What is an 
RN to BSN Degree?
After obtaining an associate degree, graduates are able to become a registered nurse (RN) after passing a licensing exam. However, many RNs are choosing to go back to nursing school in order to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). RN to BSN degree programs differ from a traditional BSN because they are designed exclusively for nurses who have already completed an associate program. Whether the student attends a traditional college or opts for one of the online RN to BSN degree programs, courses emphasize leadership, community nursing, managerial skills and disease prevention. These additional skills increase a nurse’s job opportunities.
How To Find The Top RN To BSN Degree Programs
Many undergraduate nursing majors can be notoriously inflexible when it comes to scheduling coursework and clinicals. However, when picking the right nursing school program to transition from a registered nurse to a BSN, flexibility is one of the top considerations to keep in mind, in order to fit around a working RN’s schedule. Online RN to BSN degree programs are often the best way to achieve this goal, because the distance learning they specialize in permits students to schedule classes at their own convenience. Even traditional universities, such as The University of Iowa, offer students in their RN to BSN degree programs the ability to take most of their courses online, while offering the advantages of a larger university. However, one of the best degree programs an RN can gain admission to is Marion Technical College in Marion, Ohio. This college is preferred by so many nursing students because its small class size allows hands-on experience in the classroom. Regardless of whether the program is on campus or online, the colleges should be accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Careers And Salaries For Individuals Who Complete An RN to BSN Degree
When it comes to entry level jobs, the pay for someone with an associate degree and a BSN is actually fairly equal. However, throughout their nursing career, someone with a bachelor’s degree will face greater career opportunities. One unique career development possibility is the rise in management opportunities. Positions such as nurse manager, director of nursing and clinical nurse manager offer greater responsibilities and an increase in pay from that of a typical bedside nurse. Though starting pay is the same, with increased responsibilities and managerial opportunities, a nurse with a bachelor’s degree can make up to $20,000 more per year than a nurse without one. With a RN to BSN degree, the increase in responsibility allows a nurse to have a greater influence in patient care policies in most health care settings and as a result, most nurses will have a greater sense of personal satisfaction in their job.
