Predictors of Persistence and Success in an Accelerated Online RN-to-BSN Program

To meet the increasing demand for RNs to further their education, many colleges of nursing have developed RN-to-baccalaureate nursing (BSN) programs, many of which are delivered online. A better understanding of the demographic and academic characteristics and outcomes of individuals enrolled in online RN-to-BSN programs is needed.

This article reports a retrospective predictive analysis of 9,567 students enrolled in an online RN-to-BSN program. Outcome variables examined were graduation, timely graduation, and discontinuation.

Younger students who received financial aid and had a previous baccalaureate degree reflected the demographic profile associated with the highest likelihood of graduating and graduating sooner. Fewer failed and withdrawn courses also predicted graduation and retention.

Implications of these findings are that when online programs are designed with persistence in mind, progression to graduation in such programs can be consistent with national benchmarks. The creation of an early identification process for at-risk students would have the potential to enhance educational outcomes even further. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(9):522-526.].