If you’ve ever worked the night shift for five days straight, been on-call, all while juggling a family, trying to make time to go back to school can seem impossible. Additionally, many nurses believe they can’t afford to pursue their BSN or that applying for college is too complicated. One of the benefits of working at AdventHealth is that they’re passionate about investing in the professional development of their team members and helping each person achieve their career goals. For nurses, that means a seamless path towards advancing their education.

AdventHealth University (AHU), the higher education institution of AdventHealth, offers a wide range of healthcare degree and certificate programs.  Specifically, AHU Online provides online healthcare degrees for working professionals who need extra flexibility and convenience. Rooted in the mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ, AHU Online’s programs are intertwined with AdventHealth’s service standards and CREATION Life, preparing students to live the values and culture of AdventHealth.   

A One-Year Program Designed for Success

AHU Online strives to "Make It Easy' by offering ASN nurses the opportunity to complete their BSN in just one year. The newly redesigned curriculum let’s nurses pursue their next level of education while achieving work-life balance.  The Online RN-BSN Program requires no campus visits, making it possible to incorporate education into your busy schedule right from home. The program has three intakes each year, so you can start when it’s convenient for you. And if you’d like to adjust the pace of your degree completion, our academic advisors are happy to customize a pathway for you.

The RN-BSN program is accredited by CCNE and also has its own chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing, offering students the opportunity for professional networking and development.  And this is all in addition to the dedicated faculty, many of whom have worked at an AdventHealth facility.  Learning from faculty who have walked in your shoes, who know and live the mission of AdventHealth and understand how to integrate it into practice, is a distinct advantage that prepares you for career advancement within the system.

Two Steps to Apply

Beginning your RN-BSN journey has never been easier.  If you plan on requesting tuition assistance through AdventHealth, you must first complete the application, which can be found by going to AdventHealth Connect -> Applications -> Educational Assistance Program.  Nurses are highly encouraged to take advantage of AdventHealth’s tuition assistance, because through AHU, nurses can receive 100% tuition coverage for the RN-BSN program!

The second step is to complete the RN-BSN program application. Your AHU Online Admissions Coordinator is standing by to assist you every step of the way.  Feel free to call or text us at (407) 890-8040 for help any time. 

Three Levels of Student Support

At AHU Online, our students are our number one priority.  We demonstrate "Love Me" starting with the first touch-point to the final walk across the graduation stage, providing support every step of the way. Students’ first level of support is through their dedicated Student Retention Specialist, more commonly known to students as “mom, BFF, GPS, coach, or lifeline.”  Whether by calls, texts, or emails, students can reach out to their retention specialist for any type of question, and their specialist will either provide an answer or route their question to the appropriate person.

The next level of support involves the University’s many student resources.  AHU Online operates on a student-centric model, designed to foster the same relationships and access to resources that you would expect from brick-and-mortar education. The advantage of online education is that these resources are at your fingertips, literally.  Online students have access to:

• Library
• Writing Center
• Free tutoring
• Free mental health counseling
• Chaplains
• Disability services
• Financial aid

Finally, within the online course management system, a third level of support is available for the online classes through easy messaging access to professors and a 24/7 online support help desk.  With all these systems of support in place, students can feel confident that they have the tools they need to succeed.

Advantages of Earning a BSN

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) indicates that nurses with a BSN have better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates and lower failure to rescue rates. The research also indicates that BSN holders have higher proficiency in making good diagnoses.  In addition, hospitals pursuing Magnet Recognition, the most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), must demonstrate that 100% of nurse leaders have a BSN or higher.

Having a BSN allows current RNs to advance in their careers. One-third of nurses who have graduated from AHU’s RN-BSN program were able to move into a management or supervisory role. Those who don’t choose management opportunities are able to use the knowledge and skills they gained in the program to become more effective nurses. Earning a BSN also allows you to earn a higher salary–more than half of AHU’s BSN graduates earn above $75,000. For some nurses, the RN-BSN program is the first step on the path towards earning an MSN.

The Next Step

AdventHealth and AHU Online have made it a priority to pave a smooth path for employees who wish to pursue higher education.  The next step is in your hands.  Contact Us to learn more about the Online RN-BSN program and begin your journey today!