What to Know Before Earning a RN-BSN

  • The Reasons Why a BSN is Important
  • The Length of a BSN Program
  • Who a BSN Program is For
  • What is Learned in a BSN Program
  • The Career Outlook for Nurses with BSN Degrees

Have you ever wondered if you should pursue an RN-BSN degree? When you are a registered nurse, you perform usual duties, including charting patient symptoms, using various medical equipment, and treating ill patients. Earning a BSN degree provides more options for your career in nursing. Besides the normal tasks of an RN, a person with a BSN may opt to teach or work in the public health sector. Before earning this type of degree, here are a few things to understand.

1. Why is a BSN Degree Important?

Sometimes an RN earns an associate’s degree. When a nurse decides that he or she wants to advance in the field, a BSN degree is important. Luckily, it is possible to continue working while pursuing this type of education. If you are a person who sees yourself in the healthcare profession for many years, earning a BSN is essential. Since there is a shortage of nurses in this country, having a BSN gives you an advantage over RN’s with only their associate’s degree.

2. How Long Will it Take to Finish a BSN Program?

Before entering a BSN program and earning a degree, many people wonder how long it will take. Usually, it takes three to four years to complete a bachelor’s degree. However, if you are already a certified RN, this time will be shorter. A typical registered nurse can get a BSN in approximately two years. If you are attending part-time, it may take a bit longer.

3. Would You be a Good Fit for a BSN Program?

There are certain things that you should consider before earning an RN-BSN. If you are interested in the nursing profession, and are attending a four-year university, a BSN program makes sense. If you are already a registered nurse and want to further your education, an RN-BSN program is a good fit. Since numerous colleges offer flexible classes with these types of programs, an RN-BSN degree program is an attractive options for many students. With a bit of research, it is possible to find on-campus and off-site options. There are convenient and affordable routes to earning a BSN degree.

Related Resources:
Top 10 Cheap Online RN to BSN Degree Programs
30 Best Affordable RN-BSN Degree Programs
Cheapest Accredited Online RN to BSN Programs to Most Expensive

4. What Do You Learn?

Before pursuing an RN-BSN degree, you may be curious about what you will learn. While working toward a BSN, you will face classroom work and clinical practice. Most common subjects include biology, anatomy, nutrition, and physiology. As an RN, your previous education will cut through some of these classes so you can focus on more science-based learning and practical instruction. For example, you may study topics like emergency care, global health matters, and trends in the nursing field.

5. What is the Career Outlook for Individuals with an RN-BSN?

The demand for nurses is on the rise. The trend in nursing is advanced education, which means that a bachelor’s degree is an attractive asset. In a 2015 study, hospitals and other healthcare facilities were looking for new hires to possess BSNs. The overall prospects for the nursing profession are increasing as well. As the bar is raised in the nursing field, an individual with a BSN will have greater opportunities to receive better pay and more responsibilities.

Nursing is an important career in the medical industry. You may be working as an RN and are interested in pursuing your RN-BSN degree. The above questions are important to ask before earning your degree so you know what to expect of the program and can ascertain if the degree is right for your career goals.