Health, Schools and Education

NWFSC named to Forbes’ Nursing List

Forbes Advisor recently recognized Northwest Florida State College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program as the one of the best affordable RN-to-BSN option in the country.

Forbes Advisor has named Northwest Florida State College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program to it’s best affordable RN to BSN programs in the country.

“Under the dedicated guidance of our exceptional faculty and staff, we have witnessed extraordinary growth and success, shaping a new generation of healthcare professionals,” Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Northwest Florida State College, stated. “Our program stands as a beacon of excellence, not just in Florida but nationally, reflecting our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier education and training.”

The program helps people with two-year nursing degrees earn their four-year diploma – and increase their earning potential in the healthcare industry.

Forbes added that it picked Northwest Florida State College as a member of the list, because “Licensed RNs can earn a CCNE-accredited online bachelor of science in nursing from Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida, in as little as three semesters. Coursework takes place online with in-person experiential learning that students can complete where they live.

The school’s eRate for online classes lets out-of-state students pay just $1 more per credit than in-state learners. Online students pay a distance learning fee of $15 per credit.”

Out of the 58 colleges evaluated, Northwest Florida State College emerged as one of the top 10 institutions for RN-to-BSN programs, receiving a curved final score of 90% or higher. The college’s commitment to excellence in education, coupled with its affordability and positive student outcomes, contributed to its recognition by Forbes Advisor.

Keeping Up With Advances in Nursing

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there is a significant shortage of nurses nationwide. “Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations,” a report from the BLS said, “About 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.”

While a diploma or an associate in nursing (ADN) can qualify individuals to become registered nurses, according to Forbes, the industry is witnessing a shift towards the preference for BSN holders. Hospitals and healthcare employers, in particular, are inclined to hire nurses with a BSN due to the comprehensive education and skill set they bring to the workplace. Moreover, BSN holders typically command higher salaries, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market.

According to data from Payscale, nurses with BSNs earn an average annual salary of approximately $92,000, compared to $76,000 for ADN holders. Beyond financial incentives, a BSN also prepares nurses for advanced career opportunities, including roles in administration and leadership. The degree serves as a stepping stone for further education, such as graduate school, and equips nurses with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.

“The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, and with it, the role of training qualified nurses becomes increasingly critical,” said Dr. Henry Mack, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northwest Florida State College. “Thanks to our faculty and staff, our program is uniquely positioned to meet the demand while helping set new standards in nursing education.”

RN-to-BSN Programs: A Shortcut to Higher Education:

For registered nurses who already hold licensure, the RN-to-BSN program offers an accelerated pathway to earn a BSN. These programs cater to the needs of working professionals, allowing them to complete their degrees in a shorter timeframe. While the cost of full-length BSN programs can be daunting, Forbes Advisor has recognized the financial challenges faced by nursing students and compiled a list of the best affordable RN-to-BSN online programs.

Forbes Advisor’s Methodology and Other Top Schools:

Forbes Advisor says it employs a rigorous methodology to assess and rank accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online RN-to-BSN degree programs in the U.S. The rankings consider factors such as credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience, and the application process.

The data, sourced from reliable resources including the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is accurate as of January 2023.

Most of the best programs for going from an RN to a BSN in nursing are located in the Sunshine State. Seven of the top ten programs were in Florida.

Other colleges and universities which earned the title ‘Best Affordable RN-to-BSN options’ included

Christopher Saul

Christopher Saul is the publisher of Mid Bay News. He graduated from Southern Methodist University's School of Journalism with a Convergance Journalism Degree and a Master's Degree in Public Administration From Florida State.