Can You Get Your BSN After RN?

Many people wonder: Can you get your BSN after RN? Yes, you can get your BSN after becoming an RN.

You can become an RN and afterward earn a BSN or you can earn your BSN to become an RN.

If you want to become a registered nurse or secure your bachelor's degree in nursing, keep reading to get RN and BSN information.

Can You Get Your BSN After RN?

The answer is yes, but you also have the option to enroll in a BSN program to become an RN. Let's take a closer look at RNs and BSNs.

What is an RN?

A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse licensed to coordinate and deliver patient care by assessing their conditions, recording medical histories, and administering medications and treatments.

RNs also create patient care plans, help with diagnostic testing, and record patient observations.

Registered nurses often help educate patients and their families on the best ways to manage their injuries and illnesses. They might also educate the public about different health conditions.

Where Do RNs Work?

Registered nurses work in a variety of settings. Here is a short list of places you'll find RNs:

• doctor's offices
• hospitals
• nursing facilities
• schools

Additional places RNs work include home healthcare services and outpatient clinics.

How to Become an RN

There are typically three academic paths to becoming an RN:

• diploma from an approved nursing program
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Graduating from any of these programs and securing licensure as a registered nurse can help you qualify for an entry-level role as a staff nurse.

What is a BSN?

BSN is short for Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This degree is designed for students who want to become nurses or already work as RNs and want bachelor's degrees.

Students can earn their BSN in a variety of ways. The most common options are the traditional BSN, RN to BSN, and Accelerated BSN (ABSN).

The Traditional BSN is typically a full-time, four-year bachelor's program for first-time students who want to earn a degree and sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam.

The RN to BSN is designed for licensed registered nurses who want to earn their BSN. These programs are completed in two or fewer years and may be available completely online.

The Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is for students who already have some college or a bachelor's degree in another field and want to earn a BSN, sit for the NCLEX, and become an RN.

How Are the RN and BSN Different?

The primary difference between the RN and BSN is that the RN standards for registered nurse and the BSN stands for Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

The RN, like the licensed practical nurse (LPN) or nurse practitioner (NP), is a nursing role.

The BSN, similar to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), is a type of degree in the nursing field.

You can become an RN without earning a BSN, however, earning a BSN is designed to lead to an RN role or beyond.

How to Go from RN to BSN

One of the most popular options for securing a bachelor's degree after becoming a registered nurse is the RN to BSN program.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

The RN to BSN program helps registered nurses who have already passed the NCLEX exam earn their bachelor's degree.

Many RN to BSN programs provide flexible class schedules and some require no clinical experiences so nurses can complete their programs while working.

This streamlined academic process can help RNs earn their BSN in a year or less.

RN to BSN Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary based on the RN to BSN program a student chooses.

Most schools require students to submit an undergraduate application to the school housing the nursing program and provide proof of an ADN or nursing diploma.

Students usually show they have a current unrestricted RN license from an approved state and a specific number of nursing courses already attained.

RN to BSN programs might have admission GPA requirements that range from 2.0 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

RN to BSN Curriculum

RN to BSN programs commonly deliver courses covering the following concepts:

• health and physical assessment
• research in nursing
• nursing professionalism
• evidence-based practice
• leadership in nursing
• community health nursing

Other topics you might explore in RN to BSN programs include pathophysiology, transitional care, health promotion, nursing informatics, and nursing care of critically ill patients.

Is the RN to BSN Worth It?

Yes, the RN to BSN degree is worth the financial commitment, time, and effort needed to earn it.

RN to BSN programs are designed specifically for registered nurses. They consider that RNs lead busy personal and work lives and typically ensure courses are flexible.

Programs also aim to help students complete their studies and secure the BSN as quickly as possible.

Since some employers prefer the BSN, earning a degree through an RN to BSN program is a fast way to advance your nursing career.

FAQs about Earning the BSN After RN

Want to know more about getting your BSN after RN? Here are some frequently asked questions.

What's the Fastest I Can Get My BSN?

Several BSN programs allow students to earn their bachelor's degree in just two semesters — or as few as eight months.

Students who finish programs quickly usually complete general education courses and possess at least an associate degree upon admission.

What Can I Do With a BSN?

The BSN helps registered nurses advance in their careers. Bachelor's degree holders can find jobs in hospitals or take on specialized nursing roles.

Jobs for RNs with a BSN include legal nurse consultant, hospice nurse, nurse case manager, informatics nurse, or travel nurse. BSN holders can also pursue an MSN degree.

Does the BSN Make More Money Than the RN?

While there is no guarantee that an RN with a BSN will automatically earn more money, reports show that nurses with BSNs can typically command higher salaries.

Earn Your BSN After RN Today

Now that you know the answer to the question - Can you get your BSN after RN? - the next step is to enter an RN to BSN program to pursue your bachelor's degree.