RN to BSN: Continuing on your path to success in nursing

The medical field requires advancing your education in order to advance your career. The RN may feel that they have limited opportunities for advancement, but a BSN degree opens many doors within the healthcare field. A BSN degree is usually pursued by an RN who works either full-time or part-time. Because of this, most BSN programs are very flexible to allow the RN to continue working while furthering their education. Most healthcare providers require a BSN degree in order to obtain specific positions within the organization. Many hospitals require a BSN to work in special areas of interest such as pediatrics, anesthesiology, and operating rooms. The BSN graduate also obtains an increase in wages due to an increase in responsibility. A BSN degree gives you an advantage while pursing advancement within an organization over an RN and provides you with a greater potential for obtaining higher level positions.

How can you continue your education while continuing to work?

Most students who pursue their BSN are already working as a RN and cannot afford to leave their employment in order to obtain their degree. Colleges that offer a BSN degree are aware of this and offer flexible class schedules and/or alternative methods of attendance. Most colleges offer day, evening and weekend courses that you can take around your current work schedule. Probably the best means of obtaining your degree while working is through online courses. They allow the student to attend classes from the comfort of their own home and at times when it is convenient for them. With online courses, you simply log on to the internet and click on your courses. You are given a syllabus and explicit directions to complete your assignments or exams. You can even attend college at a distant university and complete your fieldwork at a local medical facility.

Are you afraid you can’t afford to pay for your college classes?

Federal and state aid is available for those who qualify based on financial need. However, many RN’s may not qualify for this aid based upon their annual salary. Thankfully, there are other means available to assist the RN who wishes to pursue their BSN degree. Student loans are available to nearly all students and are not based upon annual income. These are loans with very low interest rates that do not require repayment until six months after the student either graduates or leaves the program. Most people are concerned about repaying these loans, and that is where another avenue of assistance can help. Many employers offer their employees a tuition reimbursement program that with pay for college courses that are completed with passing grades. Ask you employer or your human resources department to see if this is available to you.

How can you get started?

Simple, the first step is to request information from one or more colleges that offer a RN to BSN degree. Look through the information you receive and speak with representatives from those colleges to determine which college is the right choice for you!

	South University provides excellence in education, while allowing you to take an accredited nursing degree program online. RN to BSN Online Program BS in Healthcare Management MBA in Healthcare Administration
	The College Network is consolidation of accredited colleges and universities and can help you find the right nursing school to suit your busy schedule. RN to BSN RN to MSN Masters of Science in Nursing MS in Healthcare Admin
	The University of Phoenix is the largest, private, accredited university in the United States. Flexible schedules allow you to obtain your nursing degree at your own pace, and on your schedule. RN to BSN BS in Healthcare Administration BS in Healthcare Administration / Long Term Care Master of Science in Nursing / Healthcare Education MSN and MBA in Healthcare Management
	Kaplan University is one of the #1 universities in the nation for online nursing degrees. Students graduate with a professional and accredited degree that will enable them to begin the career they have been working toward. RN to B.S. in Nursing B.S. in Mgmt./Health Care Management Certificate in Forensic Nursing Certificate in Life Care Planning Certificate in Geriatric Care Management
	Grand Canyon University has been providing professional degrees to students for nearly 60 years. They now offer that academic excellence to students through their distance education programs. Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing B.S. in Business Administration Emphasis in Healthcare Management B.S. in Psychology MBA and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems MBA Health Systems Management Executive MBA