For any registered nurse (RN), one of the most important decisions to make can be whether to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Many nurses begin working in the field with an associate degree, but it is becoming increasingly important to possess a bachelor’s degree. Obtaining a BSN used to be time-consuming, making it difficult for those already working as RNs. Online RN to BSN programs can provide a significantly more convenient path for nurses to further their education.
WHY DO NURSES NEED A BSN DEGREE?
Many organizations advocate for BSN preparation for today’s nurses and promote that level of preparation in various ways. This includes the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the National Academies of Medicine, the Magnet Recognition Program, the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, several U.S. military nurse corps, minority nurse organizations, public health agencies, a growing number of state governments and others.
If this trend continues to grow, it will have broad implications for practicing nurses without bachelor’s degrees. As the minimum standard of education grows higher, committing to achieving a bachelor’s degree becomes more important to succeed in the field of nursing. Higher education can mean an increase in pay, responsibility and much broader opportunities for career advancement.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMPLETING AN RN TO BSN PROGRAM ONLINE?
For those looking to obtain a BSN outside of the traditional classroom setting, there is a wealth of opportunities online. AACN highlights the important role that degree completion or “bridge” programs like online RN to BSN programs play in providing opportunities for nurses to advance their education, broaden their scope of practice and further their careers.
By enrolling in a program like The University of Texas at Arlington’s online RN to BSN, nursing students can obtain degrees that fit their schedules. Online programs also allow students to easily connect with both teachers and fellow peers. This comes in handy when a student is struggling on an assignment or needs a question answered about a lesson plan. Online RN to BSN programs typically have more flexible and convenient course formats than campus-based programs, making it easier to fit education into a nurse’s busy lifestyle.
WHAT ARE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR NURSES WHO HAVE THEIR BSN?
Nurses who hold a BSN have more doors open to them than nurses who have associate degrees. For instance, AACN notes that the following positions with various healthcare entities require that nurses have at least a BSN:
- Nurse leader or nurse manager positions at hospitals with Magnet designation
- Active-duty RN positions with the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force
- Commissioned officer positions with the U.S. Public Health Service
- Promotion beyond entry-level positions with the VA
- All practicing nurse positions in numerous foreign countries
Further, 2022 research from AACN shows that nearly 28% of employers now require new-hire nurses to have a bachelor’s degree, and nearly 72% of employers “are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates.” Clearly, in today’s highly demanding nursing field, having additional credentials can make a world of difference.
Plus, nurses with a BSN are prepared to enter graduate programs for advanced degrees to become nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse managers and nurse practitioners. These occupations offer impressive pay, high job growth, the opportunity for increasing levels of autonomy and — in some cases — the possibility for entrepreneurial nurses to start their own healthcare practice.
An online RN to BSN program provides important education for nurses in the areas of communication, leadership and critical thinking. It can be the first step toward the next stage of a successful nursing career.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Arlington’s online RN to BSN program.
