in the list of top 10 best public universities by U.S. News, launched UF Online in January 2014. Students can select from 20 majors across a variety of disciplines as well as seven minors and work with a dedicated academic advisor to design their own academic pathway. Degree programs are continually being added. Visit ufonline.ufl.edu to learn more.