Registered Nurses (RNs) who want to increase their chances of employment and gain more knowledge, pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree. The program usually takes 2 years or less and opens a lot of opportunities for these professionals.
Who Are RNs?
Registered nurses (RNs) look after patients, including newborn babies and old people. They face challenges every day and are expected to apply their medical knowledge and skills to manage them. These professionals coordinate and provide patient care, educate patient’s families, and give them emotional support. They record patients’ medical histories and examine their conditions. They are also expected to observe patients’ conditions and record observations. RNs usually work with physicians and other healthcare professionals as part of a team. Their title and duties depend upon their work environment.
What Can You Do with an RN-to-BSN Degree?
Nurses who have a BSN degree can choose an employment opportunity from multiple career paths. They can look after individuals from birth through adolescence, work in an emergency situation, or care for aging patients. This degree also qualifies students for overseeing teams, supervisory positions, and designing patients’ protocols. Usually, most jobs require nurses to have an RN license. Those who have a BSN get promoted to better positions and earn better salaries.
Some of their potential career options are given below:
Registered Nurse (RNs)
RNs provide patient care in various settings like doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, nursing care, etc. They can also work in the military, schools, and home healthcare. These experts can specialize in any field, like oncology or surgical care.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $73,300 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 12% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $77,460 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 302,770 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | California | $113,240 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
These professionals teach and demonstrate patient care in clinical units and classrooms to nursing students. It includes teachers who are engaged in teaching and research and those who are primarily involved in teaching.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $74,600 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 20% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $83,160 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | New York | 5,030 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $157,560 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect from an Online BSN Degree?
BSN degree prepares students to work in their own field but with advanced knowledge and refined skills. These programs are offered online and can be pursued on campus. The requirements and criteria may differ from school to school. During this program, students take advanced courses in areas like patient care and evidence-based practice. They are required to complete practicum hours which helps them build a network. The program usually lasts for 2 years or less and includes courses like pathophysiology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, nursing care of mental health patients, methods for evidence-based practice, nursing leadership, primary care nursing, etc.
How to Choose an Online BSN Degree?
These are some of the things you should consider before choosing a program:
- Select an accredited degree program
- Check if scholarships are offered
- Check the flexibility of the program
- Consider the total cost including practicums, technology costs, etc.
- Check the location of the practicums
Online BSN Degree Admission Requirements
To earn a BSN degree, students need to have a minimum GPA, prior course work, screening, and RN licensure. Schools may also require aptitude test scores, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Each school may have distinct requirements.