While it is possible to be hired as a registered nurse (RN) after earning a diploma or associate degree, an increasing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities are interested in hiring BSN-prepared nurses. A nursing RN to BSN degree program offers a flexible learning format and may shorten the time required to complete a BSN degree.
A Closer Look at the RN to BSN Pathway
The American Nurses Association (ANA) describes an RN to BSN program as a straightforward pathway that allows experienced nurses to advance their education and build skills which may apply to specialized areas of nursing practice. Take an in-depth look at this educational program to decide if it is the right option for you.
The Importance of Advancing Your Nursing Education
The healthcare landscape is rapidly evolving, heightening the desire for highly educated nurses able to think critically and creatively in healthcare settings. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses who prioritize their education and continue to pursue advanced degree programs may enhance their practice and expand their skill set for work in specialized areas of nursing.
How an RN License Complements a BSN Degree
If you earned your license to practice as a registered nurse after completing a diploma program or earning an associate degree, then you may find that your previous educational and professional experience uniquely complements a BSN program. An online RN to BSN program expands upon your nursing foundation and gives you an opportunity to explore advanced concepts in nursing, with an emphasis on higher-order thinking in healthcare.
The Structure of RN to BSN Programs
The structure of RN to BSN programs is distinctly different from most academic programs, largely because it is designed to build upon your existing knowledge as a registered nurse. This is what to expect from a typical RN to BSN program:
Typical Coursework and Curriculum Highlights
The coursework within the RN to BSN program focuses primarily on advanced nursing concepts. Some courses you may complete as part of the curriculum include:
- Nursing Management Strategies
- Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Case Management
- Healthcare Delivery and Quality Outcomes
Online vs. On-Campus Programs: Pros and Cons
Although there are both traditional, in-person RN to BSN programs as well as online RN to BSN programs, for many students, online programs provide them with the flexibility they need to advance their education while balancing their responsibilities as a nurse.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements for RN to BSN Programs
The eligibility and admission requirements for RN to BSN programs may vary based on the university, but in most cases, prospective students should have relevant educational experience as well as a license to practice as a registered nurse.
Prerequisites and Transfer Credit Policies
In many cases, applicants who are interested in enrolling in an online RN to BSN program must have completed a prelicensure program and earned a minimum grade point average (for instance, a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale). Students interested in transferring credits would need to provide official transcript copies in order to have all credits properly applied to the RN to BSN program.
Navigating the Application Process
The application process helps identify qualified candidates for enrollment in an online RN to BSN degree program. If you are interested in applying, you may work with a student advisor through your school of choice to receive personalized support during the application process.
Balancing Work, Life, and Education
Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of an online RN to BSN program is that it requires nurses to effectively balance their existing professional responsibilities, personal obligations, and educational program. Ideally, your university will actively work with students to provide them with support and help ensure they are successful.
Time Management Tips for Working Nurses
According to the ANA, these time management tips may help working nurses strike a sense of balance in their lives:
- Create a schedule at the beginning of the week that allocates time for studying and personal enjoyment.
- Prioritize your daily tasks in order of importance and always include self-care on the list.
- Delegate whenever possible, including to family members and friends. You will want to rely on your support system as you pursue your RN to BSN degree.
Leveraging Online Resources and Support Services
Choosing a university that offers a supportive and nurturing environment is crucial to your success. A school that offers a wide range of online resources and support services helps ensure that all students have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Financial Considerations for RN to BSN Students
Nurses willing to invest in their education and advance their studies should be aware of the costs associated with a nursing RN to BSN program.
Understanding Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid Options
With an emphasis on providing all students with a valuable and relevant education, many universities aim to offer affordable tuition and fees, though costs vary by program. In addition, students may work with financial aid advisors to learn more about financial aid opportunities and options that may be available to them.
Scholarship Opportunities for Nursing Students
Many schools and organizations also offer scholarship opportunities specifically for nursing students. For instance, at Post University, our Yes You CANN (Career Advancement for New Nurses) Scholarship is awarded to students who graduate from the RN to BSN program or RN to BSN/MSN program. Available to nurses who completed their RN licensure fewer than 2 years ago, this scholarship grants $2,500 to eligible applicants upon graduation.
Leadership and Specialization Opportunities
A BSN program is designed to equip students with the leadership skills necessary to pursue advanced and specialized opportunities in the nursing field. According to the ANA, an RN to BSN program may provide nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in niche areas such as cardiology, oncology, pediatrics, and more.
What Is RN to BSN? Learn More at Post University
At Post University, our online nursing RN to BSN program provides a flexible route to a BSN degree. By building on your prior education and experience, you can streamline coursework and develop advanced nursing skills that support a range of professional goals.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.