The RN to BSN represents one of the most vital steps on the journey to nursing career advancement. However, this pathway can be difficult to understand, especially as this does not necessarily lead to a new professional acronym.
Upon graduating with their BSN degrees, many nurses remain registered nurses, albeit with better job opportunities and even higher pay. Still, this should not stand in the way of pursuing a BSN after becoming a registered nurse. Wage increases, professional respect, and personal confidence are all worth pursuing, and all are well within reach upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
There are many reasons to pursue an RN to BSN, but understanding personal goals and career objectives is important. This can provide ongoing motivation while navigating the inherent challenges of this degree path. To clarify what this program involves and how it influences nurses (and the profession at large), we will explain: what is an RN to BSN program, and why is it worthwhile?
Understanding RN to BSN Programs
The RN to BSN represents a common nursing pathway that allows registered nurses (who have already passed the NCLEX exam) to complete the remaining coursework necessary to earn their bachelor’s degree. Placing a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, this program encourages RNs to reflect on their clinical work. BSN coursework also helps current RNs uncover new opportunities to serve their patients as they integrate cutting-edge research into their everyday nursing tasks.
Types of RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs are available primarily in online formats. Online RN to BSN programs are convenient and accessible and deliver enhanced flexibility for busy working students, who may not have the time or ability to commute to brick-and-mortar college campuses. Today’s advanced learning tools and platforms deliver a wonderfully immersive digital environment and may even prepare online students for the tech-oriented challenges of the modern healthcare landscape.
Benefits of Pursuing an RN to BSN Degree
Whether pursued online, in person, or with a combination of both formats, RN to BSN programs deliver a myriad of personal and professional benefits, as highlighted below:
- Career Advancement Opportunities. While achieving RN status can unlock many compelling career opportunities, higher-level, specialty positions are often only available to baccalaureate-trained RNs. Upon earning a BSN, nurses enjoy access to many compelling options, including unique specializations or even leadership opportunities. This could encompass everything from informatics to clinical care coordination.
- Higher Earning Potential. Registered Nurses already enjoy strong earning potential, but graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing can lead to even higher salaries. Advancing your education with a BSN often results in increased pay and opens up opportunities for more advanced positions within the nursing field, reflecting the additional skills and knowledge gained through the degree.
- Enhanced Clinical Competence. Through extensive exposure to theoretical coursework, BSN programs help RNs develop a nuanced understanding of concepts that play out every day in the modern clinical environment. A deeper dive into pathophysiology and health assessments will equip nurses with a more in-depth understanding of their patients’ symptoms and possible treatment opportunities.
- Leadership and Management Skills. Many RNs hope to eventually guide other nurses by taking on compelling leadership roles. These call for an enhanced skill set above and beyond clinical care. Through leadership-centered courses, BSN students learn how to delegate, how to handle financial resources, and how to abide by the nursing code of ethics every step of the way.
- Professional Development. Lifelong learning should be a priority for all types of nurses, but the BSN provides one of the best and most accessible paths for actually living up to this ideal. Through comprehensive coursework, self-reflection, and networking, BSN students can achieve both personal and professional fulfillment.
- Adaptability and Career Flexibility. No matter the format, RN to BSN programs are developed with working students in mind. These programs cater to busy professionals who need to juggle rigorous coursework with jam-packed work schedules.
- Employment Stability and Marketability. Few clinical roles are as in demand as registered nursing, but arguably, BSN-trained nurses are in even higher demand. Many employers cite a strong preference for BSN graduates. Equipped with a BSN, ambitious RNs need not forgo the field’s best and brightest opportunities.
- Preparation for Advanced Practice and Graduate Education. RNs who hope to work as advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) will eventually need to earn their master’s degree or even their Ph.D. While RN to MSN programs exist, some RNs may prefer different pacing. This may consist of focusing first on baccalaureate-level studies while preparing for the rigors of advanced practice and graduate school. A BSN program provides an attainable, step-by-step path through the ranks of modern nursing.
- Professional Recognition and Respect. Widely appreciated for their commitment to higher education and for the nursing profession at large, BSN-trained nurses command respect among fellow healthcare professionals. Many also find that they feel more confident in their status and their skill set upon graduating.
Advantages of Earning Your RN to BSN Online at Baker
The decision to pursue your BSN may seem straightforward given the advantages highlighted above. Now, you need to determine where and how to complete your degree. Baker College accommodates ambitious, but busy healthcare professionals by offering a post-licensure RN to BSN program entirely online. Benefits of an online RN to BSN include:
- Flexibility and Convenience. Many RN to BSN students are already employed and require flexible coursework that allows them to remain in the workforce. Enhanced flexibility is a central perk of online programs, which can be accessed without commuting.
- Accessibility. There’s no need to relocate if you are already happy with your current employer and your current community. Online RN to BSN programs bring immersive learning opportunities to any location with a solid internet connection.
- Self-Paced Learning. Often encompassing asynchronous formats, online programs encourage BSN students to take a deep dive into coursework when it’s most convenient. Students can learn at their own pace while still developing strong connections with instructors and fellow RNs.
- Cost-Effectiveness. The return on investment of a BSN can be considerable, but working students still need to be mindful of how they will cover the cost of tuition. This is more readily accomplished when that rate is affordable. Online programs like Baker’s are often highly cost-effective, even before scholarships or financial aid are considered.
- Scholarships. Not only is Baker’s RN to BSN program affordable, scholarship opportunities provide the potential to further reduce the cost of tuition. Exciting options include transfer scholarships, Back 2 Baker options (for previous students who want to complete their degree), and even nursing-specific scholarships through the Michigan Board of Nursing.
- Work-Life Balance. By limiting travel time and granting students extra flexibility, online programs promote work-life-school balance. This is a must for busy working students, who may find it easier to maintain optimal health and strong job performance if granted more control over their academic and career trajectory.
- Diverse Learning Resources. Immersive technology brings complex nursing concepts to life, delivering a more nuanced understanding of high-level topics that might otherwise be difficult to grasp. BSN programs also encompass other learning resources, such as videos and online discussions, with the goal of exposing nursing students to a variety of perspectives that can be promptly integrated into their work as RNs.
- Accessibility of Faculty Support. Faculty members are highly committed to the best interests of their students, including online students. Instructors enjoy discussing complex concepts with students and are consistently available to respond to questions or share their thoughts.
- Technology Integration Skills. Nursing professionals are increasingly expected to demonstrate technological mastery. These skills are best developed in the context of an online BSN program, which exposes students to cutting-edge technological solutions and helps them develop digital communication skills.
- BeFree Tuition Guarantee. Committed to expanding access to postsecondary education opportunities, Baker College has launched a unique initiative known as the BeFree Tuition Guarantee. This enables qualified Michigan students to obtain free base tuition upon meeting eligibility requirements.
What to Expect in Baker’s RN to BSN Program
You’ve decided that online learning is right for you, and that an RN to BSN will help you achieve your ambitious professional goals. Now, it’s time to select an online program that meets your unique needs. Baker’s RN to BSN is an excellent option, but if you want to make an informed decision, you’ll want all the details. You’re likely asking the questions, how long are RN to BSN programs, what does the curriculum involve, and what are the anticipated outcomes upon graduation?
- Program Length. Many factors can influence program length. For instance, if you’ve already earned credits while completing relevant coursework elsewhere, transfer credits could expedite your path to a BSN. Typically, post-licensure BSN programs take between one and two years to complete, with 30 credits included within the nursing major.
- Curriculum and Coursework. Featuring a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice, Baker’s RN to BSN coursework is challenging but also, fascinating. Key topics include information management, community health nursing, and pathophysiology.
- Expected Outcomes. Upon graduating, BSN nurses should have a strong command of cutting-edge research and the ability to integrate this into their clinical practice. Beyond this, graduates should possess leadership skills, enhanced cultural competence, and a firm grasp of nursing policy and ethics.
- Faculty Expertise. Passionate and highly experienced, the faculty members at Baker truly care about the RNs they instruct. They bring a wealth of knowledge to each course, along with relatable educational styles that help online students grasp a variety of concepts and tie these to their own nursing practice.
- Student Support Services. Tutoring, mental health counseling, and other services are readily available to nursing students. This support can make all the difference when navigating academic, professional, and personal challenges.
- Accreditation. As you enroll, you want to feel confident that your intended program has a strong reputation. Accreditation is a must, as this confirms that your program has met rigorous standards regarding educational quality. Look for a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Start Your RN to BSN Program Now!
Ready to take the next step in your nursing career? The right RN to BSN program could set you on an exciting path to career advancement and personal fulfillment. Reach out today to learn more about Baker’s post-licensure RN to BSN degree.