What Is an RN to BSN Degree Program?

Nursing is one of the most popular fields of study, and with good reason to back it up. It's a thriving and growing job market that provides the opportunity to work closely caring for others, and helping them through difficult times.

But there are many different kinds of nursing degrees, at all degree levels. One very popular nursing degree is the RN to BSN degree program.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program is a registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. These programs are designed for students who are already registered nurses (RNs) and are working in the field.

RN to BSN programs offer many benefits for students looking to move forward in their career in nursing.

What Is the Difference Between BSN and RN to BSN?

The biggest difference between a standalone Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or RN to BSN, program, is that a BSN is a four-year program designed for students who are not yet registered nurses.

RN to BSN are specifically designed for registered nurses who are already working as nurses. Often, students enrolled in an RN to BSN program will use their work experience to fulfill course requirements, which would not be possible for a BSN student.

Benefits of RN to BSN

There are many benefits of RN to BSN programs; let's take a look at some of them.

Saves Time

One of the great things about an RN to BSN program is that it save students time. While a bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, an RN to BSN program is quicker, in some cases taking less than a year.

This is because students get course credit for already having their RN license. And since working nurses can earn course credit as well, simply doing your job as usual can help you earn your degree.

More Job Opportunities

There are many jobs available in nursing for students who graduated at all degree levels. However, many positions request that applicants have a bachelor's degree in nursing before applying, and this is becoming more common.

By completing an RN to BSN program, students will have many more potential jobs which they may be considered for going forward.

Career Advancement

Having a bachelor's degree isn't just beneficial for those starting out; it can help nurses advance in their current positions. Having the additional training and knowledge, they will be able to take on more responsibility and additional tasks.

This could lead to promotion opportunities and the possibility of being considered for new positions.

Higher Salaries

Along with job opportunities and career advancement comes higher salaries. On average, nurses working in the higher level positions that require more training, experience, and a bachelor's degree are making significantly more per year.

Higher Education Opportunities

A bachelor's degree isn't just a pathway to career advancement and job opportunities; it can also be a pathway to additional higher education.

Student's who hold bachelor's degrees will be eligible to continue on to the graduate level of nursing education, leading to even more benefits than a bachelor's degree.

In fact, if a student is interested in continuing their education as far as they can, they could even continue on to the doctoral level and complete a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program.

Advanced Care

What ultimately leads many to the field of nursing and keeps them committed for the entirety of their career is the opportunity to help and care for others, particularly during difficult periods of their lives.

With an RN to BSN degree, graduates will be more able to care for their patients. Providing the highest level of care possible is the most important thing in the field of nursing, and an advanced degree makes that possible.

What Is the Highest Nursing Degree?

The highest level of nursing degree is a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Graduates who hold this degree will often have jobs in senior positions like nursing director or chief nursing officer.

Nurses in senior level positions often have the highest level of responsibility but also have very high salaries that reflect that responsibility.

What Is the Lowest Level of Nursing Education?

The lowest ranked nurse in the nursing hierarchy is the certified nursing assistant (CNA). To hold this position, one only needs to have completed a few weeks long program and passed a certification examination. They also require a state license.

These nurses have the lowest level of responsibility and will be able to complete only the simplest of tasks. Accordingly, these nurses have the lowest level of pay, with the average being around $30,000 per year.

What Kind of Nurses Get Paid Most?

The highest paid kind of nurse is a nurse anesthetist. This is an advanced nursing practice position, and the salary tends to be significant.

Nurses in this position are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients who are undergoing surgery. Positions as a nurse anesthetist typically require six to eight years of schooling.

Enroll in an RN to BSN Program Today

There are many great RN to BSN programs to choose from. Now that you know more about what an RN to BSN programs is, find the perfect one for you today!