Online RN to BSN Degrees

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

Most registered nurses (RNs) enter the profession with solely an associate degree in nursing (ADN). However, once working as a registered nurse, they may wish to advance in their career or train for a broader range of job duties, and often this requires a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Therefore an RN to BSN training program allows RNs with their associate degree to take an accelerated program and earn their BSN.

Why Should I Enroll in an RN to BSN program?

Often, once working as an RN, especially with the nurse shortage that exists today, you can take advantage of tuition reimbursement schemes to earn a higher degree. And some career paths are only open to those with their BSN, such as administrative positions. Also, if you'd like to participate in graduate level training, a requirement for the four advanced nursing practices, you must first have your BSN.

BSN training typically involves:

•    Communication
•    Leadership
•    Critical thinking
•    Clinical experience hospitals and other health care facilities
•    Additional courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, behavioral sciences, and nursing
•    Liberal arts courses

Because  these courses are designed for working RNs, they often have flexible schedules such as evening and weekend classes, and many schools offer multiple start-dates throughout the year. You can also opt to take an online RN-to-BSN program and study from your own home.

The BSN Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for a registered nurse in 2009 was $63,750. This number, however, does include those that hold ADN and diploma degrees, in addition to the BSN degree. The bottom 10 percent of wage earners made $43,970 per year, versus $93,700 for the top 10 percent of wage earners.

A nurse's salary is influenced by three main factors:

• Type of employer: The exact salary depends on the job type. Employment services tend to pay the most, while nursing care facilities tend to pay the least.
• Years of experience: As in other careers, the more years of experience a BSN nurse has, the higher his or her salary is likely to be.
• Specific job held: Nurse jobs range from entry-level staff nurses all the way up to senior-level management positions, with the advanced-level positions garnering the highest salaries.

As with most careers, the more training you have the higher the salary you can expect. And due to the nursing shortage, the demand for skilled nurses with a BSN will remain high.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

Most registered nurses (RNs) enter the profession with solely an associate degree in nursing (ADN). However, once working as a registered nurse, they may wish to advance in their career or train for a broader range of job duties, and often this requires a …