Can You Work as an RN While Getting Your BSN?

If you work as a registered nurse (RN), chances are, your life is busy.

You may have long hours at work to juggle with family or other commitments.

You'd like to go back to school to get your bachelor's degree, but you're wondering how that will fit into your life.

Keep reading as we discuss whether it's possible to continue working as an RN while you pursue a BSN degree.

We'll also answer some related questions you may be wondering about.

Do You Need a Bachelor's Degree to Become an RN?

If you're already working as an RN, then you probably hold at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN).

This is the lowest level of education you can complete to get your RN license.

With this in mind, no, you do not need to hold a bachelor's degree to become an RN; at least, not in most states.

There are a few states, such as New York, that do require RNs to have a bachelor's degree.

If you plan to work in one of these states, you will need to complete a BSN program before becoming an RN.

Elsewhere, however, you can become an RN with either an associate or bachelor's degree; but regardless of where you live and work, a bachelor's degree is usually preferred.

RNs who hold a bachelor's degree typically earn a higher salary than those with only an associate degree.

They also have a better chance of getting hired at top-quality hospitals and facilities.

BSN-educated nurses also have a wider range of career opportunities and the option to specialize in focused areas of the nursing field.

So, while you may not need to have a bachelor's degree to work as an RN, there are still good reasons to pursue this degree.

Is a BSN a Good Degree for an RN?

Aspiring nurses can pursue a variety of nursing degrees at various levels.

The entry-level degrees are the ADN and BSN; more advanced degrees include the MSN and DNP.

For most RNs, the best all-around degree to pursue is the BSN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

This generalized nursing degree is more advanced than the ADN and provides a solid foundational knowledge of nursing practices.

Those hoping to pursue advanced nursing specializations, such as a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse executive, need to have at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Many also hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

If you are already an RN with an associate degree under your belt, it is possible to pursue an MSN or a DNP without first obtaining a BSN.

Some schools offer RN to MSN and RN to DNP bridge programs.

However, these programs are often intensive and challenging, as well as expensive.

It can be difficult to maintain a full-time job as an RN while enrolled in one of these programs.

The better option for busy working RNs, especially if you aren't planning to pursue a specific nursing specialization just yet, is to complete an RN to BSN program.

As noted above, the BSN is a widely applicable degree for many nurses.

It allows you to either pursue some nursing specialties or work as a generalist nurse, all while pursuing higher pay and better hireability.

So, though there are a variety of nursing degrees you could pursue, one of the best degrees available for working RNs is the BSN.

Can You Work as an RN While Getting Your BSN?

Hundreds of schools throughout the country provide RN to BSN programs.

These degree completion programs allow students already holding an ADN to get their BSN in an accelerated timeframe.

Not only is it possible to keep working while completing an RN to BSN degree; most of these programs are designed with working RNs in mind.

RN to BSN programs are often available in an online or hybrid format, allowing students to take some or all of their classes online.

This allows them to study whenever and wherever it's convenient for them.

Even campus-based RN to BSN programs usually provide an enhanced level of flexibility by offering day, evening, and weekend classes, as well as allowing students to study full-time or part-time.

Many hospitals and facilities have partnerships with certain schools and will pay for their employees to complete an RN to BSN program through one of those schools.

They may cover some or all costs associated with the program.

This is an added benefit of obtaining your BSN while working as an RN.

Finally, completing the required clinical hours of your BSN program is easy when you already work as an RN.

Chances are, you'll be able to complete those clinical hours at your workplace.

So yes, you can work as an RN while getting your BSN degree. It will take a great deal of time management and hard work, but it can be done.

How Long Does it Take to Get Your BSN While Working as an RN?

How long it takes you to complete your BSN degree will depend on several factors.

As noted, RN to BSN programs are typically offered in an accelerated timeframe. They can usually be completed in 9 to 24 months of full-time study.

That said, if you are working as an RN full-time, you may opt to attend school on a part-time basis to allow more time for family and personal activities.

If you are studying part-time, it may take three to four years for you to finish your degree.

The length of time you spend getting your BSN may also vary depending on the number of transfer credits you have.

Students with a greater number of transfer credits will graduate sooner because they won't have as many credits to obtain in the program.

You can also speed up your graduation time by taking extra classes during the summer semester or by enrolling in a program that has shorter class sessions.

RN to BSN programs are pretty flexible, but most are meant to be completed within a certain number of months.

Your work schedule will probably not significantly impact your progression through the program.

Self-paced programs allow a lot more flexibility but require a lot more discipline and time management.

Still, if you are willing to work hard and organize your time efficiently, you can graduate within several months even while working full-time as an RN.

Start Working Toward Your RN to BSN Degree Today

It is possible to work as an RN while obtaining your BSN; in fact, most RN to BSN programs are designed for busy working nurses.

As long as you put in the work and manage your time, you'll be well on your way to advancing in your career with a BSN degree.