Archive for March, 2009

About Jacksonville University

Jacksonville University is a private, independent institution located in Jacksonville Florida. They are accredited by The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Their mission is to prepare each student for life-long success in learning, achieving, leading and serving. Jacksonville University has a 14:1 total student to faculty ratio with average class sizes of 18. In addition to traditional on-campus education, the university also offers an online curriculum.

Online Accelerated Nursing Programs at Jacksonville University

Within Jacksonville University’s online offerings is its accelerated nursing program. The accelerated nursing program or Online RN to BSN program is a way for busy working nurses with an active RN license to earn a bachelor’s degree. Nurses who use an accelerated nursing program to take their RN to a BSN, are more marketable and attractive to potential employers and also earn substantially more. According to the 2006 Census Bureau Statistics, RN’s earned an average of $56,764.04 per year while BSN’s earned an average of $63,435.00 per year.

Jacksonville University’s accelerated nursing program consists of 33 credits and is offered 100% online through lectures and tests. Students earn the same degree awarded to on-campus students. With the online accelerated nursing program, there are no mandatory log-in times so that students can study at their own pace and within their own schedules. Those interested in Jacksonville University’s accelerated nursing program can choose one of six start times per year and can take up to two classes at a time. The courses are offered in 8-week sessions and students can earn their BSN in as little as 24 months.

Jacksonville University Accelerated Nursing Program – Tuition and Financial Aid

Another advantage to enrolling in an accelerated nursing program is that they are typically less expensive than on-campus programs. Tuition is $410 per credit hour and books and materials cost approximately $225 per course. Jacksonville University offers financial aid such as tuition assistance, Federal Student Aid, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Pell Grants, Florida Resident and Access Grants, Veteran Nurse’s Financial Aid Support and the Nursing Educational Loan Repayment Program (NELRP).

With more and more RN’s entering the field of nursing, the demand for nurses at the top tier of their education (BSN’s and MSN’s) will also increase. Those who choose to enter an accelerated nursing program will be at the forefront of remain relevant and attractive to potential employers.