RN to BSN & Online RN to BSN Guides

What is a RN to BSN ?

The RN program is a two year program that allows a person to get a nursing license. This kind of program is usually taken at a local two year college or what is called a vocational school. From the community college setting a person can also get an associate degree along with the nursing degree.

A RN-BSN Degree is a course path that is taken at a four year college or university. It is a two year program of general education courses with two more years of nursing education. Once the four year program has been completed the student receives a bachelor’s degree. Often they have enough study hours to apply for a nursing license

Putting the RN and BSN together you can think that the RN program is the first step to finishing the BSN program. However, a person seeking a four year degree in nursing can bypass the RN program and study for the BSN. Some people like to finish the two year RN schooling before heading out for another two years of schooling. The more education and training a nurse receives makes them candidates for promotions and higher paying jobs within the nursing medical field.

Is there a difference between the RN and the BSN Degrees?

The difference between the RN (Registered Nurse) and the BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is the amount of schooling the applicant receives. The RN program is a two year program that is taken at a nursing school or community college. The BSN program is a four college program that gives general education classes and nursing classes for a total of four years in school. Both programs get the student ready for their nursing license. People can progress from a RN to BSN Program within a few years.

Who can get into a RN to BSN?

Anyone who has an interest to be a registered nurse or who cares about the welfare and health of people can study in the nursing field. Usually people who have a passion for people and their recovery needs make great candidates for the nursing program. Outstanding nurses also show compassion on family members who are affected by health problems.

How does a person apply for a RN-BSN?

To apply for a RN or BSN programs you must first find the school the near you that offers such programs. Most major medical facilities will be able to put you in touch with places that offer nursing programs. Once the school has been selected you will have to apply and be accepted. Once accepted you may be assigned a counselor to help you map out all the classes you need to take.

Are there any academic requirements that I must meet before I can apply to the RN to BSN?

To apply for Rn to BSN Degrees you must check with the school you are choosing to studying at. Each school will have different requirements that must be met in order to enter into the program. Some colleges will require a minimum GPA level and possible volunteer work that needs to be completed.

What kind of class will I take in the RN-BSN?

Some of the classes that you may face in the nursing program include but are not limited to:

• Introduction to Nursing

• Chemistry

• Anatomy classes

• Physiology classes

• Pharmacology classes

• Maternity related classes

• Senior Citizen health classes

• Therapeutic classes

In the four year program you will also have to take core college classes in order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

How long does it take to complete a RN to BSN?

The RN usually takes two years on the average to complete. Each student will navigate a carefully chosen schedule to help complete the study within a few years. If a student choose to study at a slower rate, the amount of time can be greater.

The BSN is a four year degree that takes students through a comprehensive study of the nursing field. In order to complete the degree you will have to take all core classes and nursing classes that go along with your study plan. You can complete the course faster or slower based upon how many classes you can handle during the semester.

What kind of jobs can a person get with a RN-BSN?

Registered Nurses can get a nursing job at many medical facilities that need them. They can find jobs in:

• Private practices

• Hospitals

• Outpatient surgical centers

• Assisted living facilities

• Nursing homes

• Specialized medical offices

People who have a Bachelor of Science degree can find many of the same jobs as a Registered Nurse but they have more options as to the level they aspire to. They can move into the following levels of work:

• Management

• Training

• Director

• Facilitator

What is the best program for me, the RN or the BSN?

The best program that is for you is the one that interests you the most. Some people just want to be a Registered Nurse that helps people and cares for them. Others have decided that they want to move up the corporate ladder and land a job that they can push themselves in. The question you must ask yourself is how far do you want to go in the nursing field?

What is the cost involved with RN-BSN?

Some of the fees for nursing students include the cost of the college that you are attending, professional liability insurance cost, which varies for each person and insurance company, and school supply fees. The bulk of the fees for BSN degree’s are seen to be in the cost per credit hour. Like all schools there is a set rate they charge for each class. If cost is a problem be sure to ask about in state rates. Often these rates are half the cost of out of state rates. Most students find that they will need financial assistance or a job to help with the cost of going to nursing school.

What kind of salary can RN’s to BSN’s expect?

The range of salary for a Registered Nurse depends on how long you have been working as a nurse. The range of pay for nurses is $29,000 to $89,000 per year.

The average salary for a person who has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing ranges from $$63,000 to $73,000 per year. Once you have landed a job it depends of the type of job that you have and how long you have been working in the position.

Are there any deadlines I must be aware of in the Rn to BSN?

Every college and university has deadlines that they must keep in order to stay on schedule for the school year. Many acceptance periods end a few weeks before classes start. Always check with the school that you choose to make sure that all deadlines are met before the school year begins.

If I am already a RN do I really need a BSN?

Most advanced positions in the workforce look for people who have college education or advanced training. Although it is not a requirement to have a college degree to advance in the workplace it often makes your resume strong by having the extra training. Some people can advance by putting in enough hours and years to gain experience.

Are there any classes in the RN-BSN that can be taken online?

Most schools do allow some of the classes to be taken online. Make sure to ask the school if there are any that can be taken over the internet. Keep in mind that some schools may not allow certain classes to be taken online or they may not offer any at all. Be sure to check before enrolling in the schools program.

What is the first step when applying to the RN-BSN?

The first step to complete when applying to the RN-BSN is to make sure you have completed the first steps in deciding where to go. Next, make sure to go through all the application procedures to make sure there is nothing that will stop you acceptance to the program. Make sure all applicable transcripts have been submitted and that you have registered for all classes.

Why Get Your RN to BSN Online?

The flexibility of an online degree program is the ideal fit for the schedule of a currently working registered nurse. By enrolling in an online RN to BSN program, you can not only keep your nursing job as you further your education, but also use what you learn in the program instantaneously. The experience and knowledge gained from these kinds of programs can help you leverage your salary and move forward in your career goals.

These programs are customized to meet the needs of nurses who already have a background in their field, both in an academic and work experience arenas. That means you can rest assured that you won’t be getting rehashed material that you have learned before, but rather a bridge to help you make a smooth transition from being an RN to earning your bachelor’s degree.

Many online programs also offer student-networking opportunities, and also provide easy access to learning tools and educators.

Accredited RN to BSN Online

When selecting a nursing school that offers an online RN-to-BSN degree, it’s very important to make sure that the program and the school in question is accredited. Accredited online programs can offer an educational experience that rivals the more traditional, on-campus programs. Schools with accreditation are evaluated by accrediting institutions that verify that they are providing top-notch curricula, instructors, and learning assets.

What it all boils down to is that completing a program from an accredited school can help to ensure other educational institutions and employers will recognize your degree as one of good quality, and therefore help to further your career as a registered nurse.

Choosing the Right Online RN to BSN

There are many things to consider when picking out the degree program that’s best for you. Rankings can often provide a good amount of insight as to how a school and its online degree program stands up to its competitors. The Nursing Online Education Database offers a list of top online degree programs. Similarly, it’s also important to consider a school’s history and affiliations when choosing a degree program. Look for programs that have a longstanding history, or have an affiliation with hospitals and other professional healthcare organizations and facilities, as these are usually more likely to provide you with the best educational experience that you can get online.

Resources to help you with your RN to BSN online:

1. Nursing Terminology – read an article on the importance of nursing terminology. Find history of why it is important and how it is changing the medical field.
2. Pay scale – If you are looking to move up in the work force then you need to compare your pay scale with other positions. Use this tool to help determine if advancing education is right for you.
3. Nursing History – read the history behind how nursing took its shape. Find out who came up with the nursing pledge. Reading history can help you in your career path by giving you the full picture of why nursing is important.
4. Nurses pledge – if you are looking for a current copy of the nurses pledge then read this pdf file and get a current copy. Having a copy that you can read everyday helps keep the spirit of nursing in perspective.
5. Government Nursing Jobs – lists out government nursing jobs and careers
6. Wikipedia – Registered Nurse – wikipedia wiki on the registered nurse (rn)
7. American Association of Colleges of Nurses – link to the American Association of Colleges of Nurses – and the CCNE accreditation
8. American Nurses Association – American Nurses Association website has useful information about nursing for rn to bsn’s
9. National League for Nursing – the National League for Nursing is an organization that supports nursing
10. FHCHS RN to BSN – a online rn to bsn degree program offered by FHCHS
11. Kent State RN to BSN – a online rn to bsn program by Kent State University
12. Military Nursing Research – Nursing information and research related to the military
13. ANA Code of Ethics – the code of ethics from the American Nursing Association
14. Applied Nursing Research – this site provides data from peer reviewed research which can be a valuable tool for rn to bsn’s
15. Student Nurses Association – the Student Nurses Association promotes nursing education and is an advocacy group for student nurses
16. American Journal of Nursing – excellent journal for nurses and especially rn to bsn students
17. Nursing Theory Page – examines the various theories in the field of nursing
18. The Nurse’s Cap – a page dedicated to the history and heritage of the nurses cap
19. Black Nurses in History – information about the history and leaders of black nursing
20. Discover Nursing – a site designed to provide answers for nurses who are looking to advance their career in the field of nursing a good resource for rn to bsn prospective students
21. RN to BSN Career Outlook – helpful article about the career prospects of rn to bsn’s in the current economy
22. Ultimate Guide to Nursing Ethics – in-depth information about nursing ethics, its history, nursing ethic resources, and view points
23. Why to Become a Nurse – a story about why some to choose to become nurses, and what motivates them to do so
24. 20 Nursing Resources – page that lists out helpful nursing resources, associations, and organizations in nursing.