11 Facts You Didn't Know About the Rasmussen University Nursing Programs

Choosing a nursing school is tough. For one thing, there are so many programs and acronyms out there, your vision can blur over just reading about them. For another, how are you supposed to know if the university you are looking at has a good nursing school?

Education isn’t one-size-fits-all. And many people don’t consider the nuances of their chosen program before enrollment. But if you are doing your research ahead of time, you’ll probably notice that while all nursing programs cover the necessary basics for each credential, they can all be pretty different too.

So where do you start?

Nursing programs have different modalities, curriculum and outcomes. Consider your personal and professional priorities. Do you prefer learning online or in-person? What kind of schedule and budget can you set aside for your nursing education? Do you like to be able to reach your instructors at any time? Do you like studying in a library or connecting with peer groups?

When you’ve noted some of your education preferences, you can better evaluate if a nursing school is the right fit for you.

Read on to see if the Rasmussen University School of Nursing might be that fit.

Looking for tips on how to study in nursing school? Check out some here.

11 Facts you didn't know about the Rasmussen University School of Nursing

If you're considering any of the Rasmussen University School of Nursing programs, you came to the right place. Consider the following facts as you further your research.

1. Our nursing coursework goes far beyond the technical skills

Whether you're learning how to administer an IV drip, monitor patient vital signs for potential trouble or mastering the finer points of pharmacology, it's no secret that nursing education requires both technical knowledge and hands-on practical skills.

While that's clearly a primary part of nursing school, becoming an effective nurse takes more than encyclopedic knowledge or steady hands.

“I could write for days about how students' soft skills are strengthened in this program,” says Barbara Jo Ratte, MSN, RN, CNL and Nursing Instructor at Rasmussen University. “Critical thinking and problem solving are paramount in nursing--and are concepts we attempt to sharpen and evaluate throughout.”

Professional writing and speaking, professional attitude, teamwork, and cultural competence are also huge program focuses, according to Ratte, and integrated into every course. She explains that the program also features an entire course on leadership. Nurses need many different transferrable skills like these to be an effective member of a care team.

2. Our nursing network is large and thriving

One of the lesser-known benefits of any university program is the network you can build while there. Professors who have connections in the nursing industry, fellow students, or even alumni who can say “I went there too!” all become possible sources of advice, connections and potential job opportunities.

We have a thriving network of over 8,500 nursing students, 19,500 nursing alumni and 600 nursing faculty.¹ These nursing professionals and students live all over the country, spanning many different healthcare systems.

We understand the support nurses need throughout their nursing education and career and encourage students to make connections and take advantage of this network.

3. Year-round education puts emphasis on getting started sooner

No one wants to be stuck in limbo. We understand that if you're interested in returning to school, you likely want to get on the path to graduation sooner rather than later.

With limited waiting lists at many campuses for qualified applicants, year-round education and eight start dates per year at most campuses (four start dates per year at others), you can spend less time waiting and more time learning the skills and subjects needed for a successful nursing career.²

Every year, Rasmussen University offers enrollment dates in January, April, July and October so you're not stuck waiting for a strictly Fall or Spring semester enrollment cycle to get started. This year-round schedule also helps beyond getting started sooner: It doesn't give as much room for extended breaks between courses where the knowledge and skills you've developed can fade.

This schedule helps students reinforce their learning as they go.

4. Rasmussen University Nursing programs are online as well as on-campus in six states

Our Nursing programs are offered at campuses across six states, in addition to online programs.³ Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin all have nursing programs approved by their corresponding state's Board of Nursing.

Additionally, Rasmussen University is home to online programs created for working nurses: the RN to BSN program, the Master of Science in Nursing program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.⁴ All three allow busy working nurses to complete the online components of the courses from the convenience of their homes.

5. We take transfer policies seriously

If you have existing credits, it can be maddening to have to repeat them just because you are coming to a different institution. Our admissions advisors can walk you through any questions you have about transfer credits, even before you enroll.⁵

6. We offer mobility bridge program options

What if you could attend a nursing school that helped you that helped you graduate a nursing program in as few as 12 months, then allowed you to return to your education when you’re ready to pursue the next nursing credential?² Our Practical Nursing Diploma program (LPN) can be that first step.

We understand that most people can’t drop everything to spend years working through their program. If you want to become a registered nurse (RN) someday but can’t commit to that many years of school right now, take things one step at a time. We designed the programs to build on one another for that very reason.

Nursing is a broad field and home to professionals with a wide variety of educational backgrounds. At Rasmussen University, you can pursue Nursing education options ranging from a Practical Nursing Diploma all the way up to a Doctor of Nursing Practice. This means we can help you advance your education from nearly any stage of your career.

Whether you're just getting started or a savvy veteran nurse looking to lead, we have programs that can fit your goals.

7. You can choose your pathway to becoming an RN

The end goal for many nursing students is consistent: graduate from college and fulfill the licensure requirements needed to become a registered nurse (RN). “I am very proud of Rasmussen's long history of providing ADN-prepared registered nurses to this nation's workforce,” Ratte says.

Rasmussen University has options for whichever path you choose:

• The Professional Nursing Associate's degree in Nursing (ADN) program can prepare you to become an RN in as few as 21 months with a hybrid mix of on-campus and online courses.²
• The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides two options for pre-licensure nursing education. The BSN Standard Degree path is for students with little or no college credits and can be completed in as few as 33 months.²
• The BSN Second Degree path, which can be completed in as few as 18 months, is for students who already hold a Bachelor's degree and would like to make a career change into Nursing.²

8. Working nurses can manage their time toward a BSN degree

We know that ADN-RNs have a lot on their plates. For many, the idea of adding college coursework to an already demanding schedule can make earning a BSN seem daunting, even if they know it's the right move for them professionally. Our RN to BSN program at Rasmussen University aims to make this step in your education as manageable as possible and can be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months.²

Courses are online in an Empowered Learning^® format that emphasizes projects and real-world scenarios more than exams and memorization. Go faster when you can, and slower when you need to. Adjust your course progress to fit the rhythm of your life. You can complete course assignments at any time before the end of the course. 14-day attendance windows keep you on track and connected.

The program offers working nurses some financial flexibility for those who qualify. The RN to BSN Get Started Grant can offer significant savings to eligible students.

9. Three Master of Science in Nursing specializations offer avenues to nursing leadership

For nurses looking to expand upon their undergraduate education, Rasmussen University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with three distinct specializations that equip students with graduate-level nursing leadership skills:

• Nursing Leadership and Administration: This MSN specialization prepares students to take on leadership roles with courses that will develop skills in personnel management, financial planning, healthcare administration and interdisciplinary leadership.
• Nursing Education: Looking to lead through teaching? The Nursing Education specialization provides students with the skills needed to effectively develop and implement educational programs for the next generation of nurses.
• Healthcare Technology, Simulation and Informatics: This specialization equips students with the knowledge needed to implement several emerging healthcare technologies. This includes the use of health informatics systems as well as healthcare simulation technologies for education and training.

Like the RN to BSN program, this graduate program is designed with working nurses in mind. These MSN courses are offered online in our Empowered Learning format which can help make the time demands of education and work more manageable.

10. Four MSN-NP specializations let you hone your clinical expertise

The MSN Nurse Practitioner program offers four specialized areas of care to let you grow in the type of nursing you’re most drawn to. These specialty areas are:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PPCNP)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

11. Dedicated student support services will be there when you need it

Nursing school isn’t a walk in the park—but you won't be on your own. Rasmussen University provides extensive student support services to give you your best position for success.

The Library & Learning Services team offers a wealth of helpful academic resources, including tutoring, live chat with staff, test prep resources (including NCLEX^® materials), nursing skills videos and a writing lab that provides direct feedback and suggestions for any academic writing you'll do.

Our 24/7 technical support team will be there to help you handle any technology-related hiccups in stride. Of course, progressing through your Nursing program is only part of the equation, so you'll also have the Career Services team to help prepare you for your nursing job search with interview advice, resume reviews and more.

Putting passion into nursing education

While it’s not precisely in the category of “facts,” you’ll also want to research the faculty of your prospective nursing school. At the end of the day, your instructors will probably have the largest impact on your experience as a nursing student.

“Rasmussen nursing faculty is in it for the love of teaching and the desire to help create new nurses,” Ratte says. “I can't say this isn't true of other schools, but I have never worked with such a selfless group of people.” When it comes down to their motivation for working as nursing educators, Ratte says the faculty are truly there to help students succeed.

The Rasmussen University School of Nursing has a lot to offer aspiring nurses. No matter your circumstances, priorities or career objectives, our goal is to help prepare you to make a difference in the field.

Visit our School of Nursing page to browse individual programs and frequently asked questions.

Or get answers to your more specific questions. How much does a nursing program cost? What financial assistance options are available, and do you qualify? How do clinicals work? Let an admissions advisor walk you through all the details you need to make a good decision. Request more information.

Relevant Articles:

• Paying for Nursing School: 6 Things You Should Know
• How to Become a CNA Instructor in Florida: 4 Steps to This Rewarding Role
• ADN vs ASN: Is There Any Difference Between These Nursing Degrees?
• What Can You Do with an Associate's Degree in Nursing?
• Starting Nursing School: 7 Solid Ways to Get Ready

¹As of July 14, 2020, Rasmussen University had 7,564 students enrolled in School of Nursing programs. As of June 30, 2020, Rasmussen University had 16,039 nursing alumni. This number represents the total number of those who graduated from a School of Nursing program between March 20, 2006, and June 30, 2020. For the spring quarter of 2020 (April–June), Rasmussen University had 767 full-time and adjunct nursing faculty.

²Select campuses have limited seats per start date that may result in qualified candidates not being selected for admission or being offered a position on a wait list.

³Program availability varies by state and campus.

⁴Time to completion is dependent on the number of accepted transfer credits and courses completed each term.

⁵Currently, this program is NOT eligible for participation in Title IV federal student aid programs.

Rasmussen University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined in the course catalog. Actual time to completion will be based upon transfer evaluation and eligibility.

NCLEX is a registered trademarks of National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article was originally published in November of 2010. It has since been updated to reflect information relevant to 2023.