Top New Hampshire RN to BSN Programs

In the past, nurses typically launched their careers in healthcare by earning associate's degrees before going on to acquire their RN licenses. Today, however, nearly half of employers require their new hires to have at least a bachelor's degree, with 88% expressing a strong preference toward BSN graduates, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports. Not only can possessing a BSN degree increase a nurse's chances of getting hired, but it can also increase a nurse's earning potential, enhance their career prospects, and set them up for an advanced nursing degree (MSN, DNP, Ph.D.). With all of this in mind, scores of nurses looking to stay competitive in the field are enrolling in RN to BSN programs throughout the country. At the same time, colleges and universities have made it easier for working nurses to earn their BSN degrees. These days, RNs working full-time can earn their BSNs entirely online, in one or two years, for an affordable price. But finding a top RN to BSN program that suits your individual needs isn't a simple task. To assist you in your endeavor, we've made a list of New Hampshire's top RN to BSN programs.

How to Choose a Top RN to BSN Program in New Hampshire

Picking which RN to BSN program you'll attend is a major decision. While scrolling through New Hampshire's top RN to BSN programs, we suggest you take the following into consideration:

  • Program acceptance rate
  • Student satisfaction rate
  • Tuition and fees
  • Class sizes
  • Graduate employment data
  • Instructor credentials
  • Program accreditation
  • Age of the institution/program
  • Internship/externship opportunities
  • Cost of living near school

Testing and Certification

Before acquiring their RN licenses, graduates of ADN programs must first pass the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. As a result, RN to BSN students do not need to take the NCLEX-RN exam again after they've completed their bachelor's degree.

List of Top RN to BSN Programs in New Hampshire

1. Colby-Sawyer College

Originally established in 1837, Colby-Sawyer College is a private college located in the town of New London. CSC offers a flexible, online RN to BSN program that nursing students can complete in as few as 16 months, without spending too much money. The program, which is comprised of 30 credit hours, contains coursework that focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, as well as community and public health. Courses are delivered 100 percent online in eight week periods.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • New London Hospital
  • Newport Health Center

Tuition:

Students who enroll in Colby-Sawyer College's RN to BSN program can expect to pay approximately $9,000 plus additional fees.

2. Franklin Pierce University

Founded in 1962, Franklin Pierce University is a private university located in the town of Rindge not far from the state's border with Massachusetts. FPU offers students an RN to BSN program that can be completed entirely online and in either part-time or full-time formats. The program, which is designed to accommodate a busy work schedule, boasted an 82% completion rate and 100% employment rate in recent years.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Monadnock Community Hospital
  • Winchendon Health Center
  • Heywood Hospital
  • Cheshire Medical Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene

Tuition:

To find out more about FPU's program tuition, contact the university's undergraduate admissions office at (800) 437-0048.

3. Granite State College

Granite State College is a public college in Concord which first opened its doors back in 1972. GSC has an online, 30 credit hour RN to BSN program that's been designed to meet the needs of working RNs. The program, which aims to enhance the nursing careers of its students, is available across 22 states - something that cannot be said for most RN to BSN programs in the country. Students should expect coursework that places a strong emphasis on evidence-based nursing care, informatics and technology, and leadership,

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Concord Hospital
  • New Hampshire Hospital
  • Cheshire Medical Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene

Tuition:

New Hampshire residents can expect to pay about $9,420 in tuition plus fees to attend GSC's RN to BSN program, while non-residents can expect to pay roughly $10,950.

4. Rivier University

Founded in 1933 in the city of Nashua, Rivier University is a private Catholic university. RU offers students an online RN to BSN program that's delivered in a flexible and convenient format so that working students can fit it into their personal and professional schedules. Courses in the 30 credit hour RN to BSN program are administered in a seven-week format, with most students completing the coursework in two years. New cohorts are admitted multiple times a year.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Joseph Hospital
  • Southern New Hampshire Medical Center
  • Foundation Medical Partners

Tuition:

For current info on Rivier University's program tuition, contact them at (603) 897-8488.

5. Saint Anselm College

Founded in 1889 in Goffstown, Saint Anselm College is a private, Benedictine college and the third-oldest Catholic college in the New England area. SAC offers a hybrid-online RN to BSN program that nursing students can complete without breaking the bank. While enrolled in the program, students will tackle coursework like Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing, Healthcare Economics and Policy, and Health Assessment, among others.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Elliot Hospital
  • Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock

Tuition:

The total cost of Saint Anselm College's RN to BSN program ranges between $12,600 and $15,300, depending on the number of courses the student transfers.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Situated between small cities of Manchester and Hookset, Southern New Hampshire University is a private university that was established in 1932. SNHU offers a 30 credit hour, online RN to BSN program that emphasizes evidenced-based care, health promotion, the use of technology, and disease prevention to enhance student's professional and clinical development. Coursework includes topics like Scholarly Inquiry, Information Management and Patient Care Technologies, as well as Healthcare Management and Finance. SNHU also offers an accelerated RN to MSN option.

Hospitals and healthcare centers in the area currently hiring RNs:

  • Elliot Hospital
  • Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester
  • Catholic Medical Center

Tuition:

While most students can expect to pay around $9,600 in tuition, U.S. service members and the spouses of those on active duty can expect to pay $6,750 in tuition, nearly 30 percent less than the normal rate.