Becoming a registered nurse is an exciting career change and one that can open up many doors for medical workers that want to eventually become advanced nurses, enter PA school, or work in an administrative capacity. However, not many nurses understand the importance of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Use this guide to learn how entering an RN to BSN program, such as the RN to BSN UIC program, can help you improve your career path. Below are some of the many benefits of obtaining a BSN.
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What is a BSN?
Many nurses obtain their bachelor’s degree, while some choose to obtain an associate’s degree in nursing or ADN. A BSN also stands for a bachelor of nursing degree. An ADN and BSN can help you achieve the necessary credit hours and patient hours to apply for the NCLEX exam, which is the exam needed to obtain a nursing license.
Like other bachelor’s degrees, BSNs are only available through accredited universities for students that pass all courses with a letter grade of D or above. BSN programs are also four-year programs that require prerequisite courses from community college or courses from high school to apply for a BSN program.
Do I Need a BSN To Become an RN?
As the competition for nursing jobs gets tougher, future RNs need to understand the importance of obtaining a BSN to stand out among other nursing candidates and land their dream job. While many RNs only have an ADN, many states now require their nurses to have a BSN to work in a hospital setting. In New York, the BSN in 10 law states all RNs must earn their BSN within 10 years.
Do RNs with BSNs Earn More?
While RNs still make a high salary of around $75,000, only an associate’s degree, nurses with BSN programs make more, with the average BSN RN earning around $80,000 a year. In addition, earning a BSN allows nurses to apply for a future master’s in a nursing program, or MSN. They can then apply for other programs, such as for PA school or other relevant programs.
In addition, many RNs with BSNs are highly sought by clinics and hospitals that need nurses willing to grow with the clinic and earn their MSN while still enrolled in their hospital program. Many hospitals will pay for RNs to obtain their BSN or MSN degrees, gaining valuable personnel.
How Do I Get My BSN?
If you’re an RN with an ADN or diploma, it’s easy to obtain your BSN. Many programs can help you obtain your BSN in as little as 12 months. To obtain your BSN, you must submit letters of recommendation, such as letters from your current employers or past professors. You will also need to send any transcripts from previous courses and complete prerequisites if needed. Once accepted into a program, you will need to balance work and college, but the end result is worth it.
At the end of your one to two-year BSN program, you can be well on your way toward furthering your education and career in nursing. Many nurses use their BSNs as stepping stones into administrative positions. For instance, you can earn your MSN later on and become a nurse manager or nursing supervisor.
If you love to help others and want to do so in an administrative capacity, earning your BSN is one of the best ways to do so.
Find the Best RN to BSN Program for your Career Goals
Registered nurses can help improve their career outcomes, continue to provide services to patients, and prepare for a career in health administration by obtaining a BSN. Research an RN to BSN program that fits your schedule and can help you prepare for the next stage in your healthcare career today.
