RN to BSN - Career Benefits and Education Options

By Laurie Mc Brown


The complexities of a changing medical field in technology, advanced information, and facing a growing leadership role among nurses has increased the need for a degree of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing among registered nurses (RN). This higher level of education takes commitment and dedication and in the following article, we will outline how to achieve these goals.

Advancing your nursing degree - The difference between RN and BSN -Beginning a career in nursing for those who desire an abbreviated education will get an associate's degree (AD) which usually involves 2-3 years of schooling. A nurse may also follow a diploma program, usually through a hospital, that is also 2-3 years in length before becoming an RN. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Sample Survey, 70% of nurses have AD or diploma level degrees. An RN must also pass all required examinations such as the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses) before practicing with patient contact.

For many nurses looking to advance their careers, a BSN is the natural next step. It is a 4 year program that includes research oriented learning, leadership training, and liberal arts. Many of the students that are enrolled in the BSN program are previous RN's with associate degrees or diplomas. They are now going back to school with all the hardships involved; financially, time inflexibility, family and other outstanding commitments.

The differences between an RN and BSN are not necessarily clear to the patient who is being treated with basic care. A nurse treating a patient won't be asked, "excuse me, are you a RN or a BSN?" Yet the differences lie within. The education gained, the additional technical training, and the potential advancement are not immediately recognized by the patient. A nurse with a BSN can review research papers, advocate for the patient, work with leaders in the hospital or medical facility with confidence and advanced management skills. A nurse with an RN may have all these abilities, yet a BSN enhances them and increases advancement opportunities.

Career Opportunities with a BSN-RN's return to school for a number of reasons, yet many are personal in nature: To become leaders in the nursing industry, advancing their careers, or move to the next level and receive a master's or doctoral degree.

The program of the University of Massachusetts in Boston takes 15 months and requires applicants to commit full time to the program. It combines online learning and classroom sessions and uses adult learning styles.The University of North Dakota's nurse degree program, called Baccalaureate Accelerated Curriculum, is offered in 4 academic terms and equals curriculum courses and credits offered under the conventional BSN program.

Salary Benefits of advancing a degree from RN to BSN -Advanced nursing degrees create new career opportunities and justify an increased salary. An RN and a BSN will receive the same salary for the same nursing position, but as the BSN moves through the ranks to a higher position, salaries tend to increase. For example, a promotion to a management position of head nurse with a BSN has a higher salary than being the floor nurse with an RN.




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