At some point, many nurses with an associate degree in nursing decide they want to take the next step in their career. The RN to BSN, or bridge program, is one way to do this. These programs are often available online. This may make them an excellent choice for students with career and family responsibilities.
Determine Your Goals
A bachelor’s degree in nursing enhances an RN’s skills and knowledge, qualifying them for higher-level positions with more workplace responsibilities and a more excellent salary. Many BSN graduates choose to further their education with a master’s in nursing (MSN) degree, expanding their career opportunities and opening the door to specialized and supervisory roles. Registered nurses must be licensed, which requires passing the NCLEX exam and completing state-specific practice requirements. Those who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing can find many online programs that provide flexibility and support busy schedules. Typically, an RN to BSN programs in MA will include clinical experience, and prospective students should find out if their employer has a partnership with a specific university and can offer tuition reimbursement to eligible employees. Also, the program should be designed with the schedule of busy RNs in mind. Many programs offer non-clinical courses online and require students to take their clinical training in nearby hospitals or care facilities.
Review the Requirements
Once RNs complete their bachelor’s degree, they can be more attractive to employers and more capable of handling advanced duties. In addition to expanding their mastery of nursing, a BSN enables nurses to pursue specialty certifications in areas like nurse anesthetist or geriatric nursing. While getting started as an RN with only a diploma or associate degree is possible, research suggests that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for nurses to work in a hospital setting and provide better patient outcomes. This has led to a push in many states for nurses to earn their BSN within ten years of graduating with their RN. When researching RN to BSN programs, students should look for a program accredited by an independent agency recognized by the US Department of Education, as this can help them qualify for certain types of financial aid. Also, applicants must ensure their current RN license is valid when enrolling in clinical courses.
Schedule an Interview
The interview process is a critical component of any RN-to-BSN program. It can also cultivate a personal connection between the program and potential students. To ensure a quality experience, programs should limit interview time to around 20 minutes. This will ensure applicants remain focused and engaged throughout the process. Additionally, it will allow evaluators to assess candidates at an appropriate pace. Many healthcare systems encourage their employees to pursue a BSN degree and will offer tuition reimbursement. If you are considering this option, discuss the details with your employer and Human Resources department, as they will vary by company.
Complete the Application
The RN to BSN program is designed to help nurses advance their education to the next level. This online program offers a flexible course of study that allows RNs with an associate degree or diploma in nursing to quickly graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Most students complete the program within 12 months of full-time enrollment, thanks to the program’s accelerated degree completion option. This RN to BSN program is designed to fit the busy schedules of working registered nurses. Most courses are seven weeks long, except for a fourteen-week capstone course. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into this program. It’s important to note that non-accredited programs often claim to offer an online RN to BSN degree in less than a year, but this is typically not feasible, given the number of courses required for nursing.
