Students’ Perspectives of Factors Related to Delayed Completion of Online RN-BSN Programs

Background: There are multiple educational programs for individuals to become registered nurses (RNs), and the transition from an associate degree or diploma to a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree is vital to healthcare. This study examined the factors contributing to delayed completion or withdrawal from online nursing programs from students’ perspectives. Method Thematic content analyses were conducted on qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews ( N = 26). Results Complex factors contributed to delayed completion of online RN to BSN programs, including student-, institutional-, and faculty-related factors. Conclusion This study validated and extends previous studies without delineating students in fully online programs from hybrid and face-to-face programs. Students, faculties, and institutions all have a role to play in facilitating on-time program completion. Recognizing and mitigating the barriers that delay on-time program completion is required to foster nurses to obtain a BSN degree.