ODU's Online RN to BSN Program: Accelerating Nursing Careers with Flexible Education
Robin Witherow has repeatedly returned to Old Dominion University to level up her education with multiple degrees.
Her educational journey at ODU started with the online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program that furthered her education and helped her career path as a nurse at Navy Medical Center Portsmouth.
"I got my degree later than most at 44, because I took time away to raise my family," said Witherow, who also got her master's in nursing through ODUGlobal. "But ODU was there to support me when I returned. The professors, the staff and everyone else at the university understood that I had multiple priorities and always made sure to support me."
Witherow believes this support is part of what makes Old Dominion University's online RN to BSN program stand out for its innovation and excellence in the rapidly evolving world of healthcare.
Designed for active healthcare professionals, the program offers a pathway to advanced nursing practice and molds compassionate leaders prepared to take on the challenges of a diverse healthcare landscape.
Students can enroll in the program concurrently with their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or after beginning their careers as registered nurses. This flexibility is a cornerstone of the program, reflecting ODUGlobal's commitment to providing educational solutions that fit the lives of its students.
Recent graduate Kendra Yates '24 said the online modality provided the flexibility to balance her workload with being a mom. Yates took 14-15 credits per semester while enrolled in the associate and bachelor's programs, and she added 10 credit hours in the summer. She also worked with her mother's cleaning company.
"I didn't miss a single party or a practice or a recital," Yates said. "There's no way I could've done that without taking classes online."
Yates said ODU staff recognized the importance of becoming a registered nurse, so they worked closely to ensure she received as much assistance as needed, even though her ADN came from a different college.
"They just wanted me to succeed," Yates said. "That was very empowering and impactful."
Another significant advantage of ODU's RN to BSN program is that it gives all students a head start with 33 free credit hours as experiential learning credits after the student passes the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The credits reward and celebrate the student's hands-on skills and contributions to healthcare. The program also allows students to earn credits toward a master's degree while completing their bachelor's degree.
This forward-thinking approach accelerates educational advancement and underscores ODUGlobal's emphasis on continuous professional development.
ODUGlobal also offers Healthcare Heroes scholarships for those who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and service in healthcare settings, providing them with the resources needed to further their education and career.
Beyond financial aid, ODUGlobal provides student support wherever and whenever needed.
"Professor Cheryl Honeycutt made me feel that going back to school in my 50s was okay," said June Kidd '24, a Portsmouth Naval Medical Center nurse. "She eased my anxiety and doubts. I felt I was too old and that I would be the oldest student. Her words of encouragement were uplifting and motivated me to follow through with my goals."
The program's broader implications extend beyond individual achievements. As the healthcare industry faces shortages and the increased pressures of an aging population, ODU graduates are well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on. They emerge from the program with a deeper understanding of patient care and enhanced analytical skills.
"Once you get a degree, no one can take that away from you,” said Witherow. “You will see new opportunities unlocked after you graduate from ODU because of the versatility and flexibility you had to stick with college, and because a degree from ODU carries weight."