The purpose of this phenomenological research study was to understand the experiences of RN to BSN graduates within their educational experience and their subsequent reintegration into professional practice. The goal of the study was to elucidate the experiences of nurses as they returned for a baccalaureate degree in order to more fully understand the future role of nursing curriculum in developing competent, confident healthcare professionals. Ten nurses who had graduated from an online RN to BSN program in the past three to five years agreed to participate and were interviewed. Face to face interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and interpreted for their overall meaning. Six themes emerged from the data concerning associate degree nurses who returned to academia for a baccalaureate degree: Connecting the Dots between Theory and Practice, Emotional Evolution, Opening Doors to New Opportunities, The Workplace Push, Perceptions of Professionalism, and Seeing the "Big Picture." The qualitative research findings contributed to the nursing profession by providing a glimpse into the perspectives of nurses who returned to academia for their BSN and continue working in professional nursing practice. This research added to the body of literature regarding RN to BSN education and how these particular programs impact the professional growth of nurses working in healthcare today. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]