Navigating RN to BSN Admissions: What You Need to Know

Registered nurses may wish to advance their careers by pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Doing so will provide them with additional job security and allow them to earn a higher paycheck. What should a person know before taking this step?

RN to BSN Programs
A registered nurse will find the RN to BSN education path easy to complete. Most degree programs take four years, but men and women with ADN can earn their bachelor's degree in two years or less.

RN to BSN Admission Requirements
Many colleges and universities offer this program today. Students must research the admission policies, as they differ by school, but certain requirements apply to all programs. Students wishing to participate in the program must already have their ADN, and their registered nurse license must be active and unrestricted.

The school may require a minimum GPA for admission to the program, and standardized test scores are often needed. ADN classes typically fulfill prerequisite requirements, but the application must confirm this before proceeding. The student might find they need to retake some STEM credits.

The Curriculum
The curriculum continues what students learned in the ADN program. Courses cover topics such as public health, management, administration, and nursing theory. Each program determines the total number of credit hours needed to complete it, and schools offer flexibility when it comes to these courses, as many students continue in their current roles while advancing their education. Applicants should look into on-site programs and online options, including programs that don't require clinicals.

Program Cost
Program costs also vary by institution. In-state residents often pay around $9,600 annually for a BSN degree, while private universities charge significantly more. Students should research financial aid options such as scholarships and grants. Some hospitals will pay for a student's schooling if the student agrees to work for the organization for a specific period upon graduation.

Why Pursue a BSN?
Why should a registered nurse consider pursuing a BSN? This degree comes with several benefits. Nurses who obtain a BSN find they have more job opportunities. Research shows patients treated by nurses with BSNs have better outcomes. They spend less time in the hospital and incur fewer costs. Certain states require all RNs to obtain their BSN within ten years of becoming licensed.

Financial Benefits
Nurses with a BSN earn significantly more than nurses who only hold an ADN. A BSN can earn $90,000 yearly or more in certain parts of the country. ADN nurses, in contrast, only earn $75,000 a year on average. This differential increases as a BSN nurse takes on advanced roles and duties.

Professional Advantages
Individuals who obtain a BSN have more professional flexibility and additional leadership opportunities. They may specialize in a field, work in a hospital, become an educator, or serve as a nurse administrator. They could not take on these roles without the BSN. They will also need this degree to apply to a graduate nursing program.

Personal Benefits
Nurses love the challenge of obtaining a degree. They feel proud and accomplished when they achieve this goal. In addition, they gain more control over their careers thanks to the skills and training they receive as part of their education.

RNs looking to advance in their careers should consider pursuing a BSN. With many advantages, it's surprising that every nurse doesn't take this step. The competitive edge this degree provides is enormous.