RN or BSN - Does it Really Matter?
What's the reason for the shift? Advances in technology, changes in medical practice, and developing sub-specialties in the nursing field all add up to an overwhelming amount of information. A dedicated nurse simply can't learn everything he or she needs to know on the job. Formal education is the key to career opportunities, increased salaries, and leadership roles. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is an important first step for nurses who are serious about their careers. An RN to BSN Completion program is now offered by many accredited institutions to accommodate registered nurses who already have their associate's degree or a diploma level degree.
Before deciding if an RN to BSN Completion program is the next step for you, it's important to understand the differences. Take a look at the important features of each level of education:
Years Spent Becoming A Nurse
It usually takes 2-3 years to become an RN, whether you pursue an AD or a diploma. An RN to BSN degree program typically lasts four years, although there are also some accelerated online programs that allow you to earn your degree in less time. Alternatively, you can choose to spread your BSN degree program over more time if you are working full-time and prefer to take fewer classes at once. Online nursing programs are far more flexible in this regard than traditional ones.
Potential Differences in Salary Between an RN and a BSN Degree
Initially, an RN and a nurse with a BSN degree might both receive the same salary for the same nursing position. However, registered nurses with a BSN can expect to earn more in the long term, because they will be eligible for higher-paying jobs and for further higher education. In addition, many hospitals follow clinical ladder programs, which in a nutshell means that an RN and a BSN will both receive the same base pay, but the BSN will receive a certain dollar amount more per hour.
Nursing Career Opportunities
An RN without a BSN degree is qualified for positions with the following responsibilities: administering medications and treatments in compliance with the physician's orders, interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating care plans, documenting and charting observations and other data related to the patient's clinical condition. An RN with a BSN degree is additionally qualified to review research papers, advocate for a patient and take on managerial positions and other leadership roles. Many specialized jobs usually require a BSN degree at minimum, such as pediatric nurses, operating room nurses, and nurse practitioners. As you can see, holding a BSN degree opens the door to many more exciting and challenging roles. In addition, a BSN degree is required to apply for entrance into higher education programs such as a Master of Science in Nursing.
Many working nurses without a BSN argue that there is no noticeable difference between an RN and a BSN. One participant on a nursing community discussion board stated, "ADN and BSN function the same way and you can't tell the difference by watching their job performance either, no matter what anyone may tell you to the opposite."
While this may be true in positions where two nurses with different degrees have identical duties, the difference between RN and BSN really comes into play when more advanced opportunities are available. An RN without a BSN degree has generally gone as far as he or she can go. Even if he or she continues to work and gain on-the-job skills for the next two decades, higher pay and more challenging roles will continue to be out of reach.
If you are looking at nursing as a way to pay the bills while you explore other options, or if you enjoy the regular duties and predictable routine of an RN, there is no reason to pursue a BSN degree. However, if you are looking at nursing as a long-term career and you plan on applying for better-paying jobs with more demanding responsibilities, than an RN to BSN Completion program is the obvious next step.
Find An RN to BSN Program That's Right For You
Diploma, ADN RNs, and Foreign trained RNs -earn your BSN degree in as little as 12 months and start enjoying better earnings, increased responsibility and authority, more job options, and far more opportunities for career advancement.Explore our featured nursing schools, learn more about each RN to BSN program, and request free, no obligation information from schools with programs that match your needs:
Search Online RN to BSN Degree Programs
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Kaplan University
Campus
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
Programs:- RN to BS in Nursing
- MS in Nursing
- RN to MS in Nursing
- Fort Lauderdale
Saint Peter's College
Online
Saint Peter's College has prepared its students for academic excellence and professional success for over one hundred years. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to providing each student with the opportunity for educational and spiritual enrichment. That same commitment to individual support is now available to learners everywhere via the new online degree programs offered by the College.
Programs:- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Phoenix
Campus
As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs:- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
- BS in Nursing (RN Required)
- Online
- Phoenix
- Ontario
- Tucson
- Sacramento
- Costa Mesa
- Pasadena
- Los Angeles
- Saint Paul
- San Antonio
- Aurora
- Arlington
- San Jose
- Temple Terrace
- Jacksonville
- Ann Arbor
- Murrieta
- Woodland Hills
- St Louis Park
- Houston
- Elk Grove
- East Lansing
- Saint Louis
- Fresno
- Lathrop
- Grand Rapids
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- Palm Beach Gardens
- Nashville
- Gardena
- Las Vegas
- Oakland
- Fairfield
- Irving
- Rancho Cordova
- Orlando
- Salida
- Troy
- San Francisco
- Fairfax
- St. Louis
- Spring
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- Independence
- Plantation
- Chandler
- Westminster
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hollywood
- Flint
- Henderson
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- Daytona Beach
- Westlake
- San Diego
- Baton Rouge
- Sarasota
- Roseville
- Beachwood
- Livermore
- Hurst
- Southfield
- Diamond Bar
- Reston
- Littleton
- Tampa
- Killeen
- Miami
- Sugar Land
- Lancaster
- Lone Tree
- Livonia
- Bakersfield
- Mesa
- Maitland
- Portage
- Palm Desert
Liberty University
Campus
We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university. The vision of our Chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., is to keep Liberty's Distance Learning Program affordable so as many individuals as possible can experience a Christ-centered education and become equipped for excellence, professionally as well as spiritually.
Programs:- BS in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Lynchburg
South University Online
Campus
South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. Enjoy the convenience of earning your bachelor's degree entirely online.
Programs:- Nursing (BSN)
- Savannah
Fortis Institute
Campus
Looking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs:- Accelerated BSN
- PN RN Associate Degree Bridge Program
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Miami
- Largo
- Nashville
- Westerville
- Tampa
- Richmond
- Cincinnati
- Pensacola
- Indianapolis
- Erie
- Salt Lake City
- Dayton
- Scranton
- Birmingham
- Phoenix
- Cuyahoga Falls
- Ravenna
- Smyrna
Nebraska Methodist College
Online
Advance your nursing career online with Nebraska Methodist College. Our online programs include Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Nursing.
Programs:- RN to BSN
- MSN Executive
- RN to MSN Executive
Colorado Christian University
Campus
With a heritage dating back to 1914, Colorado Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. As the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities located in the mainline Rocky Mountains region, and just a few minutes from downtown Denver, CCU is uniquely positioned to offer students a distinctive variety of educational opportunities and experiences. CCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and in the world. CCU students are enrolled at the main campus near Denver and at satellite locations throughout Colorado.
Programs:- RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Nursing: B.S. Nursing (BSN)
- Colorado Springs
- Englewood
- Sterling
- Denver
- Grand Junction
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Campus
Take the first step toward advancing your nursing career. Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a highly respected degree coupled with clinical learning experience in your local area.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Addison
American Sentinel University Online
Online
Advance your career with the right online degree. ACCIS offers self-paced, real-world programs in Computer Science, Information Systems, Management Information Systems, and Business Administration.
Programs:- RN to BS Nursing
- RN to MS Nursing
- MS Nursing - Case Management
West Coast University
Campus
Achieve your educational and professional goals with help from West Coast University. We offer accelerated Health Care Administration degrees designed for working adults like you.
Programs:- Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program
- Ontario
- Anaheim
- Dallas
- Los Angeles
The College of St. Scholastica
Campus
Give your career a boost with College of St. Scholastica. We offer an online/on-campus master's in information technology leadership program and an online RN to BSN program.
Programs:- RN to BSN Degree Completion Program (Online)
- Duluth
University of Maine- Fort Kent
Campus
Get your career on track with University of Maine-Fort Kent. We offer associate and bachelor's degree programs in a wide variety of career fields.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Fort Kent
South University - Campus
Campus
With over 100 years of educational excellence, South University can give you the outstanding instruction and personalized attention you need to prepare for the real world. We offer a variety of degree programs which can be earned online or at one of our five campus locations. Options include Business Administration, Information Technology, Nursing, Criminal Justice, and more.
Programs:- Nursing (RN-BSN)
- Nursing (RN-MSN)
- Nurse Educator (MS)
- West Palm Beach
- Glen Allen
- Columbia
- Virginia Beach
- Cleveland
- Savannah
- Montgomery
- Tampa
Olivet Nazarene University - Graduate and Continuing Studies
Campus
Advance your career with Olivet Nazarene University - Graduate and Continuing Studies. We offer continuing education certificates and master's degrees in history, counseling, religion, business, education, and nursing, plus a Doctorate of Education in Ethical Leadership.
Programs:- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Certification - Family Nurse Practitioner
- Bourbonnais
