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With a large aging population and increasing strains on the healthcare system from the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow. As a career, nursing can be demanding but also highly rewarding, and a high percentage of nurses are happy with their career choice. A 2019 survey of nearly 20,000 registered nurses from AMN Healthcare found that 81 percent feel positively about their career choice, and many are looking to continue advancing in the field. The survey noted that 60 percent of Millennial registered nurses (RNs) are either enrolled in an RN program or looking into enrolling soon.

The associate degree program at University of Phoenix can also provide credit toward completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing if there is a desire to pursue additional career options. University of Phoenix offers both a traditional RN to BSN degree program and a competency-based degree program.

RN to BSN Program Options at University of Phoenix

Those who transfer their associate degree in nursing can complete the RN to BSN program at University of Phoenix in just 14 months, one five-week course at a time. Coursework, which can be completed at times that work best for students’ busy lives, covers topics related both to leadership and business as well as to care and compassion around patient populations. They include business management, communications, compassion in population health, coordinating safe care, critical thinking and holistic nursing, health administration, information management and communication, leadership, professionalism, quality improvement and case management and strategic planning. This program is designed to provide registered nurses with the skills to serve as generalists who can take on many leadership roles in healthcare systems including as a charge nurse, a public health nurse or a director of nursing.

Registered nurses who have at least one year of professional experience are eligible to apply for the Competency-Based RN to BSN program. The program is self-governed, although students have input from faculty practitioners and a faculty mentor, and is an efficient option for working nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree program in as little as 12 months.

Learning from experienced Nursing Faculty at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix nursing students are provided instruction and guidance from faculty who have an average of 27.5 years of professional experience according to the University’s 2020 Annual Academic Report. Among the University’s nursing faculty are five chief executive officers, two chief nursing officers, two chief operating officers, and 20 directors of service.

Kathleen Winston, Ph.D.,RN, the former dean of the College of Nursing and a finalist for an ATHENA Award from the Greater Phoenix Chamber serves as an example of how one’s career path in nursing can continue to accelerate into greater positions of leadership. Her career journey has included stints as a clinician, educator and Dean. 

Higher Nursing Degree Options at University of Phoenix

For nurses looking for even greater leadership opportunities in their field, University of Phoenix offers both master’s and doctoral-level nursing degree programs. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program has a number of potential specialty tracks that students can choose based on their personal career aspirations. They include family nurse practitioner, nurse administration, nurse education and nurse informatics. The two-year Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) involves an applied project that begins with the first course and working alongside an Applied Project Chair who provides critical feedback throughout the academic experience.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is committed to providing affordable and accessible higher education opportunities for working parents and adults. This includes online nursing degree programs that prepare students for careers in the high-demand field of nursing with flexible course options to fit into busy schedules. Degree options in the University of Phoenix Online Nursing Program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as well as a Nursing Bridge Program to help working nurses accelerate their path to an MSN. Whether interested in nursing or other careers, University of Phoenix provides a pathway for working adults to realize their academic and career goals with flexible schedules, online learning options, financial support and scholarships, transfer credit opportunities and dedicated staff to help students complete their degrees and find career success. Visit www.phoenix.edu to learn more.