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For the second straight year, the University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) has placed in the top 50 of best online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree programs in the nation, according to the online journal .

The counted a number of factors, including program accreditation, national reputation, cost of tuition, and early career salary levels of program graduates. A composite score was computed by balancing academic excellence with earnings based on a return on investment.

The publication, an independent source that helps students and their families find the right college for a chosen profession, ranks ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ 43^rd in the nation, with a score of 73.54 (out of 100) and tuition average of $245 a credit hour. College Choice says ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ is highly ranked as a regional university and its online presence offers nationally available, high-quality online programs.

"The Nursing Department at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ offers an affordable, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing-accredited RN to BSN program for current registered nurses who desire to further their career with a BSN," the articles states. "Graduates are prepared for professional nursing practice in primary, secondary and tertiary settings as well as to care for individuals, families, and communities as clients."

"We are so pleased to be recognized by College Choice again this year," said Becky Murck, RN-BSN program coordinator. "The program provides a high-quality educational experience for adult learners. We have excellent, experienced, and committed faculty that are invested in student success."

Murck said the online format allows greater flexibility for the working registered nurse. Students have individualized pathways to meet course outcomes for the clinical courses as well as the option of obtaining clinical hours online or through direct patient care.

According to the , the is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, far outpacing the average for all occupations. Growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity, an aging baby boom population living longer than past generations, and an increased emphasis on preventative care are the main reasons demand for nurses with advanced training will remain high.

The role nurses play in the healthcare field is changing; with doctors in short supply, nurses are shouldering more responsibilities. Employers are now looking at a BSN as a minimum requirement for the job, a prerequisite The American Association of Colleges of Nursing now recommends.

Nurses with a BSN command higher salaries, and the degree is essential for leadership positions, nurse practitioner programs, and graduate degrees.

For more information about the RN to BSN online degree program at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ, visit the website.