Nursing Degrees and Schools

To become a registered nurse (RN), you only need an associate’s degree, which means that you can start working in your field in as little as two years. However, going on to get your bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) means that you’ll qualify for better jobs that come attached with higher pay rates. If you’re currently an RN, don’t worry; you don’t have to start over. RN to BSN programs can help you get this higher degree in less time than you may think.

Typically, it takes four years to complete a BSN degree is you are a full-time student. However, with an RN-to-BSN program, you’ll only add 18 months to two years of full-time college to your educational schedule. Why? Well, the core courses for both associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees in the nursing fields include the same basic education. You’ll learn general nursing skills, as well as take required sources on adult health, maternal health, and pediatric health. You’ll learn all the skills you’d learn in an LPN, plus a number of advanced skills that allow you to work with less doctor supervision.

When you enter a BSN program, however, you’ll learn even more about nursing. Your courses may include elective classes on certain areas of nursing, like gerontological nursing or psychiatric nursing. In addition, you’ll learn more about nursing theory and research, and many programs include non-nursing-specific courses to teach you skills like leadership and basic computer knowledge.

In general, RNs have the same starting salary whether they have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree. Why, then, should you consider entering an RN-to-BSN program? There are two main reasons:

• Job Advancement
• Educational Advancement

As an RN with just an associate’s degree, your job advancement opportunities are limited. You can collect pay raises over the years, but even the best and more experienced RNs with associate’s degrees can’t compete with BSN degree holders for management positions. If you want to work your way up to being head nurse or have dreams of working in a different kind of supervisory role, getting your BSN is the fast track to qualifying for these jobs. Remember, better jobs come with better salaries. With a BSN, you may start at the same salary as someone with just an associate’s degree in nursing, but you have the potential to ultimately make a lot more.

Educational opportunity is important as well. Once you have a bachelor’s degree, you can consider even more education in your field. Getting an even higher degree means that you can become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesiologist, licensed midwife, or other advanced certified professional in your field. You can even go on to get a doctorate in nursing. None of this is possible, however, if you don’t first get your BSN. Luckily, with scholarships, grants, loan repayment, tuition reimbursement programs, and student loans, entering an RN-to-BSN program doesn’t have to be expensive.