- What is an RN to BSN Degree?
- An RN-BSN degree is a specific program for practicing nurses who have already earned an ADN degree. The RN-BSN program is shorter than a standard BSN, which normally takes four years, and it allows ADNs to build on the nursing experience that they already have.
- How Long Are RN to BSN Programs?
- RN to BSN programs can be completed in as little as 12 months.
- What Classes Are Needed to Go From an RN to a BSN?
- In an RN to BSN program, nurses have already taken many of the basic nursing courses so they’ll focus on higher-level courses and can include: Informatics in Nursing, Innovations in Healthcare, Nursing Management and Leadership, Nursing Ethics, Community Health and a Capstone Course.
- How Much Does an RN to BSN Program Cost?
- RN to BSN programs can vary in cost quite a bit. On the cheaper end, they can range from $7,000 – $11,000 per year. On the higher end, they can cost $15,000 – $20,000 per year.
- Does an RN to BSN Require Clinicals?
- Programs that are taught 100% online do not require clinicals, but may require you to be working full time as an RN.
- Will Hospitals Pay for an RN to BSN?
- Most hospitals do offer tuition reimbursement for BSN bridge programs for full-time and part-time employees.
What is an RN to BSN degree?
An RN to BSN degree is a specific type of nursing program for RNs who already hold an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). Often referred to as a bridge program, it’s a great way for ADNs to level up in their career, while they continue working.
On average, students that attend a BSN program after high school will complete the program in roughly four years. A nurse that starts a bridge program after working as an ADN can complete a BSN program in as little as 12 months or as long as 5 years. This varies based on the program, individual, and home/life commitments.
Benefits of a BSN degree
- More prepared for the hospital setting. BSN prepared nurses are thought to be more prepared for the hospital setting because of the time and commitment spent during the previous four years. BSN programs place a great emphasis on nursing research, ethics, and informatics. While the majority of ADN programs do not require students to take these classes.
- BSN Nurses will be eligible to apply to Magnet hospitals. Magnet designation, obtained through the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, is a highly coveted designation that signifies a hospital is one of the best in the country. One of the requirements is the educational level of the nursing staff. The more nurses that have advanced nursing degrees, such as BSN and MSN, the higher the likelihood of keeping a Magnet status.
- Increased clinical skills. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, BSN nurses have better clinical skills than ADN nurses. Reports indicate that BSN nurses have lower patient mortality rates, lower failure-to-rescue rates, higher proficiency at diagnosis and evaluating nursing interventions, and improved professional integration and research/evaluation skills.
- A step towards an MSN degree. In order to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), nurses must first complete a BSN program. MSNs are required to become a nurse practitioner, certified nurse anesthetist, or a nurse educator.
- Management and leadership opportunities. BSN prepared nurses can move into management and leadership roles within the healthcare setting. ADN nurses are unable to do so.
- Access to non-hospital opportunities. Obtaining a BSN degree opens the door to non-hospital opportunities. Most nurses do not foresee themselves as bedside nurses when they are 50-60 years old. Nurses who hold BSN degree can move into teaching, case management, informatics, policy review, and management.
Career and Salary Opportunities for Nurses With BSNs
Most major healthcare systems use clinical ladders to reward nurses for participation in hospital base committees and education. Nurses must be BSN prepared in order to apply for the clinical ladder. Clinical ladder advancement is met with salary increases.
Many hospitals, specifically magnet hospitals and academic healthcare organizations, are only seeking BSN prepared nurses. In fact, on job postings and applications it will state, “do not apply if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree.” Most nurses will not see a bump in their salary after they obtain their BSN. However, they will be at a disadvantage when applying for positions if they do not have a BSN degree.
Obtaining a BSN is a gateway to numerous career opportunities. Nurses seeking to further their care will ultimately need to obtain a BSN whether it is through a traditional program or an RN-BSN bridge program. In order to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), nurses must first complete a BSN program.
So, while there is no direct salary bump, there are more opportunities to advance a career which in turn will lead to a salary increase.
Types of RN to BSN Programs
There are three main types of BSN programs. They are bridge, traditional, and online. It’s important to determine which programs you qualify for before applying. Furthermore, it is important to determine if you are a distance education learner or need hands-on classroom instruction.
- RN-BSN Bridge Programs
- These are ideal for nurses who completed an ADN program or are diploma RNs and now need to further their education. This program is ideal for working individuals with families and life commitments because it provides more flexibility with a heavy emphasis on online learning. Prospective BSN bridge program students should first reach out to their Human Resources department to inquire about tuition reimbursement through the healthcare system. Some hospitals have strong associations with certain online universities. This will allow employees to have a direct point of contact for the program, a streamlined application process, and may receive a higher level of tuition reimbursement.
- Basic requirements: The applicant must possess an RN license in good standing with no disciplinary action. An ADN degree is required. Pass a criminal background check.
- Online RN-BSN programs
- These are great for busy, working professionals. These programs allow the student to work when their schedule permits and can be completed at their own pace.
- Basic requirements: The applicant must possess an RN license in good standing with no disciplinary action. An ADN degree is required. Pass a criminal background check.
Most programs have a progression they like their students to take. This is because each course builds upon the previous course. Programs are generally expected to be completed within two to three years. It is suggested to take two courses per semester. Some programs will allow students to take up to three courses in one semester but special consideration may need to be given.
Online RN-to-BSN Programs
RN-BSN bridge programs are a great choice for working professionals or those with other commitments. The most important piece of information to consider when applying for an online program is if you can stay motivated and on task when not forced to attend class on a daily or weekly basis.
Advances in technology have allowed online nursing programs to become very popular recently. Professors are able to interact with students via forums such as Blackboard Collaborate. Online courses allow students who have different learning styles to explore different avenues for learning without compromising the integrity of a nursing program.
What Type of Student Thrives in an Online RN to BSN Program?
Online RN-BSN programs are a fairly new option for nurses and can fit most lifestyles, especially nurses who,
- Have young children and/or are caring for loved ones.
- Who needs to be employed and do not have the option to take time off work for school
- Nurses with busy schedules and not a lot of flexibility to attend classes in person
Is an RN to BSN Degree Right For Me?
Nurses should all consider taking the next step to obtain their BSN. Right now, it is highly encouraged by most state nursing boards as well as healthcare organizations. Eventually, it will become a requirement. Obtaining a BSN opens countless opportunities for nurses. These include chances to advance up the clinical ladder, take positions beyond the bedside, and learn more than just bedside nursing skills.
Whether completing a BSN for personal or professional fulfillment, the evidence proves that nurses who have a BSN are more engaged with their patients, have better patient outcomes, and give back to the nursing profession more than non-BSN prepared nurses.