How Hard Is an RN to BSN Bridge Program?

There are many different pathways into the nursing profession. If you are already a registered nurse looking to expand your career, you may be wondering about completing an RN to BSN bridge program.

Specifically, you'd like to know: how hard are these programs?

Keep reading as we answer this and other questions relative to completing an RN to BSN degree program.

What Is an RN to BSN Bridge Program?

An RN to BSN bridge program is a degree program specifically designed for nurses who have completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). It allows them to pursue a bachelor's degree in an accelerated, flexible format.

RN to BSN bridge programs vary in length from school to school and may further depend on how many transfer credits you bring to the program.

Because they are degree-completion programs, most RN to BSN programs can be completed within two years. Some can be completed in as little as 9 to 12 months.

These programs expand on students' associate degree education and professional experience as an RN, teaching advanced nursing principles while helping them gain the credits they need to earn a bachelor's degree.

Programs are highly flexible because they are designed for working RNs. Though most states don't require RNs to hold a bachelor's degree, pursuing your RN to BSN can be a good career move.

Many employers prefer to hire candidates who hold a BSN instead of an ADN alone. BSN nurses also typically earn a higher income and have more opportunities to specialize and advance in their careers.

How Hard Is an RN to BSN Bridge Program?

If you're considering enrolling in an RN to BSN bridge program, you probably have several questions. One of the top questions on your mind is probably, 'How hard are these types of programs?'

There is no simple answer to this question since no two students are the same. Every nursing student brings different strengths and learning styles to the table.

What's more, different RN to BSN programs may include different course materials and different instructors may present similar information differently.

So, since every program and every student is different, the word 'hard' is a relative term. Some students may find their particular program more challenging than others.

Many nursing students find that RN to BSN programs are not overly difficult because the coursework builds upon their existing education and professional experience.

Others find that the coursework is more challenging because the classes are more advanced and require a lot of writing.

RN to BSN programs are typically fast-paced and designed to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Therefore, they require a lot of focus, self-discipline, and time management.

For this reason, some students may struggle more than others with completing an RN to BSN bridge program. But in most cases, those who have already completed an ADN and have worked as an RN should not find this type of program overly difficult.

Is it Better to Complete an RN to MSN Bridge Program?

As noted above, there are many reasons to complete an RN to BSN program, one of these being the potential for career advancement.

Some advanced nursing jobs, such as nurse practitioner and nurse executive, require you to hold at least a master's degree. You may be thinking that, in order to pursue a master's degree, you first need to have a bachelor's degree.

But, if you are already working as an RN, this may not be the case. Some schools offer RN to MSN bridge programs that allow nurses holding an ADN to skip the bachelor's degree stage and progress straight to a master's degree.

With this in mind, you may be wondering: would it make more sense to opt for an RN to MSN program instead of an RN to BSN program?

There are definite advantages to pursuing an RN to MSN program. For one thing, these programs can usually be completed within two and a half to three years, so you will spend less time in school than if you pursue your bachelor's degree first.

What's more, going straight to your MSN can help you become a more desirable job candidate more quickly. You will be eligible for higher pay, and you'll be able to pursue advanced nursing careers that are off-limits to those holding only an ADN or a BSN.

That said, RN to MSN programs are harder and more intensive than RN to BSN programs, and they usually require a greater number of clinical hours. They are also more expensive.

It may be more challenging, though not impossible, to maintain a full-time job while studying full-time in an RN to MSN program.

So, deciding whether to pursue an RN to BSN or an RN to MSN is a personal decision. Only you can decide which option makes the most sense for you.

If you know you want to pursue a nursing career that requires an MSN, then skipping the BSN and going straight to your master's degree probably makes the most sense.

But if your long-term career goals aren't set, or if you're concerned about the time and financial investment of an MSN program, you may want to start by obtaining your BSN.

There is always the option to go back and pursue an MSN later on if it starts to make more sense for your career goals.

Start Working on Your Bridge Program Degree Today

RN to BSN programs can be more challenging for some students than others, but most working RNs will not find them too difficult.

RN to MSN programs are typically more challenging but can lead to better pay and career opportunities for some students. Only you can decide which degree program is right for you.