Rasmussen College Expands Accelerated Entrance Options for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree to Ocala

“We are excited to expand our two accelerated BSN entrance options to Ocala—an area that continues to see increasing healthcare needs, including filling open positions for quality nurses,” said Dr. Joan Rich, vice president of the School of Nursing at Rasmussen College. “These options give driven students the opportunity to achieve their BSN degree at an accelerated pace and enter the nursing profession more quickly, while also positively impacting the healthcare needs in Ocala and its surrounding communities. We are proud to be one of the few accelerated BSN program options in northern Florida and currently the only option in Ocala.”

High Demand for RNs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Florida

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends the proportion of working RNs with bachelor’s degrees increase to 80 percent by 2020 in order to meet the needs of an aging population and the evolving healthcare system across the U.S. According to labor analytics firm Burning Glass, there have been nearly 38,000 job postings over the past year for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in Florida. When compared to the number of job postings just five years ago—around 12,000—there has been a 200 percent growth in demand for registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees in Florida.

“Like much of the state, Ocala and its surrounding communities are seeing a significant need for nurses with bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, there have been more than 650 job postings over the past year for RNs with bachelor’s degrees in Marion County alone,” said Dr. Karen Guty, Rasmussen College – Ocala, dean of nursing. “The Rasmussen College BSN degree program will prepare students for leadership roles in the nursing field by providing real-world curriculum taught by experienced nursing faculty as well as hands-on training in our new School of Nursing campus and practicum experiences. Upon graduation, students will also be prepared for the RN licensure exam.”  

Two Accelerated Pre-Licensure BSN Entrance Options

Second Degree Entrance Option

The Second Degree Entrance Option is a pre-licensure track that may be completed in as few as 18 months.² Candidates for this option currently hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are now looking to complete their BSN.

Standard Entrance Option

The Standard Entrance Option is a pre-licensure track that may be completed in as few as 33 months.² Candidates for this option do not currently hold a bachelor’s degree. Students who enroll in the BSN program through the Standard Entrance Option are also eligible for the Rasmussen College Flex Choice^® Credit by Assessment learning option, which allows them to complete some of their general education courses through online, self-directed assessments at a more affordable cost.

Post-Licensure BSN Entrance Option

RN to BSN Entrance Option

Rasmussen College also offers a fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Entrance Option. This post-licensure option is designed for registered nurses who have obtained their RN degree through an associate’s degree program (or diploma and/or certificate) and are looking to advance their nursing careers by obtaining a degree from a CCNE-accredited program.¹ The RN to BSN entrance option may be completed in as few as 12 months.² 

Rasmussen College first launched its accelerated BSN entrance options in Fall 2015. To learn more about the accelerated entrance options for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree now being offered at the Ocala campus, please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/bachelor-science-nursing-bsn/.

¹The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE):
One Dupont Circle NW | Suite 530 | Washington, DC 20036 202-887-6791 | www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation.
²Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term.