The demand for educated nurses in the United States has never been higher than it is today, and it’s only going to get higher as the population continues to age. There are more nursing programs today than ever before, with tens of thousands of nursing students working to earn their Registered Nurse certification (R.N.). However, many Registered Nurses ask themselves whether they should work towards becoming BSN-certified Registered Nurses (B.S.N.) or if they should stick with their current degree level. Read more about the best RN to BSN Programs, Cost, Duration, Career Prospects etc in this artcile.
What is an RN-BSN Degree Program?
The RN-BSN program is a flexible nursing education option for registered nurses (RNs) who have a current license. The program is designed to bridge your undergraduate and graduate school educations, getting you closer to earning a degree in nursing while not neglecting your ability to earn money. In some programs, you may be able to work towards your undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously. Most schools admit students at any point in their careers; however, it’s common for applicants to hold already an associate’s degree or previous bachelor’s degree and experience as an R.N.
Courses Covered in RN to BSN Programs
- Practice & Common Healthcare Problems
- Preventive Health Care & Health Promotion
- Health Assessment of Patients
- Laws & Health Policy
- Management Skills
- Leadership Qualities etc..
Top Nursing Schools that offer R.N. To B.S.N. Programs in USA.
There are more than ten thousand nursing schools in the U.S.A. These nursing schools offer many certificates, diplomas and degree programs. Some of these programs include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), Diploma of Nursing (D.N.), Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (B.S.N.) and Master’s Degree in Nursing (M.S./M.A.). The duration of A.D.N., D.G.N. and B.S.N. programs varies from school to school, but generally, it is between 2 years to 4 years, while M.S.N. takes around 2 years to 3 years to complete as it is a part-time program at most universities.
Where can I find the best RN to BSN Programs?
Some nursing school programs are reserved for current Registered Nurses. Others, such as those at Viterbo University and Indiana Wesleyan University, have open enrollment for students who already hold a high school diploma or a G.E.D. Many of these R.N. to B.S.N. schools do not have an application fee, but some have an enrollment fee of $100-$200. Students can apply online, but many schools require that students come in for in-person interviews. Students are encouraged to determine whether they qualify for any financial aid opportunities or scholarships and should contact Financial Aid Offices directly if they want to learn more about applying for student loans or federal grants. The registration fees can range anywhere from $150 – $1,000, depending on whether there is one payment or multiple payments per semester.
How long does it take to get my Bachelor’s Degree?
To complete a B.S.N. degree depends on your program, but most programs take about 2 years full-time. Some schools may offer R.N. to BSN programs that can be completed in nine months or less than 1 year! However, once you’ve graduated with your bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to pass a national exam to earn your Registered Nurse (RN) license. This exam is known as The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and must be passed within 60 days of graduation. Check out our guide on getting your nursing license after graduating from an R.N. program.
What is the cost of an RN to BSN degree?
The cost of an R.N. to B.S.N. degree varies depending on a few factors. Some schools are more expensive than others, and many offer financial aid to students with low incomes or other hurdles that can make pursuing higher education difficult. Additionally, you might receive financial assistance in your formative years as an undergraduate student through scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs; however, those opportunities may not be available to you once you decide to pursue a graduate degree in nursing.
Do I need a Prerequisite degree before getting my BSN?
A few R.N. to B.S.N. programs require you to have a bachelor’s degree or higher before applying. You can find out if you need one of these by visiting their site and reading about their program requirements. If your school requires a prerequisite, you’ll want to take care of it before you enroll in an R.N. to B.S.N. program so that your application is fully ready when you submit it. Most schools will have an application deadline date, so check with them regarding any required prerequisites before submitting your completed application.
Admission Requirements for RN to BSN Programs
As every nursing school has different admission requirements, below are some of the common requirements for RN to BSN Programs. The admission requirements may differ according to the institutions.
- Completed Application Form
- Test Scores of ACT, SAT, TEAS, NLN-PAX Etc
- Recommendation Letters
- Resume
- Experience Letter
- Essays
- Transcripts
How do I know if this program is accredited?
Accreditation is essential for your search for an RN BSN program. You want to choose a program that will provide you with high-quality education, giving you advanced coursework and hands-on experience in various clinical settings.
Accreditation also means hassle-free credit transfer when you finish! The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is one of two major national organizations responsible for accrediting nursing programs. All ANCC accredited programs meet strict standards that ensure high quality and prepare nurses to work in their field. If a school says they’re accredited but don’t specify by whom, steer clear; there are other lesser-known accreditation bodies out there, too!
How much time can I expect to study for an online RN BSN program?
The length of time you will spend studying for your R.N. to B.S.N. program depends on many factors, including your previous education, background and career goals. Some RN to BSN Courses can be completed in as little as 9 months, while others take three years. An online R.N. to B.S.N. program may be a good option if you want to study full-time or work full-time at night. Many programs also offer accelerated options where nurses can complete their bachelor degrees in as little as nine months. Be sure to check with each school’s individual admissions department for details on application process requirements and timelines to best plan out your schedule.
What are my chances of getting accepted into this program?
While it’s true that many nurses can go back to school after they have already earned a certificate, it’s certainly not true that you can get through all of your coursework in one semester. Most students who complete a community college RN to BSN program spend over 18 months, and some may even take up to three years to finish depending on how quickly they pass their courses and manage their time. If you want to save money, look for tuition discounts or scholarships targeting adult learners.
What happens after I get my certificate?
Once you have your certificate in hand, what’s next? This is an important question that is often overlooked. If you don’t know where to go after completing your RN to BSN program, it can be easy to get stuck or fall out of love with nursing. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear and easy answer for what comes next in nursing—but there are a few things to consider when making career choices.
Career Prospects
RNs who hold bachelor’s degrees usually continue to be nurses. However, a higher level of education could help them get specific jobs or managerial and leadership positions. With a BSN, these jobs could lead to an increase in salary. Some specialized nursing jobs that require the possession of a BSN earn more. For instance, nurse managers are paid an average of $87.540 per year. The experience and the location of the nurses can impact pay as well.
Conclusion
The RN to BSN program is an important qualification for all future nurses who want to expand their options. Now that you’ve received your R.N. degree, you’re ready to start a new phase of your education and career. You should now be aware of what it takes to achieve your goals and have some tools that will help you achieve those goals.
Also Read
Best RN to BSN Programs
Florida Board Approved Nursing Remedial Programs
Non Nursing Degree to BSN Online
RN to BSN Online Programs without Clinicals
